Schramm’s Cottage Museum Visitors Centre
The Society is pleased to advise members that agreement has been reached between Manningham
City Council, DTHS and the project architects on the floor plan for the new visitors centre to be erected on our eastern boundary. The plan appears below.
This facility will enable the Society to offer a greatly improved area for displays of items which we have not been able to show to the community due to lack of space and to relocate costumes from the cottage to a more appropriate area. This will lead to a larger selection of displays. It will also provide an enlarged climate controlled archive and costume storage area and greatly improved research and general work areas for our volunteers.
This is an ongoing project and the Society will continue working with council and architects through the next stages with the hope construction will be completed by mid 2023.
Source: 2021-12 DTHS Newsletter
New Building at Schramms Museum Complex
Members will be aware of the Society’s endeavours in asking Council to provide an additional building
at our complex to provide more exhibition and storage space, an appropriate area for our extensive
archive and a better facilities for our volunteers to conduct the day to day operation of the complex.
We are pleased to advise Council have agreed in principle to our request and we are in discussion planning this new facility which will provide a greatly improved museum for the enjoyment of the community.
Source: 2020-06 DTHS Newsletter
New Building News
ANGELO KOURAMBAS, the Council’s Director of City Planning and Community.
Angelo explained that Council realised the desire and need to bring forward the project so that it could be processed by 2023, and was working hard to bring this about. He is in charge of the project, and of the whole Waldau Precinct Master Plan and that Council will keep working with DTHS through the process.
The first step in the process will be completed by Christmas this year - to get the tender and delivery processes in motion, procurement advice for quotes etc.
The second step will take place early next year - work on the detailed design of the building in consultation with DTHS. Sinead Holmes, the Project manager, will continue to work with DTHS on this.
The third step will be going through all the necessary governance procedures to get planning approval, which will involve the neighbours, community and State Government. This is a lengthy process, but is expected to go through smoothly and be completed sometime next year.
Council is working on the budget to bring forward funding so that the building can be commenced in the 2021/22 financial year, extended into the following year, to be completed in 2023. The Council’s Engineering Department will deliver the project.
ROD BARTON MLC Rod asked Angelo if more money became available, could that speed up delivery of the project? Angelo replied that it would be difficult to move any faster, given that it is a $2 million+ project. Also, getting the planning permit could take up to 6 months if there are objections; if no objections, probably that would take only 2 months.
MATTHEW GUY MP As a former Planning Minister and Minister for Heritage, Matthew supported Angelo’s words, and explained that the most important part of the process in determining the time frame is how long obtaining the planning permit takes. With objections, Council would lose control
of the time frame. It will be important to explain the benefits of the project to the neighbours and the community. He offered to have further consultation with DTHS on this.
Matthew also explained that State Heritage grants are for small amounts usually under $100,000, while
Federal grants are for large heritage projects involving whole areas, not ‘small’ projects like this one.
PRESIDENT Eric spoke again, said how encouraging it was to hear Angelo’s news of bringing forward the timing of the project, and advised everyone they would receive a copy of the Minutes along with the President’s Address and Council Minutes of 25th August approving the concept plan. Everyone was then unmuted, and various members expressed gratitude and satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting.
