Iconic homestead closed after business operator goes bust

The company that leased an iconic homestead southwest of Melbourne has collapsed, leaving locals concerned about the heritage-listed property and at least one bride-to-be having to scramble to find a new wedding venue.

Cumming Enterprises Melbourne, which leased the Point Cook Homestead from Parks Victoria, entered voluntary liquidation on July 7.

The business facilitated weddings and other functions at the historical homestead.

David Quin and Clyde White from PCI Partners have been appointed liquidators and a creditors meeting was held on July 24. 

Quin confirmed to SmartCompany that it was the business that was leasing the Point Cook Homestead that has entered voluntary liquidation rather than the homestead itself.

“The business has shut down,” Quin says.

“My role now is to investment the company’s affairs. I have to do my investigation and then I will lodge a report with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. I will look to see if there are any assets to be realised. The company leases the property from Parks Victoria.”

Asked whether there will be any return to creditors, Quin said at this stage it appeared unlikely.

The liquidator did not comment on the reasons why the business collapsed.

It is understood around nine employees have been affected by the collapse of the company, with SmartCompany aware of at least one bride-to-be who has lost her wedding day deposit and been forced to book elsewhere as a result of the liquidation.

The district manager of Parks Victoria, Rocky Barca, said the Point Cook Coastal Park along with the homestead and accompanying cafe were closed until further notice.

“The homestead is an important local cultural heritage site and visitor experience built by the Chirnside family in the 1800s before they built the iconic Mansion at Werribee Park,” Barca said.

“Parks Victoria is assessing options for the future management of Point Cook Homestead and intends to seek expressions of interest for a new lease of the Homestead. Parks Victoria is working to ensure the best outcome for the park, community and local tourism industry.”

Local residents have expressed shock over the business’s closure, turning to a community Facebook group to voice their concerns.

“This is a real shame,” one person wrote.

“It’s a hidden gem. With so much ‘modern’ development going on it was a sanctuary of history. I hope it can be preserved and find a way forward.”

Another resident said the closure is a shame given the staff had always been more than friendly.

“Truly sad for all concerned,” they wrote.

“The team at the Homestead always looked after us beautifully and I hope they will find a way forward from this.”

SmartCompany was unable to contact Cummings Enterprises Melbourne.

Images Creative Commons attribution.