Last week’s decision by Greater Shepparton City Council not to proceed with the purchase of the Dhurringile Mansion site, nor extend its expression of interest to explore further options, has left many in the community feeling confused and disappointed.

After a four-four split decision at its monthly meeting on April 22, Mayor Shane Sali was left to essentially cast his second and the deciding vote after Cr Geoff Akers had been excused from having input due to a conflict of interest.

The Dhurringile Revitalisation Committee, Destination Goulburn Valley and equestrian community had been working to create a vision for an equestrian, accommodation and tourism precinct at the former prison site.

The groups had garnered interest from several equestrian disciplines and private investors, who were keen to work with council to bring the vision to life.

“What’s most disappointing is that the committee actively engaged with the community to determine a multi-use concept for accommodation, events, tourism and the equestrian centre,” Dhurringile Revitalisation Committee chair Sherri Smith-Hoyer said.

“This was validated by a commissioned report by Urban Enterprise that stated the long-term benefits to pursue each of these solutions.

“We asked for a 12-month extension, which the Victorian Government was willing to provide, allowing for a community-led feasibility process.

“It would have allowed us the time for discovery and final negotiation.”

DGV chair Eugenie Stragalinos said DGV was incredibly disappointed in last week’s decision, particularly because council was not asked to decide to purchase the site, nor commit to any expenditure on it.

“They were merely being requested by councillors (Rod) Schubert, (Fern) Summer, (Paul) Wickham and (Steven) Threlfall to maintain a negotiation seat with the Victorian state government,” Ms Stragalinos said.

“It’s disappointing that council have approached exploring this opportunity through a short-term lens and from a view of having to do it all on their own, rather than considering partnership opportunities and working with local communities, investors, philanthropists, organisations such as DGV and Victorian and federal government to assist safeguard these unique assets within our region.”

Ms Stragalinos noted that the costs quoted during council’s discussion at the meeting for a feasibility study jumped from $100,000 to $300,000 by the end of the debate.

“Clearly an unsubstantiated estimate of what would be required,” she said.

“I don’t believe councillors should be quoting costs of studies, when quotes for further work were not included in management’s recommendation paper.”

Ms Stragalinos said DGV would continue to advocate for the growth of the visitor economy in the region.

Mrs Smith-Hoyer said the Dhurringile Revitalisation Committee was now looking at how it might partner with other first right of refusal applicants — whom neither the committee nor the Victorian Government identified when asked by The News — to determine if its concept could work together with theirs at the site.

“If the estate is put up for sale on the open market, we will start conversations with ACER Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship, whose model was applied in the acquisition of the Beechworth Gaol,” she said.

“This model provides a framework for investors and community asset ownership.”

Mrs Smith-Hoyer said interested private investors wanted to see the feasibility, design, business case and plan.

Responding to Cr Summer’s comments during the April 22 meeting, where she said, “I’m really struggling to understand why we go against the recommendation in our consultant report, and sincerely hope it’s not because equine is predominantly a female sport,” Mrs Smith-Hoyer referred to the Future Demand for Sport’s findings that participation by females in sport was less than half compared to men.

“We also noted that significantly more women participate in equestrian activities compared to men; 70 to 75 per cent of equestrians are female across various levels of competition,” she said.

“A Whole of Sport Plan for Equestrian has not been adopted by council, although two feasibility studies have been conducted by council.”

She said Cr Sali’s comment of “no investment in new assets” during the meeting indicated council’s unwillingness to pursue anything else, regardless of heritage value, price, community sentiment or solutions, even if the opportunities aligned with its strategic plans.

“Council has a poor reputation for not protecting our heritage buildings and this is another example,” Mrs Smith-Hoyer said.

“Regardless of all the effort and volunteer time, they could not see the long-term benefits and the support they would have had from the community to make this work.”

Murchison and District Historical Society president Kay Ball also expressed her disenchantment from a heritage perspective.

“I’m very disappointed with council’s decision, as they are best positioned and have the contacts, structures and resources in events and tourism to develop Dhurringile,” she said.

“The thorough 52-page report completed by an experienced firm employed by council recommended the purchase, saying any considered financial risk is far outweighed by the enormous potential and community benefit.

“Local historians are concerned that the heritage-listed buildings are now at great risk of neglect and deterioration.”

A statement from the Shepparton Heritage Centre outlined its similar concerns after the decision.

“Dhurringile is not just a grand estate; it is a vital link to our shared past, an architectural and cultural treasure that deserves thoughtful preservation,” the statement said.

“While last Tuesday’s council decision was neither a clear endorsement nor rejection of its future, what’s most troubling is the possibility of irreversible decisions being made without further thorough investigation.

“This is not merely about heritage enthusiasts versus progress. It’s about making responsible decisions that honour our history while exploring viable, community-minded futures.

“The community deserves transparency, further expert assessments and a genuine voice in the conversation.”

Council cited the Victorian Government’s intention to impose a community purposes restriction on the sale, which would ensure no commercial profit could be made from its use, as a barrier if it had moved forward.

Mrs Smith-Hoyer said at two meetings the Dhurringile Revitalisation Committee had with Victorian Corrections Minister Enver Erdogan, he said his government would look at removing the restriction.

“Council will not be pursuing anything further with Dhurringile Estate,” Cr Sali said.

“This presents an opportunity for someone else to consider purchasing the site.”

Despite being asked several questions by The News relating to other interested parties, deadlines, timelines and potential public sale price tags, a Victorian Government spokesperson responded with a single quote that it has provided before.

“We understand locals are keen to know what the future use of the Dhurringile site will be — we’ll make sure they’re kept informed of any major developments,“ the spokesperson said.

Cobram Courier Google News Panels

Thursday, 10th July 2025

Your Afternoon Headlines

Select Stories

Publish Panels