A future for the past: April 2015

Item details:

*Current status:**	Nominated for inclusion on Bega Valley Shire Council's Local Environment Plan (LEP) by numerous local residents; assessed by council's Heritage Advisor as having heritage significance; approved for listing by Bega Valley Shire Council in March 2014; after owner Great Southern Developments appealed to Land and Environment Court, Bega Valley Shire Council withdrew plans to include property of LEP; and have since approved the owner's application to demolish.
Name of item:	Hotel Australasia.
Former name/s:	Nil (known colloquially since C. 1970s as "The Snake Pit" and / or "The Pit").
Item type:	Built.
Item group/collection:	Commercial.
Item category:	Hotel.
Street number:	142-144
Street name:	Imlay Street
Suburb/town:	Eden, NSW
Local Government Area:	Bega Valley Shire
Property description:	Lot 14, DP 205841
Owner category:	Private.
Current use:	Nil - vacant building.
Former use/s:	Licensed hotel

Eden's Hotel Australasia, C. 1908.Image courtesy of the George Family Collection.

* Refers to the site's inclusion in Schedule 5 of the Local Environment Plan.

Significance:

Statement of significance: A well-known and easily identifiable local landmark structure in Eden's main street for in excess of a century, the Hotel Australasia is a substantial commercial building that is a key townscape element occupying a prominent and commanding position in the Central Business District. It is one of several well-built historic brick structures that contribute much to the town's individual aesthetic appeal. Clearly recognisable in historic images of the area, it forms an essential part of the streetscape and continues to be physically important to the overall built environment locally.

Constructed from a range of locally sourced materials, the building provides an important extant example of indigenous resources and the ways in which these were utilised by and for the local population.

Retaining a high level of integrity, the Hotel Australasia is important for its ability to demonstrate building styles, techniques, habits, customs and tastes of its era while the relatively intact state of the building enhances its importance as an increasingly rare extant example of turn-of-the-20th-century local architecture.

The original construction of the Hotel Australasia is closely linked with Australia's Federation in general, and the lengthy search for the national capital and its associated port in particular.

Continuously functioning as an hotel from 1906 until 2010, its various construction and alteration phases and subsequent closure provide tangible evidence of the district's changing economic circumstances and the growth and decline of the industries upon which the town has relied.

The building is also closely linked with the birth, development and growth of tourism locally, a connection that continued from its earliest days until its closure, providing an important tangible indication of the growing importance of that industry to the local economy.

The Hotel Australasia is an important physical reminder of the presence and contribution of a number of individuals significant in and to the development of township. A) John Hines, possibly one of the most important local builders and contractors of the era, who was responsible for the construction of this and other premises; and B) long-standing and successful local business woman, hotelier, developer and early tourism operator Sabina Pike, for whom the hotel was built, and who continued to operate the business for almost two decades. This association with Sabina Pike also provides an important material link to the changing roles of and opportunities available to single women in Eden in particular and rural Australia in general after the turn of the 20th century.

The Hotel Australasia was also associated with NSW and Australian Rugby League legend Frank Stanmore, who was licensee during the mid- to late-1970s.

Through its continuous use as an hotel for in excess of a century, the Hotel Australasia is an important reflection of the changing face of the town's social and recreational history. It is a physical link the character of the Eden and its utilisation by several generations strengthens this connection. As a long-standing community meeting place and social outlet, it has made an important contribution to the development and lifestyle of Eden, making it a venue of long-term social significance to the community and their sense of identity and place.

Level of significance:

Local.

A horse team carting sleepers outside Hotel Australasia, C. 1908
Image courtesy of the George Family Collection.

Description:

