Two Flynn-based community groups and distinguished architect Enrico Taglietti have launched an appeal against a decision by the ACT Heritage Council not to list Flynn Primary School, Preschool, health centre and grounds on the ACT Heritage Register.
“Members of the John Flynn Community Group and Flynn Primary School Parents and Citizens Association both unanimously voted to join architect Enrico Taglietti in challenging the shock decision to reject Flynn’s heritage nomination,” according to Flynn spokesman, Roger Nicoll.
“Like many in the broader community, we are mystified by the Heritage Council’s decision, particularly after an independent assessment found that Flynn met the threshold for listing on more than one of the criteria,” Mr Nicoll said.
The community’s history of valuing the school building and grounds extends over four decades, from the school’s establishment as Canberra’s first open-plan school, through celebrating numerous community events, to the strong and lasting association with John Flynn and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
“The complex is an essential part of Canberra’s heritage and Flynn’s identity as a community.”
“The community has invested many tens of thousands of dollars in the complex. Residents have rallied to protect the school and its heritage values over the years, including intense lobbying and fundraising to have a wing of the school rebuilt after it was rashly demolished following an arson attack in 1994.”
More recently the Flynn community has incorporated gardens and murals into the site and has spent much of the past four years developing a heritage proposal drawing on the complex as part of a sustainable multi-use community hub.
The John Flynn Community Group has also applied for funding to prepare a Conservation Management Plan and has asked Heritage Minister Jon Stanhope to support that by making good on his 2009 promise to protect the heritage value of the Flynn building and grounds, regardless of whether or not it gained formal listing.
“A formal management plan is needed now before any works commence to truly protect heritage and deliver the Chief Minister’s commitment.”
“Any decisions by government also have national ramifications now, as Flynn is one of the four Taglietti-designed schools nominated for listing on the National Heritage Register.”
“Heritage protection of Flynn’s landmark community facility is now more important than ever, and it is a central issue for our community.”
