ASSESSMENT OF CULTURAL HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RECOMMENDATION TO THE HERITAGE COUNCIL

Name: Former Repatriation Outpatients ClinicHermes Number: 200349

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NAME FORMER REPATRIATION OUTPATIENTS CLINICLOCATION VICTORIA BARRACKS, 310 ST KILDA ROAD, SOUTHBANKVHR NUMBER: PROV VHR H2374CATEGORY: HERITAGE PLACEHERITAGE OVERLAY NO HERITAGE OVERLAY. FILE NUMBER: FOL/17/10565

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RECOMMENDATION TO THE HERITAGE COUNCIL: That the Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic be included as a Heritage Place in the Victorian

Heritage Register under the Heritage Act 1995 [Section 32 (1)(a)].

TIM SMITH OAMExecutive DirectorRecommendation Date: Friday, 19 May 2017

This recommendation report has been issued by the Executive Director, Heritage Victoria under s.32 of the Heritage Act 1995. It has not been considered or endorsed by the Heritage Council of Victoria.

BACKGROUND TO NOMINATIONThe Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic at 310 St Kilda Road is currently part of the larger Victoria Barracks precinct at 256-310 St Kilda Road which is owned by the Department of Defence. Places on Commonwealth-owned land cannot be considered for inclusion in the VHR. The Department of Defence is currently disposing of the Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic. In March 2017 as part of its obligations under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) the Department of Defence nominated the Former Clinic for inclusion in the Victorian Heritage Register. When this place passes out of Commonwealth ownership (anticipated to be in the coming weeks) it is proposed to gazette this registration in the VHR.

EXTENT OF NOMINATIONAll of the place known as the ‘Former Repatriation Outpatient Clinic’ as indicated by the dashed green line on Attachment D.

RECOMMENDED REGISTRATIONAll of the place shown hatched on Diagram 2374 encompassing all of Lot 2 on Plan of Subdivision 743098.

The extent of registration of the Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic in the Victorian Heritage Register affects the whole place shown on Diagram 2374 including the land, all buildings (including the exteriors and interiors), and other features. It also includes all fixtures affixed to the building at the time of registration including external gates, and internal joinery, built-in furniture and lighting.

RATIONALE FOR EXTENTThe recommended extent encompasses all elements relating to the cultural heritage significance of the Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic (1937). It does not include any elements associated with the adjacent Victoria Barracks buildings constructed between 1856 and 1872.

AERIAL PHOTO OF THE PLACE SHOWING PROPOSED REGISTRATION

STATEMENT OF CULTURAL HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE

WHAT IS SIGNIFICANT?

The Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic including the main brick and rendered clinic building, and brick additions to the west of the original building. It also includes all internal and external fixtures affixed to the building at the time of registration including external gates, and internal joinery, built-in furniture and lighting.

History Summary

Following World War I (1914-18) a number of repatriation hospitals and facilities were established in Victoria to provide medical assistance for returned servicemen with wounds and disabilities. The principal hospital was the Caulfield Repatriation Hospital, and there was also an outpatient clinic which operated from the basement of the Repatriation Department building located on the southwest corner of St Kilda Road and Coventry Street. During the 1920s and 1930s, increasing numbers of ex-servicemen presented at repatriation facilities as they aged and experienced complications from injuries, and secondary illnesses relating to gas exposure, tuberculosis and shell-shock. To address this rise in demand, a new Repatriation Outpatients Clinic was opened in 1937 by the Repatriation Commission on the northwest corner of St Kilda Road and Coventry Street. Extensions designed by architect D B Windebank were made to the rear of the building in 1946, indicating the ongoing need for services. The Clinic provided services to veterans from World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and other conflicts. It ceased to operate in 1980 and was subsequently used by the Maintenance Engineering Agency of the Department of Defence. It has been unoccupied since 1999.

Description Summary

The Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic is constructed of manganese (brown) brick with rendered details now painted white. The front façade facing St Kilda Road is symmetrically designed around a two storeyed recessed entrance porch within a square arch supported by square columns. The porch is flanked by vertical windows above a rendered plinth which are repeated on both the north and south elevations. The central bay projects slightly forward of the side bays and is accessed by a shallow staircase with ramps on either side. The south elevation fronts Coventry Street and has an access ramp with a curved and stepped balustrade wall. The whole of the building has a stepped parapet with a rendered capping which conceals the roof. Wrought iron gates of simple linear design with art deco influences are located on the north and west side of the building. Internally, the ground floor comprises a large double height waiting hall with medical rooms opening from it. It is accessed through an entrance lobby, with a staircase to the first floor on the northern side of the entrance. Art Deco influences continue internally, with terrazzo and parquetry floors, and decorative mouldings and plasterwork to the walls and ceilings. Built-in furniture, and lighting survives in some of the rooms.

The Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic is located on the traditional lands of the Boon Wurrung people. There is no Registered Aboriginal Party appointed over this area.

HOW IS IT SIGNIFICANT?

The Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic is of architectural, historical and social significance to the State of Victoria. It satisfies the following criterion for inclusion in the Victorian Heritage Register:

Criterion A

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

Criterion B

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

Criterion D

Importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of cultural places and objects.

Criterion G

Strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group for social, cultural or spiritual reasons.

WHY IS IT SIGNIFICANT?

The Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic is significant at the State level for the following reasons:

The Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic is historically significant as Victoria’s only remaining purpose built repatriation outpatients clinic attended by veterans from across the state for over forty years. It provides a clear insight into the care and repatriation of returned service personnel from both World Wars and later conflicts. The extension of the clinic in 1946 reflects the growing demand for health services following World War II. [Criterion A]

The Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic is rare as the only surviving outpatient clinic for returned servicemen constructed in Victoria. [Criterion B]

The Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic is architecturally significant as a fine example of an interwar military building. It was designed in the Interwar Functionalist style with Art Deco influences and is one of a number of military buildings designed by architect George Hallandal for the Commonwealth Department of Works. The plan form of the building is substantially intact and demonstrates the medical function of the clinic. The design, finishes and motifs, both externally and internally, all clearly demonstrate the principal characteristics of an interwar military building. [Criterion D]

The Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic has a special association with returned service personnel from conflicts since World War I. For present day returned personnel, the place provides a strong emotional connection to past veterans and their experiences of war trauma and disability. [Criterion G]

RECOMMENDATION REASONSREASONS FOR RECOMMENDING INCLUSION IN THE VICTORIAN HERITAGE REGISTER [s.34A(2)]

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 A

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

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

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

Executive Director’s Response

The Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic is one of a number of military buildings constructed during the interwar period. It was constructed to provide medical care for soldiers returning from World War I, while other buildings were constructed as part of a strategic strengthening of Australia’s defence capacity. It has a clear association with both World Wars, and later conflicts through the continued provision of medical services. World War I and II had a collective impact on the daily lives of almost all of the Victorian population and while the impact of later conflicts was less broadly felt, the impact is no less significant.

When soldiers returned home at the end of World War I, many of them were physically or psychologically ill. However many men who had returned seemingly unscathed became ill or incapacitated as they aged and increasingly required medical treatment. As repatriation hospitals became inundated with new patients, members of the Returned Services League lobbied the Commonwealth Government frequently on the issue. To alleviate congestion at Caulfield Repatriation Hospital, the Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic was opened in 1937.

The Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic was also one of a number of military buildings established by the Commonwealth Department of Works during a period of strategic preparations for World War II. The extension to the building in 1946 is indicative of the increased need for medical treatments for returned service personnel following World War II.

The association of the Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic with the delivery of medical treatment for returned servicemen is clearly evident in the physical fabric of the place through the layout of rooms and through surviving fixtures and built-in furniture. It is also evident in documentary resources.

The Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic is associated with the care of returned servicemen from World War I, World War II, and later conflicts, all of which are of strong historical importance to Victoria.

Criterion A is likely to be satisfied.

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.

Executive Director’s Response

Due to the remarkably intact condition of the place, the Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic allows the clear association with the provision of medical services for returned service personnel to be understood better than any other place in Victoria.

Criterion A is likely to be satisfied at the State level.

CRITERION B

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

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.

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

replicatedOR

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 Response

The Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic has a clear association with both World Wars and later conflicts. It is rare as the only surviving outpatient facility constructed to provide medical treatment for returned service personnel. The association is clearly evident in the design and fabric of the building, and in documentary resources.

Criterion B is likely to be satisfied.

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

The place/object is RARE, UNCOMMON OR ENDANGERED within Victoria.

Executive Director’s Response

The Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic is rare as the only example of an outpatients clinic constructed to provide medical services for World War I returned servicemen.

Criterion B is likely to be satisfied at the State level.

CRITERION C

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

STEP 1: A BASIC TEST FOR SATISFYING CRITERION C

The: visible physical fabric; &/or

documentary evidence; &/or oral 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.

