Daylesford Court House Precinct
Acknowledgment
Working Heritage acknowledges that the Daylesford Court House Precinct played a role in the enforcement of the colonial expansion of Victoria which resulted in the dispossession and alienation of Country from its traditional owners the Dja Dja Wurrung. It is Working Heritage’s intent to confront this reality and make genuine steps towards reconciliation.
The Property
The Daylesford Court House Precinct is a relatively early example of a typical regional Police Reserve that developed during the Victorian Gold Rush of the 1850s and 60s. It has undergone many changes since its establishment as a 'Camp and Police Reserve' of about 50 acres in 1854, on the crest of Wombat Hill. Key features of the site include the courthouse (1862-63), the police quarters (1875), the lock-up (1862) and the modern Multi-purpose Building (2003).
Working Heritage was appointed to manage the site in 2018 and has since undertaken extensive conservation works to the courthouse building to help protect it into the future.
Current Use
The Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre currently lease the entire site, providing an invaluable resource for training, education, and support for the local community.
Visiting the Property
The site is consistently open to the public, with the Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre operating Monday-Thursday 9:00AM-4:00PM and Friday 9:00AM-1:30pm, while the Reserve grounds provide extensive views over the town and surrounding district are accessible 24 hours per day, seven days per week.