Former Duck Ponds Parsonage & School

What is Significant?

The former parsonage and school building, 25 Branch Road, Little River, has significance as an historical legacy of Anglican faith and secular education to the north of Lara from as early as 1864, when it was built as a Church of England Parsonage to a design by the Corio Shire Engineer, D.K. Goodall. It served as as the Flinders Peak State School No. 2107 from 1878 until its closure in 1911. Throughout the 20th century, the building has been the location for park rangers and in more recent times, community education. Although much altered, the composition and massing, bluestone construction and window and door openings are an embodiment of the historical values of the place.

How it is Significant?

The former parsonage and school building, 25 Branch Road, Little River, is historically significant at a LOCAL level.

Why is it Significant?

The former parsonage and school building, 25 Branch Road, Little River, has historical significance for its associations with the very early development of the Church of England in Lara. Built in 1864 to a design by the Corio Shire Engineer, D.K. Goodall, the building originally served as a Church of England Parsonage for the Duck Ponds and Little River Reader's District. The northern location provides an appreciation of early development near the You Yangs. Equally importantly, the former parsonage has served as the Flinders State School No. 2107 from 1878 until 1911. It is an historical marker in relation to the importance placed on free and secular education by the local community, a consequence of the new Education Act of 1873 and a public meeting held at the parsonage at this time with the quest of providing education for school age children. Throughout the 20th century, the building has been a residence for park rangers and in more recent times, the location of community education. The historical significance of the place is embodied in the existing physical fabric.

Group

Education

Category

School - Private