Executive Director’s Response

The Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic does not have the potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of Victoria’s cultural history.

Criterion C is not likely to be satisfied.

CRITERION D

Importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of cultural places and objects.

STEP 1: A BASIC TEST FOR SATISFYING CRITERION D

The place/object is one of a CLASS of places/objects that has a clear ASSOCIATION with an event, phase, period, process, function, movement, important person(s), custom or way of life in Victoria’s history.

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

Victoria.Plus

The principal characteristics of the class are EVIDENT in the physical fabric of the place/object.

Executive Director’s Response

The Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic has a clear association with both World Wars, and later conflicts.

The Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic is one of the class of interwar military buildings. It is highly intact and demonstrates the principal characteristics of an interwar military building, through its Interwar Functionalist style. This is expressed through staggered massing, curved and geometric shapes, vertical emphasis and Functionalist and Art Deco influences in the decorative treatment to gates and architectural elements. It is also expressed through the use of materials including brown bricks, rendered details and steel windows. Internally the style is expressed through the Functionalist and Art Deco design of decorative mouldings and plasterwork, terrazzo flooring, the staircase and remnant built-in furniture.

Criterion D is likely to be satisfied.

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

The place/object is a NOTABLE EXAMPLE of the class in Victoria (refer to Reference Tool D).

Executive Director’s Response

The Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic is a notable and highly intact example of an interwar military building. The Interwar Functionalist and Art Deco influences are evident in the geometric, streamlined design of exterior and interior decorative elements and through the limited palette of bricks, rendered sections (now painted) and metal. The Interwar and Art Deco design influences continue into the interior of the building through the use of terrazzo and parquetry flooring, fine detailing including plaster elements, timber joinery, and remnant built-in furniture. The waiting hall is particularly fine with Art Deco influenced plaster detailing to walls and ceilings, timber joinery and metal air conditioning grilles.

Criterion D is likely to be satisfied at the State level.

CRITERION E

Importance in exhibiting particular aesthetic characteristics.

STEP 1: A BASIC TEST FOR SATISFYING CRITERION E

The PHYSICAL FABRIC of the place/object clearly exhibits particular aesthetic characteristics.

Executive Director’s Response

The Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic exhibits particular aesthetic characteristics through its considered Functionalist and Art Deco influenced design and materials, both internally and externally. The design of the building successfully addresses its corner location through staggered massing and curved elements.

Criterion E is likely to be satisfied.

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

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; or

wide public acknowledgement of exceptional merit in Victoria in medium such as songs, poetry, literature, painting, sculpture, publications, print media etc.

Executive Director’s Response

Although the Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic is appreciated and valued by the wider community, there has been no critical recognition of the aesthetic characteristics of the place within a relevant discipline. There has also been no wide public acknowledgement of exceptional merit in Victoria through creative mediums.

Criterion E is not likely to be satisfied at the State level.

CRITERION F

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

STEP 1: A BASIC TEST FOR SATISFYING CRITERION F

The place/object contains PHYSICAL EVIDENCE that clearly demonstrates creative or technical ACHIEVEMENT for the time in which it was created.

PlusThe physical evidence demonstrates a HIGH DEGREE OF INTEGRITY.

Executive Director’s Response

The Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic does not demonstrate a high degree of creative or technical achievement for the period.

Criterion F is not likely to be satisfied.

CRITERION G

Strong 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.

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.

Executive Director’s Response

The Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic has a direct association with returned service personnel who received treatment as outpatients from 1937, and with present day veterans, for whom the place holds an emotional connection to earlier generations of veterans. It demonstrates the profound and ongoing impact of the World Wars and later conflicts on returned service personnel, their families and the wider Victorian community.

The Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic also has associations with the families of returned service personnel. During the interwar period, families often accompanied the patients, and the plan of the building demonstrates the consideration of families by the provision of a large, general waiting hall. This hall also provided ‘common ground’ where men with the shared experience of war could meet. There was also a close connection between patients and doctors, many of whom were ex-servicemen themselves.

The Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic has an association with the Returned Services League who lobbied strongly for additional medical services during the interwar period.

Criterion G is likely to be 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.

Executive Director’s Response

The association between the Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic and returned servicemen and women is particularly strong through the ongoing provision of medical services for more than forty years. This association is related to important historical events in Victoria, including World Wars I and II and later conflicts. This association is evident in the plan, detailing and design of the Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic. The large waiting room was a meeting place for veterans and a place for their families to support and interact with one another socially. The clinic closed in 1980, but still retains a strong association with present day veterans, for whom the place holds an emotional connection to earlier generations of veterans. The building is highly intact and has the ability to interpret these experiences to the broader Victorian community.

