Benalla Rural City Council’s much-loved rocket playground in the Benalla Botanical Gardens has been recommended for State Government heritage recognition.
The Council says the heritage recommendation from Heritage Victoria’s Executive Director highlights the structure’s importance to the local community and its place in the state’s history.
The eight-metre-tall rocket has been a local landmark since it was installed in 1966 and is recognised as a rare and intact example of mid-20th-century playground design, reflecting the strong cultural influence of the 1960s space race.
Mayor, Bernie Hearn, who remembers climbing the rocket as a child with her eight siblings, said the structure holds a special place in the hearts of locals.
“The rocket is a real part of who we are in Benalla,” Mayor Hearn said.
“It’s brilliant to see kids playing on the exact same spot where their parents and grandparents used to play. It really connects us all together.”
For decades, the rocket has been a central part of community life. It attracts local families and serves as a popular stop for travellers on the Hume Highway, she said.
“This isn’t just about a metal structure; it’s about keeping a place where families can come down, have some fun, and spend time together.”
The Mayor said the heritage listing process underlines the rocket’s value as a symbol of a unique period when space exploration captured the world’s imagination. It is one of the few remaining examples of its kind in the state.
The proposed listing is currently open for public feedback on the Heritage Council of Victoria website until 17 March, with a final decision expected in mid-2026.
“I encourage everyone who has fond memories of the Rocket or if your family currently enjoys the playground, to make an online submission to Heritage Victoria,” Mayor Hearn said.
View the heritage recommendation: https://heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/decisions/executive-director-recommendations.