Designer:	Unknown
Builder:	Mr. John Hines
Physical description:	Double storey brick built hotel building with front veranda on both the ground and upper storeys with two wings projecting on the southern and northern sides from the central section for the depth of the veranda. The central under-veranda section originally featured exposed unpainted brick walling although this has more recently (C. 1960s) been rendered/painted in line with the north and south standing wings. The upper storey also features a veranda enclosed by rendered brick balustrade, also of a later date than the original construction. Windows on both the ground and upper levels are timber framed two pane double hung sash, located approximately equidistant along both the ground and upper storeys. The upper level features four on the under-veranda section, with an additional two each on both the northern and southern wings. The ground level features four on the under-veranda section with an additional two on the northern wing, while the southern wing features a single non-semicircular window which, based on historic images of the property, appears to be an original feature. Two sets of timber framed Casement or French doors are located at the front of the building, one providing entry from the ground floor veranda to the northern wing, and the other to the main bar area near the southern wing. The door providing access to the northern wing is of two pane, while that into the main bar is single pane with timber panels at the bottom. Both are capped by a simple fan light. Another two sets of timber framed double pane doors with side lights and capped by fan lights are located approximately in the centre on the building, one each on both the ground and upper floors and opening out onto the verandas. That on the ground floor level leads to an entry hallway dividing what has more recently been the restaurant and gaming room areas from the main public bar area. An additional section protrudes from the northern wing and is fronted by a small courtyard area. The upper portion of this section appears to have been part of works undertaken in 1941, while the ground floor section has been in-filled at a later date. The whole structure is painted in a white colour scheme, with the timber window and door frames picked out in a gum-leaf green colour, which is repeated on the trim around the base of the building and on the "Hotel Australasia" signage across front facade above the upper storey veranda. The building is set directly on to the footpath, a practice repeated in the remainder of the street scape and echoing the tradition followed by other commercial structures in the Imlay Street Central Business District since the 19th century. Three concrete steps run the length of the central portion of the building from street level to the ground floor veranda. Modern advertising murals in a bright green colour with a camel logo and "Thirsty Camel" signage adorn both the southern and northern facing walls of the two wings, while an assortment of alcohol, accommodation and other related signage are fastened on to the building facade. The building has an easterly and westerly outlook. The easterly view extends across the north bay. The western view extends across Imlay Street to parts of the south bay and hinterland. Both vistas are also visible from the upper storey. Although, because of access restrictions, a personal inspection of the property was not possible, recent photographic evidence shows that, particularly on the upper storey, a significant amount of original fabric remains in situ and visible. This includes, internally, wide moulded timber skirting boards; moulded timber architraves; timber panelled doors; pressed metal ceilings; kauri pine staircase, balustrade and turned posts; ornate cornice mouldings and embellishments. Externally other moulded timber including an area above the man hole into the upper veranda ceiling cavity; and fan and side lights on exterior doors. Although timber wall cladding and newer ceilings have been installed in some areas of the ground floor, it is possible that original fabric remains concealed underneath these later additions. It is apparent that the original parapet, pediment and associated embellishments of the facade are still in situ behind the 1960s addition.
Physical condition:	Considerable extent of original fabric, including Federation parapet, remaining
Construction date/s:	1904 - 1905
Modifications and dates:	1911 - Additional gas lighting installed throughout; 1911 - Taproom renovated and floor re-laid with linoleum; 1912 - Motor garage facility added to business; 1916 - "Fine motoring pit" installed by Mr. C. Gandon; 1922 - Electric lighting installed; 1925 - Additions including "two large bathrooms upstairs" and construction of underground water tank by Mr. A. Mawson; 1928 - Exterior renovations, by Messrs. Bray and C. Gandon; 1937 - Improvements, by Mr. Denholm; 1941 - "Extensive works" including four new bedrooms at the north-western corner as well as a number of other alterations; C. 1960s - Alterations to facade; C. late 1960s - Addition to "beer garden" area by Whiter Brothers.
Further comments:

A gathering outside Eden's Hotel Australasia, C. 1908.
Image courtesy of the George Family Collection

History:

Historical notes:

A landmark building in Imlay Street for more than a century, the Hotel Australasia was the last of Eden's nearly two dozen hotels to be constructed and the most recent to close it's doors.

Mrs. Sabina Pike purchased the one acre allotment that would become the site of the hotel in late 1904, paying £500. This was reportedly the highest price paid for land in the township for a forty year period. In the wake of her purchase, local media reported on Mrs. Pikes intention to build "...a large up to date hotel..." on the block and by December 1904 she had awarded the construction contract to Mr. John Hines. With plans to erect a two storey 43-room brick structure "...on up to date lines...", it is believed that the move was made in response to the expectation that Twofold Bay would become the site of the Australia's federal port.