Criterion G is likely to be satisfied at the State level.

CRITERION H

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

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.

Executive Director’s Response

The Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic has a direct association with architect George Hallandal and the association is evident in the physical fabric of the place, which was constructed to his design. Although George Hallandal designed a number of interwar buildings in Melbourne, he has not made a strong or influential contribution to the course of Victoria’s history.

Criterion H is not likely to be satisfied.

PROPOSED PERMIT POLICYPreamble

The purpose of the Permit Policy is to assist when considering or making decisions regarding works to a registered place. It is recommended that any proposed works be discussed with an officer of Heritage Victoria prior to making a permit application. Discussing proposed works will assist in answering questions the owner may have and aid any decisions regarding works to the place.

The extent of registration of the Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic in the Victorian Heritage Register affects the whole place shown on Diagram 2374 including the building (exteriors and interiors). Under the Heritage Act 1995 a person must not remove or demolish, damage or despoil, develop or alter or excavate, relocate or disturb the position of any part of a registered place or object without approval. It is acknowledged, however, that alterations and other works may be required to keep places and objects in good repair and adapt them for use into the future.

If a person wishes to undertake works or activities in relation to a registered place or registered object, they must apply to the Executive Director, Heritage Victoria for a permit. The purpose of a permit is to enable appropriate change to a place and to effectively manage adverse impacts on the cultural heritage significance of a place as a consequence of change. If an owner is uncertain whether a heritage permit is required, it is recommended that Heritage Victoria be contacted.

Permits are required for anything which alters the place or object, unless a permit exemption is granted. Permit exemptions usually cover routine maintenance and upkeep issues faced by owners as well as minor works or works to the elements of the place or object that are not significant. They may include appropriate works that are specified in a conservation management plan. Permit exemptions can be granted at the time of registration (under s.42 of the Heritage Act) or after registration (under s.66 of the Heritage Act).

It should be noted that the addition of new buildings to the registered place, as well as alterations to the interior and exterior of existing buildings requires a permit, unless a specific permit exemption is granted.

Conservation management plans

It is recommended that a Conservation Management Plan is developed to manage the place in a manner which respects its cultural heritage significance.

Aboriginal cultural heritage

If any Aboriginal cultural heritage is discovered or exposed at any time it is necessary to immediately contact Aboriginal Victoria to ascertain requirements under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.

Other approvalsPlease be aware that approval from other authorities (such as local government) may be required to undertake works.

ArchaeologyGround disturbance may affect any archaeological deposits at the place and, subject to the exemptions stated in this document, requires a permit.

Cultural heritage significance

Overview of significance

The cultural heritage significance of the Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic lies in all of the place at 310 St Kilda Road, including the 1937 building and the 1946 additions, and all associated elements including external gates, and internal joinery, built-in furniture and lighting.

PROPOSED PERMIT EXEMPTIONS (UNDER SECTION 42 OF THE HERITAGE ACT)It should be noted that Permit Exemptions can be granted at the time of registration (under s.42(4) of the Heritage Act). Permit Exemptions can also be applied for and granted after registration (under s.66 of the Heritage Act)

General Condition 1

All exempted alterations are to be planned and carried out in a manner which prevents damage to the fabric of the registered place or object.

General Condition 2

Should it become apparent during further inspection or the carrying out of works that original or previously hidden or inaccessible details of the place or object are revealed which relate to the significance of the place or object, then the exemption covering such works shall cease and Heritage Victoria shall be notified as soon as possible.

General Condition 3

All works should ideally be informed by Conservation Management Plans prepared for the place. The Executive Director is not bound by any Conservation Management Plan, and permits still must be obtained for works suggested in any Conservation Management Plan.

General Condition 4

Nothing in this determination prevents the Heritage Council from amending or rescinding all or any of the permit exemptions.

General Condition 5

Nothing in this determination exempts owners or their agents from the responsibility to seek relevant planning or building permits from the relevant responsible authority, where applicable.

Specific Permit Exemptions

Exterior• Minor patching, repair and maintenance which replace like with like.• Removal of non-original items such as air conditioners, pipe work, ducting, wiring, antennae, aerials

etc and making good in a manner which does not damage the heritage fabric.• Installation or removal of non-original external fixtures and fittings such as hot water services and

taps in a manner which does not damage the heritage fabric.• Installation or repair of damp-proofing by an approved method in a manner which does not damage

the heritage fabric.• Painting of previously painted surfaces provided that preparation or painting does not remove the

original paint or other decorative schemes, or damage the heritage fabric.

