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AUSTRAL HOTEL
34 BRIDGE STREET, KORUMBURRA, SOUTH GIPPSLAND SHIRE
Korumburra Civic and Commercial

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South Gippsland Shire
Austral Hotel (2020)
Austral Hotel (2020)
Austral Hotel (2020)
Austral Hotel (2004)
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Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The Austral Hotel, formerly the Bridge Hotel, at 34 Bridge Street, Korumburra, built in 1894 and designed by John Waugh, is significant. This substantial two-storey, rendered brick building has a two-storey timber post verandah (a replica of the original) with wooden balustrades and a hipped roof. It also features fenestration patterned decorations and original construction materials including the butter floor original rendered architraves and the original brick work at the base of the building. The traditional corner entry point and single chimney remain.
The interior of the ground floor is severely modified. The wooden elements on the upper level contribute to the significance of the building but currently require restoration. 
Non-original alterations and additions, other than those specified above, are not significant.
How is it significant?
The Austral Hotel (formerly Bridge Hotel) is of local historic, social and aesthetic significance to the South Gippsland Shire.
Why is it significant?
Historically, the Austral Hotel is one of the oldest commercial buildings in Korumburra, being constructed in 1894 for John Sutcliffe. The land was purchased at the initial Korumburra land sales in October 1889. The size and grandeur of the Austral Hotel reflects the sense of optimism for the town of Korumburra following the opening of the South Eastern Railway in 1891. It represents the early commercial development and settlement of Korumburra. (Criterion A) 
Aesthetically, this is one of only two early hotels in the South Gippsland Shire that has relatively intact external features. The Austral Hotel's size and original structure, fenestrations, replica verandah and original brick work are all largely intact. Due to its prominent position within Korumburra, the building substantially contributes to the historic and aesthetic character of the town of Korumburra and the commercial zone of Commercial and Bridge Streets. (Criterion E) 
Socially, the Austral Hotel is significant to the community as a meeting place and town asset, especially during the early phase of Korumburra's development. The Bridge Hotel was used as a meeting place for the Korumburra Masonic Lodge prior to their Temple being built (see KOR-BR-025) and many other community groups use the space well into the 21 st century. (Criterion G)
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    • Physical Description 1

      AUSTRAL HOTEL - Physical Description 1

      The Austral Hotel at 34 Bridge Street, Korumburra is a substantial two storey rendered brick structure with corrugated iron roofs formed by a major hip along Bridge Street and a minor hip along Mine Road. Only one chimney remains after substantial interior alterations. The two storey timber post verandah replicates one removed in the 1950s (the accuracy of the detail is uncertain).

      The fenestration pattern is original, with most openings on the upper floor retaining their original rendered architraves. The banded rendered finish is assumed to cover the original face brickwork.

      The interior of the ground floor has been severely modified. The upper floor was not inspected.

      Heritage Study and Grading

      Heritage Study and Grading

      South Gippsland - South Gippsland Heritage Study

      Author: David Helms with Trevor Westmore
      Year: 2004
      Grading:

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