The council is working to secure the property for future community use with strong community support and a $1 million donation from the Alexandra Park Club.
Chairman, Bruce Pigdon said their unequivocal purpose was to see the old school site remain for the benefit of the community.
“The site will need considerable funds to make good and repurpose due to neglect and to damage from vandals,” Mr Pigdon said.
“This offer is in keeping with our original charter and the fervent desire of Alexandra Park Club to embark on ambitious programs of civic improvements since 1925.”
Council CEO Matthew Morgan has been endorsed to finalise the discussions following an extensive and lengthy due diligence process, including gauging community interest.
“There was strong support for the project from the community, and we acknowledge the very generous support from the Alexandra Park Club,” Mr Morgan said.
“This is a significant project for the Shire, which requires careful and long-term planning; right now, our focus is on acquiring the site from the Victorian Government.
“Our priority is to secure the best deal for the future of the Yarrawonga community and surrounding area, which means pressing our case that the land should be transferred to Council at low cost, so that community money can be reinvested into the renovation and restoration works.”
Formal discussions are also underway with Yarrawonga Mulwala Community & Learning Centre (YMCLC) around it becoming a long-term tenant and renovating the old school building and surrounds.
YMCLC executive officer Julie-Anne Clarke said Council’s decision to acquire the site could not have come at a more fitting time.
“The centre recently released its 2026-2031 Strategic Plan, and the first action on the list was finding a new location that meets its growing needs,” Ms Clarke said.
“YMCLC’s plan sets out a vision for a purpose-built Yarrawonga Community and Cultural Precinct, bringing education, culture and community care together in one accessible location.
“This represents real and tangible progress towards that vision and creates opportunities for future growth.”
Mr Morgan said he was really pleased that YMCLC had been identified as a potential lead tenant.
Once the site is acquired, the council will carry out critical safety works to stabilise the buildings.
A business case will also be developed to renovate the old school administration building as a Council customer service centre to support the needs of the growing Yarrawonga community.
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