Interior• Painting of previously painted walls and ceilings provided that preparation or painting does not

remove any original paint or other decorative scheme, or damage the heritage fabric.• Removal or replacement of non-original carpets and/or flexible floor coverings. • Removal or replacement of non-original curtain tracks, rods and blinds. • Removal of non-original door and window furniture including, hinges, locks, knobsets and sash lifts. • Installation, removal or replacement of bulk insulation in the roof space.

Maintenance and Security• General maintenance including the removal of broken glass, the temporary shuttering of windows

and covering of holes as long as this work is reversible and does not have a detrimental impact on cultural heritage significance.

Public Safety and Security • The erection of temporary security fencing, scaffolding or hoardings to prevent unauthorised access

or secure public safety which will not have a detrimental effect on the fabric of the place.• Emergency building stabilisation (including propping) necessary to secure safety where a site feature

has been irreparably damaged or destabilised and represents a safety risk. Note: Urgent or emergency site works are to be undertaken by an appropriately qualified specialist such as a structural engineer, or other heritage professional.

Landscape Exemptions• Maintenance and care of existing plants.• The process of gardening, including mowing, hedge clipping, bedding displays, removal of dead

shrubs and replanting the same species or cultivar.• The removal or pruning of dead or dangerous trees to maintain safety. • Vegetation protection and management of possums and vermin. • Subsurface works involving the installation, removal or replacement of watering and drainage

systems or services provided that there is no detrimental effect on heritage fabric.

RELEVANT INFORMATIONLOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY Melbourne City Council

HERITAGE LISTING INFORMATION

Heritage Overlay: No heritage overlay. The place is currently owned by the Commonwealth and is not subject to Victorian planning legislation.

Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register: No

Other listing: No

HISTORY

The Victoria Barracks precinctThe Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic is located on the south-east corner of the Victoria Barracks precinct 256-310 St Kilda Road, Southbank, City of Melbourne. Construction of Victoria Barracks began in 1859 as the General Headquarters for the Imperial Army in Melbourne. Following Federation in 1901, Victoria Barracks became the headquarters of the new Commonwealth naval and military forces. In 1936, the Department of Defence offered the site on the corner of St Kilda Road and Coventry Street (310 St Kilda Road) to the Repatriation Commission for the construction of an outpatient clinic.

Rehabilitation of returned service personnelIn mid-1915 the first of many thousands of soldiers began to return to Australia from Europe with physical and psychological injuries. Large scale medical and rehabilitation facilities opened and were managed by the Department of Defence until 1917 when the Repatriation Department took over responsibility. In 1919, the Repatriation Commission was established under the Australian Soldiers’ Repatriation Act to manage the healthcare, settlement, pensions and vocational training of returned soldiers. By this stage, the Caulfield Hospital alone was treating over 1,000 repatriation patients each day, and was to remain Victoria's main repatriation hospital for many decades.

The Repatriation Department and the Commission had been established to assist servicemen returning from World War I, however little consideration had been given to the long-term effects of war on returned servicemen as they aged. By the 1930s, disabled soldiers and their families faced a range of new challenges. Men who had enlisted in their twenties and younger were now middle aged. Their wounds had degenerated, and their mental and physical health was failing. Those who had returned comparatively fit started to suffer from the effects of shrapnel and gunshot wounds and the long term consequences of tuberculosis, shell-shock and gas exposure. In the late 1920s, formerly healthy ex-servicemen began to report at repatriation hospitals for the first time. This occurred simultaneously with a decrease in pensions to ex-servicemen due to the Depression. The Repatriation Commission was responsible for pensions and if a serviceman didn’t have a record of injury or illness, they were assessed as a civilian and weren’t always eligible for a pension. Together with decreasing employment opportunities, this caused great financial hardship for many families.

The Former Repatriation Outpatients ClinicPrior to 1936, an outpatient clinic operated from the basement of the Repatriation Commission’s building which was located on the south west corner of St Kilda Road and Coventry Street. It was described as overcrowded and inadequate, with patients and their accompanying family members having to wait in a basement room. Medical examiners shared examination cubicles which afforded little privacy for patients. The number of patients presenting themselves at repatriation hospitals, and at Caulfield Repatriation Hospital in particular was also increasing. These facilities were only ever intended to be temporary places for treating returned servicemen from World War I and were therefore ill equipped to cope with the growing need for medical services. The Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia (RSSILA), now known as the Returned and Services League (RSL) frequently lobbied for improved medical facilities and all of these issues contributed to the proposal of a new outpatient facility.

