Boinga Bob’s Warburton treehouse gets a makeover thanks to volunteers

RENOVATIONS to shore up the Yarra Valley’s most famous treehouse have started, but a lot more money is needed to help a dedicated group of volunteers restore the work of art on behalf of its ageing owner.

A team of volunteers including Claire Bamford, Paul Mac, Siobhan Hedderman, and Terry Dodson is rolling up their sleeves and getting Boinga Bob's famous Warburton house up to spec. Picture: Steve Tanner

RENOVATIONS have started to shore up the Yarra Valley’s favourite tree house.

A driven group of Boinga Bob supporters have made it their mission to help the 78-year-old make his Tibetan-inspired Warburton home structurally sound and have it ticked off by Yarra Ranges Council.

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The Lilydale Leader previously reported Boinga Bob’s house was in danger of being demolished if structural improvements were not made to fix issues including deterioration, fire risk and potential electrical issues due to the lack of weatherproofing.

Boinga Bob, whose real name is Robert Prudhoe, met council officers in August last year to discuss ongoing concerns at the property.

Boinga Bob has had two hip replacements.

Through a GoFund Me campaign, Save Boinga Bob’s House has raised more than $2600 for the design phase, with the aim of eventually reaching about $100,000.

The group’s project manager Paul Mac said planning to fix up the decking should be finalised this month.

Through a series of community working bees, the group has temporarily braced Mr Prudhoe’s outhouse toilet that will need restumping, installed temporary fencing, and done a clean up.

Mr Mac said the group was searching for a dedicated volunteer PR manager to help with the campaign, which would turn part of the property into a meditation centre and cafe.

Mr Prudhoe, who has had heart surgery and two hip replacements, said he no longer had the ability to keep up restorations and was grateful to those who were helping him.

“Community is very important to me,” he said.

“People together can build a pyramid.”

His grand plan is to bequeath his home, which is his art, to the community.

Yarra Ranges development services manager Damian Closs said significant progress had been made on safety works at the property.

A fluffy toy inside the house. Picture: Stuart Milligan