At the time, the search for Australia's federal capital site was continuing and with Southern Monaro sites such as Bombala among those being strongly touted, Eden business people and residents were looking forward to the establishment of the Bay as federal port and elevating the township to a position of importance. Local media, writing of the new hotel, commented that Twofold Bay was being raised to a rank of "...prominence..." as a result of the "...strong representations made in favor [sic] of Southern Monaro..." becoming the Federal Capital site. Even as far away as Lismore, Mrs. Pike was being acknowledged as looking forward to the time when Twofold Bay took its place as the federal port.

Hailing from Moss Vale, building contractor John Hines arrived in Eden in early 1901 and was responsible for the construction of a number of important public, private and commercial buildings both in the township and throughout the district, including Bank of NSW (1904), Robinovotz's Store (1904) and lock-up and lock-up keeper's residence (1914) in Eden, as well as the police sergeant's residence at Pambula (1901). Remaining in the district, he married Rachel Davidson of the Twofold Bay whaling family.

Hines erected brick kilns near the town cemetery in late 1904 to take advantage of the onsite clay and it was here that the bricks for the Australasia were burnt. The same year, he erected a saw milling plant north of Lake Curalo to utilise the ready supply of timber, and there milled the timber for the hotel.

In December 1904, local media commended Mrs. Pike for her "...enterprise and energetic action..." in undertaking what was an extensive local development and later the same month, Mr. W. A. Robertson was granted the first license for the Hotel Australasia.

Work on what would become one of the district's premier tourist accommodation centres commenced in December 1904 with the marking out of the foundations, while Mr. Hines' workmen began carting "...large quantities..." of bricks from his local works to the site.

January 1905 saw the laying of a solid concrete foundation and Hines' kilns were in "...full blast..." turning out bricks for the building. Carting continued on a daily basis to meet the demand of the outer walls, which were 18 and 14 inches thick, with inner walls of 9 inches.

Providing employment for "...quite a small army of men...", the ground storey was completed by mid-April 1905 and by July, the roof had been put on. Wunderlich pressed metal ceilings that were described as "...neat and handsome..." had been fitted, giving "...a light and airy appearance to the whole of the rooms...", much of the flooring had been laid, staircases were ready for installation, and with brick work of the parapet completed, plasterers were busy adding a "...very attractive design..." which "...when completed, will show a very handsome front..."

With work "...proceeding apace...", by August all upstairs rooms had been plastered, and downstairs was "...undergoing similar treatment...", while the front balcony was nearing completion. Within a fortnight the rear had reached a similar stage. An arched vestibule at the main entrance presented "...a very pleasing effect..."

Occupying a "...commanding position..." overlooking the ocean and bay, building design took advantage of the glorious views of Twofold Bay, Boyd Town, "...the distant verdure clad hills and mountains...", Mount Imlay, and the mountain ranges and valleys by boasting wide balconies and verandas at both the front and rear of the building.

Local media were reporting on completion of Eden's "...handsome addition..." by mid-October 1904, noting that it was "... credit to the contractor...and an ornament to the town..." Acetylene gas fittings were completed by the end of the month, showing the whole building "...to great advantage..." when lit. A 17,000 gallon underwater tank at the rear of the building supplied the hotel with water while another of 3,000 gallons provided for the stables.

Shortly afterwards, the new building was the subject of a lengthy and highly complimentary write up. Noting the enterprise and energetic action of Mrs. Pike in her "...endeavour to further the interests of this district in meeting the demands for additional accommodation...", the writer commented that the growing demand of visitors from "...various parts of Australia..." for accommodation year round "...would seem to justify the erection of an hotel of an up to date and substantial character..."

Carrying an extensive description of the Hotel Australasia, the Eden Observer and South Coast Advocate noted many details about the newly completed building, including:

