FAWKNER PARK

24-88 COMMERCIAL ROAD SOUTH YARRA, MELBOURNE CITY

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Victorian Heritage Inventory

Statement of Significance

• Other Records For This Place
  • FAWKNER PARK - Victorian Heritage Register
• Additional Place Information

  • History

    FAWKNER PARK - History

    The planning and reservation of Fawkner Park

    In the early years of the Port Phillip District (1836-51) there is recorded evidence of Aboriginal people camping in the South Yarra and Prahran bush. One camp was situated in the north-west corner of what is now known as Fawkner Park, where Toorak and St Kilda Roads intersect. Another Aboriginal camp was located in the park area opposite the Alfred Hospital. In 1851, the Colony of Victoria separated from New South Wales, and the control of the city's parkland came under the authority of the City of Melbourne. In 1855, a plan showing the position of the sites under their jurisdiction was drawn up for 'park or ornamental purposes', and a board of management established to oversee their management and improvement. The necessary funds were provided by the Parliament of Victoria.

    Since settlement, Melbourne's founders were keen to ensure that the young city was well surrounded by parkland, thus providing future generations with 'breathing spaces'; areas of green where Melburnians could relax and recuperate and find respite. From the 1840s was the vision of Charles La Trobe (Superintendent of the Port Phillip District and later Lieutenant-Governor of Victoria) to surround Melbourne with a ring of parks and gardens, including land set aside for public purposes. La Trobe recognised the value of parks and recreation spaces for the health and wellbeing of the city's occupants. The result was an 'inner ring' and an 'outer ring' of parks. The inner ring parks were generally more formally designed spaces, intended for passive recreation. The outer ring parks were developed in a less sophisticated manner for both active and passive recreation. Examples of these parks include:

    Inner Ring Parks

    . Carlton Gardens (included in the registration of the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens (VHR H1501) which is also a World Heritage Place.

    . Fitzroy Gardens (VHR H1834)

    . Flagstaff Gardens (VHR H2041)

    . Treasury Gardens (VHR H1887)

    . Parliament Gardens (included in the registration of Parliament House VHR H1722)

    . Royal Botanic Gardens (VHR H1459)

    . The Domain including the Alexandra Gardens (VHR H2304).

    Outer Ring Parks

    . Royal Park (VHR H2337)

    . Yarra Park (VHR H2251)

    . Fawkner Park

    . Studley Park

    . Richmond Park, Burnley

    . Princes Park

    . Albert Park

    The first of Melbourne's parks to be developed were the inner ring parks. It was not until 1857 that the Melbourne City Council began to take an interest in the 'South Park Reserve', or 'Fawkner Park' as it was later named. The park occupied a 100-acre site, bounded by Commercial Road to the south, St Kilda Road to the west, Toorak Road to the north and Punt Road to the east, with the site on the corner of Punt and Toorak Roads being set aside for the Church of England. Located on the south-west boundary of the City, at the intersection with the cities of Prahran and St Kilda, Fawkner Park became a dumping ground for the nightsoil (sewage) of Melbourne, which killed many of the trees, making it a 'dreary, desolate waste'. However, with persistent lobbying from the adjacent councils, the City of Melbourne finally consented to fence the park and implement some minor improvements.

    In March 1862, Fawkner Park was named in honour of John Pascoe Fawkner, one of Victoria's earliest settlers, and the following July, the area was temporarily reserved from sale; the park's boundary's having been redefined as 'Bounded on the north by Macarthur street; on the east by Pasley; on the south by the Commercial road; and on the west by the east side of St Kilda road'. This effectively annexed parkland along the Toorak Road frontage of the site; to be sold off for private housing. The Melbourne, Prahran and St Kilda Councils were outraged at this plan and campaigned for the decision to be revoked, arguing that the parkland belonged to the people and that the whole of the site, with three vacant boundaries, should be reserved from development. The plan was dropped, but an alternative was tabled, showing instead the annexation of land along St Kilda Road. Despite further protestations from the councils, this plan was accepted, the Victorian Government's only concession being that special conditions be placed on the types of dwellings constructed: '[to be used] only as and for a site for one Villa Residence and its offices to be built of stone or brick. Or as and for a site for a Terrace of Houses of not less than two stories in height and the requisite offices'. This reduced the size of Fawkner Park to its present 41 hectares and disconnected it from Albert Park.