In 1936, Lieutenant Colonel White, Acting Minister for Repatriation announced the proposal to build an outpatients clinic for returned World War I soldiers. Work commenced in the same year on land provided by the Defence Department on the corner of St Kilda Road and Coventry Street. The land originally formed part of the Victoria Barracks and to ensure that the Clinic was recognised as a separate operation, the bluestone wall surrounding the Barracks was moved back approximately 25 metres from Coventry Street. The new Clinic was designed by architect George Hallandal under Director H L McKennall of the Commonwealth Works Department. Hallandal was responsible for the design of many of other Defence buildings during the same period. He worked with the Commonwealth Works Department from 1923 to 1966 and had a long and distinguished career.

The Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic fully opened in November 1937 and was expected to provide medical services for a daily average of 200 returned servicemen. It contained medical examination rooms, an operating theatre for performing minor surgeries, a massage section and a dispensary. The privacy of patients was considered through the provision of individual examination rooms, and conditions for family members were improved through the provision of a large heated general waiting hall. The waiting hall was an important consideration in the design of building. Following its opening, the Minister for Repatriation noted that the ‘comfort of the patients has been materially increased both while they are awaiting and receiving treatments’. The hall provided ‘common ground’ for men with the shared experience of war. There were often long waiting times between appointments with doctors and specialists, and advantage was taken of the basement canteen run by the Red Cross from 1937.

Not everyone was satisfied with the design, with the choice of brown brickwork causing well known artist Arthur Streeton to condemn the aesthetic appearance of the building against the existing bluestone structures of Victoria Barracks. The brickwork was defended by the Director of the Commonwealth Public Works Department as unpretentious and cost effective. The materials and design were also in keeping with a number of other military buildings constructed by the Commonwealth Department of Works at the same time. These buildings were constructed as part of strategic preparation for World War II and most were drill halls built to train a citizen army during a period when there was an increased threat of war. They included The Former Royal Australian Corps of Signals Drill Hall (VHR H2362) and Former Royal Australian Army Medical Corps Training Depot (VHR H0717), also designed by George Hallandal.

Expansion and closureIn 1946 extensions to the physiotherapy and massage departments were made to the rear of the building, to the design of architect D B Windebank. The extensions were also of brown brick and replicated the Art Deco style of the original building. Services were subsequently provided not only by doctors and nurses, but also by physiotherapists, social workers, educational therapists, and other allied health personnel.

In 1950 a new clinic for war neurosis opened at the Clinic. It was supervised by English specialist, Dr Kennedy and reported in the Argus as being as ‘good as any in the world’. By 1950, the Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic was providing medical treatment for soldiers aged from twenty to eighty years old, ‘soldiers of the last war, old men who have seen four wars and even a few former service women’.

In 1974, the Repatriation Department was replaced by the Department of Repatriation and Compensation, and ultimately by the Department of Veterans' Affairs. The Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic closed in 1980, after which time the building was occupied by the Maintenance Engineering Agency. In 1999 it was described as unoccupied and in disrepair and has been vacant since that time.

CONSTRUCTION DETAILS

Architect name: George Hallandal

Architectural style name: Functionalist / Art Deco

Construction started date: 1936

Construction ended date: 1937 (extended in 1946)

VICTORIAN HISTORICAL THEMES

07 Governing Victorians7.4 Defending Victoria and Australia

08 Building community life8.3 Providing health and welfare services

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

The Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic is a manganese (brown) brick structure with white painted rendered details. It is of asymmetrical design with staggered massing and vertical emphasis through doors and window fenestrations.

The front façade addresses St Kilda Road and is designed around a two storeyed recessed entrance porch with a large urn above the doorway. The porch is contained within a rendered square arch with bead and reel detail, and supported by square columns. The porch is flanked by vertical windows sitting above a white painted plinth and surmounted with white painted roundels. A shallow staircase provides access to the porch, with ramps on either side. These elements are contained within a central bay which projects slightly forward of the side bays. The vertical windows are repeated on the north and south elevations.