Forty-four rooms, including twenty-five bedrooms;
The main private entrance via a large double door;
Private entrance leading to a hall 11 feet wide and 34 feet long;
Two large dining rooms, including a private dining room, located on the left of the hall "...richly furnished and choicely papered with a handsome three light chandelier hanging in the centre of the ceiling..." and a "...roomy and comfortably..." public dining room in close proximity to the kitchen;
Corridors branching off the main ground floor hall, on both sides of which were "...roomy well ventilated bedrooms, all of which are beautifully furnished, the drapery being very choice..."
A "...splendid roomy kitchen...", scullery and two pantries;
A "...handsome..." kauri pine staircase providing access between the ground and upper floors;
Another "...fine hall..." running along the upper level, with two more corridors on either side and a number of bedrooms, as well as access to the back balcony overlooking the north bay and ocean;
The "...large and roomy..." front balcony with two "...nicely furnished..." bedrooms opening on to it, this area being set apart for tourists, which was noted to be "...of a strictly private character...";
Two bathrooms;
A smoking room;
Sitting room;
Two public parlours along with a private parlour;
Store room;
Luggage room;
Tap room and bar, with another office attached;
A six feet deep concrete and brick cellar under the public bar;
A garden at the rear, enclosed from the more public part of the yard;
A "...spacious aviary..." adjoining the hotel on the northern side and boasting Australian native bird species "...many of great interest to the student of natural history and attractive to all persons...";
A "...large space of ground..." at the rear of the building, divided into two distinct areas, partly for use as a vegetable garden and partly for stable quarters.
A twelve-stall stable;
Out offices;
Two separate sample rooms for commercial travellers, one attached to the main building with office attached, and the other alongside the servant's ironing room;
The whole building, with the exception of bedrooms, fitted with acetylene gas with a Hopper Patent Acetylene Gas Machine, patented by Sydneysider Mr. C. Bissaker;

The article concluded that "Altogether the Hotel Australasia is a very fine building...having an imposing front and situated in a position of attractiveness. Mrs Pike has not, apparently, spared expense in placing in her new hotel a superior lot of furniture, which accords well with the style and finish of the building."

Finally opening its doors to guests in early January 1906 under publican Mr. W. A. Robertson, building owner and developer Sabina Pike had taken over the reins by the following month and was to remain as licensee of the Australasia for almost two decades. A divorcee with a wealth of experience in the hotel trade locally, "Aunty Pike" as she was fondly known, had previously operated Eden's Commercial Hotel with her former husband James during the 1890s, before taking over as publican of the Great Southern Hotel for at least a decade. It was only when the Australasia was nearing completion that she relinquished that position and in January 1905, the license and goodwill was transferred to Sam Solomon.

Writing of her business acumen, the Australian Town and Country noted that Mrs. Pike's successful local activities had led to her establishment of "...the splendid hotel..." where she managed the business personally and did "...everything possible for the comfort of her guests..."

Describing the business in 1906, a journalist noted that the Australasia was "...the largest and most modern building in Eden...", commenting that it was "...thoroughly up-to-date in all its appointments and is furnished most elaborately...", which, combined with the "...magnificent views..." of ocean and harbour, made the premises "...an ideal place at which to stay..."

With such glowing reports appearing in metropolitan papers, the Hotel Australasia soon began to attract a notable clientele, including politicians and other public figures. During his 1907 tour of the region, Australian Governor-General Lord Northcote and his vice-regal party were entertained by at a public banquet the Australasia before spending the night as guests at the hotel. Impressed by a tour of the bay and harbour, he made mention of the "...greatly enhanced popularity that Eden and its beautiful port of Twofold Bay would enjoy as a health and holiday resort were its attractions and advantages more generally known..." The following year NSW State Governor Sir Harry Rawson and his daughter toured the region, during which they were also treated to a banquet entertainment at the Australasia. Expressing his admiration of Twofold Bay's beauty, His Excellency said that he "...anticipated a great future in this district, and felt sure that from what he had seen of it, his good wishes for its prosperity were ere long be realised." By 1909 Mrs. Pike was advertising that the hotel was "Under the Patronage of his Excellency Lord Northcote, late Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, and his Excellency Sir Harry Rawson, late State Governor of New South Wales...", while the 1912 edition of the Illawarra and South Coast Steam Navigation Company's Illustrated Handbook described it as "...one of the finest hotels in the State."

Always keen to maintain her position as hostess of the town's premier hotel, Aunty Pike's Australasia was also the venue of choice for local residents holding functions, including public farewells, birthdays and fund raisers, among other events. In 1916 she was advertising the "...large airy rooms..." and "...commanding magnificent panoramic view from front the back balconies of ocean and bay...", noting that coaches met all steamers and boats and launches could be arranged for visitors.

