Tom Harley is one of the great-grandchildren of Australia’s second prime minister Alfred Deakin who wants the Point Lonsdale house moved into public hands. Picture: Jason Edwards
Descendants of Australia’s second prime minister Alfred Deakin have re-entered the political fray seeking an election commitment to put his historic Point Lonsdale holiday home into public hands.
The house was designed and built during Deakin’s second term as prime minister in 1907 and became an important retreat where he would read, write and develop political ideas.
His wife Pattie designed the native gardens and established the Point Lonsdale War Memorial on the property, which has been passed down through descendants and is now retained by 10 brothers and cousins.
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In recent years, some had sought to sell their share of the 1.68ha property, which sparked the long-running campaign to have Ballara bought into public hands.
Great-grandson Tom Harley said $4m has been raised in pledges from locals, family members, the Borough of Queenscliffe, philanthropic supporters, with the understanding of a matched commitment from the Commonwealth needed to secure the property for community use.
Mr Harley said agreement has been secured with Deakin University to manage Ballara for the community, while family will also establish a $500,000 trust to support future upkeep.
More than 6000 people had signed a petition supporting the campaign while more than 500 people visited the home when it was opened to the public last weekend, which he said highlighted the community support for the property.
Ballara was a Point Lonsdale residence built by former PM Alfred Deakin. Picture: Mark Wilson
Leading former politicians and historians recently penned a letter to Arts Minister Tony Burke urging the Commonwealth consider contributing to the acquisition of Ballara from the Deakin family.
Signatories to the letter included former Victorian premier Steve Bracks, former Labor minister Barry Jones, ex-foreign minister Julie Bishop, former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull and emeritus professor Judith Brett.
Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal has set a June 5 deadline before real estate agents are called in to sell the property on the public market.
Mr Harley feared the collection of paintings, books, photographs and documents at Ballara would be dispersed as a result and the property be under threat from development.
“The house is remarkably well preserved, including original furniture and books,” Mr Harley said.
Ballara was a Point Lonsdale residence built by former PM Alfred Deakin. Picture: Mark Wilson
“It’s such a beautiful place and it’s important in a whole lot of ways.
“We want an election commitment from both parties that if you win, you will do this,” Mr Harley said.
A spokesperson for Ms Coker yesterday said “there’s been complexity with this matter over the years”.
“The Museum of Australian Democracy has been tasked with giving advice to the government and representatives have recently visited the site.”
Tom Harley sits at Alfred Deakin’s desk at Ballara. Picture: Jason Edwards
A Liberal Party spokesperson said Corangamite candidate Darcy Dunstan understands the level of community interest in this issue.
“Alfred Deakin was one of the founders of our democracy and a key figure in Australian history,” the spokesman said.
“Darcy welcomes the opportunity to visit the site and hear from the local community about their concerns.”
Mr Harley said museum representatives had visited two weeks ago to examine Ballara and its collection.
“The Government will need to get a valuation and commit its funds before June 5 or the property will be sold and the collection dispersed – it’s now or never,” Mr Harley said
The Commonwealth has supported the preservation of seven other houses owned or built by former prime ministers, but none are in Victoria.
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