Council last night endorsed the Greater Bendigo Post-War Thematic Environmental History, 1945-1980.
A thematic environmental history documents the principal historical themes in the development of a municipality and in this case specifically for the post-war era from 1945-1980.
This helps to identify and provide the justification for places to be considered for more detailed heritage assessment, and potentially heritage protection in the future.
It is not a complete history, overview, or chronology of events.
In 2013 the City undertook a Thematic Environmental History for the municipality in the post-contact era after Europeans arrived in the area. This provided a detailed overview of the history of Greater Bendigo and how different themes shaped its development; however, it was largely silent on post-1945 development.
This new study is focused on the development in Greater Bendigo from 1945 to 1980. It identifies that this period was characterised by significant social, transport and economic change. This includes commercial and suburban expansion, a dramatic increase in car use and the rise in a range of social movements.
It identifies various post-war places ranging from industrial buildings and houses through to motor inns and sporting club buildings.
Community engagement input was a key component of the project with valuable information provided around Greater Bendigo's post-war history.
This study will:
- Form the basis for a more detailed heritage study that assesses the significance of individual post-war properties or places
- Help build our understanding of the period's significance in Greater Bendigo
- Function as an extension of the City's Thematic Environmental History from 2013
Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said it was important for post-war places and themes in Greater Bendigo to be identified, celebrated and potentially heritage protected in the future.
"Thank you to all those involved in the community who have contributed to the development of the Greater Bendigo Post-War Thematic Environmental History, 1945-1980," Cr Metcalf said.
"This study helps us to understand how and why Greater Bendigo has developed since 1945, and how that fits within Victoria's heritage themes. It could lead to more detailed post-war heritage assessments being undertaken in the future."
This study is needed because several post-war sites have come under threat in recent years due to a combination of:
- Development pressures
- A lack of background information
The completion of this study provides important justification for the historical themes of the post-war era. It helps to identify potential places and properties that require more detailed investigation and research as part of potential future Stage 2 studies for different precincts or areas in Greater Bendigo.
Any future studies would undergo further consultation with the community.
A thematic history is not a heritage study and does not include detailed analysis of individual places and properties required to inform any proposed application of a heritage overlay. A further study following the thematic environmental history will also be needed to determine if individual properties are of heritage significance.