Mrs. Pike also looked forward to the growing needs of her clientele and was continually updating and improving the Australasia. In 1911 she "...lately had considerable improvements effected to the Hotel in the way of addition lighting..." with gas illumination laid on to all sides of the building making it "...one of the best lighted on the coast..." Later the same year, Mr. F. Kellsall "...thoroughly renovated..." the taproom, including repapering of the walls and laying linoleum on the floors. By 1912, with automobile travel gathering popularity, a motor garage was added and in 1916 a "...fine motor repairing pit..." of sleepers was constructed by Mr. C. Gandon. Electric lighting was installed in 1922.

In June 1923, Sabina Pike's license for the Australasia was renewed by the Eden Licensing Court, but the following month, after almost two decades at the reins of the Hotel Australasia, local media reported that Mr. H. B. Gunter (or Gunton) of Melbourne had purchased the property and goodwill as a going concern. With the new owner taking over in July, the township farewelled Mrs Pike, who was departing to take up residence in Sydney, but the following year the woman who had done so much for the commercial, social and tourism development of the town returned to Eden after purchasing Mr. Frank Dawson's "...seaside home..."

The business remained a popular one with locals, tourists and visiting officials alike. During 1929 NSW Minister for Agriculture Harold Thorby and his ministerial party were publicly entertained at a dinner hosted by the Australasia, while in 1938, English, Scotch and Irish representatives of the British Empire Rifle Team were accommodated en route from Melbourne to Sydney.

Next to take over the Australasia was David Bourke, who purchased the property from Mr. Gunton in 1925. No new comer to the business, Bourke had taken up employment at the hotel by 1917, and, described as Mrs Pike's "...right hand man...", had remained involved with the business for more than a decade before leaving the area briefly to run Adaminiby's Australian Hotel. Returning to take up the reins at the Australasia, the license was transferred by the Bega court in March, and the new owner wasted little time promoting his business as "The best place to stay...", noting the "...superior accommodation and cuisine..." as well as mentioning the "Vice-Regal and other Distinguished Patronage..."

Under his management, the Australasia underwent further renovations and extensions. In 1925, Mr. A. Mawson completed additions, including "...two large bathrooms upstairs..." and constructed an underground water tank to enlarge the hotel's supply. Three years later, Messrs. Bray and C. Gandon undertook exterior renovations to the premises.

1929 saw Bondi's George Impey take over the business and in the wake of American author Zane Grey's interest in big-game fishing at nearby Bermagui, local potential began to be explored. Keen to see the sport developed from Twofold Bay, Mr. Impey made a standing offer to reward the master of the first fishing boat to bring a marlin into Eden. The challenge was answered in 1936 when Sale (Vic.) angler Mr. W. A. Borthwick landed a 240-pound Black Marlin from the deck of the Dorothea and the local boat owner and master Art Goulden found himself collecting the £5 reward. By 1946, hotel proprietor Lance Robinson was promoting Eden's "...famous fishing...", offering launches for hire and during the 1950s, advertisements in Melbourne newspapers for the Hotel Australasia were referring to Twofold Bay as the "...fishing resort of Australia..."

1937 saw further improvements carried out by Mr. Denholm, while in 1941, what was referred to as "...extensive works..." were undertaken, including alterations in addition to four new bedrooms erected at the north-western end of the of the building.

After almost a decade, George Impey sold out to Andy Graham in 1939, and following this, there was a rapid changeover of publicans. Mr and Mrs. J. King had taken over by September 1940, but disposed of their interests in the business that month to Mrs. Julia Dingle who installed Mr. E. Ritson as manager. By the early 1940's, Lance Robinson was in charge, followed by Mr. Winrose who became publican in 1942. The following year, Mr. George Moore purchased the hotel lease, but by 1945, Lance Robinson was once again behind the bar as publican.

Despite the business occupying a central place in the heart of the community, Eden residents were not averse to taking action against publicans if they felt their interests were not being considered. Such was the case with both the Hotel Australasia and the Great Southern during 1945 when the town's two hotels were declared "...black..." during an open-air meeting attended by a group 60 and led by one of "...the principal trawler owners..." Alleging overcharging and not adhering to opening hours, a deputation waited on the publicans in an attempt to secure agreement with their demands, but upon receiving a reply that the hotels would carry on as usual, pickets were set up to "...watch for defaulters..." It is believed that this may have been the catalyst that led to the establishment of the Eden Fishermen's Club.

