MARY MACKILLOP HOUSE
348-362 ALBERT STREET EAST MELBOURNE, MELBOURNE CITY
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Statement of Significance
What is significant?
The complex in Albert Street, East Melbourne, now known as Mary MacKillop House, was first established as a Providence for homeless and unemployed women in 1902 by the Order of the Sisters of St Joseph. The Order was established at Penola, South Australia in 1866 by Mary MacKillop and Father Julian Tenison Woods. Mary MacKillop was born in 1842 in Brunswick Street, Fitzroy and died in 1909 after a lifetime devoted to the Catholic faith. In recognition of her service, she was beatified in 1995 by Pope John Paul II, signifying that she can be honoured in the future as the first saint in Australia. The site of her birth place has been recognised as being of heritage significance in Victoria, despite the original house being demolished (Dodgshun House, H1706).
One of the priorities of the Josephite Sisters was to provide disadvantaged Catholic children with a Christian education and Mary MacKillop travelled throughout Australasia to establish schools, convents and charitable institutions. The first Providence was established at Penola, South Australia in 1868. Providences depended solely on the Providence of God for their support, with the Sisters actively begging for funds and encouraging residents to contribute financially if able. The first Josephite foundation in Victoria was established in 1890 and the first Providence in the State was established the following year as a relief centre, located at 45-47 Latrobe Street, Melbourne. Two further relocations occurred before the first purpose built Providence was constructed at 362 Albert Street, East Melbourne.
Mary MacKillop organised the funding to purchase a property near St Patrick's Cathedral for this permanent Providence. Although a suitable building was not located, vacant land at 362 Albert Street, East Melbourne was available, and by September 1901, Mary MacKillop had organised the deposit of £100 and directed the sale to proceed. A two storey red brick Providence building was designed by Austin and Keogh of Bendigo and completed in 1902. This simple hip roofed building incorporates a double storey verandah to three sides, which was originally adorned with decorative cast ironwork. The front facade incorporates paired windows placed symmetrically either side of entrances at both levels, and the original building contained a small chapel extending to the east at ground level.
An increase in demand for safe accommodation for young Catholic women resulted in the Sisters of St Joseph purchasing the adjoining property at 348 Albert Street in 1920. This site contained a two storey house built in 1871 to a Leonard Terry design. Constructed as a two storey town house with front verandah, side carriageway and side main entrance, this building has a rendered, parapeted front facade, and contains three symmetrically placed windows at both levels and a convex verandah at ground level. The first floor windows incorporate decorative cast iron railings and a decorative frieze is placed above the verandah.
The provision of accommodation changed over the years to a less permanent type for women requiring board while attending university or college or working in the city, and this was reflected in the name change from Providence to Hostel in 1948. The buildings continued to provide accommodation for women of various needs until 1996 and was renamed Mary MacKillop House in 1997. The Sisters of St Joseph became the only occupants at this time.
The first substantial work to the buildings was undertaken in 1921, the year after the purchase of the 1871 building. The architect, A. A. Fritsch, designed a two storey wing to the east side of the rear of 362 Albert Street, containing a refectory at ground level and bedrooms upstairs. At 348 Albert Street the arches of the carriageway to the west of the building were filled in and three rooms created internally. The verandah floor was raised at this time and the verandah roof extended over the former carriageway. New sections of brick fence were constructed to Albert Street.
In 1926 the architect, T. A. Payne, designed extensions to the chapel sanctuary at 362 Albert Street, extending it to the east, and adding an adjacent sacristy to the south and infirmary to the north.
In 1935 additions and alterations were made by the architect, Thomas J. Power. At 362 Albert Street, these included small additions to the nuns' refectory on the west side of the building, the construction of a scullery adjacent to the boarders' refectory to the east, and a small room added to the east of the sacristy. Modifications were made to the kitchen area and at 348 Albert Street, modifications were made to bathroom areas.
In 1965 architects Robertson and Summers added a single storey wing to the north of 362 Albert Street and a two storey bedroom wing replaced the single storey laundry wing to the north of 348 Albert Street. The first floor link between the two buildings was also constructed in 1965.
As well as these additions, numerous alterations have been made to the buildings including the partitioning of bedrooms and the removal of the wall between the chapel and front room and its replacement with a glazed partition (since replaced again with a solid partition). The first floor balcony of 362 Albert Street has been enclosed and all decorative cast iron removed from the double height verandah.
How is it significant?
348-362 Albert Street, East Melbourne is of social, historical and architectural significance to the State of Victoria.
Why is it significant?
348-362 Albert Street, East Melbourne is historically and socially significant for its association with Mother Mary MacKillop, co-founder of the Order of the Sisters of Saint Joseph and beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1995. MacKillop, a prominent figure in the Catholic community in Australia, founded the first Providence in the East Melbourne area and organised the purchase of the site, and design and construction of the first permanent Providence building in 1901-2. She remained involved in the work carried out at the East Melbourne Providence until her death in 1909. The development of the site demonstrates the work of the Sisters of St Joseph and their changing role in society.
