Lilydale’s former White Dog Hotel should be restored says Yarra Valley community

Gutted and vandalised, it’s marred the centre of Lilydale for more than 10 years. Now debate on what should be done with the old White Dog Hotel has fired up. And there’s one thing locals definitely don’t want.

The heritage listed former Lilydale Hotel — better know as the White Dog — has been run-down and empty for years. Picture: Stuart Milligan

IT’S the pub with no beer, no food and not even a bed to sleep in.

The White Dog Hotel, also known as Duke’s Saloon, has lain derelict in the centre of Lilydale for more than a decade.

A post on the Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader Facebook page asking people what they wanted to see the old hotel become has attracted more than 450 comments — and one thing was clear: no pokies.

Lilydale Hotel built in 1862, was once used by Cobb & Co horses.

Patrick Boucher suggested the building be used as a drop-in centre for “rough sleepers” and the disadvantaged.

“Provide a hub for service providers like Holy Fools, Yarra Ranges Housing Action Group, Anchor etc to come together under the one roof, with potential crisis accommodation,” Mr Boucher said.

Em Kate said the former pub should be turned into a theatre space for youth with programs to also cater for disadvantaged children and those with learning difficulties.

Hundreds of others want it restored to its former glory.

Helen Knight said: “Lilydale desperately needs a decent pub with great food and music and no pokies.”

The White Dog has laid derelict for more than a decade. Picture: Steve Tanner

And Jemmalee Cotterill said: “Restored to its former glory, good food and live music open to local bands. Good outdoor area, and no pokies.”

Yarra Ranges Cr Terry Avery said the council had tried many times to talk to the owner about the pub’s future.

“I reckon it would be a great backpackers’ hostel,” Cr Avery said.

“The council is 100 per cent behind something being done with it, but it’s privately owned so what do you do?”

MORE NEWS: LILYDALE COMMUNITY FIGHT TO SAVE WHITE DOG PUB

LAST DRINKS: THE POPULAR MELBOURNE PUBS WE LOST

DRIFTERS SET UP CAMP OUTSIDE LILYDALE TOILET BLOCK

Cr Avery said he understood previous tenants had ripped out the commercial kitchen.

Cr Tim Heenan said the former pub was a large part of the Lilydale’s history and must be preserved at all costs.

Built in 1862 as the Lilydale Hotel, the pub is one of the oldest buildings in the area.

More recently the pub was named White Dog after the owner’s pet, and then changed to Dukes — the dog’s name.

The owners Ronald Ward and Annette Ali refused to comment.