How Hahndorf almost lost their heritage

Our council is not the only one that has come close to throwing away its heritage. This story from the Hills Courier of 23 April shows that the Adelaide Hills Council did not understand that the iconic Hahndorf Academy was an asset. Thankfully local residents were more farsighted and the community has benefited both economically and culturally.

Almost 20 years ago the Hahndorf community banded together to save what has since become the town's most iconic building.
The Hahndorf Academy, plagued at the time with uncertainty for its future, was secured in 1988 when a foundation formed of local residents agreed to buy it to ensure it was kept for the town's people.
Other residents committed to funding the purchase from private owner Walter Wotzke, who, in 1964, saved the derelict and condemned academy from demolition to make way for a service station or supermarket.
They backed the plan to turn the building into a museum, cultural centre, art gallery and monument to the town's German pioneers.
It was a decision that shaped the future of historic Hahndorf, with the 151-year-old academy now the region's arts hub and set to be expanded to become the focus for Hills tourism.

Click here to find out more about the Hahndorf Academy.