The south elevation faces Coventry Street and has an access ramp contained within a curved and stepped wall. The 1946 additions are evident at the western end of the building through the use of slightly darker bricks. The whole of the building has a stepped parapet with white painted capping which conceals the roof. Wrought iron gates are located between the building and the bluestone perimeter wall of Victoria Barracks on the north side, and also at the rear of the building. Both are of simple linear design with strong Art Deco influence.

Internally, the plan is centred around a double story waiting hall with finely detailed plaster walls and ceilings (including the Royal Australian Medical Corps emblem above the entrance door), and lit by high level windows. Medical and examination rooms open directly from the hall, which is accessed through an entrance lobby with a former dispensary to the south. The building is two storeyed at each end and contains staff facilities and offices on the upper levels. The Art Deco influences continue internally, with terrazzo and

parquetry floors, decorative plasterwork to the walls and ceilings, curved details to walls and joinery and decorative metal air conditioning vents.

INTERIORS

The interiors of the Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic are substantially intact and include original fixtures and finishes, such as plaster detailing and moulding, steel windows, lighting, fixtures, built-in furniture, terrazzo and parquetry floors, and decorative metal grilles and screens.

EXTERIORS

Access steps and planters to the east entrance, the curved and stepped low height brick wall to the south elevation, and wrought iron gates to the south and east elevation are all considered to be of cultural heritage significance.

ARCHAEOLOGY

There is no identified archaeology of state level significance at this place.

INTEGRITY/INTACTNESS

Intactness – The Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic is remarkably intact, both externally and internally. Both the 1937 building and the 1946 additions retain most of the original architectural form and detailing. Internally, most of the original finishes, decorative elements and some of the fixtures survive. (April 2017)

Integrity – The integrity of the Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic is high. The cultural heritage values of the place are readily understood and appreciated through the retention of decorative and functional elements, as well as the internal planning. (April 2017)

CONDITION

The place is in fair condition. The Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic has not been occupied for more than twenty years and it is unlikely that any maintenance has taken place during that period. While the place is sound, significant deterioration of finishes has taken place, mainly due to water ingress. (April 2017).

COMPARISONS

Comparison – Interwar military buildings in the VHR

The Former Royal Australian Corps of Signals Drill Hall (VHR H2362)The Former Royal Australian Corps of Signals Drill Hall is historically significant as evidence of the increase in military preparedness and expenditure in Victoria in the years preceding World War II. The complex was built in 1935-36 to train a citizen army to improve Australian defences during a period of increased threat of war. It was one of the first such complexes in Victoria in the interwar period and continuously served as a Drill Hall complex for various Army units for approximately 60 years. The Former Royal Australian Corps of Signals Drill Hall is architecturally significant as a fine and highly intact example of an interwar Drill Hall complex designed by Commonwealth Architect George Hallandal in the Stripped Classical style with Art Deco influences. The association with the Signals Corps is illustrated in emblems and memorabilia retained on the exterior and interior of the building. The setting retains a high level of integrity, comprising the original garden form, and fence with pedestrian and vehicular gates to the front boundary.

The Former Royal Australian Corps of Signals Drill Hall (VHR H2362)

Former Royal Australian Army Medical Corps Training Depot (VHR H0717)The Former Royal Australian Army Medical Corps Training Depot was constructed in 1938 to a design by George Hallendal of the Commonwealth Department of Works. The place is of architectural significance as an excellent example of an interwar military building. The Depot combines colonial revival, art deco, classical and Moderne elements. The Art Deco and Moderne styles gave it a contemporary feel, while the classical elements conveyed a sense of conservative solidity appropriate for a major public building associated with the defence forces. Its original use is clearly evident in the long, low form of the building, which contained two drill halls, classrooms and offices. The Former Royal Australian Army Medical Corps Training Depot is of historical significance as evidence of the build-up of military preparedness in Australia in the years immediately preceding World War II.

Former Royal Australian Army Medical Corps Training Depot (VHR H0717)

Comparison – Repatriation hospitals and clinics in the VHR

Bundoora Park Homestead, Former Bundoora Repatriation Hospital Day Centre (VHR H1091)Bundoora Park Homestead was built for John MV Smith, a prominent racing industry identity, in 1899/1900. It is a two storey, red brick building designed by Sydney H. Wilson, in conjunction with Percy Oakden. It contains outstanding examples of stained glass, architectural pyrography work, and other fine craftsmanship. In 1920 the property was acquired by the Repatriation Commission and became the Repatriation Mental Hospital in the early 1920s. It was converted into a day hospital in 1968 and decommissioned in 1993. The Bundoora Park Homestead has important social associations, as its acquisition indicates the urgent need for accommodation and care for returned service personnel. The building's isolation suited the prevailing attitudes to the mentally ill and at the same time provided a restful environment for rehabilitation. It is a typical example of a large mansion converted for institutional use.