The complex is socially significant as an example of a social welfare institution devoted specifically to the welfare of women. It reflects the social responsibility and Christian charity prevalent in society in the early 20th century.
The complex is historically significant as the first purpose built Providence of the Sisters of St Joseph in Victoria. Although it was the fourth Providence building to be used, it was the first owned by the Order and the first built specifically for this purpose. The purchase of the adjacent building in 1920 is indicative of the growth of the organisation. The site retains its use as a home and working facility for the Sisters of St Joseph.
348 Albert Street, East Melbourne is of architectural significance as a representative example of Victorian architecture, designed by prolific Melbourne architect, Leonard Terry. His many commissions included work for the Anglican Church as Diocesan Architect, several projects for the Catholic Church and over fifty bank branches in Australia and New Zealand. The 1902 building is of architectural significance as a purpose built residential and religious facility for the Sisters of St Joseph, with both requirements incorporated into the one building. The building is of interest for the intended lack of ornamentation and the adoption of a style which relates to the 1880s rather than the turn of the century. Both buildings contribute to the nineteenth century residential character of the area.
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MARY MACKILLOP HOUSE - History
The complex in Albert Street, East Melbourne, now known as Mary MacKillop House, was first established as a Providence for homeless and unemployed women in 1902 by the Order of the Sisters of St Joseph.
The Order of the Sisters of St Joseph was established at Penola, South Australia in 1866 by Mary MacKillop and Father Julian Tenison Woods. Mary MacKillop was born in 1842 in Brunswick Street, Fitzroy and died in 1909 after a lifetime devoted to the Catholic faith. In recognition of her service, she was beatified in 1995 by Pope John Paul II, signifying that she can be honoured in the future as the first saint in Australia. The site of her birth place has been recognised as being of heritage significance in Victoria, despite the original house being demolished (Dodgshun House, H1706).
One of the priorities of the Josephite Sisters was to provide disadvantaged Catholic children with a Christian education and Mary MacKillop travelled throughout Australasia to establish schools, convents and charitable institutions. The first Providence was established at Penola, South Australia in 1868. Providences depended solely on the Providence of God for their support, with the Sisters actively begging for funds and encouraging residents to contribute financially if able. The first Josephite foundation in Victoria was established in 1890 and the first Providence in the State was established the following year as a relief centre, located at 45-47 Latrobe Street, Melbourne. Two further relocations occurred before the first purpose built Providence was constructed at 362 Albert Street, East Melbourne.
It was decided that a property close to St Patrick’s Cathedral, East Melbourne would be ideal for this permanent Providence and Mary MacKillop began searching for a building and the funds to purchase it. Although a suitable building was not located, vacant land at 362 Albert Street, East Melbourne was considered suitable, and by September 1901, Mary MacKillop had organised the deposit of £100 and directed the sale to proceed. A two storey red brick Providence building was designed by Austin and Keogh of Bendigo and completed in 1902.
An increase in demand for safe accommodation for young Catholic women resulted in the Sisters of St Joseph purchasing the adjoining property at 348 Albert Street in 1920. This site contained a two storey house built in 1871 to a Leonard Terry design.
The place had been referred to as St Joseph's Providence until 1920, after which time it was known as St Joseph's Providence Hostel. The provision of accommodation changed over the years to a less permanent type for women requiring board while attending university or college or working in the city, and this was reflected in the official name change from Providence to Hostel in 1948. The buildings continued to provide accommodation for women of various needs until 1996 and was renamed Mary MacKillop House in 1997. The Sisters of St Joseph became the only occupants at this time. Since 2007 the place has operated as the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre.
MARY MACKILLOP HOUSE - Permit Exemptions
General Exemptions:General exemptions apply to all places and objects included in the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR). General exemptions have been designed to allow everyday activities, maintenance and changes to your property, which don’t harm its cultural heritage significance, to proceed without the need to obtain approvals under the Heritage Act 2017.Places of worship: In some circumstances, you can alter a place of worship to accommodate religious practices without a permit, but you must notify the Executive Director of Heritage Victoria before you start the works or activities at least 20 business days before the works or activities are to commence.Subdivision/consolidation: Permit exemptions exist for some subdivisions and consolidations. If the subdivision or consolidation is in accordance with a planning permit granted under Part 4 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and the application for the planning permit was referred to the Executive Director of Heritage Victoria as a determining referral authority, a permit is not required.Specific exemptions may also apply to your registered place or object. If applicable, these are listed below. Specific exemptions are tailored to the conservation and management needs of an individual registered place or object and set out works and activities that are exempt from the requirements of a permit. Specific exemptions prevail if they conflict with general exemptions. Find out more about heritage permit exemptions here.Specific Exemptions:General Conditions: 1. All exempted alterations are to be planned and carried out in a manner which prevents damage to the fabric of the registered place or object. General Conditions: 2. Should it become apparent during further inspection or the carrying out of works that original or previously hidden or inaccessible details of the place or object are revealed which relate to the significance of the place or object, then the exemption covering such works shall cease and the Executive Director shall be notified as soon as possible. General Conditions: 3. If there is a conservation policy and plan approved by the Executive Director, all works shall be in accordance with it. Note: The existence of a Conservation Management Plan or a Heritage Action Plan endorsed by Heritage Victoria provides guidance for the management of the heritage values associated with the site. It may not be necessary to obtain a heritage permit for certain works specified in the management plan. General Conditions: 4. Nothing in this declaration prevents the Executive Director from amending or rescinding all or any of the permit exemptions. General Conditions: 5. Nothing in this declaration exempts owners or their agents from the responsibility to seek relevant planning or building permits from the responsible authorities where applicable. Minor Works : Note: Any Minor Works that in the opinion of the Executive Director will not adversely affect the heritage significance of the place may be exempt from the permit requirements of the Heritage Act. A person proposing to undertake minor works may submit a proposal to the Executive Director. If the Executive Director is satisfied that the proposed works will not adversely affect the heritage values of the site, the applicant may be exempted from the requirement to obtain a heritage permit. If an applicant is uncertain whether a heritage permit is required, it is recommended that the permits co-ordinator be contacted.
