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Ned Kelly home restoration debate

Ray White

Ray White

As an auction looms for Ned Kelly’s childhood home, debate is heating up over whether the National Trust should restore or buy the property.

In an interview with the Herald Sun, National Trust of Australia Victorian chief executive Martin Purslow said the Trust was launching an appeal to preserve the piece of history.

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“We want to set up an appeal… with a $100,000 kickstart from the Trust to not only acquire the Kelly property, but make sure it is restored,” Mr Purslow said.

The homestead, built in 1859, is on a property which is being sold along with a modern family home in the town of Beveridge, Victoria.

“Whether the Kelly house ends up in National Trust ownership or we support another owner in its plans, it’s important we do this,” Mr Purslow said.

“We want to step up and play a more sustainable role in its future and we need community support to do that.”

Despite the Trust’s keenness on the heritage listed cottage, a poll of 3AW listeners showed 65 per cent were against the purchasing the house.

The Trust hopes to raise $600,000 in public donations to preserve the Kelly Street homestead.

A polarising debate still rages over whether the the bushranger was an Australian legend or glorified criminal.

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