    On 12 February 1864, the permanent reservation and control of Fawkner Park was vested in the Council of the City of Melbourne. At this time there is evidence that a section of Fawkner Park was used to agist cattle with the revenue paid to the City of Melbourne. In 1870, conservancy of public parklands was again on the agenda, when the Government constructed a road through Carlton Gardens. The subsequent outcry caused the Government to try and reach a solution once and for all. Thus, on 9 June 1873, Fawkner Park and other city parklands were permanently reserved from sale; with the City and the Board of Land and Works as joint trustees. Full management of the park was ceded to the Government for a period of ten years, with the understanding that at the end of this time, it would become the Council's responsibility.

    Improvements to Fawkner Park

    In 1875, the first major step towards the improvement of Fawkner Park was made when Nicholas Bickford, the curator of Parks and Gardens, implemented a schedule of works for the park, including the layout of avenues and paths and the planting of avenue and specimen trees. As part of the arrangement between the City of Melbourne and the Government, monies for the ongoing maintenance of parklands were to be shared equally. In reality this was not the case, with the Government's contribution reducing during the course of the decade. With the onset of the depression during the 1890s, money available for the city parklands covered by the agreement had been reduced from £6,000 annually in the 1870s to £4,000 in the 1890s. In 1882, the Government announced that it would extend its tenure as joint trustee of the city parklands, continuing to provide a financial contribution. This arrangement lasted for the next thirty-five years, ending with the commencement of World War I, when the City of Melbourne was constituted as a 'Committee of Management'.

    In 1883 Fawkner Park was described thus:

    [It] is situated south of the Yarra, and contains and area of 102.5 acres. The improvements were commenced in May 1875, by the enclosing of and planting a large circular area at the intersection of several leading beaten paths made by pedestrians passing through to South Yarra, Prahran, the Alfred Hospital, and other places. At that time the park was entirely bare of foliage, the depositing in it of night-soil by the City Corporation having destroyed all the trees. Where necessary for the public convenience, the beaten tracks have been formed into good pathways and planted into avenues, of which one is Araucaria excelsa (Norfolk Island Pines), one of Araucaria bidwillii (Bunya Bunya Pine), one of English Elms, one of Cedars, Cupressus lambertiana, Pinus insignis, and Horse Chestnut, one of Eucalyptus cornuta, two of Morton [sic.] Bay Fig (Ficus macrophylla) and one of mixed trees. Over the park suitable sites have been selected, and trees and shrubs planted in groups. Included in the former are Eucalypti from Western, North-western, and North Australia; the Red Gum of New South Wales; the white, scarlet and pink flowering and the lemon scented gum (Eucalyptus citriodora) from Queensland, the latter especially making good and rapid growth. Besides the groups a number of single specimen trees are distributed over the park, and planted with the object of creating the greatest beauty from every point of observation. Constantly employed in the park are one foreman and one labourer, at a cost of £234 15s. per annum. The design, as well as the execution of the work, was by the present writer." (This report by NM Bickford, curator, is published in the Victorian Year-Book, 1883-1884)

    In 1885 there were further improvements to Fawkner Park including the construction of new avenues, plantings, and fencing. In 1887 a brick caretaker's lodge and associated fence were constructed at end of Slater Street. In 1889 sites for trees in large open spaces were marked out and ground prepared for planting of young trees. Cattle were still being agisted in a section of the park during the 1880s.

