Malta - Australia Hall

[Auimfo]

As Bill has suggested, there is a need for a structured and costed campaign otherwise we risk being ignored as a minority group of amateurs.

Has anyone thought about feeling out the Australian Red Cross for their support. The building was originally constucted using their funds to begin with and perhaps they would be interested in assisting in a campaign to restore it. I wouldn't expect any financial assistance from them but perhaps their weight behind the campaign would be of benefit.

Tim L.

[Guest Bill Woerlee]

To give a clarification to the notes I gave above I have listed a couple preliminary items that need to be sorted out.

Your number one top priority in this task is to determine the legality of the asset. Who owns it? What are the terms of ownership? Will the owner allow anyone to restyore it? What terms? Is a rental applicable? If a project is commenced, who will have control of the hall? If any work is done, who has the rights to that work? Etc etc etc etc.

After finding out all the legal aspects of ownership, let me give an example of getting a vision together regarding this building.

1. Since it has been burnt down, we need to know the exact state of the cement bindings on the masonry. Has it fretted? Are the walls capable of load bearing anymore as a consequence of fire which has the ability to destroy the structural integruity of masonry even though it might look fine. What are the foundations like? Judging by interior pic it appears as though the floor is concrete which no doubt would have crystalised during the fire. Does it need to be removed?

All of this requires a site engineer and probably about $10,000. This is your first grant target, a feasability study. having a building engineer committed to the task and willing to do it for gratis would solve this need for cash however out of pocket expenses would have to be reimbursed.

2. Plans need to be drawn up taking into consideration the building codes related to such a structure. You need to determine the style of materials used to reconstruct the building - do you use exactly what was in the original building or do you use modern substitutes? This has to be costed down to the last tube of silicon filler and nail. This is your second funding project requiring a grant of close to about $100,000 to get this together or get some good volunteers.

3. The project needs a recurrent base to maintain the facility. You might get a capital grant to put it together but that doesn't pay for the power two years from now. The building will cost money even to stand still unused. Who is going to provide it? I can tell you now that no funding body in Australia will touch the recurrent expenditures - they will give you the seed capital if the project looks viable but after that you are on your own. So, how is the hall going to make money and pay its way into the future? If there are to be subleases to businesses to generate rent, would this be in line with the original lease? Will hall rental pay its way? How? At the end of the day you need to have a good business plan to give a vision of the future for the building.

I know this sounds difficult and it is but if it were easy then it would have been restorred by now.

Cheers

Bill

[Wayne Saillard]

Dear all,

May I please remind you of the points made in post #36 to avoid any misunderstanding :

1: Increase in public awareness about the building - especially in Australia and the United Kingdom.

2: People and organisations interested in its restoration putting pressure on their respective governments to relay an expression of disappointment that such a historic building be left to wreck and ruin, to the Maltese government.

3: That such interest from overseas governments will kick-start the Maltese government into action that results in the restoration of AUSTRALIA HALL.

Whilst the suggestions submitted concerning the raising of funds for a restoration project are greatly appreciated, this falls outside our immediate goals. At this point in time, all we wish to do is what has been stated in the above points.

Hope this clarifies things,

Regards

Wayne

[Fedelmar]

I contacted the President of the Australian Miltary Historical Society, he has visited this link and read it. Hopefully he may pass the word around.

Bright Blessings

Sandra

[Guest Bill Woerlee]

Mates

With all the thoughts of this hall, here is a pic of Anzac Day at Malta, 25 April 1916.

You will note the attendance of Lord Methuen.

Cheers

Bill

[Wayne Saillard]

Bill,

Thank you for posting this very nice picture. It clearly shows the original 'standard' type of headstones used for the majority of the First World War burials on Malta. There were usually three burials (and therefore three markers) to each grave.

These were later replaced by a single horizontal stone slab with multiple inscriptions to commemorate each person buried therein. The CWGC is gradually replacing the worn headstones of this type with others manufactured in three sections.

This new proceedure will make it easier to replace damaged sections - as they will no longer have to replace the whole slab. Another factor is that they are a lot more easy to handle.

Regards

Wayne

[Jeff Pickerd]

To all who have taken an interest in the plight of Australia Hall, I have today forwarded another email to

The Hon Bruce Billson MP, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Governmemt of the Commonwealth of Australia.

On the 6th March I forwarded information to his office, addressed to the minister, regarding the plight of Australia Hall at St. Andrews on Malta, and to-date I have not even had the courtesy of at least an acknowledgement to this mail.

I now await a response this time.

It had been my intention to post a copy of my latest mail, but I am unsure as to the correctness of posting such on the grounds in accordance to the protocols and rules of this forum.

If I receive no response, I shall outline the concerns and thrust of the correspondence, for it is in line with all previous discussion.

