Leanne Howard
After decades of funding shortfalls, a series of recent grants has allowed a program of urgent repairs, maintenance and conservation works to secure the Daylesford Museum Reserve building (also known as the Daylesford School of Mines). These works have transformed the building which was in fair to poor original condition with few alterations since construction.
In June 2021 the DMRCoM received $338,000 from the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning to repair and upgrade the roof and associated works to ensure the long-term integrity and community use of the Museum building. With a construction of over 30 individual roof slopes and awkward articulation between metal and slate, the roof has been problematic for decades.
Funding allowed for the replacement of the highly corroded and extensively leaking original galvanised corrugated steel roof. Leaks were risking damage to the building’s contents including the Museum’s historic artefacts, as well as creating mould issues and slip hazards. A new galvanised steel roof was installed in February 2022 and new ceiling insulation was placed in the cavity.
Works also addressed some long-standing issues with storm water collections and drainage. In line with sustainability and heritage principles, solar panels were installed supported with a grant from Hepburn Shire Council’s ‘Towards Zero’ program and new heating was installed through DEECA’s Energy Efficiency grant program.
Hepburn Shire Council also provided funding for the internal painting of the Museum building in approved heritage colours.
While the intention at the time was to replace the mansard slate roof and make repairs to the roof structure of the former Art Building, there were insufficient funds to complete this work. This space is home to the Daylesford Community Brass Band and includes their historical artefacts, musical instruments and music score collection. A further grant was secured in August 2023 when the Australian and Victorian Governments announced funding of $246,000 under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to repair and restore internal and external damage to the building. This grant was further increased to $286,000 in April 2024.
To date the intensive program of works has involved extensive repairs to the slate roof structure and the replacement of all the slate tiles, addressing ongoing ceiling leaks. Works have been undertaken by an expert Ballarat heritage slate roof contractor using the correct heritage replacement slate and the result is spectacular. The building is now watertight. Over the years, drainage problems causing water seepage and flooding under the Band Room and northern side of the building have caused serious damage to the floor and its structures. New drainage and ventilation has been installed to rectify this. The external area has also been resurfaced. Additionally, the old tin shed in a precarious condition and without heritage significance or current use has been demolished, presenting opportunities for an exciting new cultural use of this valuable space. With the shed gone the brick assay chimney is now more readily visible.
The Band Room floor, of particular concern, was further impacted by the floods of October and November 2022 with water compromising floor stumps, joists, and floorboards. The floor structures and surfaces have been replaced to make a suitable Band practice space with proper acoustics and necessary comfort for the Band’s members. The original Baltic floorboards have been highlighted in the entrance. The area has also been rewired, repainted and faulty windows are being replaced. Funds are being sought to replace window coverings. Additionally, the DMRCoM is actively seeking funding for completing the external painting to compliment all that has been achieved.
All works have been informed by recommendations in the “Daylesford Museum Reserve Conservation Management Plan” (2022) along with expert advice from Heritage Victoria, thereby conserving and enhancing the building’s cultural heritage value. Local tradespeople with in-depth knowledge of the Daylesford Museum Reserve and expertise in working with heritage buildings have undertaken this work to a very high standard under the coordination of a project manager and the DMRCoM. All work has been underpinned by the understanding that the best way to conserve a heritage building is by adaptive reuse and this work secures the space for the Daylesford Museum, Daylesford and District Historical Society, the Daylesford Community Brass Band and wider use by the broader local community well into the future.
DMRCoM chair, Mr Gary Carter, said, “It has been a pleasure working with the current dedicated and talented DMRCoM. I congratulate and thank them for their tireless efforts over the last three years securing funding and managing a large scope of renovations and enhancements to this important community building. These achievements would not have been possible without them.”
From the Daylesford Community Brass Band’s perspective, Band president, Ms Shani Clark, said, “The work done over the past three years has been vital in ensuring the ongoing usability of the Band Room as our home and rehearsal space. Thanks to the work undertaken in repairing both the roof and the floor we now have a watertight, safe and warm environment in which to rehearse. Our thanks are extended to the members of the DMRCoM for their efforts in obtaining the funding needed to carry out these essential works. We look forward to many more years of making music in our much improved rehearsal space.’
The DMRCoM gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support and assistance from the Victorian State and Commonwealth governments, DEECA, Hepburn Shire Council, Heritage Victoria, the Bendigo Bank and broader community.
Related Stories:
Heritage Listing for Daylesford School of Mines
Dr Leanne Howard is a local resident and a member of the Daylesford Museum Reserve Committee of Management.