    Sporting activities

    As a site for sport, Fawkner Park has a long history going back to the late 1850s when the South Yarra Cricket Club was given 'passive occupation' of the land. Around 1865 the South Yarra Football Club and Fawkner Park Cricket Club were officially founded, both resident in Fawkner Park. At that there is also evidence of quoits and other outdoor pastimes being played. In 1867 permission was denied for the development of a portion of Fawkner Park to be used as a racecourse. In 1869 an application was approved for the practice of archery in part of the park. In 1885 the Southern Cross Football Club applied for permission to erect four goal posts to be removed at end of season. During the 1890s sections of Fawkner Park were set aside for up to ten different sporting activities, ranging from golf to football. Illegal gambling in the park was a frequent occurrence and police mounted weekend patrols to catch offenders. In 1915 tennis courts were opened from 6am until sunset. During the 1930s and 40s the City of Melbourne received complaints that people were using Fawkner Park as a training ground for greyhounds. Fawkner Park was used regularly for sport and recreation. Situated on the periphery of Melbourne, however, it was more vulnerable to periodic budget cuts than the inner city parks. By the 1920s it had deteriorated, and letters to the newspapers show the concern of locals who were appalled at the state of the fences and trees.

    World War II

    During World War II a large area of Fawkner Park was compulsorily acquired by the Defence Department and timber barracks buildings were constructed on the site of the south oval in 1943. Between 1943 and 1946 the Army occupied a 3 acre area of the Park where over 600 members of the AWAS housed in huts built by the United States military personnel. Some huts were also used as a camp for Royal Netherlands East Indies Army servicemen who escaped to Australia in 1942. The AWAS personnel stationed at Fawkner Park worked primarily at the Australian Signals Corps whose Land Headquarters (LHQ) was located there.

    The AWAS was established in August 1941 to relieve men from non-combat military duties so that they could be sent to fighting units. Until this time, women could only enlist in the Army for medical services. The AWAS was the largest of Australia's military service organisations for women during WWII. It grew to over 20,000 members providing personnel to fill various roles including administration, driving, catering, signals and intelligence. A total of 3,600 AWAS personnel served in the Australian Corps of Signals and made up the majority of its 4,000 members. The work of AWAS personnel at Fawkner Park was vital to the work of the Signal Corps. One commentator described the Corps as the 'nerve centre of the whole AMF. which starts here and ends in the front line'. (Western Mail, Perth 25/5/44).

    The Age newspaper described the camp at Fawkner Park in 1945 as follows:

    The camp is like a small self-contained town working 24 hours a day with its inhabitants coming and going at different hours. Six hundred girls live there under the control of the commanding officer of the unit, and whilst in the barracks are administered by an AWAS camp commandant and staff. Every facility is provided - two chapels, hair-dressing salon, recreational rooms, telephones, and a large room where friends may be entertained. As the camp grows it is planned to have the post office, messes and other community facilities concentrated in the middle of the camp to form a civic centre with the barracks radiating from it. Beds in all the barracks are covered with attractive chintz covers made by the girls themselves. Bright curtains hang at the open windows and on the floor are colored mats. Because of the necessity of providing meals at all hours there is always someone working in the kitchens. Gardens have been laid out round the camp, and regimental funds used in the purchase of shrubs, trees and seedlings. (Age, 20/6/1945)

    Post World War II

    By July 1947 all members of the AWAS had been demobilised. In 1952, a Memorial Drinking Fountain dedicated to the women of AWAS was unveiled at Fawkner Park by Lady Murray (this is no longer extant). The former army huts were used as a transit camp for British migrants on their way to the country or interstate between 1947 and 1955. The huts accommodated 150 families or 580 people at any one time. By 1951 most of the huts were removed from the Park and some parkland was restored. Some huts remained in use as emergency housing during the postwar housing shortage (Argus 22/1/1952). Fawkner Park was returned to the 'public' following an official hand-back ceremony on 30 November 1955. In that year, as preparations were being made for the 1956 Olympic Games, consideration was given to building an Olympic pool at the north-west corner of the park.

