Como House, South Yarra

Como was the first property acquired by the National Trust in Victoria. It celebrated its Golden Jubilee in Trust ownership in 2009 and a special Appeal was launched in that year for its preservation. The Appeal will be ongoing. Como, set in acres of exquisite gardens, is an oasis of peace and tranquility in the heart of bustling South Yarra. Please help us to secure the future of this magnificent historic mansion for our children’s children to enjoy.

Lookout Tower, The Heights, Geelong

We are appealing this year for funds to be put towards much-needed repairs of the unique Lookout Tower at The Heights, our superb 19th century house in Geelong dating from the 1850s. The Heights is surrounded by extensive gardens still dominated by plantings from the early 1860s, with stables, outbuildings and the tower in original condition. The Lookout Tower is suffering severe deterioration and requires urgent work to enable it to be opened to the public to give visitors a unique view of Geelong. We are convinced that The Heights has a bright future and ask that you help us to restore this beautiful property to its original grandeur.

Labassa, Caulfield

Another project in need of special support is the refurbishment of part of the rear section of Labassa, our outstanding late 19th mansion in Manor Grove, Caulfield. Unused for years, this part of the building has sustained significant decay of the interior fabric, and urgent repairs are crucial. With largely intact and richly decorated interior spaces and rare trompe l’oeil ceiling, Labassa has enormous potential as an historic fine arts centre.

Tasma Terrace, East Melbourne

Taking advantage of the improvements wrought in the past two years to our headquarters, and the imminent re-opening of the main staircase, we plan to further open up the ground floor of Tasma Terrace to the visiting public as a means of improving access to this significant heritage building and to the Trust’s Collections. Assistance is sought to support the creation of more public display space in Tasma Terrace as we seek to present the Trust to a new generation of supporters.

Endeavour Fern Gully, Red Hill

Virtually closed to the public for many years, this untouched acreage of natural bushland at the headwaters of Stony Creek is one of the unsung treasures of the National Trust in Victoria. The temperate rainforest gully is being protected by re-vegetation with indigenous flora in much of the surrounding land, while a degree of environmentally sensitive public access is being provided by the construction of boardwalks and paths. The Trust is proud of its role in the preservation of natural heritage and asks for your help in furthering this important project.

The cost of the above projects is considerable, yet they are only a few of the many restoration challenges facing the Trust. Donations from our members and the public will form a vital part of our operating income in this and coming years.