Community embraces a new future for Billilla
We’re working to bring the unique historic property of Billilla Homestead in the heart of Brighton back to community use for the first time in over 15 years.
Over three months from 2 December 2021 to 28 February 2022, our community shared their exciting vision for Billilla through our online Have Your Say platform, postcards, meetings, interactive activities and two events, including the highly successful Billilla Garden Party which attracted over 2,000 people.
At the Garden Party in February 2022, community members enjoyed old fashioned lawn games, live music by young musicians and roving performers.
Mayor Cr Alex del Porto launched the event saying:
“Billilla Homestead could, once again, be the home for a creative and engaged community that will generate opportunities for residents to express their ideas and abilities and feel a greater sense of connection as well as foster wellbeing and inclusion.”
Popular ideas raised by the community during the consultation included an arts and cultural centre, café, historical museum and a social enterprise. Continuing to maintain and utilize the beautiful garden areas for picnics, events and outdoor concerts were also highly rated.
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to have their say on the future of Billilla and we look forward to bringing new life to this landmark property.
Find out more about what the community would like to see at Billilla
Next steps
Council considered a report about the future of Billilla at its June 2022 meeting.
A scope of works will be drawn up for the remaining restoration work and community access to the building during this time will be limited.
We know you’re excited to explore and enjoy this historic building, so in the meantime, if you’re looking for a sneak peek inside this historic wonder, then why not come along to Open House Melbourne.
Stay in the loop
Explore Billilla’s rich history through videos, photographs, a historical timeline and an interactive map on our Reimagining Billilla web page. Select the blue +Subscribe button at the top of the page to receive updates about this project.
