Didn’t Councillor Paul Huckin leave a lasting legacy in Coburg? Paul Huckin Park stands as a testament to community spirit and a touch of local political history. This park wasn’t always a green space. Let’s step back in time to understand how Paul Huckin Park came to be.
Once upon a time, this land was part of Robinson Reserve. In 1912, the army struck a deal with Coburg Borough Council. They secured the land for a drill hall at a peppercorn rent. A peppercorn rent is a very low or nominal rent. The rent was agreed for five hundred years. Senator Miller, Minister for Defence, officially opened the hall on February 27, 1914.
Fast forward to 1975. Councillor Murray Gavin made a surprising discovery. It was illegal for councils to lease land for over ten years. After some hesitation, the army was asked to leave. The drill hall was demolished in November 1987. The land was cleared, and newly planted. It reopened as Robinson Reserve in July 1988.
Initially, there were plans for a caretaker’s cottage. Councillor Paul Huckin and Carol Mathew, the community services manager, had a better idea. They envisioned a Neighbourhood House. The first Neighbourhood Houses in Victoria had opened in 1973. By 1988, almost three hundred were operating. Councillor Murray Gavin officially opened the House later that year.
The Coburg Courier reported on July 13, 1988. The newly elected committee wanted community input. They sought ideas for activities at the house. Playgroups, community lunches, and English classes were suggested. Community groups could also use the house for meetings, alongside recreational and educational programs.
The Research Section of the Coburg Historical Society discovered interesting facts. The Reserve was originally part of Crown Portion 140. John Pascoe Fawkner was the original owner. The Metropolitan Permanent Building Society sold it to the Borough of Coburg on November 7, 1908.
Adjoining residents of the Moreland Reserve Committee initially objected. They didn’t want a drill hall nearby. Coburg Council offered the army land. They offered as much of the 2.5 acres in Reynard Street as the Army wanted. The rent remained at a symbolic one shilling per year.
Today, Paul Huckin Park isn’t just a park. It’s a reminder of local history, community collaboration, and one councillor’s vision. It stands as a green tribute to Paul Huckin’s dedication. Take a moment to appreciate this space. Think about the changes it has undergone and the people who shaped it.