Bundoora Park Homestead, exterior in 2008 (left) and one of the dormitories c. 1920s (right) (VHR H1091)

The Former Red Cross Rest House (VHR H2360)The Former Red Cross Rest House was established in 1916 to provide repatriation services and care to returned service people during and after World War I. It is historically significant as an intact remnant of Victoria's primary World War I Repatriation Hospitals, Caulfield Repatriation Hospital. The Former Red Cross Rest House demonstrates the profound and ongoing impact of World War I and the involvement of the community in the establishment of repatriation facilities for returned service people. The Former Red Cross Rest House is uncommon as a purpose built World War I Red Cross Rest House in Victoria and remains as tangible evidence of the Red Cross's comprehensive program of establishing Rest Homes and Rooms to support soldiers during and after World War I. It is historically significant for its association with the Australian Red Cross, which was established in August 1914 and is one of Australia's largest and oldest non-government voluntary organisations.

The Former Red Cross Rest House (VHR H2360)

Comparisons Summary

1) Interwar military buildings Like the Former Royal Australian Corps of Signals Drill Hall (VHR H2362) and the Former Royal Australian Army Medical Corps Training Depot (VHR H0717), the Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic is a fine, intact example of an interwar military-related building. While the other two places provide evidence of the build-up of military preparedness in Australia in the years leading up to World War II, with a focus on defence, the Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic was constructed primarily to provide medical treatment for returned servicemen from World War I. The inclusion of the Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic in the Victorian Heritage Register would contribute to a better understanding of the treatment of returned service personnel.

2) Repatriation HospitalsThere is little surviving evidence of repatriation facilities in Victoria. The Former Bundoora Repatriation Day Centre was located in a nineteenth century mansion which was converted for the purpose of providing medical treatment to returned servicemen. The Former Red Cross Rest House is located within the grounds of the Former Caulfield Repatriation Hospital, however the hospital building itself (also a nineteenth century converted mansion) was demolished in 1965. Further, the Former Red Cross Rest House was established to provide convalescence facilities rather than medical treatments. In contrast to these places, the Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic was purpose built to meet a growing need for the provision of medical treatment to returned service personnel.

KEY REFERENCES USED TO PREPARE ASSESSMENT

Larsson, M (2009) Shattered Anzacs, living with the scars of war UNSW Press Pty Ltd, Sydney

Information submitted with the nomination including:Allom Lovell & Associates (1999) Victoria Barracks Melbourne: Conservation Analysis and Management Plan (extract)

Biosis (2016) Repatriation Building, Victoria Barracks, Melbourne. Archival Report

Godden Mackay Logan (2011) Victoria Barracks, Melbourne, Heritage Asset Management Schedule (extract)

PROPOSED TEXT FOR THE BLUE HERITAGE PLAQUE

This building was constructed in 1937 as an outpatient clinic to provide medical treatment to returned servicemen from WWI. It continued to provide services to personnel from later conflicts until its closure in 1980.

IMAGES

2017: Front (eastern) elevation, facing St Kilda Road 2017: Side (southern) elevation, facing Coventry Street

2017: Gates to north of building 2017: Side (southern) elevation with access ramp

2017: Front (eastern) elevation, entrance arch 2017: Front (eastern) elevation, detail of entrance

2017: Rear (western) elevation, 1946 addition 2017: Side (southern) elevation

2017: Entrance lobby through the waiting hall 2017: Entrance lobby

2017: Staircase from entrance lobby 2017: Staircase landing

2017: First floor wash basins 2017: Ground floor operating theatre

2017: Ground floor operating theatre

2017: Waiting hall 2017: Waiting hall, Medical Corps emblem

2017: Side elevation, Waiting hall 2017: Detail of plasterwork to waiting hall wall

1936: Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic, waiting hallSource: State Library of Victoria (Photo: Lyle Fowler)

c. late 1930s: Former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic, from corner of St Kilda Rd and Coventry St. Source: State Library of Victoria

1936: Elevations of the building (Source: National Archives)

1936: Plans of the building (ground floor) (Source: National Archives)

1936: Plans of the building (ground floor key to floor finishes) (Source: National Archives)

1936: Details of the front elevation (Source: National Archives)

1946: Plans of the building showing additions on the left hand side (Source: National Archives)