Mr. Robinson, together with by Eva Chapman and Miss Roberts, remained in charge until Towamba farmers James ("Jim") Love and his wife Irene (fondly known to many as "Mum" Love) purchased the property in early June 1958 paying a £3,000 deposit on the £30,000 overall price. Taking over the following month, the couple's reign was to be very short lived and after Jim took his own life the same month, Irene returned to their Towamba property. Robinson and Chapman again took charge of the Australasia until 1960, when ill health forced Lance to relinquish his position, Peter Cesco taking over the business in April that year. It is believed that it was during the 1960s that the facade underwent the major change to its current appearance.

Mr. Cesco was followed by Harold and Agnes Bennett between 1962 and 1965 and after they sold to Arthur Meahan, Doug and June Patience arrived to manage the business. The couple had previously operated Meahan's Town Hall Hotel in George Street, Sydney, prior to their arrival at the Hotel Australasia.

Around the early 1970s, Brian Horner took over as publican of the hotel, remaining until 1975, when the Parkers replaced him. By about 1976, Jim and Noni Greenhill had taken over, followed by Frank Stanmore in about 1977. An Australian and NSW rugby league five-eight great of the 1940s and '50s, Stanmore played representative football in 1947, moving to Sydney to play for the Western Suburbs. A member of the club's 1948 grand final winning team, he was selected for Sydney and NSW that year, but despite being also selected to join the Australian national team tour of New Zealand, didn't play a test match as result of a dispute between his former club at Cessnock and Wests. During the 1950s he was selected to play in the victorious Australian team against Great Britain during the Ashes series; represented both Sydney and Australia against France and played in the 1952-53 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain and France, playing in four tests and captaining the Kangaroos to victory in seven out of seven matches. Although retired from professional football by the time he arrived in Eden, there is little doubt that he would have fitted in well with the town's avid rugby league tradition.

Around 1980, Stanmore moved on and Larry and Betty Galloway took over. Among the other names that have, in more recent years, been associated with the Australasia were Brian and Dawn Linklater, John Crosby, Donna Shannon and Dennis Lees, the Slater family and finally the Taits, who held the license when the historic venue closed it's doors without warning on 23 May, 2010.

Now popularly referred to as "The Pit", it was apparently during Frank Stanmore's time that the name had its origins. According to one source, when it came around to official closing time, the publican would shut the premises to the public, pull sliding doors across what was then the main lounge area and continue to serve to the private party. The "Snake Pit", as this arrangement was referred to, was a common occurrence during the brisk trade of the local tuna fishing season. Eventually shortened to "The Pit", this is a name that has remained in common usage locally right through to the present day.

It was also around this time that the up market roots of the Hotel Australasia's early years changed radically. Becoming more working class in its clientele, the customer base tended more towards the bush workers of the timber industry, along with the rough and tumble of the seasonal tuna fishermen, many of whom, according one source, had been "barred" from the Fishermen's Club. This was also the era when the so-called "Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll" movement hit Eden, and the Australasia was to play an integral role in that lifestyle locally.

In more recent years, the Australasia moved to what some would perhaps consider a surprisingly egalitarian establishment where men and women from all walks of life, educational backgrounds and socio-economic levels from young professionals to the die-hard "Pit Crew" of old mixed with ease and mutual respect. As one local resident put it, it was "The heart and soul of Eden..."

Imlay Street, Eden, showing the Hotel Australasia second from left, C. 1910.
Image courtesy of the George Family Collection

Themes:

Australian theme:	New South Wales theme:	Local theme:

3: Developing local, regional and national economies.	Commerce – Activities relating to buying, selling and exchanging goods and services.
3: Developing local, regional and national economies.	Technology – Activities and processes associated with the knowledge or use of mechanical arts and applied sciences.
3: Developing local, regional and national economies.	Fishing - Activities associated with gathering, producing, distributing, and consuming resources from aquatic environments useful to humans.
4: Building settlements, towns and cities.	Towns, suburbs and villages - Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages.
4: Building settlements, towns and cities.	Accommodation – Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavours for such activities.
7: Governing	Government and administration - Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.
8: Developing Australia’s cultural life.	Domestic life – Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.
8: Developing Australia’s cultural life.	Creative endeavour - Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative or inventive works; and / or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and / or environments that have inspired such creative activities.
8: Developing Australia’s cultural life.	Leisure – Activities associated with recreation and relaxation.
8: Developing Australia’s cultural life.	Social institutions – Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities.
9: Marking the phases of life.	Persons – Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups.

