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Stawell Fire Station

Location Bryne Street,, STAWELL VIC 3380 - Property No B6354 File Number B6354 Level State

[1/1] B6354 Stawell Fire Station

Statement of Significance

The Stawell Fire Station in Byrne Street, Stawell is constructed of timber and polychrome brick. The building was erected in two stages. The belltower in 1880 and the remainder of the fire station in 1883.
The building is of state significance historically, culturally and architecturally. Historically & culturally, the complex represents the result of the foresight, devotion and dedication of the local community to provide their area with a substantial tower and building to house fire equipment. At this time there are very few documented examples of such substantial buildings being constructed as a result of volunteer donations. The importance of the building to the local community is also made apparent by the prominence which it was given at the top of the highest hill in Stawell, which would have been a much prized location and logical as a lookout. The building is also of great local importance as it appears as a landmark for the town and marks the association which the Volunteer Fire Brigade has had with this particular area of Stawell since its formation in 1886.
Architecturally the building is of importance. It is one of a small number of fire stations erected in Victoria which included bell towers as part of the main building. It was designed by a local Stawell architect, George C Inskip, who was later to become a prominent Melbourne architect. With new means of communication, the functional use of the towers was to become less important, thus heightening the importance of the few examples of this building form which illustrates the requirements of the early firefighters in this state.
The original Vickers & Co. bell has been removed.
Classified: 15/07/1992