National Trust of Australia (Victoria) facts for kids

The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) is a special group that works to protect important old buildings, beautiful natural places, and historical sites in Victoria. It's a non-government organisation, meaning it's run by people, not the government. This group started in 1956. Its main goal is to save and share Australia's history and nature for everyone to enjoy.

How the National Trust Started

The very first National Trust in Australia began in New South Wales in 1945. This happened because many beautiful old mansions in Sydney were in danger of being pulled down.

In Victoria, it took a little longer for people to get organised. Many grand buildings from the late 1800s were not seen as important back then. In 1953, a book called Early Melbourne Architecture 1840-1888 helped change this. It was written by Maie Casey, an artist and writer. Her book helped people understand the value of these old buildings.

After the book came out, important people in Melbourne started talking. They wanted to create a group like the National Trust in Britain and New South Wales. A big reason for this was the demolition of a grand mansion called "Wendrew" in Toorak in 1954. Also, the historic Como House was likely going to be sold.

These events led to many meetings. Finally, in May 1956, the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) was officially formed. It started as a charity, and its first goal was to buy Como House. Many influential people helped start the Trust. They included author Joan Lindsay, her husband Daryl Lindsay, and museum directors R.T.M. Pescott and Robin Boyd. Maie Casey and her husband, politician Richard Casey, were also involved. Other key people included Noel and Elizabeth Goss, architect Roy Simpson, and Professor Brian Lewis. Important supporters included Sir Dallas Brooks, Sir Owen Dixon, and Lady Murdoch.

Places the National Trust Protects

The National Trust in Victoria looks after 38 different properties across the state. They own 30 of these places. The other eight are on public land. Many of these properties, 24 of them, are open for people to visit regularly.

Some of the most famous places include:

• The historic Old Melbourne Gaol, which was once a prison.
• The Melbourne Maritime Museum in Southbank. This museum includes the amazing old sailing ship, Polly Woodside.
• The beautiful mansion and gardens of the Rippon Lea Estate in Elsternwick.
• And, of course, Como House in Toorak, which was one of the first places the Trust wanted to save.

See also

• List of National Trust properties in Australia
• List of Australian Living Treasures
• SAHANZ, the Society of Architectural Historians, Australia and New Zealand