MECHANICS INSTITUTE
27-29 CARLISLE STREET WUNGHNU, MOIRA SHIRE
Statement of Significance
The first Wunghnu Mechanics Institute was opened on 5 June, 1887, a brick building with a two storey section at the front. This building was not to last long, for soon after the front section was burnt down and by mid 1889 the Mechanics Institute committee was making moves to reconstruct either a single or two storey new front to the Institute. The current building dates from that exercise and at the time of its completion it contained the original hall, the library, meeting rooms, reading room and an upstairs billiard room.
This new two storey section was designed by Numurkah architect, Mr Allan McDonald.
Stylistically the building is extremely simple version of the conservative Italian architecture employed during the nineteenth century. It presents a large and imposing if plainly detailed facade to the highway in the township of Wunghnu. The interior spaces including the hall are relatively simple. The importance of the building lies primarily in its relationship to the once small but thriving township of Wunghnu. It remains as a last vestige of the substantial Victorian buildings which existed within that town and in that respect must be considered of significance.
It is currently in a poor to reasonable condition. Attempts have been made in the recent past to undertake some superficial restoration and refurbishing work however there is need for work to stabilise brick walls, etc.
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MECHANICS INSTITUTE
Victorian Heritage Register H0518 -
Wunghnu Avenue of Honour
Vic. War Heritage Inventory -
Wunghnu Memorial Gates
Vic. War Heritage Inventory
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"1890"
Yarra City -
"AMF Officers" Shed
Moorabool Shire -
"AQUA PROFONDA" SIGN, FITZROY POOL
Victorian Heritage Register H1687
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'Lawn House' (Former)
Hobsons Bay City -
1 Fairchild Street
Yarra City
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10 Lydiard Street South
Ballarat City H0111
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