LITTLE AUSSIE BATTLER
How Arlo captures the spirit of Australia.
PERFECTLY manicured lawns encircle the bluestone Barwon Park Mansion, a postcard-perfect encapsulation of the yesteryear wealth of the Western District squattocracy.
Without the labour of hardworking volunteers such as Pat Collins, the 42-room landmark may still be a decaying edifice to a bygone era.
The Winchelsea volunteer has received an Order of Australia (OAM) medal for service to the community through the preservation of historical sites.
Mrs Collins moved to Winchelsea in 1962 shortly after marrying local Noel and the couple were active members of the community.
She spent 18 years as an assistant at the town’s kindergarten, helped out with the tennis club and Uniting Church as well as work with the Save the Children fund.
But it was her role with Barwon Park that has gained the greatest recognition, including an honorary life membership with the National Trust.
“The late Syd Batson bequeathed Barwon Park to the National Trust in 1969 but it wasn’t until 1973 that they took possession, following the death of the last remaining sister,” Mrs Collins said.
“It was just an empty shell in the mid 1970s. No furniture at all. The grass was high and the garden overgrown, problems with the roof, rotting floorboards.” That was soon to change. “We used to have big open days. 6000 people would come along on the Queen’s Birthday holiday,” she said.
“We used to host balls with people getting dressed up in period costume. There was a lot of work involved with many volunteers.”
Barwon Park Mansion was originally owned by the Austin family and Mrs Collins takes inspiration from Elizabeth Austin, a pioneer not only in agriculture but health care and women’s rights.
“The way Barwon Park looks today is really a tribute to Elizabeth. She helped found the hospital at Heidelberg and there are 12 terrace houses in South Geelong that were set aside for widows struggling to make ends meet. She was ahead of her time,” Mrs Collins said.