In the heart of Beech Forest, a cherished relic of the past is set to breathe new life into the community.
The Beech Forest & District Progress Association has received a $4,975 grant to go towards rebuilding the historic Beech Forest bakery oven, once the cornerstone of the township’s social and economic life.
The funding will be used to support much needed elements of this project, specifically the purchase of stainless-steel food safe benches, outdoor wooden seating and the replacement of exterior cladding and signage at the shed’s entrance where the oven is to be re-established.
Acting President of the Beech Forest Progress & Hall Committee, Rob Henry said “This project aims to not only revive a piece of local history but also strengthen community bonds by creating a vibrant hub for social gatherings, educational workshops and economic opportunities with All profits go back into the enterprise and community.”
“It will involve materials from the original oven, built c1888 donated back to the community after surviving a major bushfire in 1939 and moving to various locations across the region.”
“With the installation of new seating and steel benches, the oven’s restoration will offer fresh avenues for connection, resilience and building a more inclusive, sustainable future in the Otway community.”
Beech Forest has undergone bushfires, the loss of a railway and the subsequent demise of local industries resulting in a significant population decrease.
The population is, however, now increasing again. The town of Beech Forest, situated in south-west Victoria, has a small but vibrant population of 125 with a further 286 in the surrounding Otways.
Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) Philanthropic Service Manager, Danielle Griffin said the funding will contribute to a successful local community project that demonstrates capability and a long-term vision for the community to be a place where people want to live, work and invest.
“Letters of support from the local art gallery, e-bike tourism business, society and community project manager indicate significant buy-in and enthusiasm for this project that will provide a shared asset enhancing social connection, economic prosperity and cultural vibrancy,” Danielle said.
Each year Gardiner Foundation offers community grants of up to $5,000 to organisations in Victorian dairy communities. These grants are funded by Gardiner and distributed by the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR).
This initiative forms part of Gardiner’s commitment to strengthen dairy communities. This program aims to strengthen Victorian dairy communities, by helping build their capacity to deal with local issues and enhance existing community infrastructure.
Since it began in 2003, the program has funded 604 community organisations with an investment of $2.4M in regional Victoria. This year, 27 grants were awarded across the state.
Mr Henry says the oven will be rebuilt in the centre of town alongside the community hall.
“History shows that the bakery was an important meeting place for the community, offering refuge from the harsh weather and a place to connect with other community members, a tradition that is envisaged will continue with the restoration of the oven and events surrounding it,”