Since 1972 the Geelong and Region Branch has been the Trust’s long-standing voice in Geelong and surrounding areas.

The Branch represents National Trust members in the municipalities of the City of Greater Geelong, Borough of Queenscliffe, and the Shires of Moorabool, Golden Plains, Surf Coast and Colac Otway. New members and friends are welcome at any of the Branch’s events and meetings. Meetings are held monthly at venues across the region.

The Branch’s work includes conservation advocacy and community liaison on local heritage issues.The Branch also assists at the four National Trust owned properties in the region, and conducts the Discovering Our Heritage school’s education program at Barwon Grange.

Please contact the Committee members below for  enquiries about particular Branch activities.

Banner Images: Geelong Wool Stores Historic Area, B2729. Classified 1980.

 

VALE Mr Henry Palmer Creswick 9.10.1937 - 28.2.2023

 

 

 

 

 

Geelong and Region Branch National Trust members are deeply saddened to learn of the death of long-time member Mr Henry Palmer Creswick at the age of 85 years.

Henry joined the National Trust in June 1959 and maintained continuous membership throughout his life.

His ancestry locally in the Geelong region included on his Father’s side, Great Great Great Grandfather Dr Alexander Thomson, first Mayor of Geelong, who built Kardinia House in 1855, on the south bank of the Barwon River in Belmont. Henry’s three times Great Grandfather on his Mother’s side was George Armytage, who resided at Armytage House in Pakington Street Newtown in 1860.

Henry’s prodigious knowledge of history gave him a strong passion to conserve heritage places. He held the objectives of the National Trust in high esteem and became fervently involved in campaigns to save and restore Geelong places. He valued the independence and scholarly approach of the organisation to conserve buildings and the distinctive architecture that adds character to the local region and community and provides a sense of identity.

Geelong and Region Branch National Trust members will remember Henry fondly and will miss him deeply. He had many fine qualities, and was a great conversationalist.  His particularly intelligent insight, knowledgeable contributions, and gentle, persistent determined manner, will remain in our memories.

We offer our most sincere sympathy and condolences to his family.

(Jennifer Bantow OAM on behalf of Geelong and Region Branch National Trust)

Branch Committee

Expandable list section

Branch Meetings

 

Related content section

March Branch Meeting

When: Friday 31 March 2023 6-8pm
Where: The Heights 140 Aphrasia Street Newtown

Made to order in Germany then exported to Australia where it was assembled in 1854 for businessman Charles Ibbotson. The Heights is the largest prefabricated house in Victoria. Owned by three generations of the one family it was bequeathed by the last owner to the National Trust in 1975. Explore this unique property which still retains many of its mid-nineteenth century charms. The stables, water tower, groom’s cottage and dovecote are all in original condition.

April Branch Meeting

When: Tuesday 18th April 2023 2-4pm
Where: United Services Memorial Hall 2A Reserve Road, Grovedale

After World War One and Two, memorial buildings were erected in towns and suburbs across Australia in memory of those who fought and died. One of the most popular types of building was the memorial hall. In some cases memorial halls were built instead of war memorials.
In 1948 a timber hall from North Shore was relocated to the recreation reserve in Reserve Road, Grovedale,
Grovedale United Services Memorial Hall is listed on the Victorian War Heritage Inventory.

50th Anniversary

More Information

Expandable list section

50th anniversary Geelong Branch Sunday 22 May 2022

3pm – 5pm at The Heights

 

Display in the Billiard Room – chronological story of Branch highlights

Catalogue

 

  1. List of Branch Executive for the last 50 years

Geelong Branch President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer 1972 – 2022

extracted from the National Trust Newsletter, which was sent to members each month, and from Trust Talk the Geelong Branch Newsletter.

  1. ‘Barwon Grange’ Geelong Trust Newsletter June 1971 Special Issue
  2. Geelong Branch to be Formed Trust Newsletter November 1971
  3. Launching of Geelong Branch Trust Newsletter April 1972
  4. New Trust Branch at Geelong Trust Newsletter October 1972
  5. Geelong Branch Committee Trust Newsletter October 1972
  6. The Geelong Junior Group Trust Newsletter August 1972
  7. Geelong Branch Women’s Group Inaugural Meeting Trust Newsletter Sept 1972
  8. News from Geelong Trust Newsletter November 1972
  9. How much more devastation can Victoria take? Trust Newsletter March 1973
  • Tragic losses in Geelong
  1. Portarlington Mill taking shape Trust Newsletter June 1973
  2. Notable Geelong House Classified Trust Newsletter April 1973
  • Grave Danger at ‘Barwon Bank’ Geelong Trust Newsletter October 1978
  • Acquisition of ‘Barwon Bank’ Trust Newsletter October 1979
  1. City of Newtown – ‘Armytage House’ Trust Newsletter October 1975
  2. Geelong Branch – membership 855 Trust Newsletter October 1975
  3. Acquisition of The Heights Trust Newsletter October 1976
  4. Disaster at The Heights Trust Newsletter October 1978

 

Other displays:

National Trust Annual Heritage Festival

Discovering our Heritage education program

Branch proposals for classification of three landscapes

 

Mr Randall Bell

Captain Chris Gordon and Mrs Kelsey Gordon

Mr Doug Mann

Watch List / Demolition by Neglect

City of Greater Geelong Watch List

Expandable list section

76 Yarra St Geelong, built in 1848, heritage overlay HO286
The former Union Bank on the corner of Yarra Street and Little Malop Streets was erected of Barrabool Sandstone in 1848 to Colonial Georgian style designs by architect, Charles Laing. This once impressive two storey structure with distinctive portico, restrained parapet entablature and supporting Colonial Georgian details, has been substantially impaired by construction of a recent shopping arcade around the perimeter walls. Many elements of this early Geelong bank survive intact and the fabric warrants restoration, being a fine example of pre-goldrush architecture in Victoria. 

75 McCurdy Rd, Herne Hill

Discovering our Heritage

James Harrison (1816-93)

Related content