Greater Shepparton Botanic Garden Ass.Inc

Parkside Gardens a heritage issue

Parkside Gardens (the former International Village site) has been nominated as a culturally and socially significant precinct. The nomination was lodged with Heritage Victoria in early March .

Following this, 2 representatives from Heritage Victoria visited Parkside Gardens and requested a range of historical documents which were collected by our group and sent to Heritage Victoria. The recommendation will be made soon, followed by a 60 day submission period.

It is of great relief to us to know that during those 60 days our Council will not be able to destroy any more of our heritage as they have done during the past 6 years.We are hopeful that Heritage Victoria will make a favourable recommendation so that this site, which is unique in its recognition of migration and multiculturalism, will be preserved.

"The International Village" site was specifically created in order to recognise and celebrate the value and importance of migration and multiculturalism. The project was based upon strong cultural forces working within society at that time and the recognised need to promote harmony and good relations between cultural groups.

Migration has had a significant effect on the way in which Victoria has evolved, socially, culturally and economically. Shepparton, a major fruit - growing area, attracted a large number of migrants from many different countries, particularly after the Second World War. As a result, the Shepparton area has been of major importance to Victoria' s development as a multicultural society.

The idea of The International Village and its subsequent development made a strong statement in relation to the importance and recognition of that multiculturalism and its place within the history of Victoria.

There is no other site in Victoria which has been created in this form specifically to recognise and foster relations between so many different cultures living in the same area.