Austin Hall & Austin Terraces (also see 13-23 Carr St, 8-12 Munday St)

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

The 12 single storey 2 room brick cottages known as the 'Elizabeth Austin Cottages' were erected in 1886/7 by McKeown and Ebbels. Mrs Elizabeth Austin, widow of Thomas Austin of Barwon Park, Winchelsea, was the sole endower. The cottages were erected for the Committee of the Ladies Benevolent Association, a charitable institution founded by pioneer settler Caroline Chisholm in 1855 and devoted to the care of the poor and elderly women of Geelong and District.

The institution has performed this role continuously since 1886 on the South Geelong site. These cottages, which are closely related in design and site layout to the central 'Jubilee Hall' and Austin Terraces (elsewhere treated) are notable works of architect Joseph Watts.

RECOMMENDATIONS: PROTECTIVE MEASURES

Geelong Regional Commission Register.

Historic Buldings Council Register.

REFERENCES

Geelong Advertiser - 1st August, 1887, 16th August, 1887, 17th August, 1887.

Brownhill, W. R. - A History of Geelong and Corio Bay, Wilke & Co., Melbourne, 1955, pp. 280

National Trust of Australia (Victoria) File 3624.

Henry, JA and Collie NJ - Early Geelong, Do you Remember, Henry Thacker Pty Ltd, Printers, Geelong Volumes 1 and 2 reprinted 1917, photo p 20. Volume 2.

HISTORIC PLACES DOCUMENT SHEET - GRC SHEET NO 153

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Austin Hall and Ausdtin Terrace, both dichromatic brick buildings with slate roofs, are the central buildings in a complex of cottage and terrace house accommodation endowed by Elizabeth Austin of "Barwon Park", Winchelsea. Austin Hall (formerly 'Jubilee Hall') and the adjacent terraces, were erected in 1888 for the accommodation of women of educated classes, but reduced circumstances. The architect for the Victorian Italianate design was Joseph Watts. The complex of buildings were erected for the Committee of the Ladies Benevolent Association which has functioned as a vital charitable institution since 1886.

RECOMMENDATIONS: PROTECTIVE MEASURES

Geelong Regional Commission Register

Historic Buildings Council Register

REFERENCES

Geelong Advertiser - 16th August 1887, 29 May 1889, description of buildings and opening ceremonies.

Brownhill, W. R. - A History of Geelong and Corio Bay, Wilke & Co., Melbourne, 1955, pp. 280.

National Trust of Australia - (Victoria) File 3496 - Data Compiled by Mrs C Smit.

Sutherland, Alexander - Victoria and Its Metropolis - Past & Present - 2 Volumes, p 79. Biography and illustrations of Mr and Mrs Thomas Austin.

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

Residence