Tara Murray
The restoration of one of Brimbank’s most historic buildings has been completed.
Brimbank council and Keilor Historical Society on Saturday opened the restored Keilor Police Hut, which was originally built in the 1850s, at the annual Harricks Precinct Open Day, where the hut is now located.
Descendants of Constable Lee, one of the first police officers to be based at the hut, were also in attendance.
The hut is an important part of Brimbank’s local history and is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register and is one of the very few surviving examples of a 1850s pre-fabricated building.
The building was imported during the Gold Rush and formed part of the Keilor Plains Police Station.
Keilor Historical Society president Susan Jennison said it was exciting to see the building reconstructed and open for people to visit again. The building was dismantled in 2015.
“It has been a long time in the making, with so many stages,” she said.
“I don’t think people realise what is involved, this is a big thing.
“We’re always working to preserve the heritage in the region. How exciting it is to have it for future generations.”
The society has produced a book on the station, called the Pre-fab Police Station.
The restoration was funded with the help of a $200,000 state government grant, with Brimbank council also contributed $200,000.
Brimbank mayor Jasmine Nguyen thanked the historical society and the state government for helping make this possible.
“I’m extremely pleased that the historic Police Hut is fully restored and re-assembled for everyone to see and enjoy.
“Conserving and protecting Brimbank’s rich cultural and built heritage is important because it’s an important way for our community to learn about the history of our place.”
The society will manage the hut which will be open to the public through regular open days and pre-arranged tours.