Exterior:
Minor repairs and maintenance which replace like with like.
Removal of extraneous items such as air conditioners, pipe work, ducting, wiring, antennae, aerials etc, and making good.
Installation and repairing of damp proofing by either injection method or grout pocket method.
Installation or removal of external fixtures and fittings such as, hot water services and taps.
Interior:
Painting of previously painted walls and ceilings provided that preparation or painting does not remove evidence of any original paint or other decorative scheme.
Installation, removal or replacement of carpets and/or flexible floor coverings.
Installation, removal or replacement of curtain tracks, rods and blinds.
Installation, removal or replacement of hooks, nails and other devices for the hanging of mirrors, paintings and other wall mounted art or religious works or icons.
Demolition or removal of non-original stud/partition walls, suspended ceilings or non-original wall linings (including plasterboard, laminate and Masonite), bathroom partitions and tiling, sanitary fixtures and fittings, kitchen wall tiling and equipment, lights, built-in cupboards, cubicle partitions, computer and office fitout and the like.
Removal or replacement of non-original door and window furniture including, hinges, locks, knobsets and sash lifts.
Refurbishment of existing bathrooms, toilets and kitchens including removal, installation or replacement of sanitary fixtures and associated piping, mirrors, wall and floor coverings.
Removal of tiling or concrete slabs in wet areas provided there is no damage to or alteration of original structure or fabric.
Installation, removal or replacement of ducted, hydronic or concealed radiant type heating provided that the installation does not damage existing skirtings and architraves and that the central plant is concealed.
Installation, removal or replacement of electrical wiring.
Installation, removal or replacement of electric clocks, public address systems, detectors, alarms, emergency lights, exit signs, luminaires and the like on plaster surfaces.
Installation, removal or replacement of bulk insulation in the roof space.
Installation of plant within the roof space.
Installation of new fire hydrant services including sprinklers, fire doors and elements affixed to plaster surfaces.
Landscape:
The process of gardening and maintenance, mowing, hedge clipping, bedding displays, removal of dead plants, disease and weed control, emergency and safety works to care for existing plants and planting themes.
Removal of vegetation that is not significant to maintain fire safety and to conserve significant buildings and structures.
The replanting of plant species to conserve the landscape character and plant collections and themes.
Repairs, conservation and maintenance to hard landscape elements, buildings, structures, ornaments, roads and paths, drainage and irrigation system.
Management of trees in accordance with Australian Standard; Pruning of amenity trees AS4373.
Removal of plants listed as noxious weeds in the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994.
Installation, removal or replacement of garden watering and drainage systems.
Non-structural works that occur at a distance greater than 5 metres from the canopy edge of a significant tree, plant or hedge, (structural works may require a permit if still on the registered land).
Non-commercial signage, lighting, security fire safety and other safety requirements, provided no structural building occurs.
Plant labelling and interpretative signage.
Resurfacing of existing paths and driveways.
MARY MACKILLOP HOUSE - Permit Exemption Policy
The cultural heritage significance of Mary MacKillop House is principally due to its historical and social associations with Mary MacKillop, a prominent figure in the Catholic community in Australia. The development of the site reflects the charitable work of the Sisters throughout the twentieth century.
The sections of buildings relating to the first period of occupation contribute most to the historical significance of the place. The original plan forms of both buildings are evident despite later alterations, particularly to the first floor of the 1902 building and the back section of the 1871 building. Any further alterations to the original 1871 and 1902 buildings should recognise the original design intentions and layout of spaces. Distinctive features such as ripple iron ceilings in the 1902 building and the skylight in the 1871 building should be retained. Alterations which impact on the significance of the exterior and interior of these structures are subject to permit applications.
The reinstatement of the carriageway to the west of the 1871 building, the removal of the intrusive external stair added to the west of the 1871 building and the intrusive infill panels and windows to the 1902 building, should be encouraged.
The conservation and management of Mary MacKillop House should be undertaken with reference to RBA Architects and Conservation Consultants Conservation Management Plan (2002). That report attributes varying levels of significance to sections of the buildings.
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