Presidents Address
On behalf of the Doncaster-Templestowe Historical Society I would like to begin this meeting tonight by acknowledging the support of Manningham City Council in providing a new visitors centre for the Schramm’s Cottage Museum Complex. Members of the Society have worked closely with council officers and architects over the last six months in developing a con- cept plan along with costing for this facility which was approved by Council at its meeting on 25th August 2020. Although Council has approved the concept plan for the proposed building it can only provide funding for its completion in the 2024/25 budget, another four years away. The Society wishes to bring its construc- tion forward to 2021/22, if possible, by seeking finan- cial assistance to Council from Commonwealth and State Governments. There has been no major infrastructure develop- ment at our Museum complex, apart from routine maintenance, in the past 30 years since 1991. This then brings me to the purpose of this meeting tonight, that is to garner support from both Commonwealth and State Governments. Schramm’s Cottage complex in its present form was granted accreditation with Museums Australia (Victoria) in 2014, and is due for reappraisal in 2021. This was subject to a rigorous assessment procedure and is a recognition of the significance of the museum at both local and State levels. We are proud to have been granted that status. The complex as it now stands has a number of defi- ciencies that inhibit us from operating the complex as well as it should. Our greatest need is for more space: • Space to accommodate our expanding archive collection of photographs, documents, old ledg- ers, works of art and costumes in a climate con- trolled atmosphere that accords with best museum practice. • We also need a larger space for our team of vol- unteers to operate in, for the maintenance, cata- loguing and preservation of our artefacts. • We have a great need for more display facilities to showcase our extensive collection of memo- rabilia, archival records, as well as costumes and other items much of which has never been on public display, again due to lack of space. • We desperately need a larger and permanently set up meeting room for our monthly meetings and also for groups visiting the museum, includ- ing school children and other community organi- sations. Their visits could be preceded by a welcome, a short introductory talk with a DVD presentation about the complex followed by a guided tour by Society volunteers. This room will also be made available to other community groups when not required by the Society. • We are also aware of our obligation to provide a computer facility for the public to research our history and/or family records, an essential func- tion of historical societies in general but we are unable to offer this facility in our present situa- tion. We have looked at museums with similar facilities to those I have outlined tonight. Schwerkolt Cottage owned by the City of Whitehorse and Mont de Lancy in Wandin North are two that come to mind among others. Doncaster-Templestowe Historical Society had its beginnings in 1967 on the occasion of the proclamation of the Shire of Doncaster and Templestowe as a city; and in 1976 the present complex was established on the historic site of the original Lutheran Church (Doncaster’s first Church) and burial ground in Victoria Street. At that time, the complex comprised Schramm’s Cottage, home of teacher and later Pastor of the Lutheran congregation, relocated from its original site on Doncaster Road, Fingers Orchard barn and a small shed to house carts and other equipment associated with the early development of the fruit growing indus- try in the district. Significantly, this district was the ear- liest and most extensive fruit growing area in the State of Victoria and well noted for the advances it made in that industry – an industry that extended over more than a century. The unique history of Manningham needs to be preserved for posterity and this building will do much to ensure that it is not lost forever. It is important that citizens of our municipality are able to connect with its history and feel “at home”. Again we would be most grateful for any funding support that could be offered to enable this important project to be completed in 2021/22.
Eric L. Collyer, 7th October 2020.
Vice President's Address
Along with Eric and other Society members I have been a part of this ongoing project for a new building since 2016. As stated the Society is pleased that Council have now approved the concept plan and costing; however you will note that funding for completion of the building is not in the budget until 2024/25. Eric's presentation has fully explained the history of the project and I am sure you will see that we urgently need completion of the building earlier than 2024/25. We are appealing for your support in encouraging both Federal and State Governments to give further funding to Council to achieve our goal. We cannot realise the full potential of the museum unless we have more space to exhibit our large collec-tion. We have for too long had to contend with this problem and as a result we have not been able to offer the community access to many objects associated with Manningham's long and fascinating history. The complex is the only facility left in the Shire as a repository for this valuable and unique history which we must preserve for current and future generations. Geoff Broome, Vice President DTHS.
