As the first site of permanent European settlement in Victoria, the Glenelg Shire has a wealth of history within its boundaries.
Our heritage is a significant economic and social asset which gives the Glenelg Shire so much of its distinctive appeal. Glenelg Shires heritage is everywhere. It is represented in commercial buildings, hotels, churches and schools. It is also reflected in the historic landscape.
The Council's Planning Unit operates a Heritage Advisory Service which is free to ratepayers of the Glenelg Shire.
Council also offers grants for Heritage Building and Places on a dollar for dollar basis. Click here for the Grant Scheme page or on the link below.
Glenelg Shire Heritage
Our heritage is reflected in our historical landscape and represented by commercial buildings, hotels, churches, and schools. Glenelg Shire Council's heritage database and cultural collection span a wide range of cultural objects and structures, including:
- Hundreds of historic buildings.
- Civic objects.
- Public art and monuments.
- Social history items.
- Works of art.
- Objects of maritime significance.
- A photographic collection documenting the Port of Portland.
Iconic pieces in the collection include the Henty Plough, used by the Henty brothers in 1834, and two magnificent oil paintings by Thomas Clark of Muntham Station and Portland Bay.
The cultural collection is housed and displayed at History House (the original Portland Town Hall), Casterton Town Hall, and the Maritime Discovery Centre on the Portland foreshore.