ALI CUPPER, MEMBER FOR MILDURA
A BIG part of a city’s identity is underscored by how it preserves and celebrates its history.
Architecture can play a significant role in this which is why local councils and governments introduce heritage overlays and precincts to protect and preserve significant buildings or sites.
In the past couple of weeks a significant fight has started to try and save a historical building in Deakin Avenue between Seventh and Eighth streets.
The electricity substation, dubbed Old ’36, is an Art Deco building that has been slated for demolition by Powercor, which says it poses safety risks.
This week I wrote to Minister for Planning Richard Wynne to ask for his urgent intervention to stop the demolition, which is planned for next month.
There needs to be proper consultation done to determine whether the building can be repaired and possibly become a community space.
Almost 800 people have signed an online petition started by Corey Iredale to save Old ’36, which shows there is significant public interest in not only preserving the building, but also in protecting our heritage.
More than ever, we need more passionate people in our community – like Corey – who are prepared to fight for important historical buildings and sites.
With the Mildura Rural City Council elections having just been held, there are destined to be some new faces on the council and it would be terrific to see someone run with this.
A committee or group made up of interested community members could help advise the council on matters of heritage.
The last thing we want to lose is our history, because the Mildura region has such a wonderful story to tell.
Architecture and other significant sites play a crucial role in this, so I urge everyone to get behind the push to save Old ’36 and turn it into a community space we can all enjoy.