Source: 2020-10 DTHS Newsletter
New Visitors Centre
Following the article in the June Newsletter and the subsequent Special Edition Newsletter in October the following is an update on the project. Prior to our Zoom meeting on 7th October, Council advised funding would not be available until 2024/25. Due to that advise we arranged the Zoom meeting, however at the meeting Council advised they were now able to provide funding for construction in 2022/23 which pleased the Society. With all of the processes necessary that time frame was suitable. The concept plan and cost estimates $2.1 M for the building were approved by Council on 25th August 2020. The detail phase will proceed in early 2021 with consul- tation between Council, the Society and the architects. That will be followed by the application for a building permit and provided there are no delays in that process construction is expected to commence early 2022 with completion sometime in 2023. The completion of the building will be the start of a new era for the Society. It will enable us to offer the community a much improved museum, allowing us to put on exhibition many items in our large collection, which have not been displayed due to lack of space. We shall have an atmosphere controlled storage room for our archive, costumes and other fragile clothing and other items when not on display. The plan also includes a storeroom for items such as tables and chairs used mainly in outdoor activities within the grounds of the complex and other non display items. We shall have a larger area for our computer bank and work area for the volunteers working on our archive together with a research facility for the public to do fam- ily research. This area will be adjacent to the atmosphere controlled room for easy access by volunteers. A meeting room, with a visitor reception, for our monthly meetings and presentations to school and com- munity groups visiting the museum, will be a great asset. The room will be available for use by other community organisations when not required by the Society. Members will be advised, through the newsletters, of the progress with the project.
Source: 2020-12 DTHS Newsletter
Offsite Construction
The offsite construction of the building is progressing well as shown in the photograph from about 30th July. Work preparing the site at Schramms will be commence shortly. At this time a date for delivery of the building to the site cannot be confirmed.
Source: 2024-09 DTHS Newsletter
Breaking Ground
The new building project has broken ground with earthworks and underground services works commenced on site. The building itself is being built off-site and will be transported to site in modules hopefully between December 2nd and 5th.
Some temporary closure of activities at Schramms Cottage Museum complex may have to be put in place due to building safety. We will keep you informed via the website.
Source: 2024-09 DTHS Newsletter
Building construction: Schramms Cottage Visitor Centre, Doncaster East
A working drawing of the Schramms Cottage Visitor Centre site from above
Connecting our community through new facility construction is one of the ways we’re building a better Manningham.
As part of our 2024/25 Capital Works Program, we’re building a new community facility at Rieschiecks Reserve.
The new modular building will be used by the Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society and other community groups.
The Visitor Centre will include:
- an exhibition space
- a meeting room
- offices
- public toilets
- kitchen
- an accessible path to Schramms Cottage.
Featuring an environmentally sustainable design, this building will create a welcoming interface to the Schramms Cottage Museum Complex.
Where is it?
The Visitor Centre will be built at Rieschiecks Reserve, between Schramm’s Cottage and the 1st Doncaster East Scout Hall, Doncaster East.
A map showing the location of the proposed building construction of Schramms Cottage Visitor Centre
When will the works happen?
Construction will likely begin in early September 2024 and be completed by mid 2025.
This schedule is subject to weather conditions and third-party approvals.
We’re delivering this project as part of our 2024/25 Capital Works Program.
How will the works affect me?
The works will take place on weekdays during the hours of 7.00am and 5.00pm.
During construction, you may notice:
- Construction noise
- Minor traffic delays on Victoria Street, between George Street and Owens Street.
- Footpath closures
- Reduced parking available at the Schramms Cottage Museum Complex and the 1st Doncaster East Scout Hall.
We will have traffic management and signage on site to guide you through the area.
We appreciate your patience and understanding while we work to improve the footpath connections in your area.
3D renders
The images below detail what the finished building will look like from various perspectives.
East Elevation
North West Elevation
South East Elevation
South West Elevation
Schramms Cottage Visitor Centre Takes Shape
Manningham Council’s decision to proceed with a $3.55 million facility, despite officers' recommendations to discontinue the project due to rising costs, is now paying off. On Wednesday, December 4, prefabricated blocks arrived on-site, and by Friday night, the building was already standing!
Scheduled for completion in 2025, the new modular facility will serve the Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society and other community groups. It will significantly enhance the volunteer-run operations, offer better facilities for preserving the Society’s collection, and provide improved accommodations for school visits.
The Schramm’s Cottage Visitor Centre will feature:
- An exhibition space
- A meeting room
- Offices
- Public toilets
- A kitchen
An accessible pathway connecting to Schramm’s Cottage
The project aims to provide a more accessible and functional space for community use, while highlighting the historical significance of Schramms Cottage.
