Coastcare will launch in Point Cook with the aim of restoring the Point Cook Homestead and surrounds

A “haunted” 19th century homestead in Melbourne’s west is at the centre of mission to reinvigorate a popular coastal park.

A historic — and haunted — 19th century homestead in Melbourne western suburbs has fallen into disrepair, prompting a community group to breathe new life into it.

NatureWest, an umbrella organisation for community groups in the west, will launch Coastcare Point Cook to reinvigorate Point Cook Coastal Park.

The 290ha includes wetlands, walking trails and the Point Cook Homestead and gardens once owned by the Chirnside family.

The group will hold its first meeting on April 2 at the homestead, which Landcare facilitator and NatureWest volunteer Kellie Jackson said would be the starting point for several projects.

“We want people to have any level of involvement they want, “ she said.

“People could have special projects that they do, for example the Cheetham Wetlands or people who want to work around the house and garden can do that as their own special project under the Coastcare group.”

NatureWest vice-chair Bruce Boddington said a big priority of the Coastcare program would be boosting people’s mental health with nature.

“One of our primary aims is to connect people with nature,” he said.

“We saw, after Covid, people using nature to aid their mental health.”

The homestead — managed by Parks Victoria — was used as a holiday home for the Chirnside family, who lived the Werribee Mansion.

Parks Victoria district manager Craig Bray said NatureWest would be supported in its mission.

“Parks Victoria is helping NatureWest set up Coastcare Point Cook and we look forward to working with them over the coming years to protect Point Cook Coastal Park and surrounding areas,” he said.

“Initially, Coastcare will be helping us with upkeep of footpaths around the homestead, while we do regular maintenance on the heritage-listed buildings. It’s a great place to visit as part of a trip to the wetlands for a walk or birdwatching.”