Eden's town band standing in front of the Hotel Australasia, C. 1911.

Image courtesy of the George Family Collection

Application criteria:

Historical significance SHR criteria (a)
Historical association significance SHR criteria (b)
Aesthetic significance SHR criteria (c)
Technical / Research significance SHR criteria (e)
Rarity SHR criteria (f)
Representativeness SHR criteria (g)
Integrity:

Hotel Australasia, C. 1926.
Image courtesy of the George Family Collection

Heritage Listings:

Information sources / bibliography :

Bibliography:

Adelaide Mail

Australian Town and Country Journal

Ballantyne, Kathy, Pers. Comm., 5 April, 2013

Bega District News

Bega Standard

Bennett, Mick and Vicki, Pers. Comm., April 2013.

Canberra Times

Chester, Kerrie, Pers. Comm., April 2013

Dunn’s Almanac, 1921

Eden Magnet

Eden Magnet and Pambula Voice

Eden Observer

Eden Observer and South Coast Advocate

Farrell, Bronwyn, Pers. Comm., April 2013

Geraghty, Lesley, Pers. Comm., April 2013

Gibson, Gail, Pers. Comm., April 2013

Gippsland Mercury

Gippsland Times

Harris, Lee Jane, Pers. Comm., April 2013

Henry, Geoff, Pers. Comm., 9 April, 2013

Illawarra and South Coast Steam Navigation Company Illustrated Handbook, 2nd edition, 1912

Korner, Joanne, Pers. Comm., April 2013

Magnet-Voice

McDonald, Margaret, Pers. Comm., April 2013

Melbourne Argus

Miller, Christine, Pers. Comm., 15 April, 2013

Moore's Almanac and New South Wales Country Directory, 1930

Narandera Argus and Riverina Advertiser

Northern Star

Pambula Voice

Ralph, Brett, Pers. Comm., April 2013

Raymond, Pat, Pers. Comm., April 2013

Smith, Jennifer, Pers. Comm., April 2013

Stanmore, Frank, Wikipedia entry, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Stanmore_(rugby_league), retrieved 14 April, 2013

Sunday Herald

Switzer, Denise, Pers. Comm., 15 April, 2013

Switzer, Simon, Pers. Comm., April 2013

Sydney Morning Herald

Turner, Tania, Pers. Comm., April 2013

Twofold Bay Magnet

Vogt, W. Stanley, Picturesque Travel: Princes Highway Bairnsdale to Bega, Bairnsdale, ND: [C. 1915/16]

Whiter, Allan, via Robert Whiter, Pers. Comm., April 2013

Whiter, Peter, Pers. Comm., April 2013

Whiter, Robert, Pers. Comm., April 2013

Hotel Australasia, C. 1930.
Image courtesy of the George Family Collection

Author and date:

April 2015

Rear of the Hotel Australasia, showing vegetable gardens, out buildings and
water tank, C. 1940s.

Australian theme:	New South Wales theme:	Local theme:
3. Developing local, regional and national economies	Communication
3. Developing local, regional and national economies	Transport
4. Settlement - Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation
8. Developing Australia's cultural life	Domestic life
9. Phases of Life - Marking the phases of life	Persons

A future for the past

Monday, April 27, 2015

Former Illawarra & South Coast Steam Navigation Company manager's residence, Eden

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Former Hotel Australasia, Eden:

*Current status:**	Unlisted
Name of item:
Former name/s:	Illawarra Company manager's residence
Item type:	Built
Item group/collection:	Residential building (private)
Item category:	House
Street number:	218
Street name:	Imlay Street
Suburb/town:	Eden, NSW
Local Government Area:	Bega Valley Shire
Property description:
Owner category:	Private
Current use:	Private residence
Former use/s:	Private residence

Statement of significance:
Level of significance:	Local

Designer:
Builder:	Bert Hill
Physical description:
Physical condition:
Construction date/s:	1929 - 1930
Modifications and dates:
Further comments: