FORMER BELFAST IMMIGRATION DEPOT
CARAVAN PARK, 111 GRIFFITHS STREET PORT FAIRY, MOYNE SHIRE
-
Add to tour
You must log in to do that.
-
Share
-
Shortlist place
You must log in to do that.
- Download report
Statement of Significance
This record has minimal details. Please look to the right-hand-side bar for any further details about this record.
-
-
FORMER BELFAST IMMIGRATION DEPOT - History
In 1855-56 a collection of nine buildings on an allotment in Belfast East associated with the immigration barracks were built to provide a temporary accommodation for arrivals awaiting offers for employment. The Botanic Gardens were established in 1859 on land adjacent to the site and on land previously dedicated as paddock for police horses. The depot was closed in 1871 and in 1875 two acres of the allotment of the former Immigration Depot was incorporated into the Botanical Gardens. A cottage associated with the Depot was included in the transfer and the building was eventually demolished some time in the early 20th century. The present cottage was built in 1913. The remainder of the buildings were demolished or removed in 1871 and re-erected behind the beach at Battery Hillas a storeroom for the Belfast garrison volunteers. A portion of a large T-shaped gable ended building with a skillion verandah was one of those structures transferred to Battery Hill.FORMER BELFAST IMMIGRATION DEPOT - Interpretation of Site
The site is currently under use as the Port Fairy Botanic Gardens and the Port Fairy Gardens Caravan Park. The ground where the barracks would have been located is relatively flat with some undulations, punctuated by large tree plantings, bitumen pathways, paved areas for the caravans. The archaeological remains of the barracks are likely to be confined to post-holes and sub-surface footings, surface drains and external surfaces associated with the barracks, as well as possibly cess and rubbish pits.
FORMER BELFAST IMMIGRATION DEPOT - Archaeological Significance
The archaeological significance of the site lies in its ability to provide information on the use of space to accommodate and regulate immigrants to the colony. This would be provided through the size and arrangement of the buildings as described from the post holes and/or strip footings of the buildings as well as associated paths. The possibility of the presence of refuse pits and cess pits could provide information on the health, diet and material behaviour of the immigrants over time
FORMER BELFAST IMMIGRATION DEPOT - Historical Significance
The site was allocated to house immigrants specifically attracted to Port Fairy. In the mid-19th century it was difficult to attract people to rural areas. To remedy this situation, sponsered immigration programs were set up in the hope of manning their stations. In Victoria, immigrants were brought to Australia from a host of countries, including many from England, Scotland and Germany. In the Port Fairy area the Irish formed the main migrant population after being brought out initially by William Rutledge to work as tenant farmers on his special survey at Port Fairy.
Heritage Inventory Description
FORMER BELFAST IMMIGRATION DEPOT - Heritage Inventory Description
An open grassed and tarred area within the Port Fairy Gardens Caravan Park and possibly part of the Botanic Gardens.
-
-
-
-
-
EMOHVictorian Heritage Register H0252
-
PORT FAIRY COURT HOUSEVictorian Heritage Register H1480
-
CALEDONIAN HOTELVictorian Heritage Register H0247
-
-