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Skipton Court House and Police Residence

Acknowledgment

Working Heritage acknowledges that the Skipton Court House and Police Residence is situated on the land of the Wadawurrung People and that the building’s history is inextricably tied to the area’s history of colonisation and dispossession. The building is situated on land that is viewed as Crown Land by the State and unceded Country by the Wadawurrung. For the Wadawurrung, colonisation had a devastating impact on all aspects of their life including culture, language and traditions. While much of the consequences of this history are still being felt, the ongoing work of the Wadawurrung People is a testament to the cultural strength and resilience that has aided their survival. It is Working Heritage’s intent to confront the reality of colonisation and make genuine steps towards reconciliation.

The Property

Located on the banks of Mount Emu Creek, the Skipton Court House is significant as an early, and one of the few surviving, portable courthouses in Victoria. The building was moved to its current position from Beaufort in 1867 and in 1910 the police residence was added to the site. The property sits within the Stewart Park recreational area and includes the two buildings, police stables and a covered BBQ area.

Working Heritage was appointed Committee of Management in 2004 and has worked with the tenants to conserve the building, particularly after devastating floods to the area in 2011 and 2023.

Current Use

  • The Skipton Court House is currently used by the Skipton Historical Society as a local history museum.
  • The Police Residence is utilised for meetings and display of the historical society's collection.

Visiting the Site

The buildings are regularly open to the public through the historical society and visitors can use the adjoining BBQ area at any time.