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ASSESSMENT OF CULTURALHERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE ANDEXECUTIVE DIRECTORRECOMMENDATION TO THEHERITAGE COUNCIL

NAME: Rogers Memorial Reserve

LOCATION: 109 Cumberland Road Pascoe Vale, Moreland City

HERITAGE OVERLAY NO: HO291 (This overlay only covers the war memorial within the park)

FILE: 14/001705

HERMES NUMBER: 19706

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RECOMMENDATION TO THE HERITAGE COUNCIL: That the place NOT be included in the Victorian Heritage Register [Section 32 (1)(b) of the

Heritage Act 1995].

TIM SMITHExecutive Director Recommendation Date: 25 July 2014

NOMINATION

Heritage Council CriteriaThis place was nominated on the basis that it satisfies Criterion A, B, C, E, F, G and H of the Heritage Council of Victoria's Criteria for Assessment.

The nomination is provided as Attachment 1 to this document.

ASSESSMENT OF CULTURAL HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S ASSESSMENT OF CULTURAL HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE [s.34A(2)(d)]

It is the view of the Executive Director that the Rogers Memorial Reserve should not be included in the Victorian Heritage Register for the reasons outlined in this report.

It is noted that the Rogers Memorial Reserve was assessed by Context Pty Ltd in 2008 and did not meet the threshold for local significance.

The war memorial within the Rogers Memorial Reserve is of local significance which is currently acknowledged by its inclusion in the City of Moreland Heritage Overlay (HO291).

RECOMMENDATION REASONS

REASONS FOR NOT RECOMMENDING INCLUSION IN THE VICTORIAN HERITAGE REGISTER [s.34A(2)(c)]Following is the Executive Director's assessment of the place against the tests set out in The Victorian Heritage Register Criteria and Thresholds Guidelines (2014).

CRITERION AImportance to the course, or pattern, of Victoria’s cultural history.

The Rogers Memorial Reserve has been nominated against Criterion A on the basis of its importance to the course, or pattern, of Victoria’s cultural history.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S ASSESSMENT

STEP 1: A BASIC TEST FOR SATISFYING CRITERION A

The place/object has a CLEAR ASSOCIATION with an event, phase, period, process, function, movement, custom or way of life in Victoria’s cultural history.

PlusThe association of the place/object to the event, phase, etc IS EVIDENT in the physical fabric of the

place/object and/or in documentary resources or oral history.Plus

Name: Rogers Memorial ReserveHermes Number: 197061

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The EVENT, PHASE, etc is of HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE, having made a strong or influential contribution to Victoria.

The Rogers Memorial Reserve The Rogers Memorial Reserve was named after Councillor Harry Malcolmson Rogers (Coburg

City Council) after his untimely death in September 1933. There is an association between the Rogers Memorial Reserve and the work of Councillor

Malcolmson in the 1920s and early 1930s (see History Summary section). Councillor Malcolmson’s work for the Coburg area constitutes a phase in Victoria’s history. The association of the Rogers Memorial Reserve to the work of Councillor Malcolmson and the

(then) Coburg City Council is evident in the physical fabric of the place. While Councillor Malcolmson has made a significant contribution to Pascoe Vale and the (then)

City of Coburg, it has not been established that his work made a strong or influential contribution beyond the local area.

The War Memorial There is an association between the war memorial within Rogers Memorial Reserve and the

service and commemoration of Victorians at war since 1914. This constitutes a phase, process and custom in Victoria’s history. The association of the war memorial to the service and commemoration of Victorians at war

since 1914 is evident in the memorial. The service and commemoration of Victorians at war since 1914 has made a strong or influential

contribution to Victoria.

It is the view of the Executive Director that Criterion A is satisfied (in relation to the war memorial only).

STEP 2: A BASIC TEST FOR DETERMINING STATE LEVEL SIGNIFICANCE FOR CRITERION A

The place/object allows the clear association with the event, phase etc. of historical importance to be UNDERSTOOD BETTER THAN MOST OTHER PLACES OR OBJECTS IN VICTORIA WITH

SUBSTANTIALLY THE SAME ASSOCIATION.

