Lilydale community fight to save White Dog pub
HUNDREDS of people are rallying to save a famous 152-year old Lilydale pub that has become run-down and derelict.
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HUNDREDS of people are rallying to save a famous 152-year old Lilydale pub that has become run-down and derelict.
Woori Yallock man Rob Hall has started a petition and a Facebook group calling on the owner of the White Dog, also known as Duke’s Saloon, to bring the famous pub in the Main St back to life.
DO YOU HAVE ANY WHITE DOG MEMORIES TO SHARE? TELL US BELOW
He has written to the owner about his concerns, but said he had not heard back.
Yarra Ranges Council said there was little they could do to get the site up and running again because the site was privately owned.
More than 700 people have signed the petition that states: “This petition aims to cement the White Dog’s future ... we want her to be restored to her former self and be a part of our community.”
Mr Hall said he had received an amazing response since starting his campaign.
He said many people had a connection to the pub, which closed its doors more than a decade ago.
“There is so many people that have actually got a connection to this place, and it hasn’t been open since 2001, 2002,” Mr Hall said.
“There is so many people that have actually got a connection to this place, and it hasn’t been open since 2001, 2002,” — Rob Hall
Mr Hall, who has an arts and photography background, said he would love to see the pub turned into an art gallery.
Click HERE to sign the petition
He said the pub was “falling to bits” and had been vandalised with graffiti, a rotting roof and cracks in the pillars.
Mayor Fiona McAllister said the council had held discussions with the owner of the pub about getting it reopened over the years with no success.
WHITE DOG WATERING HOLE FACTS
■ The White Dog is one of the oldest buildings in Lilydale
■ In 1875, the hotel was the location for Robertson and Wagner’s Coaches, with up to 40 horses stabled behind the hotel at the time
■ In 1886, the hotel was renovated to include a second storey
■ Originally known as The Lilydale Hotel, it has changed its name various times, including to White Dog, after the owner’s dog
Source: Sandy Ross, Lilydale Historical Society
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