COMMUNITY ACTION GROUP TO BLOCK ANY ATTEMPT FOR DEVELOPMENT

The history of Boho South Strathbogie North Church

The land for the Church was very generously donated in 1960 by Jack Smith. The title was in the names of local parishioners and was held in Trust for the Church. In 1982 the Church and the land were transferred from the Community to the Uniting Church. 

Upon a member of the Hall Committee speaking to Wendy (one of Jack’s children), she and other members of her family were told their father had always understood he donated the land on the provision it would be kept for community use and not sold for profit.

The Church was moved from Pascoe Vale to its present site and was rebuilt entirely by local voluntary labour. 

The Church was officially opened on Saturday 8th April 1961 and another service was held the day after. The offerings for the two days enabled the Church to be opened free of debt.

Regular Church services were held for many years but as the congregation levels dropped off, the decision was made to finally close it around 2014.

For many years the Boho South Hall generously donated power to the Church, allowing them to run a power lead across for their heaters and organ, and use the Hall’s toilet block.  

Boho South Hall committee members have also kept the grounds of the Church mown and maintained for over 10 years for the benefit of the community area. Sadly, this has never been acknowledged by the Uniting Church during the years nor when the committee spoke to the Uniting Church Property Department during a conversation on 26th June 2023.  Further attempts to seek clarity and have calls returned by the Uniting Church regarding the proposed sale failed until Friday 3rd November when the committee was able to source a contact number to the Director of Property for the Uniting Church (Vic/Tas) who advised three (3) sworn valuations had been sourced before the property went on the market for sale.  Investigations are now underway. 

Thank you to all who attended our initial community meeting to discuss the sale of the Uniting Church located directly next door to the Boho South Hall. 

Over 30 attendees gathered to hear the latest chain of events and discuss the true value of this parcel of land given its location between the Boho South Hall, a Telstra building and the CFA Fire Station on busy Boundary Hill Road directly opposite Koala Cherry’s and behind Domain Chandon. 

We also thank the Euroa Gazette for attending and interviewing members of our local community. 

During our initial information session, the Hall committee notified attendees of the following: 

o The church land is zoned ‘Farming’;

o ‘Farming’ zoned land normally prevents anyone from building a residential dwelling on farming zoned land under 100 acres;

o The church building has a heritage overlay in place, preventing the removal without lengthy applications which can be challenged via  Council and VCAT by interested parties including local community groups;

o The Church land does not include any toilets nor running water. If purchased by an individual who requires toilets and running water, the cost may become excessive if a special septic system were required by Council to ensure surrounding businesses and properties are protected.  

o Access to the Hall toilets and water may need to be monitored (due to costs) to anyone purchasing for private residential development. There would be no access to the Hall's power. 

o The Smith family who donated the land believe their fathers intention would have been for the land to be given back to the community, not sold for profit.

o The general consensus of attendees at Saturday’s meeting would like the Church land to be returned to the community, if not successful, purchased by a community minded entity;

o After discovering inaccurate information being communicated regarding the sale of Church land, the committee have obtained a copy of the current Council rates notice and land title. The Boho South Hall Committee are keen to explore independent legal advice, speak further with Council and appoint registered Property Valuers.

  10am Saturday 18th November 2023

The Boho South Hall committee will be holding its second meeting for members of the public to gain further updates regarding the said land.  

Should you wish to provide information or ask a question prior to this meeting, please contact the committee via the ‘Contact Us’ section on this website.