Como's Golden Jubilee 1959-2009 - Special Appeal

August 2009 marked the 50th anniversary of the National Trust gaining custodianship of Como House and preserving it for the nation. An appeal was launched on 20 August to raise funds to help restore Como and preserve it for a further 50 years.

Mulberry Hill, Baxter

The home of Sir Daryl Lindsay, founding Chairman of the National Trust in Victoria, and his wife, author Joan Lindsay, Mulberry Hill at Baxter on the Mornington Peninsula is a treasure trove of artworks dating from earliest colonial days to the mid-twentieth century. An appeal to members for funds for necessary repairs to the property is timely, coinciding with the fiftieth anniversary of Trust ownership in 2009. Upgrades to environmental monitoring, security and fire protection have already been completed and funds have been sourced to restore furniture. The house, however, needs urgent work and the electrical wiring throughout is now in need of replacement, at a cost of approximately $20,000. Failure to rectify this problem may result in closure of the property to the public.

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. During the coming year the temperate rainforest gully will be further protected by re-vegetation with indigenous flora in much of the surrounding land, while a degree of environmentally sensitive public access will be provided by the construction of boardwalks, paths and interpretation. The Trust is proud of its role in the preservation of natural heritage and seeks funding for this important project.

Rippon Lea, Elsternwick

In accordance with the Trust’s intention to display all its heritage properties at the highest possible standard, a full Condition Survey of Rippon Lea has been commissioned and a five-year restoration and maintenance plan for the building is under development. This will include, as a matter of priority, the repair and re-opening of the Grotto after 22 years of closure to the public, and urgent conservation of the very deteriorated plasterwork and Art Nouveau wallpaper in the study.

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.