Mulling over Scout heritage

A DECISION is expected to be made later this month about the future of the Pakenham Scout Hall.
The friends group of the hall are eagerly awaiting the decision about whether the site will be heritage listed.
Earlier this year, the hall was inspected by Heritage Victoria to determine its merit as a protected site.
Meryl Waterhouse from the Friends of the Pakenham Scout Hall said the hall was built in 1937 on donated land mostly by volunteers.
“They have been and done an inspection, possibly during February and we were told in the letter that a decision was expected in March,” Ms Waterhouse said.
“It is one of the few older buildings left in Pakenham.”
Ms Waterhouse said the friends group were worried that there was a possibility the site could be sold off and the building knocked down to make way for a development.
“The land would be valuable,” she said.
“Should our proposal to have the building heritage listed be accepted, it is anticipated that a committee of Scout Association members, former Scouters, current Scouts and interested members of the public will be formed to investigate ways to restore and maintain the building so future generations are able to enjoy this unique building.”
The group says there is a bit of work to do to maintain the building.
“There is quite a bit of restoration needed – it hasn’t had much work done on it,” Ms Waterhouse said.
“But there’s nothing that can’t be done.”