In a bold and historic move the Victorian union movement has declared a Green Ban on the Curtin Hotel. The National Trust is proud to support the campaign to protect the Curtin Hotel and ensure it remains a pub and live music venue.

Similar Green Bans, also known as Black Bans, saved treasured heritage places across Melbourne during the 1970s, including the Queen Victoria Market, the Regent Theatre, and Flinders Street Station. This Green Ban will be the first in 40 years.

With news the hotel has been sold to an unknown overseas developer, the Green Ban affirms that no union employees will take part in development work on the Curtin Hotel, and if necessary, supporters will form a picket line to protect the building.

The announcement follows the National Trust and Victorian Trades Hall Council’s nomination of the Curtin Hotel to the Victorian Heritage Register. The National Trust believes the Curtin Hotel has indisputable significance historically and culturally, as an important landmark and meeting place.

The campaign to save the Curtin Hotel is part of the National Trust’s ongoing work to encourage greater protections for Victoria’s heritage sites.