Korumburra and District’s Historical Icons

Collecting objects is an ancient human practise and the interest in antiques and historical items continues to gain popularity. But buildings have not always been held in the same esteem. In medieval times, little was thought of tearing down a palace to build an updated one, buildings were lost in fires, and unfashionable and outdated architecture replaced. Nostalgia belonged to objects, not buildings.

The former Shire of Korumburra, established as the Poowong and Jeetho Shire in 1891, turns 130 years old next year. Our heritage buildings and places are so young that they stand alongside much more modern buildings, mining towns have disappeared back into the landscape, and many historical features go unseen, hidden in plain sight. Now is the time to bring the few historical treasures we have left into view.

Korumburra and District Historical Society is interested in hearing from you about our historical icons. We have complied an initial list of some of the remarkable historic buildings and sites we live alongside. Please vote in the poll below or comment to let us know which of our historical icons is most interesting to you.

Kongwak Avenue of Honour

The Kongwak Avenue of Honour was planted on the 15th of August 1918. Unique in the Shire for its mixed planting, it still maintains the original memorial trees. These are a mixture of Horse Chestnut, Bunya Pine, Lombardy Poplar, Turkey and Pin Oak and English Elm. About forty trees were originally planted, with the first planted by the president of the Hall committee, Mr CD Tulloch, the remaining planting “done by the mothers or lady relatives of the soldiers, as far as practicable”. A memorial cairn lists the names of twenty-six local men who served in the First World War, and sixty local men who served in the Second World War.

Korumburra Railway Station

The magnificent Queen Anne building that still graces the station today was constructed by G. Vincent in 1907, for the Victorian railways. As a rare example of a station building in the Queen Anne style it is architecturally significant, historically significant both to the state and to the community.

South Gippsland Railway Line

In 1891 Korumburra celebrated the official parliamentary authorisation for the construction of railway lines from Korumburra to Coal Creek, Strzlecki and Jumbunna coal mines. The work to construct the line is something we can hardly take in, in terms of the number of people employed and the geographical difficulty of the construction, given the nature of the Gippsland terrain. The first line to Coal Creek was completed and opened on October 28th 1892.

Jeetho Hall

The Jeetho Hall turns 128 years old this year. Designed by J. Waugh and constructed by W.J. Hosking in 1892, Jeetho Hall was the original Shire office, with meetings of the Council of the Shire of Poowong and Jeetho taking place in the hall until 1908. It is the only one of the four original municipal headquarters built prior to 1900 to survive, and the only surviving building of the former township of Jeetho.

Korumburra Primary School

In 1912 the Education Department accepted the tender of £5,380 from Neil Falconer for the construction of the magnificent red brick building that has housed thousands of schoolchildren from our district for over a century. Designed by GW Watson, the building is the only example in the Shire of the Edwardian ‘pavilion style’.

Korumburra Former Shire Offices

The former Shire of Korumburra Municipal Offices currently house the Korumburra Library and Rotary Art Gallery. The building is a significant example of mid 20th century architecture. The foundation stone for the building was laid in 1955 by Cr. R.N. Scott had who spent 18 year at the forefront of efforts to have new shire offices built in Korumburra, and retired in 1955 due to ill-health. Cr. Scott presented Sir Edmund Herring with a silver key to open the offices on the 26th of March 1956.

Wesleyan Church Poowong

Constructed by L.C. Holmes in 1878, the Wesleyan Church in Poowong is the oldest public building in the South Gippsland Shire, and the first permanent building in the Poowong township. It is a stunning example of a Carpenter Gothic church and historically significant in demonstrating the role churches played in community development.

Korumburra Post Office

The former Korumburra Post Office at 24 Bridge Street, currently a residence, is the first post office in the Shire to be constructed on behalf of the newly formed Commonwealth Postmaster-General’s office. Designed by J.B. Cohen and constructed by Neil Falconer in 1904, it is a remarkable example of Federation architecture in a prominent location in Korumburra’s streetscape.

Korumburra Botanic Park

Korumburra’s hidden gem, the Botanic Park is home to a wide variety of trees, with grand oaks, cedars and elms standing alongside venerable native eucaplyts. You will spot many native birds as you take the Olsen’s Creek walk, which flanks Coalition Creek, with a series of walking trails and wooden bridges, a nature lover’s delight and a wonderful example of undisturbed local flora and fauna.

Coal Creek Historical Park and Museum

Coal Creek is the result of a huge effort by community and council, including overcoming an attempt by a group of local residents to block development, to establish a history museum in Korumburra. Residents even contributed to furnishing the buildings. The park was officially opened by the Victorian Premier, Rupert Hamer, on 2nd of March 1974. It is home to many historically significant buildings which may not have survived on their original sites had they not been relocated to the park. These include the old Korumburra Courthouse, an uncommon example of the Federation Queen Anne timber architecture; the Jeetho State School No. 2690, which includes original early furniture; the Krowera Presbyterian Church, one of the only early 20th century buildings from Krowera to survive; the Wattle and Daub cottage, believed to be the oldest building in the Shire; and the Cream Room, a very rare example of an early farm building.

The Korumburra Cenotaph: nominated and written by Dennis Conn

The Cenotaph was first built in 1922 and unveiled in the same year by Brigadier General Elliot, in 1924 the RSL had an electric lamp placed on the top of the Cenotaph. It stood at the intersection of Commercial and Bridge streets at the apex of the commercial area and in front of what is now the Scott’s Estate Agency building until sometime in the 1970’s. Not the only freestanding monument of its type, however its height and size make it unique within South Gippsland. There would not be many people having moved into South Gippsland that would know of the previous location of this monument and its history. No doubt there are to be found in the Historical Societies collection, photos of the Cenotaph at its original site.

The Cenotaph in its self has a fascinating and moving story, as is to be found in Tony and Andrew Moons book “Far From Home”. In order to upgrade the afore mentioned intersection Vic Roads had asked the then Korumburra Shire Council to approve its relocation. While the present location of the upgraded and enhanced Cenotaph has provided a much quieter environment for reflection, its removal from its original site, a prime location at the centre of our community, took with it something of the historical and cultural ambience it had invoked within the commercial area and heart of the town.

Railway Underpass nominated by Linda Fisher


The railway subway is one of the less obvious historical wonders of our town. Plans began in 1895 for the subway, with a deputation of residents meeting with Railway Commissioners, urging them to begin the subway as soon as possible. The subway was included in a list of works which would cost approximately £52,000, over 8 million in today’s currency. The plans for the subway had it ’beginning at the west end of the refreshment rooms, and brought out to meet the present pathway at the foot of the steps’. The subway was to be 8 feet wide. Although the Railway Commissioners visited Korumburra in July of 1895 and declared work would begin immediately, tenders were out put for the construction and closed in September. On Monday 10th September 1895 the contact was awarded to Messrs Smith and Sanders. The subway and a new engine shed were set to cost £2,500. The subway was completed probably in early 1896. In the early 1900’s it was extended out to Station Street.

What do you think? You can vote in the poll below and make suggestions in the comments.

The poll is now closed, Thank you for voting.

Featured Image: Korumburra Railway Station © dilettante.ink