Source: Stella Yee December 7, 2024 https://www.manninghamlife.com.au/schramms-cottage-visitor-centre-takes-shape/
7 Dec 2024
Accessible Pathways
Work on the new building has generally been completed. DTHS has purchased new cabinets for the museum area to display items from our collection. Members are currently working hard to fill the cabinets with many items of interest to proudly display the heritage of Doncaster and Templestowe.
We look forward to the final completion of the building project that provides for an increased display area with temperature and humidity control for our archive and gown collection. Additionally, an updated work place for our dedicated volunteers to carry out the work of preservation and research, along with a new general meeting room and kitchen and toilet facilities.
Work on the new pathways within the complex has also been completed by Manningham Council and its contractors. These new pathways will make access around the whole museum complex much safer and accessible to all.
Source: 2025-09 DTHS Newsletter
History turns a page for Schramms Cottage
A group of people including the Mayor, Councillors and members of the Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society stand smiling at the camera out the front of the new Schramms Cottage Museum and Visitor Centre.
Manningham is celebrating a new chapter in its history with the official opening of the new Schramms Cottage Museum and Visitor Centre in Doncaster East.
The $3.5 million facility and precinct upgrade officially opened on Friday 17 October, and will help the Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society preserve the history of Manningham for generations to come.
Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante, said she was pleased to open the new centre, with Schramms Cottage an integral part of Manningham’s more recent pioneer story.
Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante, and Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society President Geoff Broome unveil the official plaque for the new building.
“Local history is important because it helps us understand who we are as a community. It tells the stories of the people, places and events that have shaped us, where we live and our way of life," Cr Diamante said.
“Thank you to the Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society, whose passion and dedication helps keep these vital stories of our community alive.”
The new building complements the historic Schramms Cottage and provides extra exhibition and storage space for the society to display and preserve their collection.
The spaces are climate controlled, ensuring that historical objects, particularly dresses and fabrics, will be preserved for longer.
Historical dresses on display in a glass cabinet in the visitor centre.
The development also includes upgraded car parking, pathways and a new meeting room, which will be available for the general community to hire from late 2026.
“I’m excited that community will be able to access this space for meetings and events, creating new opportunities for the community to view and appreciate our heritage,” Cr Diamante added.
Schramms Cottage was first built in 1874 on Doncaster Hill, near the present Manningham Civic Centre, for German immigrant Max von Schramm for use as a house and school.
In 1971, it was moved to its current location in Rieschiecks Reserve and now provides a picture of what life was like in the pioneering days of the late 1800s.
A collection of historical toys on display in a glass cabinet at the new Schramms Cottage Museum and Visitor Centre.
Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society President Geoffrey Broome said the society was delighted to see completion of the new facility, a culmination of many years of collaboration with Manningham Council.
“The museum is a community asset and helps to preserve the heritage of the Manningham municipality. Going back to the mid-1800s, this area was full of orchards and one of the main fruit growing districts of Victoria,” Mr Broome said.
“We have a wide range of items on display such as clothing from the early settlers including wedding gowns, household goods, furniture.”
The new visitor centre will be open to the public from Sunday 2 November.
The existing historic complex, including Schramms Cottage, is open every Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm and is available mid-week for local school excursions.
More information is available at the websites of Manningham Council and the Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society.
Two people, one using a walker, looking at historical items in a glass cabinet in the new visitor centre
Source: https://www.manningham.vic.gov.au/news/history-turns-page-schramms-cottage Published. 21 Oct 2025
New Building Opens - Schramms Cottage Museum
A plaque was presented to commemorate the building.
Plaque Text: Schramms Cottage Museum and Visitors Centre. This building was officially open on Friday, 17th October 2025 by her worship the Mayor of Manningham, Councillor, Deirdre Diamante. The addition to Schramms Cottage Museum has been funded and built by Manningham Council to preserve, and showcase the community’s liv- ing memory for due future generations.
Mayor Deirdre Diamante and DTHS President & Geoff Broome with the plaque commemorating
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