Facelift for Ballarat Shule
It's the oldest operating shule in mainland Australia, and after delays due to COVID, the countdown is finally on for the completion of major restoration works at Ballarat Synagogue.
The countdown is on for the completion of major restoration works at Ballarat Synagogue, the oldest operating shule in mainland Australia, with the project due to wrap up in May.
In its 160th year, milestone conservation work has been undertaken to maintain the building’s heritage status and preserve its aesthetic and structural integrity. The work has been funded through Heritage Victoria, philanthropic trusts, and significant support from the Jewish community.
Delayed by COVID, conservation of the exterior began after last year’s High Holy Days. The scope of these works was determined by a comprehensive inspection of the building inside and out, taking a building and conservation panel almost three years, said Ballarat Shule president John Abraham.
Exterior work was completed in December last year, and included reinforcing the front structure, which had begun to separate from the building, causing substantial damage, primarily to the south-east and north-east corners, Abraham noted.
At the same time, pipes were installed to drain rainwater away from the foundations. All work at the front, including replacement of asphalt paving, had to be undertaken to meet the preservation requirements of a 150-year-old heritage-listed Canary Island Pine tree.
Interior works began this month, with the entire project scheduled for completion in late May.
Said Abraham, “We have been fortunate that throughout the period of the exterior works, we were able to continue with our regular schedule of Shabbat services, as well as host school and other group visits to the shule. There will, however, be an unavoidable interruption for a few months while the interior works are being completed.”
The building first opened in 1861 and underwent further development and renovation in 1866, 1878 and 1903. It would be another six decades before extensive restoration works were made for its 1961 centenary.
Ten years later, funds were raised for major preservation work, completed in 1974, with the shule heritage-listed by the National Trust the following year. More restoration works were undertaken in 2011 for its 150th anniversary.
For more information, visit ballaratsynagogue.org/donations
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