Jeff

[Auimfo]

Jeff,

In the past, I too have forwarded mail, both surface and 'e', to the current minister and unfortunately I have never received a reply either. It didn't even help when I pointed out I lived in his electorate!

Personally I think it's the height of rudeness to not even acknowledge receipt of the mail. Sometimes I feel they forget that they work 'for' us and should be answerable 'to' us.

I've also written to the past two ministers on the odd occasion and only once received a standard reply full of warm fuzzy sentiment and no substance. But at least she had the decency to reply.

Don't hold your breath.

Cheers,

Tim L.

[John Rice]

I have just finished reading this thread about Australia Hall in Malta and the effort of some members to have it restored. I am wondering if there was any results to their efforts.

John

[zekka_38]

Regarding Australia Hall, attached is a photo of its exterior, which is still in a good shape.

Its the interior that was destroyed and all that remains is the thick limestone shell.

The matter of the Hall and its restoration is not easy, as the building is 'rented' to a political party and politics in Malta are on the same footing as religion and football! Until this is sorted, no headway can be made. As for the Australian Red Cross, the Australian Governments or anyone outside of Malta, they can only petition as the building belongs to the Maltese Governemnt (Estates Management).

I would like to see it restored just like all of you, along with the other gutted majestic building that was turned into a disco back in the 80's. The only belssing is that both buildings are Grade 1 Scheduled sites and enjoy some protection.

[yasette]

Hello all. It is now 2010 and I am about to ignite the fire again. I would like to be in contact with you all please either by email or face to face if you live in Malta. My email is yasette@care2.com, my facebook is yasette and my mobile in Malta is +35699477662.

I give out these contact details so openly as I hope to get together a proposal that is a great solution very quickly. Currently there has been a deadline given to Labor to use it or loose it. This deadline is the end Jan. I have an appointment with a Mr Stefan Zrinzo from the labor party to talk about this proposal as a workable solution that all interested parties can be involved (not just political ones). I have forwarded emails throughout Malta, Australia and England.

We can do this together. I have contacts in the Australian media as well as the Maltese Media. I have passion about this and drive. I will be eating, breathing and pooing this concept and restoration until it is finished.

Please help me with contacting me and we can save a historic site that highlites the great connection between Malta and Australia. My Nanna and Nannu were alive in Malta when this was built until after the 2nd World War when they immigrated to Australia with 5 children. I now live between Malta and Australia and love both as equally.

I look forward to hearing from you all ASAP(especially Wayne who I need lots of photos from as for some reason your photos do not come through on my computer.)

I leave you with military proverbs... 7P's and K.I.S.S.

Thank you for your time,

Yasmin Jovette.

(An Australian-Maltese)

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[yasette]

P.S.

I originally was searching for a venue for my business idea, based on what I envisioned. When I found the Australia Hall, it was like my vision had just come to reality. However, after trying to dig up information about this I started to realise the significance of this landmark. It needed to be a joint project that benefits both the Maltese and Australian community.

Take care.

[Krithia]

Hi Yasette,

Thanks for bringing this to the top of the list again. I am glad the building is still there but concerned that it may be left to rot away. The historical listing will hopefully keep it standing for another 100 years! ... it would make a great Museum.

Krithia

[yasette]

Yes, restoring it for historic and community use. I have a plan. Can you please contact any of the others who have given so much info on this thread and motivate them to collate their information?

Thanks.

[Wayne Saillard]

TO WHOEVER IT MAY CONCERN

Due to recent developments, I find it necessary to make the following statement in order to clear any misconceptions.

I hereby declare that I am not, nor have I ever been, a member of any organisation or business set up for the purpose of restoring Australia Hall on the island of Malta.

In the event that a voluntary organisation is set up for this purpose, and obtains/enters a legal agreement to undertake this task, I am willing to consider supporting it.

As some of you know, over the years I have mounted numerous exhibitions, displays and backdrops, related to Australian military connections with the island. Such activity has been done on a voluntary basis, and at my own expense, for educational and commemorative purposes.

I am willing to loan the material, gathered for the above purpose, to the voluntary organisation for display in a restored Australia Hall - providing that all relevant legalities are in place to my satisfaction.

Wayne Saillard

[WIlko]

Hi all,

 

Some years have passed since the last commentary on the condition and fate of Australia Hall, Malta. I became interested in this building a few years ago when I was made aware of it after conducting some archaeological research in Rabat. As a Veteran and heritage professional, it is deeply concerning to see there has been no restoration attempt to date. The most recent and promising attempt included a proposal by the (then) High Commissioner Jane Lambert, VP AMA Dr Stephen Parnis, and Din l-Art Ħelwa (National Trust Malta). Unfortunately, any commitment from the current owners has gone quiet. The Australian government was sadly dismissive of the idea, especially disheartening as there is very little information on the ANZACs in the Australian War Memorial.

