3: Emerald Commonwealth Bank manager Sinclair Thomas and Emerald Community House’s Mary Farrow take a sneak peak at the historic bakery oven. 64457
By Casey Neill
COMMUNITY, council and big business are joining forces to protect an Emerald relic.
The Old Emerald Bakery sits hidden behind the Commonwealth Bank (CBA) building and is home to a rare, century-old wood-fired oven.
“The old bakery is a testament to the strong commercial history that Emerald has as the oldest town in the Dandenongs, going back to 1858,” Emerald Community House (ECH) committee chairwoman Mary Farrow said.
Emerald Village Committee’s Kevin Teasdale began a mission to save the historic site in 2003 and Frank McGuire soon joined the project.
Negotiating access in the face of insurance issues and public liability concerns was their major hurdle.
But six years ago they reached an agreement with the bank’s chiefs to access the site one day a year – during the Performing and Visual Arts in Emerald (PAVE) Festival.
Now, ECH has secured a $3300 Cardinia Heritage Grant to start restoring the old bakery.
“We were required to supply a letter of support from CBA in order to secure the grant as the old bakery is on the bank’s property,” Ms Farrow said.
“Both the CBA property managers in Sydney and the local CBA manager, Sinclair Thomas, were very happy to secure this opportunity for the community.
Ranges Ward councillor Graeme Legg also organised a $200 council donation towards restoring the oven itself.
“Everyone is excited about the project,” Ms Farrow said.
“We are working on a long term, free lease with the bank so that we can access the property as needed.
“We will continue to apply for more funding going forward from the council and other sources.
“Ultimately, we would like to see this site restored with a working wood fired oven and perhaps serve as a visitor’s centre.”
Ms Farrow said the project would need a lot more cash.
“Dealing with drainage, damp and spouting will be the first thing that has to happen in order to stabilise the site,” she said.
“This is an excellent opportunity for community based trades professionals who would like to be involved in this project and also benefit from promotion through signage and publicity.”
Ms Farrow said the site was among few “jewels in the crown still standing in Emerald”.
The State Government last month announced $150,000 in funding to restump the old hall beside ECH, remove asbestos from the building and install an all-abilities, commercial-grade community kitchen.
The historic wood fire oven and the hall will celebrate their 100th birthdays in 2014.
“We would like to bake the birthday cake in that oven and have a party in the hall to celebrate,” Ms Farrow said.
The Commonwealth Bank building started life as the local bakehouse in 1933, featuring a Small and Shattell oven. It has also served as a music room.
Call ECH on 5968 3881 to help out with the project.