There is an association between the war memorial within the Rogers Memorial Reserve, and the service and commemoration of Victorians at war since 1914.

This place does not allow this phase in Victoria’s history to be readily appreciated better than most other places in Victoria with substantially the same association.

There are many commemorative reserves and parks in Victoria, and over a thousand war memorials commemorating servicemen and women within the communities they are located. A number of memorial and other commemorative places are already included in the Victorian Heritage Register (including The Shrine of Remembrance, Kew War Memorial and the Ballarat Avenue of Honour).

There are no features which elevate this memorial, and the reserve in which it is located, to the level of state significance.

It is the view of the Executive Director that Criterion A is not satisfied at the State level.

CRITERION B Possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of Victoria’s cultural history.


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The Rogers Memorial Reserve has been nominated against Criterion B on the basis that it possesses uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of Victoria’s cultural history as a memorial that commemorates all wars and peace-keeping efforts, as one of only four memorials of this ‘type’ in Victoria and due to the presence of the Aleppo Tree descendent of the original Lone Pine in Gallipoli.

STEP 1: A BASIC TEST FOR SATISFYING CRITERION B

The place/object has a CLEAR ASSOCIATION with an event, phase, period, process, function, movement, custom or way of life of importance in Victoria’s cultural history.

PlusThe association of the place/object to the event, phase, etc IS EVIDENT in the physical fabric of the

place/object and/or in documentary resources or oral history.Plus

The place/object is RARE OR UNCOMMON, being one of a small number of places/objects remaining that demonstrates the important event, phase etc.

OR

The place/object is RARE OR UNCOMMON, containing unusual features of note that were not widely replicated

OR

The existence of the CLASS of place/object that demonstrates the important event, phase etc is ENDANGERED to the point of rarity due to threats and pressures on such places/objects.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S ASSESSMENT There is a clear association between the war memorial within the Rogers Memorial Reserve and

the service and commemoration of Victorians at war since 1914. This constitutes a phase, process and custom in Victoria’s history.

This association of the war memorial within the Rogers Memorial Reserve to the service and commemoration of Victorians at war since 1914 is evident in the physical fabric of the place.

The war memorial within the Rogers Memorial Reserve is not rare or uncommon. There are hundreds of local war memorials in Victoria, similar to the memorial within the Rogers

Memorial Reserve, commemorating local servicemen and women who served in wars and peacekeeping efforts since 1914.

The war memorial within the Rogers Memorial Reserve does not contain unusual features of note that were not widely replicated – no evidence has been presented to support the claim that this memorial is one of four of this ‘type’ in Victoria (i.e. it is not known whether ‘type’ relates to the material used to construct the memorial, the physical form of the memorial, the age of the memorial etc).

War memorials which commemorate local service personnel, such as that within the Rogers Memorial Reserve, are not endangered to the point of rarity.

The Aleppo Tree descendent of the Lone Pine is likely to be a third or fourth generation descendent. Three first generation planting of the Lone Pine survive in Victoria (at Wattle Park, Sisters Hall (near Terang) and in the Warrnambool Botanic Gardens) and numerous further plantings occurred around Victoria for the Gallipoli Silver Jubilee commemorations. The specimen within Rogers Memorial Reserve is not rare, uncommon or endangered.

It is the view of the Executive Director that Criterion B is not satisfied.


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CRITERION CPotential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of Victoria’s cultural history.

The Rogers Memorial Reserve has been nominated against Criterion C on the basis that the Rogers Memorial Reserve is a tranquil setting commemorating those from Pascoe Vale who have fought in past conflicts.


STEP 1: A BASIC TEST FOR SATISFYING CRITERION C

That the:visible physical fabric; and/or

documentary evidence; and/ororal history,

relating to the place/object indicates a likelihood that the place/object contains PHYSICAL EVIDENCE of HISTORICAL INTEREST that is NOT CURRENTLY VISIBLE OR UNDERSTOOD.