 

There are currently no known structural assessments, significance reports, heritage reports, conservation plans or other documents that outline the history, management or ongoing conservation for this valuable heritage asset. The National archives have provided me with plans from 1916 and 1960.

 

I am prepared to raise the matter on the restoration of Australia Hall again, and have already gained some solid interest from the Australian, New Zealand, Maltese and Veteran communities. The most significant threat at this time is a planned Chinese Embassy, who's location will make the planned multi-story shops and carpark unfeasible for the property owners, as it would abut the new Embassy. With this in mind, a subtle reminder of the ANZAC reach in a global context is a diplomatic opportunity not to be thrown away.

 

It is envisaged that much of the work will be carried out collaboratively by Maltese and Australian/New Zealand specialists, and that some work will be undertaken by Veterans and ex-service personnel. I hope the universities of Australia, New Zealand and Malta are able to provide support in the academic pathways. The aim is that the project will help in the recovery of Veterans while serving as a platform for future employment and education pathways for service personnel transitioning into civilian life.

 

My proposal is that the work will be conducted in three phases, with each phase informing the future stages.

Phase 1 – Feasibility study, including: a structural assessment, archaeological assessment, significance assessment, full spatial recording, and documentation.

Phase 2 – A digital (virtual) and/or physical reconstruction of the building, including a conservation management plan and business plan.

Phase 3 – Implementation of the conservation plan, interpretive works, and implementation of the business plan for ongoing use management.

 

Of course this will entirely be dependent upon agreement from the current property owners. An ideal situation would be to purchase the land outright and then have Din l-Art Ħelwa or some other organisation be custodians of the building. We are getting some valuable Australian and Maltese media outlets interested in my proposal. 

 

I appeal to anyone interested in assisting me in getting the proposal out there. I welcome any contact from those who are interested, and from anyone who could provide any further background information. I have created a Facebook page for this purpose: https://www.facebook.com/VESA.RAHMP. 

 

Kind regards,

Andrew

[WIlko]

Further to my previous post:

 

It is hoped that the building, once restored, will serve as a place of exploration, learning, experience, and reflection, and as a community space including a library, social and conference centre for the public and visiting researchers to utilise. The most significant risk to the project is whether the property owners will allow the project to go ahead, although I remain optimistic that at least the first phase could be completed, and over a few weeks in 2022 – once travel restrictions improve. There are concerns over funding a physical restoration in private ownership and so some formal agreement on ongoing use and access to the building will need to be put in place.

 

A number of Ex-service Organisations have expressed some interest is supporting the project.

 

I am not under any allusions that a physical restoration is feasible, even though remain optimistic that it is. Din l-Art Ħelwa believes that as of 2016 and 2017 it was still structurally feasible. The proposal in my previous post identifies a virtual reconstruction of the building. If nothing else, this will enable the world to experience the site, and encourage people to come top Malta for themselves.

 

Cheers,

Andrew

 

[Jeff Pickerd]

Greetings Andrew, welcome to the GWF, and thank you for bringing the plight of Australia House to the fore again.

 

My apologies for not responding sooner, but I have been waiting to see just what sort of response your post would receive, and as I had feared, no one has commented as yet to date.

 

Such was the case back in 2007 when I endeavored to seek support and interest for the plight of Australia House back here in Australia. My approach to the Minister for Veterans Affairs in March 2007, after eventually receiving a reply to my mail at the end of May of that year stating that the minister had asked his department to seek advice from the High Commission as to the status of the building and what might be done to resolve its preservation, eventuated to nothing; no further feed back or correspondence. Likewise with an attempt to get support from the Victorian RSL through a now deceased executive officer resulted in total disinterest, as with any attempt to have the media take up the story also met with similar disinterest. Possibly I should have pushed harder back then, but the overall response was disheartening and I just gave up.

 

I fear that, as was the case back in 2007, the general Australian public have no idea of the existence of Australia House, let alone its history of being built by the proceeds of donations from the Australian public back in 1915, nor possibly care enough to have anything done to save the building, but I hope that negativity is not really the actual case.

I sincerely hope that you can resurrect public interest in preserving, and hopefully restoring Australia House to its original splendour and more than happy to offer my support to your proposal to finally save the building, it is an iconic building to the history of the medical service and comfort that Malta provided to the Australian and New Zealand wounded troops from the Gallipoli campaign.

 

Jeff

[WIlko]

Thank you Jeff for getting back to me. No apologies necessary for the delay in a response. It has been a few years since the issue was last raised, so my expectations were not particularly high. I do hope that you (and others) are still interested, and I appreciate everyone's support. I apologise for the long post too.

