Almost a decade before it was added to the National Heritage Register, Beechworth’s significant role in Australian history was acknowledged and safeguarded by a group of local residents and ACRE.
Seeing the Old Beechworth Gaol languish under the ownership of two private developers, 19 local families and four philanthropic organisations under the leadership of ACRE took matters into their own hands, raising $2.7 million to purchase the Old Gaol.
At the time the Old Beechworth Gaol was the largest rural town community buyback in the world. The group were able to protect the Old Gaol, which occupies half the site featured in the Federal Government’s recently announced National Heritage Listing of Beechworth Administrative Precinct.
“We’re really proud of our work in support of the National Heritage listing, working together with Indigo Shire Council and Heritage Advisors, the culmination of efforts by local people over many years. It was thrilling to receive acknowledgment and congratulations from the Honourable Tanya Plibersek MP” said Matt Pfahlert, Co-Founder and CEO at ACRE.
The Old Beechworth Gaol stands as one of Australia’s most important post-European cultural sites. Over 25,000 visitors take a tour of the Old Gaol each year, often surprised to hear the significance of the history with the Kelly gang:
- Ned Kelly spent around two years of his life at Old Beechworth Gaol
- Every member of the Kelly gang were held there, including brother Dan Kelly, Joe Byrne, Steve Hart and 23 Kelly sympathisers
- Ned’s mother Ellen Kelly was locked in the Old Gaol with a newborn baby
“As the highest possible preservation and conservation protection nationally, this is an incredible milestone that wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of locals to save Old Beechworth Gaol” Matt said.
Today, the Old Beechworth Gaol is being repurposed as a globally recognised cultural tourism destination and education centre for social entrepreneurship, creative industries and community-led rejuvenation.
ACRE continues to support rural communities, providing advice on local asset management. Currently there are 22 communities on ACRE’s waiting list, looking for advice about how to take their destiny into their own hands and help their communities not just survive, but thrive.
For more on the Old Beechworth Gaol visit theobg.com.au.