PlusFrom what we know of the place/object, the physical evidence is likely

to be of an INTEGRITY and/or CONDITION that it COULD YIELD INFORMATION through detailed investigation.

The visible physical fabric does not indicate a likelihood that the place contains physical evidence of historical interest that is not currently visible.

No documentary or oral history evidence has been provided which indicates a likelihood that the place contains physical evidence of historical interest that is not currently visible or understood.

It is the view of the Executive Director that Criterion C is not satisfied.

CRITERION EImportance in exhibiting particular aesthetic characteristics.

The Rogers Memorial Reserve has been nominated against Criterion E on the basis of its open space vista and unobstructed access to the west.


STEP 1: A BASIC TEST FOR SATISFYING CRITERION E

The PHYSICAL FABRIC of the place/object clearly exhibits particular aesthetic characteristics.Aesthetic adjective 1. relating to the sense of the beautiful or the science of aesthetics. 2. having a sense of the beautiful;

characterised by a love of beauty. noun 3. a philosophical theory as to what is aesthetically valid at a given time. 4. an


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artistic expression, viewed as reflective of a personal or cultural ideal of what is aesthetically valid.Aesthetics noun 1. Philosophy the science which deduces from nature and taste the rules and principles of art; the theory of the fine

arts; the science of the beautiful, or that branch of philosophy which deals with its principles or effects; the doctrines of taste. 2. Psychology the study of the mind and emotions in relation to the sense of beauty.

These definitions do not suggest that ‘aesthetic’ is synonymous with ‘beauty’. Instead they imply a judgement against various qualities that may include beauty. To assume that ‘aesthetic’ and ‘beauty’ are interchangeable terms limits an understanding of

aesthetic and aesthetics.Aesthetic characteristics are the visual qualities of a place or object that invite judgement against the ideals of beauty,

picturesqueness, evocativeness, expressiveness, grotesqueness, sublimeness and other descriptors of aesthetic judgement. The visual qualities of a place or object lie in the form, scale, setting, unity, contrast, colour, texture and material of the fabric of a place

or object.

The Rogers Memorial Reserve exhibits the particular characteristics of a local memorial park in Victoria.

The war memorial within the Rogers Memorial Reserve exhibits the particular aesthetic characteristics of a local war memorial.

It is the view of the Executive Director that Criterion E is satisfied.

STEP 2: A BASIC TEST FOR DETERMINING STATE LEVEL SIGNIFICANCE FOR CRITERION B

The aesthetic characteristics are APPRECIATED OR VALUED by the wider community or an appropriately-related discipline as evidenced, for example, by:

CRITICAL RECOGNITION of the aesthetic characteristics of the place/object within a relevant art, design, architectural or related discipline as an outstanding

example within Victoria; orwide public ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF EXCEPTIONAL MERIT in Victoria

in medium such as songs, poetry, literature, painting, sculpture, publications, print media etc.

There is no evidence to suggest that the aesthetic characteristics of the Rogers Memorial Reserve are appreciated and valued by the wider Victorian community (ie: beyond the local community).

It has not received critical recognition of its aesthetic characteristics within a relevant art, design, architectural or related discipline as an outstanding example within Victoria.

It has not received wide public acknowledgement of exceptional merit in Victoria in medium such as songs, poetry, literature, painting, sculpture, publications, print media etc.

The Rogers Memorial Reserve is considered to satisfy Exclusion Guideline XE1 – Lacks distinctiveness – the reserve has aesthetic qualities but they do not exceed those of the general class to which the place belongs.

It is the view of the Executive Director that Criterion E is not satisfied at the State level.

CRITERION FImportance in demonstrating a high degree of creative or technical achievement at a particular period.

The Rogers Memorial Reserve has been nominated against Criterion F on the basis that it houses a rare, heritage listed memorial and the Aleppo Tree.

The claimed significance does not relate to this criterion. It is the view of the Executive Director that Criterion F is not satisfied.


