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| Heritage restoration efforts paying off
THE Shire's rich architectural history has come more sharply into focus lately as the facades of an increasing number of significant Wentworth buildings are restored. Landmark buildings like the Post Office, Customs House and more recently the Navigation Company building on the corner of Darling and Adelaide Streets are all shining examples of a co-operative conservation effort between the New South Wales Heritage Office, Wentworth Shire Council and the buildings' respective owners. At the forefront of the town's remarkable facelift is the Heritage Office's man at the coalface, heritage adviser Garry Stanley. Mr Stanley is a man on a mission. He is determined, in his own words, "to promote the history and heritage of the Wentworth Shire". The Shire has a long history, he says; with Aboriginal occupation of the area dating back at least 40,000 years and a traceable European history evident since the 1840s. While the Heritage Office is interested in both periods, Mr Stanley is passionate about the conservation of the town's historical character and that is held predominantly in its buildings and other man-made constructions like the PS Ruby riverboat. It is also found in the station homesteads strung along the Murray and Darling Rivers, although Mr Stanley acknowledges these are often hidden treasures and not generally accessible to the public.
"They are, nevertheless, of important historical significance," he said. Excited by Wentworth's potential, he is confident State heritage conservation legislation, coupled with a willingness by property owners to faithfully restore their properties, will secure a lasting future for the town's prominent buildings. Mr Stanley first came to Wentworth about six years ago, but the real changes have happened in the past three years since funding was secured for three main objectives:
Mr Stanley is generally happy with the progress that has been made since goals were first acknowledged in the 1992 Wentworth Heritage Study. Heritage Office funding during the past three years has allowed many Wentworth buildings, in both private hands and under Shire control, to be rejuvenated including the goal while work is also well under way to get the Ruby back in the water. Mr Stanley makes regular visits to the Shire and is available to speak to residents about his overall vision for the town and how residents, in turn, may qualify for Heritage Office assistance to restore their commercial building or home.
Similar conservation and restoration projects are under way in other areas of the State, including Broken Hill. To make an appointment with Mr Stanley contact Howard Clay at the Shire on 5027 5027. Further reading: Wentworth Heritage Study |
