Bringing History Back to Life: YMCA Camp Manyung benefits from Heritage Victoria Grant
In an exciting development for YMCA Camp Manyung and the broader Mount Eliza community, the camp has received a boost from a substantial $188,000 grant from Heritage Victoria. This restoration project is supported by the Victorian Government through the Living Heritage Program.
This funding was aimed at restoring the camp's heritage-listed bunk houses, designed by renowned architect Eric Milton Nicholls, a partner with Walter Burley Griffen.
Camp Manyung, a coastal campsite for groups and schools, dates back to the late 1920’s, early 1930’s when the plans for the camp were completed by Nicholls. Working with notable naturalist, Mr. D. Matthews, the intention was to not only beautify the camp grounds, but also to make them a miniature botanical garden.
Nicholls's unique design work, including two bunkhouses, an ablution (toilet and shower) block, dining/social hall, kitchen and storage for tents, is a symbol of early years camping model, a further 6 bunk houses later added, to make a total of 8. However, in recent years, the historical site has faced issues with rising damp which has led to ongoing degradation of these significant buildings.
The grant from Heritage Victoria now provides a timely and vital financial injection that has funded critical restoration works, ensuring that these historic structures can be preserved for future generations.
The benefits of this grant extend far beyond just the preservation of the buildings.
Preserving the Burley-Griffen/Nichols designed bunkhouses for future generations is high priority of the camp. Through the support of Heritage Victoria and the Living Heritage Grants Program, we have been able to mitigate any ongoing issues of rising damp. We are fortunate to have had the support of Heritage Victoria to complete this significant project. Jim Boyle, Camp Manager
The restoration work at YMCA Camp Manyung provides the Mount Eliza community a chance to look back on local history and make sure it’s there for the next generations.