Tara Murray
Brimbank councillors will fight to save the heritage buildings at the old Sunshine College sites.
At last week’s council meeting, councillors raised their concerns about plans by the state government to demolish the old schools at 129 and 111 Derby Road, Sunshine, due to vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
This is despite the Heritage Council Victoria website as of last week, claiming the buildings are still in generally good condition.
The council has lodged nominations to Heritage Victoria for both the Sunshine Technical School building and the Sunshine Girls Technical School building to be listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.
As of September 7, no final decision had been made regarding demolition.
Councillors expressed their concerns about the decision to demolish the buildings without any consultation with the council and the community.
Councillor Sam David said he had been contacted by a number of residents, including former teachers and students of the school, concerned about the decision.
“I think we should keep them for further directions and use by the community,” he said.
“Those buildings are significant for Sunshine. It would be sad to see them demolished.“
Cr Virginia Tachos questioned why the buildings have deteriorated in such a short period of time since closing at the end 2020.
She also asked where was the security to ensure the buildings weren’t damaged?
Cr Trung Luu said councillors needed clear information from the government what it plans to do with the site, as they were currently getting mixed messages.
Residents also continue their push to save the schools.
In a letter to resident Neil Head, the office for Footscray MP Katie Hall said they had followed up with the minister.
The letter said that Victorian School Building Authority had been advised that there has been a nomination to include the buildings in the Victorian Heritage Register and they would consider their options when they receive formal notification.
The letter said the intention is for the open space to be made available for interim community passive recreational use until the sites are activated for a future education use.
A petition to save the buildings has been started by the Greater Sunshine Community Alliance.
To sign the petition: chng.it/z6KbgLFRkV
