Mayor Kenrick Winchester and Cr Bill Waterhouse joined board members from Bendigo Bank Craig Pettit, Susi Pluess, Alex Rofe, Community Engagement Manager Nick Fry, and Braidwood and District Historical Society's Peter Smith and John Stahel to view progress on the Braidwood Heritage Centre and recognise the additional funding provided by the bank and Council.
The Bendigo Bank Braidwood and Bungendore have provided a grant of $590,000 to make sure Stage 1 of the Braidwood Heritage Centre will be completed.
Bendigo Bank's Community Manager Nick Fry said that they were excited to partner with the historical society.
'Once completed, the heritage centre will showcase Braidwood and the district to travellers from around the region. The project has been driven by the local community, and the bank is proud to support community to make this possible.'
At Council's meeting on 13 August, Council endorsed supporting the project by donating $188,945 to cover the development application fees and section 64 contributions for the project.
'Council looks forward to the Heritage Centre being a tourism boost for the local economy and adding to the many reasons to visit and stay in Braidwood,' said Mayor Kenrick Winchester.
'Council's support, alongside the generous donation from Bendigo Bank, means that the first stage can be successfully completed.'
President of the Braidwood and District Historical Society, Peter Smith said that the additional funding means the homestay accommodation can be completed and be a usable space.
'We will have 6 rooms with ensuites, including an accessible room, shared kitchen, dining, lounge and laundry,' Peter said.
'The additional funding will see completion of the new accessible entrance to the state heritage listed museum building providing reception area, museum shop, staff toilets and kitchenette. The addition of air conditioning will provide year-round comfort as well as assisting the preservation of sensitive artifacts.'
'We are still eager to pursue opportunities for Stage 2 of the project, which would make the whole concept economically viable. Stage 2 would include artisan studios, café and exhibition space, heritage centre toilets, blacksmith workshop, and landscaping between the museum and homestay.'
Braidwood and District Historical Society Vice President John Stahel said 'The community bank and Council's significant contribution has given hope to the volunteers who have worked tirelessly to get the project this far. We look forward to securing funds to ensure the precinct is finished and can operate as planned.'
The Braidwood and District Historical Society have dedicated thousands of volunteer hours, across many years, to bring this project to life.
Braidwood & District Historical Society secured $3.75 million from the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments for the Heritage Centre project.