    Late twentieth century to present

    During the latter half of the twentieth century to the present day the park has been used for recreational and sporting activities. The Fawkner Park Children's Centre opened in its current form in 1989. The largest current use of Fawkner Park is for informal recreation activities including walking, picnicking, dog walking and cycling. The park is part of City of Melbourne's network of nearly 480 hectares of parks and gardens. The historical preservation of large areas of open parkland close to the city centre underpinned the Government's promotion of Victoria as the 'Garden State' during the 1970s, and has contributed to the consistently high ranking of Melbourne as a 'liveable' city in a number of global studies.

    KEY REFERENCES USED TO PREPARE ASSESSMENT

    Fawkner Park Conservation Analysis, Hassell Pty Ltd, 2002.

    City of Melbourne, Fawkner Park Master Plan (2006)

    Nomination of Fawkner Park to the Victorian Heritage Register Supporting Documentation, Lovell Chen prepared for Melbourne Metro Rail Authority (December 2015).

    Plaque Citation

    FAWKNER PARK - Plaque Citation

    Fawkner Park was part of Charles La Trobe's vision, to develop Melbourne as a city surrounded by extensive public parklands. One of Melbourne's outer ring parks, it has impressive avenues, plantings, lawns and playing fields and was the site of the Australian Women's Army Service (AWAS) and the Australian Corps of Signals Land Headquarters during WWII.

    Assessment Against Criteria

    FAWKNER PARK - Assessment Against Criteria

    Criterion How is it significant?

    Fawkner Park is of historical, archaeological aesthetic significance to the State of Victoria. It satisfies the following criterion for inclusion in the Victorian Heritage Register:

    Criterion A

    Importance to the course, or pattern, of Victoria's cultural history.

    Criterion C

    Potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of Victoria's cultural history.

    Criterion E

    Importance in exhibiting particular aesthetic characteristics.

    Why is it significant?

    Fawkner Park is significant at the State level for the following reasons:

    Fawkner Park is historically significant as part of the vision of Charles La Trobe (Superintendent of the Port Phillip District and later Lieutenant-Governor of Victoria) from the mid-1840s, to develop Melbourne as a city surrounded by extensive public parklands. Fawkner Park was permanently reserved in 1862 and became one of Melbourne's 'outer ring' parks, along with Yarra Park (VHR H2251) and Royal Park (VHR H2337). Formally developed from 1875 by curator Nicholas Bickford, Fawkner Park is a fine example of an 'outer ring' park. While the 'inner ring' of parks reflect more formal planting and symmetrical pathway arrangements, the 'outer ring' of parks and reserves were typically developed for recreation and organised sporting activity. Fawkner Park largely retains its early form, diagonal pathway plantings (established on the 'desire lines' of early pedestrians), impressive avenues, plantings, lawns and playing fields in conjunction with pavilion, caretakers and amenities buildings. Fawkner Park is also of historical significance for its use as an accommodation base for the Australian Women's Army Service (AWAS) and as a camp for British migrants between 1947 and 1955. [

    Criterion A]

    Fawkner Park is archaeologically significant at the State level for its high likelihood to contain subsurface artefacts and deposits related to the Australian Women's Army Service (AWAS) and the Australian Corps of Signals Land Headquarters, located in the southern portion of the park from 1941 to 1947. There is a high potential for Fawkner Park to contain physical evidence relating to the mobilisation of women in the Australian Women's Army Service (AWAS) during WWII and the experiences of post-WWII British migrants in Victoria's transit camps, that is not currently visible or understood. The knowledge that might be obtained through archaeological investigation of Fawkner Park is likely to meaningfully contribute to an understanding of Victoria's cultural history. The particular information likely to be yielded from the archaeology of the place is not already well documented nor readily available from other sources. [

    Criterion C].

