There is a sea of purple and white at the Harrick’s Cottage and Police Hut site in Keilor Park.
Brimbank council’s parks services and horticulture team has adorned the site with over 300 white Salvia Leucantha plants, complementing the existing purple variety.
The mesmerising purple and white spectacle decorate the grounds of the historic Harrick’s Cottage and Police Hut.
The recent project at the enchanting site follows a history of work by Brimbank council.
The 1850s Police Hut was restored and reconstructed in 2021, with the hut standing proudly along with interpretive signage on the Harricks Cottage site.
The Keilor Police Hut is an important part of Brimbank’s local history and is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.
Member of the Keilor Historical Society, Peter Ward said it is important to continue to preserve and care for historic spaces such as the site at 152 Harricks Road, Keilor Park.
“We need to care for these sites so we don’t lose our heritage and to remember some of the interesting things that took place here,” Mr Ward said.
“That’s part of the Keilor Historical Society mantra, our main purpose is to preserve and share the local history.”
One of the very few surviving examples of a 1850s pre-fabricated building, the hut was imported during the Gold Rush – most likely shipped from England – to form part of the Keilor Plains Police Station.
Community and heritage enthusiasts can now visit the restored hut to learn about construction techniques of the 1850s and how the police force lived and worked in times gone by.
The Keilor Historical Society welcomes new members. The group holds meetings on the second Wednesday of each month at the Keilor Community Centre, Old Calder Highway, Keilor Village at 7pm.
Hannah Hammoud
