Help save a piece of Australian rural history before the case is closed | farm online

COURT ADJOURNED: One of West Victoria’s premier courthouses is in dire need of a lifeguard. Photos: Westech Real Estate.

Have you ever seen an important piece of ancient Australian history that desperately needs saving?

The old wooden Lillimur Courthouse and Post Office hangs right there – a stone’s throw from the border between Victoria and South Australia.

Built in 1887, it was the first courthouse built to bring justice to the brave new settlers of West Wimmera.

Today, he’s hoping someone can save it, offered at a bound price of around $40,000 to $44,000.

As you can see from the photos, the courthouse has fallen into disrepair, as has much of a once prosperous Lillimur that has all but disappeared.

Planners for a rail extension from Dimboola to Serviceton have apparently been spooked by what appear to be quite low hills in the area and have chosen a less strenuous route through Kaniva, some 10 kilometers away.

In its early years Lillimur prospered with various general stores, hotels, churches, a school (reportedly with 100 pupils) and even a flour mill.

MORE READING: Pioneers knew where to choose prime farmland.

The streets were lit by kerosene lamps.

So many towns in early Australia owe their existence to the alignment of railway lines and Lillimur lost.

The name Lillimur is said to have been taken from a local Aboriginal word meaning bone or acacia gum. Lillimur had first been used for a pastoral station from 1866.

The court last adjourned in 1892 and then moved down the street to become the post office just before World War I until it closed in the 1980s.

Now it has been handed over to agents at Westech Real Estate for who have struggled to find someone willing to take on a huge restoration project.

They have extended expressions of interest to buy it until June 17.

Apart from its rich pioneering history, the only other thing as it is on a large block of 1000 square meters it has been reconstructed as well as a very low maintenance garden.

But vandals worked inside to smash windows and officers faded out some graffiti to avoid offence.

Constructed from wooden planks, it has that brick fireplace and two fire pits.

There are various old style windows and a high arched roofline.

The post office window is still recognizable at the front of the property.

It is zoned agriculture with an “environmentally significant” planning overlay and has no connected services.

There are also signs of termite damage.

That’s all bad news, but it’s a unique building at a low purchase price. He waited a long time for a rescuer.

For more information, contact agents Sophie Pritchard on 0475 461390 or Joanne Perkins on 0427 041327.

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Chris McLennan

ACM’s National Rural Property Editor based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Winner of several awards.

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