    Fawkner Park is aesthetically significant as an outstanding example of a metropolitan park in Victoria. It is particularly notable for fine, mature avenues of English and Dutch Elm, White Poplar, English Oak and Moreton Bay Fig that criss-cross the site, forming over-arching canopies above the pathway system, that afford enclosed, focused views of considerable visual appeal. Other aesthetically impressive plantings include individual specimen trees and stands of Canary Island Pine, Pin Oaks, Hoop Pine, Bunya Bunya Pine, Lemon-scented Gum, Sugar Gum, Lilly Pilly, Monterey Pine and Stone Pine. The number of avenues within the park and individual scale of many of the original row plantings is incomparable to any of Melbourne's 'inner ring' or 'outer ring' parks established in the nineteenth century. The treed avenues have matured to form the dominant landscape component of the site, providing over-arching, umbrageous walks counterpointed with expanses of lawn between the avenue alignments. [

    Criterion E]

    Fawkner Park is also significant for the following reasons, but not at the State level:

    Fawkner Park is of historical significance because it was named after John Pascoe Fawkner, one of Victoria's earliest settlers and a co-founder of Melbourne.

    Interpretation of Site

    FAWKNER PARK - Interpretation of Site

     

    .    The area that became Fawkner Park was host to Aboriginal campsites at the time of the non-Aboriginal settlement of Melbourne.

    .    Fawkner Park was one of the earliest parks set aside in Melbourne, one of an outer circle of parks within a well-structured parkland system.

    .    The park retains a substantially intact pathway system dating from 1875, as well as a great number of historic avenues.

    .    The park retains a number of intact group plantings in geometric forms dating from the 1870s and 1880s, demonstrating design styles of this period.

    .    The park has a long history of recreation use, formally commencing with the South Yarra Cricket Club's use of the site and continuing to the present day, in this way the original intent of the park has been preserved.

    .    The park has associations with World War II, being the temporary site of women's army camps and refugee camps.

     

    Permit Exemptions

    FAWKNER PARK - Permit Exemptions

    It should be noted that Permit Exemptions can be granted at the time of registration (under s.42(4) of the Heritage Act). Permit Exemptions can also be applied for and granted after registration (under s.66 of the Heritage Act)

    General Condition 1

    All exempted alterations are to be planned and carried out in a manner which prevents damage to the fabric of the registered place or object.

    General Condition 2

    Should it become apparent during further inspection or the carrying out of works that original or previously hidden or inaccessible details of the place or object are revealed which relate to the significance of the place or object, then the exemption covering such works shall cease and Heritage Victoria shall be notified as soon as possible.

    General Condition 3

    All works should be informed by Conservation Management Plans prepared for the place. The Executive Director is not bound by any Conservation Management Plan, and permits still must be obtained for works suggested in any Conservation Management Plan.

    General Condition 4

    Nothing in this determination prevents the Heritage Council from amending or rescinding all or any of the permit exemptions.

    General Condition 5

    Nothing in this determination exempts owners or their agents from the responsibility to seek relevant planning or building permits from the relevant responsible authority, where applicable.

    Specific Permit Exemptions

    Landscape

    . The process of gardening, including mowing, hedge clipping, bedding displays, removal and replacement of dead shrubs, disease and weed control, and maintenance to care for existing plants.

    . The removal or pruning of dead, dying or dangerous trees as assessed by a qualified Arborist to maintain safety. If the tree is identified as being of primary cultural heritage significance, the Executive Director must be notified of these works within 21 days of them being undertaken.

    . Management of trees in accordance with Australian Standard; Pruning of Amenity Trees AS 4373-2007.

    . Management of trees in accordance with Australian Standard; Protection of Trees on Development Sites AS 4970-2009.

    . Subsurface works involving the installation, removal or replacement of watering and drainage systems or services outside the canopy edge of significant trees in accordance with AS4970 and on the condition that works do not impact on archaeological features or deposits. These subsurface works are not permit exempt in the area of the Cordner Oval. This area is clearly shown in the diagram of archaeological sensitivity.

    . Removal of plants listed as noxious weeds in the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994.

    . Vegetation protection and management of possums and vermin.

    Hard Elements

    . Repairs and maintenance to all existing hard landscape elements including roads, carparks and pathways, fences, gates and lighting, which replace like with like.

    . The installation of standard City of Melbourne furniture, including rubbish and recycling bins, park seats, picnic tables, park and interpretative signage, drinking fountains, pathway park lights, park fencing and safety barriers outside tree protection zones.

