WARRNAMBOOL RIFLE RANGE
55 ELLIOTT STREET WARRNAMBOOL, WARRNAMBOOL CITY
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Statement of Significance
Of the nine themes provided by Victoria's Framework of Historical Themes, the Warrnambool Rifle Range directly relates to the following:
09 Shaping cultural and creative life
As established under the Framework of Historical Themes, this theme displays Victoria's cultural life in its many facets: sport, arts, popular culture and science. It highlights the passion for sport that typifies Australian society and shows Victoria's leading role in developing some of the nation's major sporting events and games.
Subtheme:
9.1 Participating in sport and recreation
. Forming local sports clubs
Furthermore, the concept of cultural significance is discussed in The Burra Charter (Australia ICOMOS 1999) which defines 'cultural significance' as "aesthetic, historical, scientific, social or spiritual value for past, present or future generations" (2013:2).2 These are four categories (values) against which the cultural heritage significance of the VHI site within the study area can be assessed. The table below presents the listed values and levels of significance of the Warrnambool Rifle Range, as identified in Heritage Victoria's (2008) Guidelines for Conducting Historical Archaeological Surveys.
The study area is significant as it represents a recreational activity practiced at the location that dates to the late 19th century and continuing through to the late 20th century. Archaeological deposits and constructed features and materials remain at the location. This includes the original trench and embankment, and associated structures, as well as spent munitions deposited at the site during its use. The artefactual material from the site has the potential to inform questions regarding the operation of rifle ranges and may also address questions regarding the development or typologies of small-arms ammunition used during this period.
The site is representative of the formation of the Warrnambool Volunteer Rifle Brigade and subsequent Warrnambool Rifle Club. The site was utilised by members of the local community for a period exceeding 100 years. It remnant features demonstrates retain early fabrics associated with the original construction of the site, as well as subsequent phases of development the late 20th century. Further investigation of the place has potential to reveal new information about processes or practices with respect to the development and use of small arms munitions throughout the late 1800's and 1900's.
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WARRNAMBOOL RIFLE RANGE - History
The original construction of the rifle range is attributed to the 1850's-60s and associated with the formation of
the Warrnambool Volunteer Rifle Brigade. Specific mention of the brigade is made in a newspaper article printed
in 1862.
A number of newspaper articles published in the late 1800's refers to the use of the butts. It is evident from these
that the range was used by a number of cadets and rifle clubs, including Port Fairy, (Belfast), Portland, and Terang.
Several newspaper articles published in the late 1800's and early 1900 report on the outcomes of rifle
competitions held at the range. The early construction of the range suggests that manual methods were utilised.
A 1948 aerial image displays the range prior to these works (Figure 1), with a red line marking the extent of the
trench. This area retains fabrics most likely associated with the intial construction of the site.
Works to repair or develop the range were undertaken during the mid-late 1900's. Materials used for the works
included cement bessa bricks in the trench walls, and lengths of metal train line as supports (see plates included
below). The works also included the construction of a storage section at the eastern extent of the trench, with a
corrugated iron roofed. while a photograph from 1977 clearly shows the roofed storage area at the eastern end
of the trench, indicated on Figure 2 below.
A 1976 news article details a dispute between the Warrnambool Rifle Club and the Warrnambool City Council
over a consideration to relocate the range to a location further from the city. The article sights the usage of the
range by Warrnambool Rifle Club since 1890, and its unique quality of being able to accommodate up to 100
shooters partaking in team shooting events. The range continued to operate units 1993 when it was closed to
make way for the waste water treatment plant.
Relevant newspaper articles are attached.
Heritage Inventory Description
WARRNAMBOOL RIFLE RANGE - Heritage Inventory Description
Remnant features associated with the former rifle range comprise an earthen embankment-backstop, or butts,
at the downrange extent of the range. This is skirted by a constructed trench, set into the embankment and
extending along the embankment's northern boundary. The trench was utilized by range operators to change
targets while the range was in use. Although degraded, the trench is intact and displays masonry, timbres and
steel components. Sections of the trench at its eastern and western extent are roofed with corrugated iron,
however sections of this roofing have collapsed. The trench also contains materials associated with the ranges
operation, particularly systems used to raise/ lower targets. Corroded pully systems and metal target frames are
present as well as paper rifle-targets. Spent munitions are apparent on the embankment and surrounding
surfaces.
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MERRI RIVER MORTAR SHED SITEVictorian Heritage Inventory
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FORMER WARRNAMBOOL GAS COMPANY LIMITEDVictorian Heritage Inventory
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Warrnambool Textiles War MemorialVic. War Heritage Inventory
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