ST. MATTHEW'S 1) CHURCH, 2) HALL, 3) WAR MEMORIAL CROSS AND 4) MATURE EXOTIC PLANTING, N.W. CNR CHURCH-ROAD, KANGAROO GROUND-ST. ANDREWS ROAD

What is significant?
The early 20th century church and the war memorial cross and the surrounding site to the title boundaries.

How is it significant?
The church is historically, aesthetically, socially and spiritually significant to the Shire of Nillumbik.

The war memorial cross is historically, socially and aesthetically significant to the Shire of Nillumbik.

Why is it significant?
The church is historically, socially and spiritually significant because it has been a focus for the community since its construction in the early 20th century (Criterion G). The church is aesthetically significant as a good example of a standard design early 20th century church and an important streetscape element (Criterion E). The grouping of church, memorial cross, school, store and post office, that occurs within the centre of Panton Hill, is typical of the pattern of development in country towns throughout Victoria (Criteria A & E).

The war memorial cross is historically and socially significant as the area's monument to the 20th century wars (Criterion G) and because its modest scale is a reminder of the lack of affluence in the town and surrounding area (Criterion A).

BICK STUDY, 1992
St. Matthew's Church has historic significance as the town's church and physical and social foci for the community. The standard design buildings are good exanples and important streetscape elements. The war memorial cross is the area's monument to the 20th century wars and its modest scale in comparison with the granite Eltham and towered Kangaroo Ground memorials illustrates the lack of affluence in the town and surrounding area. The grouping of church, school, store and post office is typical of country villages throughout Victoria. The Radiata Pine plantings are significant as an intact line of shelterbelt planting typical of the early 20th century.

BASIS OF SIGNIFICANCE:

ILLUSTRATION OF THE THEMES

HISTORY

ARCHITECTURE

STREETSCAPE

RARITY

SOCIAL

DEGREE OF SIGNIFICANCE: LOCAL SIGNIFICANCE

EXTENT OF SIGNIFICANCE:

ALL OF BOTH BUILDINGS, WAR MEMORIAL, MATURE EXOTIC SITE PLANTING AND SITE

Group

Parks, Gardens and Trees

Category

Planting exotic