    Sporting Facilities

    . All works associated with the repair and maintenance of all sporting courts, fields and pitches, including line marking and returfing and resurfacing with like materials.

    . The addition of minor structures related to sports activity or safety, for example resurfacing playing surfaces, the installation of tennis nets and cricket nets, and fencing and on the condition that works do not impact on archaeological features or deposits.

    Playgrounds

    . Repair and maintenance of playground equipment and playground area surfaces.

    . The construction of new playground equipment and playground area surfaces in existing playground areas.

    Buildings - Exteriors

    . Minor maintenance and repair works to buildings and features that replaces like with like.

    . Painting previously painted walls provided that preparation or painting does not remove evidence of the original paint or other decorative scheme.

    . Treatments to stabilise and protect timber structures.

    Buildings - Interiors

    . All interior works to all buildings except the Caretaker's Lodge.

    Caretaker's Lodge

    . Installation, removal or replacement of carpets and /or flexible floor coverings.

    . Installation, removal or replacement of curtain tracks, rods, blinds and other window dressings.

    . Installation, removal or replacement of hoods, nails and other devices for the hanging of mirrors, paintings and other wall mounted artworks.

    . Refurbishment of existing bathrooms, toilets or ensuites including the removal or replacement of sanitary fixtures and associated piping to the Caretaker's Cottage.

    . Installation, removal or replacement of existing kitchen benches and kitchen fixtures including associated plumbing and wiring.

    . Installation, removal or replacement of electrical wiring provided that new wiring is fully concealed and any original light switches, pull cord, push buttons or power outlets are retained in-situ.

    . Installation, removal or replacement of bulk insulation in the roof space.

    . Installation, removal or replacement of smoke detectors.

    Events

    . All events and associated infrastructure that have no impact on buildings, archaeological deposits, structures and features, trees and beds, and are outside the tree protection zone are permitted for a period of up to 4 days. All works associated with the staging of events must comply with the Melbourne Event Planning Guide, December 2011, available at: www.melbourne.vic.gov.au.

    . Events of a longer period or having the potential to impact on trees, beds, lawns, buildings and features will require the submission of a management plan to be approved by the Executive Director. In this case the event would normally be considered under the Minor Works provisions of the permit exemptions and s66(3) Heritage Act 1995.

    Permit Exemption Policy

    FAWKNER PARK - Permit Exemption Policy

    Preamble

    The purpose of the Permit Policy is to assist when considering or making decisions regarding works to a registered place. It is recommended that any proposed works be discussed with an officer of Heritage Victoria prior to making a permit application. Discussing proposed works will assist in answering questions the owner may have and aid any decisions regarding works to the place.

    The extent of registration of Fawkner Park in the Victorian Heritage Register affects the whole place shown on Diagram 2361 including the land, all buildings, archaeological remains, roads, trees, landscape elements and other features. Under the Heritage Act 1995 a person must not remove or demolish, damage or despoil, develop or alter or excavate, relocate or disturb the position of any part of a registered place or object without approval. It is acknowledged, however, that alterations and other works may be required to keep places and objects in good repair and adapt them for use into the future.

    If a person wishes to undertake works or activities in relation to a registered place or registered object, they must apply to the Executive Director, Heritage Victoria for a permit. The purpose of a permit is to enable appropriate change to a place and to effectively manage adverse impacts on the cultural heritage significance of a place as a consequence of change. If an owner is uncertain whether a heritage permit is required, it is recommended that Heritage Victoria be contacted.

    Permits are required for anything which alters the place or object, unless a permit exemption is granted. Permit exemptions usually cover routine maintenance and upkeep issues faced by owners as well as minor works or works to the elements of the place or object that are not significant. They may include appropriate works that are specified in a conservation management plan. Permit exemptions can be granted at the time of registration (under s.42 of the Heritage Act) or after registration (under s.66 of the Heritage Act).

