Following results from community consultation in October 2025, Council will enter negotiations for the sale of the Old Methodist Church to the Traralgon Historical Society for a nominal amount.

Latrobe City Council Mayor, Councillor Sharon Gibson said I am delighted that a community group is taking up the challenge to give the church a new lease of life.

“The future of the Old Methodist Church has been uncertain for several years now. About four years ago, Council resolved that the building would be demolished, but the community made it clear that the demolition was not supported,” said the Mayor.

“This outcome demonstrates that when Council and the community work together, we can work towards achieving positive outcomes that our community expect and deserve.

“Council will provide support to the Traralgon Historical Society as they commence negotiations with VicTrack to secure a lease for the Church site.”

Council has an agreement with the Traralgon Historical Society to provide the previously allocated $86,000 of Council funds for the demolition of the building towards the Traralgon Historical Society’s project. This is contingent on the Traralgon Historical Society successfully entering a lease with VicTrack by 30 June 2026.

If the Traralgon Historical Society is unable to enter a lease with VicTrack by this date a funding report will be brought back to Council by 30 September 2026 to identify further options for the building, informed by the public submissions received.

In October 2025, Council undertook online community consultation to help inform the future of the Church and received 10 submissions from community groups including the Traralgon Historical Society.