 

It is with some sadness that I note that Robert Methuen (7th Lord Methuen), who was contacted in 2007, passed away from illness in 2014. I am yet to find the contact details for his successor - James Paul Archibald Methuen-Campbell, 8th Baron Methuen, in the hope that he may also be interested in supporting the project.

 

In 2016 Dr Stephen Parnis, VP of the AMA, along with MS Jane Lambert (then Australian High Commissioner to Malta), made a pretty solid attempt to see the restoration commence. This resulted in Din l-Art Ħelwa (National Trust Malta)  proposing to undertake the restoration at no cost to the owners (currently Fino Buildings - although Planning Authority Malta has the current owners listed as A.H. Developments). (Note: I have been given permission to make all this information public). There was no response to the proposal from the owners. The owners had planned to build a multi-story shopping centre and underground carpark within the property (and are still legally obliged to see the building restored).  It is the consensus that the multi-storey building will not proceed due to the close proximity of a new Chinese Embassy next door. The concern (very reasonable) that Din l-Art Ħelwa have is that they would require a formal agreement with the owners for access to the building if they were to fund the restoration. The ideal situation, therefore would be to somehow purchase the property and place in Din l-Art Ħelwa's custodianship. I am not sure if sub-division would be an option. Estimation of current land value is about AUD $20 mil - although this may be devalued somewhat by the obligation to restore Australia Hall, and limitations in place from the proximity to a new embassy.

 

In 2018 Australis Facilities Management (Sydney) were in discussion with the property owners and proposed some workshops for early 2019 on restoration plans (https://www.australisfm.com.au/latest-news/malta-australia-two-nations-intertwined/), I have had no response from AFM to date. 

 

A media campaign is developing. I have made contact with Valerie Vella in Malta through a friend of mine, and the Maltese eNewsletter has published numerous articles in the past and after meeting with the editor recently supports the current efforts ( https://ozmalta.com/ - eNewsletters 358, 359 and 360). The Council for Maltese Living Abroad (CMLA) has also indicated their support. John Calleja provided an interesting talk on Adelaide Radio last year: https://radioadelaide.org.au/2020/03/16/john-calleja-malta-nurse-of-the-mediterranean-ww1/. The Maltese Architecture - Past and Present Facebook page posted photographs of the building condition as of 31 January 2021 (https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=2827429627506936&id=1890499651199943). 

 

I think the time is critical now. The threat of development of the property is imminent, and the common practice for developers is to let buildings deteriorate to the point where they can petition the government to demolish. This year is an Australian election year, and as the current government has been a little more proactive in addressing Veterans health and employment needs, this project has some real potential in this area and will provide valuable research data for the Veterans Transitions Research Centre. The Duke of Sussex is a strong supporter of Veteran recovery programs and as the Duchess of Sussex has Maltese ancestry, I hope to get some interest from them through my networks.

 

Whether this new attempt is successful or not, I will be publishing the process and progress in the hope that it provides documentation for future attempts, and for other similar heritage assets.

 

I would really love to hear from others interested in supporting this venture, here or via personal message.

 

Kind regards,

Andrew

[WIlko]

I have received correspondence from the Australian High Commissioner Jenny Cartmill on Australia Hall. She has been trying to get a meeting with the property owners, and hopes this will come about soon. She is also planning to meet with Din l-Art Ħelwa as well.

 

I have also been in contact with a Mr John Calleja who has been running a couple of gala events in Adelaide (2019 and 2020) to raise awareness of Australia Hall and also of a planned rowing regatta held for ANZAC Remembrance in Malta. The previous President of Malta (who visited Flinders University SA in 2016) was very supportive along with her Ministers for Education, Sport and Tourism. The South Australian Minister of Education has also voiced his support for the travel of students on and ANZAC educational experience and school research program which will hopefully kick off once travel restrictions ease. A visit to Australia Hall is to be part of this education program.

 

Apart from the permissions required from the property owners to undertake the project I have proposed, the only stumbling block is getting the interest from the Australian government. Currently there are a few military history and service grants on offer for 2021 and 2022, and some related community grants. These should cover at least the first phase of the proposal. The second and third phases will need to be costed once phase one is completed.

[Jeff Pickerd]

Andrew,

 

Thanks for all the additional information. It is interesting that the photographs of the interior of Anzac House from the 31st January this year are almost as it was back in August 2007, obviously nothing has been done one way or the other in those past fourteen years.

I shall endeavour to contact you through the mail facility of this forum.

 

cheers,

 

Jeff

[WIlko]

Thanks Jeff. Yes I agree with your assessment there. That is promising for the condition of the hall. Apart from minor damage, vegetation growth and more graffiti, on the whole the building appears to have suffered little.

 

If anyone would like to provide messages of support, offer how they could support the project, or can provide any information on Australia Hall they can email that through to australiahallmalta@gmail.com. I welcome any stories, or information about the hall, ANZACs or related Malta information.