    It should be noted that the addition of new buildings to the registered place, as well as alterations to the interior and exterior of existing buildings requires a permit, unless a specific permit exemption is granted.

    Conservation management plans

    It is recommended that the management of this place be guided by the following documents:

    . City of Melbourne, Fawkner Park Master Plan (2006)

    . Fawkner Park Conservation Analysis, Hassell Pty Ltd (2002).

    Aboriginal cultural heritage

    . If any Aboriginal cultural heritage is discovered or exposed at any time it is necessary to immediately contact the Aboriginal Victoria to ascertain requirements under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.

    . If works are proposed which have the potential to disturb or have an impact on Aboriginal cultural heritage it is necessary to contact the Aboriginal Victoria to ascertain any requirements under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.

    . Under the Heritage Act 1995 permits are required for any works or activities which alter the place or object, unless a permit exemption is granted. This applies to all parts of the registered place including fabric associated with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal cultural heritage values.

    Human remains

    If any suspected human remains are found during any works or activities, the works or activities must cease. The remains must be left in place, and protected from harm or damage. Victoria Police and the State Coroner's Office must be notified immediately. If there are reasonable grounds to believe that the remains are Aboriginal, the Coronial Admissions and Enquiries hotline must be contacted immediately on 1300 888 544. As required under s.17(3)(b) of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 all details about the location and nature of the human remains must be provided to the Secretary (as defined in the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006).

    Other approvals

    Please be aware that approval from other authorities (such as local government) may be required to undertake works.

    Archaeology

    Ground disturbance may affect the archaeological significance of the place and, subject to the exemptions stated in this document, requires a permit. A permit is likely to be required for all sub-surface works in the vicinity of the Cordner Oval, and for any substantial works throughout the park that will affect the below-ground component of the place.

    Cultural heritage significance

    Overview of significance

    The cultural heritage significance of Fawkner Park lies in its historical significance as an integral element of Charles La Trobe's vision, from the mid-1840s, to develop Melbourne as a city surrounded by extensive public parklands. It is a fine example of an 'outer ring' park which were typically developed to facilitate recreation and organised sporting activity. It is also of historical significance for its use as an accommodation base for the Australian Women's Army Service (AWAS) during World War II, and for British migrants between 1947 and 1955. It is aesthetically significant as an outstanding example of a metropolitan park in Victoria, and is particularly notable for fine, mature avenues of English and Dutch Elm, English Oak and Moreton Bay Fig that criss-cross the site, forming over-arching canopies above the pathway system, that afford enclosed, focused views of considerable visual appeal. It is archaeologically significant for its potential to contain subsurface archaeological material related to the use of the place as an Land Headquarters Signals by the AWAS from 1941 to 1947 and as a transit camp for British migrants from 1947 to 1955.

    Elements of primary cultural heritage significance

    All of the buildings and features listed here are of primary cultural heritage significance in the context of the place. A permit is required for most works or alterations. This list is not exhaustive.

    Avenues and group plantings

    Moreton Bay Fig (Ficus macrophylla) and Ficus sp.

    English Elm (Ulmus procera), Dutch Elm (Ulmus ×hollandica), Purple-leaved Elm (Ulmus × hollandica 'Purpurascens')

    English Oak (Quercus robur) and Algerian Oak (Quercus canariensis)

    Canary Island Palm (Phoenix canariensis)

    Bunya Bunya Pine (Araucaria bidwillii)

    Canary Island Pine (Pinus canariensis) and Hoop Pine (Araucaria cunninghamii)

    Canary Island Pine and Moreton Bay Fig

    Canary Island Palm and Pin Oak (Quercus palustris)

    Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara)

    Lemon-scented Gum (Corymbia citriodora)

    White Poplar (Populus Alba)

    Paths

    All of the paths

    Buildings and features

    Caretaker's Lodge and fence (1885)

    Substation (1925)

    Southern Pavilion (1936)

    Southern Toilet Block, now store (1937)

    Northern Pavilion (1937)

    Circular seat (date unknown but likely to be interwar)

    Archaeology

    Cordner Oval

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