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Luisini's Winery

Objective

To conserve and interpret the Luisini Winery in such a way to create a significant community, cultural and heritage facility, whilst allowing for complimentary revenue generating activities to achieve financial self-sufficiency.

Strategies

• Involvement of the Italian community to allow for ‘ownership’ and conservation of the cultural heritage significance of the site, as well as the preparation of a business plan to compliment the overall vision.
• Conservation and interpretation of the Luisini Winery in keeping with the proposed Yellagonga Regional Park Draft Management Plan.
• Interpretation Plan to allow the full potential of educational links which will add value to the project.

OVERVIEW: 2000/2001

Following the official launch of the Luisini Winery Project during the Italian Festival Week 2000 on 30 May 2000, and the formation of the Steering Committee to oversee the successful implementation of the project, there has been much groundwork and research completed in order to bring the project to fruition.

In keeping with the intention of the National Trust to conserve and interpret the Winery so as to maintain its unique cultural heritage, it was important to have the total support and participation of the Italian community. This has been forthcoming and there has been much interest and enthusiasm in the project. The Italian community has understood the significance of conserving and interpreting the Luisini Winery in order to reflect not only the contribution made by Ezio Luisini, but by Italian migrants as a whole to the development of Western Australia.

In keeping with the model developed by the National Trust to manage heritage places, a Steering Committee, an Executive Committee and three other committees have been set up to prepare the overall management plan for the Luisini Winery:

• Business Committee: (Chair: Max Mazzilli)
• Interpretation Committee: (Chair: Carmelo Genovese)
• Conservation Committee: (Chair: Paul Conti/Sandro Giovanazzi)

With each of these committees chaired by a member of the Italian community, important links and ‘ownership’ have been maintained. The committees have been meeting on a regular basis and have worked towards the finalisation of business, interpretation and conservation plans. Patrons of the Luisini Winery Project Steering Committee are Giovanni and Maria D’Orsogna, and the official biographer is Alfredo Strano.

After extensive consultation, the Business Committee has provided a ‘Redevelopment Study and Recommendations’ document which has been approved by the Luisini Winery Executive Committee and ratified by the Steering Committee. This document will provide an important basis for the preparation of the architectural design brief  which will also incorporate the requirements of the Interpretation and Conservation sub-committees. A copy of the document is available on the Trust’s website.

A report was also prepared to examine access proposals with reference to the Winery. There had been major concerns raised by local residents about the possible increased traffic flow, particularly along Lakeway Drive where the current entrance to the Winery is situated. However, the strong recommendation presented is to have the official entrance to the Winery from Hocking Road as this would provide a better option for all concerned, especially the residents.

HIGHLIGHTS: 2000/2001

Postcards-Channel 9

 The Luisini Winery Project was featured prominently on an edition of ‘Postcards’ on Channel 9 which raised considerable interest and awareness about the project. It also helped provide some excellent contacts and opportunities for people to share their memories of Ezio Luisini and his Winery.

‘Festa di Rottnest’

 Following the official twinning (“gemellaggio”) between Rottnest Island and Amalfi in Italy, the inaugural Italian, ‘Festa di Rottnest’, was held in March 2001. With the opportunity created, and the expectation of numerous crowds, especially Italians, an exhibition about the Luisini Winery was set up by the Interpretation Committee at very short notice.

The exhibition included a history of the Winery on large display banners, as well as photographs and a video documentary which was played continuously during the exhibition. The response from all visitors was indeed very positive and there have been many requests for a copy of the video which is now available from Capital Productions. The exhibition during the three day ‘Festa di Rottnest’ was voluntarily staffed by friends and members of the Interpretation Committee.

Work For The Dole Program

 A team of workers from the ‘Work For the Dole Program’ have been excellent in cleaning the site and the Winery in particular. After being abandoned for so many years, it was not only very run down, but it seemed to be the home of many a pigeon and rat. There was also a huge amount of graffiti around the buildings and the vats, as well as other damage caused by vandals. It was very difficult to walk through. Under the guidance of Steve Martin, the crew from the ‘Work For Dole Program’ have been tireless in their efforts to clean and clear as much of the rubbish and graffiti as possible.

Consultation Process

 This has been an important aspect of the Luisini Winery Project. The consultation process has involved all interested parties and many new contacts have been made. All the work has been transparent and ample opportunities have been provided for the discussion of major issues and the presentation of final documents.

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

There are many exciting initiatives planned for the future of the Luisini Winery Project. This includes the important fact that the site is part of the Yellagonga Regional Park. The Department of Conservation and Land Management, in conjunction with the Cities of Wanneroo and Joondalup, and the National Parks and Nature Conservation Authority has prepared a draft Management Plan for Yellagonga Regional Park for the period 2000-2010. The Luisini Winery is identified as being section 24 of this Plan and it is one of nine non-Aboriginal heritage sites within the Yellagonga Regional Park. The Plan acknowledges that the nine sites are all cultural landscapes which provide stimulating contrasts to the surrounding urban development. Any work done on the Winery and its surrounding areas must respect and conform with the requirements of the overall management Plan for the Yellagonga Regional Park.

It is also important for the Luisini Winery to be vibrant and self-sufficient. For this reason, the final design and  master plan for the Winery will need to reflect the activities which will be best suited for the site. These have been outlined in the ‘Redevelopment Study and Recommendations’ document. The educational and instructional component will play a major role in the success of the Winery and already contact has been made with TAFE and the Wine Industry Association Western Australia to seek collaborative support for the project. A keen interest has been expressed to be involved with the development of the Winery because of the obvious potential to run instructional courses of immense appeal in an ideal setting.

The preparation of the Interpretation Plan will be particularly significant as this will hold the key to any future success of the Winery. The Interpretation Committee has the expertise and experience to ensure that this plan will be visionary and able to meet the key objectives of the whole project. It should also reflect the fact that Australia has such a diverse cultural heritage and that places associated with the history of migration and the contribution of successive migrants to our distinctive cultures and environments, are part of our shared cultural heritage. The Luisini Winery Project is an excellent example of this cultural heritage and can play a significant role in inspiring other communities to recognise, conserve and interpret the richness of their own cultural patrimony, heritage and migrant history in Australia.

CONCLUSION

I would like to thank all those who have contributed directly or indirectly to the Luisini Winery Project thus far, particularly Jenny Tyrwhitt who has worked tirelessly to ensure that the project will come to fruition. The National Trust is also grateful for the funding received from the Ministry of Planning and the general support and enthusiasm for the project.

There is a great expectation for the overall success of the Luisini Winery Project and 2001/2002 promises to be very exciting.

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