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CRITERION GStrong or special association with a particular community or cultural group for social, cultural or spiritual reasons. This includes the significance of a place to indigenous people as part of their continuing and developing cultural traditions.

The Rogers Memorial Reserve has been nominated against Criterion G on the basis that it is a highly used site for war commemoration services.


STEP 1: A BASIC TEST FOR SATISFYING CRITERION G

Evidence exists of a DIRECT ASSOCIATION between the place/object and a PARTICULAR COMMUNITY OR CULTURAL GROUP.

(For the purpose of these guidelines, ‘COMMUNITY or CULTURAL GROUP’ is defined as a sizable group of persons who share a common and long-standing interest or identity).

PlusThe ASSOCIATION between the place/object and the community or cultural group is STRONG OR

SPECIAL, as evidenced by the regular or long-term use of/engagement with the place/object or the enduring ceremonial, ritual, commemorative, spiritual or celebratory use of the place/object.

Evidence exists of a direct association between the Rogers Memorial Reserve and the veterans and the local Pascoe Vale Community.

The association between the place and the community is strong and special as evidenced by the regular and long-term use of/engagement with the place as a public reserve, and the enduring ceremonial, ritual, commemorative, spiritual or celebratory use of the place for war commemoration.

It is the view of the Executive Director that Criterion G is satisfied.

STEP 2: A BASIC TEST FOR DETERMINING STATE LEVEL SIGNIFICANCE FOR CRITERION G

The place/object represents a PARTICULARLY STRONG EXAMPLE of the association between it and the community or cultural group by reason of its RELATIONSHIP TO IMPORTANT HISTORICAL EVENTS

in Victoria and/or its ABILITY TO INTERPRET EXPERIENCES to the broader Victorian community.

There is no evidence available to suggest that Rogers Memorial Reserve is a stronger example of the association that exists between veterans and the local community and their local war memorial than any other war memorial within a local community.

It is the view of the Executive Director that Criterion G is not satisfied at the State level.

CRITERION HSpecial association with the life or works of a person, or group of persons, of importance in Victoria’s history.


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The Rogers Memorial Reserve has been nominated on the basis that it has a special association with veterans and service personnel.


STEP 1: A BASIC TEST FOR SATISFYING CRITERION H

The place/object has a DIRECT ASSOCIATION with a person or group of persons who have made a strong or influential CONTRIBUTION to the course of Victoria’s history.

PlusThe ASSOCIATION of the place/object to the person(s) IS EVIDENT in the physical fabric of the

place/object and/or in documentary resources and/or oral history.Plus

The ASSOCIATION:directly relates to ACHIEVEMENTS of the person(s) at, or relating to, the place/object; or

relates to an ENDURING and/or CLOSE INTERACTION between the person(s) and the place/object

The Rogers Memorial Reserve has a direct association with Councillor Harry Malcolmson Rogers. Councillor Rogers did not make made a strong and influential contribution to the course of

Victoria’s history. The war memorial within the Rogers Memorial Reserve has a direct association with service

personnel and their families. Service personnel and their families have made a strong and influential contribution to the

course of Victoria’s history. This association is evident in the physical fabric of the place and is also likely to be found in

documentary resources and oral history. The association directly relates to the sacrifices of service personnel and their families. The association relates to the enduring and close interaction that service personnel, families and

descendants have to the place.

It is the view of the Executive Director that Criterion H is satisfied (for the war memorial).

STEP 2: A BASIC TEST FOR DETERMINING STATE LEVEL SIGNIFICANCE FOR CRITERION H

The place/object allows the clear association with the person or group of persons to be READILY APPRECIATED BETTER THAN MOST OTHER PLACES OR OBJECTS IN VICTORIA.

This place meets exclusion XH3 - Persons are of local significance only. Councillor Harry Malcolmson Rogers of the City of Coburg Council is of local significance only. The war memorial commemorates service personnel from the local Pascoe Vale area only.

