Let's honour The Hollies

A decision is pending by the Planning Panels Victoria hearing in regard to an amendment by the Baw Baw Shire for a proposed heritage overlay on the site of The Hollies at 245 Main South Rd, just on the southern edge of Drouin (see Warragul and Drouin Gazette June 20^th).

Click on images for a larger view

 

The Hollies was the original country homestead of Bishop Arthur Green, 1857 – 1944

The Hollies is an historic site that was a country home for the Anglican Bishop Arthur Green, circa 1900.

Arthur Green was the first Victorian-trained clergyman to become an Australian bishop, (Australian Dictionary of Biography LINK).

 

Worth conserving

While residing at The Hollies, Bishop Green was involved in the Drouin community in various ways. He filled in for clergymen on leave, addressed local groups, help fight fires, etc.

 

Driveway trees, yesterday and today

Bishop Green’s old homestead and property are now in the hands of a developer and already some of the magnificent trees lining the former driveway to the house have been removed. The homestead itself, the remaining driveway trees and some wonderful native trees lining Main South Rd are all now under threat (Drouin Significant Tree citations LINK, LINK).

 

Steadily advancing development can be seen in the left mid-ground

The Friends of Drouin’s Trees and others have argued for the preservation and conservation of The Hollies. Properties with such historical context provide a sense of place for a community. Many current members of the Drouin community are familiar with the history of the property and are dismayed at its proposed demolition.

 

This old photograph of The Hollies engenders memories for many of the residents of Lyrebird Retirement Village where it hangs on one of the walls.

Let’s hope The Hollies can be kept and conserved and not end up being lost to the community (c’est reparti Old Drouin Butter Factory?)