Kerang Post Office facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kerang Post Office |
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| Location | 51-53 Victoria Street, Kerang, Victoria, Australia |
| Official name: Kerang Post Office | |
| Type | Listed place (Historic) |
| Designated | 8 November 2011 |
| Reference no. | 106132 |
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The Kerang Post Office is a historic building in Kerang, Australia. It is located at 51-53 Victoria Street. This important building was designed by George William Watson, a well-known architect from Victoria. It was built in 1886 and has been serving the community ever since. In 2011, it was added to the Commonwealth Heritage List, which means it is protected for its historical value.
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A Look at Kerang's Past
Kerang is a town in Victoria, Australia, about 280 km north-west of Melbourne. It is known for farming, especially dairy, fruit, and grain, thanks to its irrigation system near the Loddon River. The first European explorer, Thomas Mitchell, visited in 1836. Soon after, in 1845, settlers began to claim land here.
By the early 1860s, a small village started to grow near the river crossing. This village was officially named Kerang in 1861. The area grew quickly, especially after the Shire of Kerang was formed in 1871. The arrival of the railway from Bendigo in 1884 and the Kerang–Koondrook Tramway in 1888 helped businesses thrive. By 1891, Kerang had over 1000 people.
Postal services started in Kerang in 1875. The current post office building was planned in 1885 to replace an older one. It was built in 1886 and included both the post office and a home for the postmaster.
Changes Over Time
The Kerang Post Office was designed by George William Watson, a famous architect of his time. Over the years, the building has had some changes.
Around 1925-1927, some updates were made, possibly including sunblinds on the front windows. Later, a small garage was added for the postmaster's home.
In the 1940s, a large section was added to the back of the building. This new part was for the telephone exchange, which was a busy place where phone calls were connected. At this time, the original timber fence was removed. New signs were also put on the front of the building. The inside of the building was also updated with new ceilings and other improvements.
More changes happened in the 1960s. The inside was refurbished again. New walls were built to create offices, and the old strongroom wall was removed. A new counter and screen were installed, along with new flooring and lighting. Fireplaces were closed off, and heaters were put in. Acoustic tiles were added to the old telephone exchange area. Some doors and openings were changed, and private letter boxes were added outside.
In 1975, a new automatic telephone exchange was built nearby. This meant the telephone services moved out of the post office building. In 1984 and 1995, more updates were made to the inside, including new retail displays and air conditioning. A ramp was added to the front verandah for easier access, and more private letter boxes were installed.
What the Building Looks Like
The Kerang Post Office is located at 51-53 Victoria Street, right in the middle of Kerang's main shopping area. It sits next to the court house, and the town hall is also nearby. This makes it part of an important group of public buildings.
The post office is a single-story building made of brick. It has a U-shape, but it was originally L-shaped. The southern wing was added in the 1940s for the telephone exchange. The building is close to the street, but it has a private garden area to the north and east.
The building looks very balanced and has a classic design. It is made of red brick with cream brick lines and a cream-colored base. It has decorative panels and columns. The front has a central section with three arched openings, which is like a covered porch. There are also verandahs. The roof is sloped and covered with slate tiles. It has tall brick chimneys that give it an old-fashioned look.
The south wing, added in the 1940s, looks a bit different with its brickwork, but it still fits in with the rest of the building.
Inside, the post office has a retail area where you can buy stamps and send mail. It also has offices for the postal manager, a mail room, and a sorting room. There are also rooms that used to be part of the telephone exchange, a lunchroom, and toilets. The building also includes a home with four bedrooms, a lounge, kitchen, and bathroom. Outside, there is a separate battery room, a timber garage, and a brick shed for scooters.
How Well It Has Lasted
The Kerang Post Office is in very good condition. Even with the large addition in the 1940s and other smaller changes, the outside of the building still looks very much like it did when it was first built.
Inside, you can still see much of the original layout, even though some parts have been changed over the years. The building is well-maintained and looks very strong.
Why It's a Heritage Building
The Kerang Post Office is important because it is a great example of post and telegraph offices built in the 1880s. These buildings often had a post office and a home for the postmaster, just like this one. It shows how important these buildings were to towns back then. It has kept its original look very well on the outside.
The building's design is very well put together and fits its important role in the town. It stands out among the other public buildings like the court house and town hall. The style of the building, called Italianate with Queen Anne and Elizabethan influences, is still very clear. This design was quite new for its time and shows how architects were exploring different styles.
The Kerang Post Office is a key part of the beautiful streetscape in Kerang. It is a landmark that helps define the town's civic area.
The building is also linked to the famous architect George Watson. He worked for the Public Works Department for many years, starting in 1872. He was in charge of a main division from 1882 and had the freedom to try new ideas in his designs, including the Kerang Post Office. His use of the Queen Anne style is a special mark of his work.
The main postal building and the home built in 1886 are the most important parts of the heritage listing. The wing added in the 1940s for the telephone exchange also adds to its historical value.