It is the view of the Executive Director that Criterion H is not satisfied at the State level.


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PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION SUMMARYThe Rogers Memorial Reserve is a long rectangular 1.5ha reserve with a 45m frontage on to Cumberland Road. There is a row of mature Monterey Cypress (Cupressus Macrocarpa) on the northern side of the reserve and some other commemorative plantings. The Pascoe Vale War Memorial is located in a paved area about 10m from Cumberland Street. This memorial is a small granite memorial comprising a stepped base, a lower section with engraved plaques bearing the names of those from the Pascoe Vale community who served. It is surmounted by four columns supporting a cupola that shelters a drinking fountain. It is set within a paved area within the Reserve and is set back from Cumberland Road on a centrally aligned path. The Pascoe Vale Swimming Pool is located behind the Rogers Memorial Reserve to the west.(See Context, Moreland Local Heritage Places Review 2004, Updated 2008)

HISTORY SUMMARYThe Rogers Memorial Reserve was named after Councillor Harry Malcolmson Rogers, possibly after his untimely death (of pneumonia) in September 1933. Rogers was very active in the civic and social life of the City of Coburg between the wars. Throughout his life he devoted himself to the work of improving reserves, equipping children's playgrounds and organising sporting activities. The war memorial was moved to Rogers Memorial Reserve c.1948 after World War II. It was originally built c.1916-17 at a site on the south-east corner of Pleasant and Gyles Street, just outside the Holy Trinity Church, Pascoe Vale. As is the practice in many other communities around Victoria and Australia, memorials to later conflicts such as World War II have been added to this monument over time.

VICTORIAN HISTORICAL THEMES 06 Building Towns, Cities and the Garden State

6.3 Shaping the suburbs07 Governing Victorians

7.4 Defending Victoria and Australia08 Building Community Life

8.5 Preserving traditions and commemorating

COMPARISONSIt is common for war memorials commemorating local service people to be located in local parks and reserves throughout Victoria. It is unusual, although not rare, that such memorials take the form of drinking fountains. There are an estimated 26 war memorial fountains, including ornamental and drinking, in Victoria out of 1734 war memorials (monuments and similar structures). The vast majority of these are of local significance. There are less than ten war memorials of state significance included the Victorian Heritage Register. These include the Shrine of Remembrance (H0848 ), Kew War Memorial (H0647), the Macedon Cross (H1027) and the Boer War Monument, Kings Domain (H0382). The earliest known drinking fountain in Victoria, the Wilkinson Memorial Drinking Fountain (1875), Williamstown, is included in the Victorian Heritage Register (H1733) and is not war related.

KEY REFERENCES USED TO PREPARE ASSESSMENTNomination materialVictorian Heritage DatabaseContext, Moreland Local Heritage Places Review 2004 (Updated 2008)Department of Planning and Community Development, War-related heritage in Victoria, 2011

ATTACHMENTS


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Nomination materialContext, Moreland Local Heritage Places Review 2004 (Updated 2008)

IMAGES

Rogers Memorial Reserve – Showing HO291 in pink circle (War Memorial – Commemorative Drinking Fountain) This memorial was built c. 1916-17 and moved to this location c.1948.


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Rogers Memorial Reserve – Aerial view (Google Maps).


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CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

REMOVE THIS PAGE PRIOR TO PUBLIC CIRCULATION

OFFICER REPORTING: MARINA LARSSON

CONFLICT/INTEREST DECLARATION:

I have considered whether there is a conflict of interest in assessing this nomination and I have determined that I have:

No Conflict

OFFICER’S NAME: MARINA LARSSON

SIGNATURE:

DATE:

NOMINATOR: MS JULIEANNE BELL

DATE NOMINATED: 14 May 2014

OWNER: CITY OF MORELAND

ARE THERE ANY IMAGES NOT FOR PUBLIC CIRCULATION? IF SO, WHICH? NA

COMMENTS: NA

ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATION REVIEWED AND AGREED BY:

MANAGER ASSESSMENTS DATE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DATE


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