History under threat

By Lilly O’Gorman
PAKENHAM Scout Group is desperately trying to save its beloved hall following news it could be demolished to make way for car parks.
The hall has been home to thousands of Pakenham scouts since it was first built in 1937 and now leaders and committee members past and present are organising a campaign to save it.
Scouts district training and support leader Lyn Stephenson said she was devastated when she was told at a special executive meeting that Cardinia Shire Council wanted to buy the land, which had originally been donated to the group.
“It’s just not right,” Ms Stephenson said.
“People in the 1920s worked very hard to build that hall. If (the council) gave us money to fix it up it would still be there.
“There are only a couple of historical buildings left in Pakenham now. We’ve lost the old post office, the hall…all those things that were very important to everybody.
“The scout hall’s got quite a bit of heritage – the fireplace was built out of some granite from Tynong that was used to build the Shrine of Remembrance.”
Cardinia Shire councillor Graeme Legge said the council was considering buying the land.
“There is discussion going on about that prospect, it’s certainly being considered by the Scouts Association and council,” Cr Legge said.
Brian Lewis has been involved with the scout group for 40 years and is now the district treasurer. He said a part of Pakenham’s history would be lost along with the hall if it were to be demolished.
“It means a lot to the scouts. It’s central. It’s easy to get to. It’s part of our lives,” he said.
Pam Hamilton’s father Keith Ramage was a scout leader who helped to build the hall about 80 years ago. Mrs Hamilton also completed some of her primary schooling in the hall while the Pakenham Consolidated School was being built.
“I am heartbroken because I was a leader here too,” she said.
“We had a fight 10 years ago too, they wanted to give us some other block of land and that wasn’t on as far as I was concerned. At that stage they wanted it for parking.”
Cardinia Shire Council community wellbeing general manager Fiona Hodges said the council had been approached by Scouts Victoria to discuss future opportunities to provide facilities in the growth corridor.
“A range of options have been discussed, including models that have been used by other local councils and scouts,” Ms Hodges said.
“These discussions are at a very preliminary stage and have not been driven by council. No decisions have been made regarding any future direction of council and scouts.”
Scouts Victoria legal and property administrator Carole Richards said the group was attempting to work with the council and looking at possible sites to expand scouting in the municipality and to accommodate Pakenham at an improved site.
“Originally we were approached by council a couple of years ago, because the current site occupied by scouts and guides was seen to be of value to council to expand their services,” Ms Richards said.
“At that time indicated we would be available for further discussions.”
The Pakenham Scout Group will hold a meeting to discuss the future of the hall on Thursday 10 May at 7.30pm at 315 Pakenham Road, Pakenham. Anyone with past or present involvement with Pakenham Scout Club is welcome.