Four years after devastating floods swept through Eugowra, the community has marked another significant milestone in its recovery, with the official reopening of the restored Eugowra Historical Museum and Bushranger Centre.
NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin is visiting the Central West to mark the four-year anniversary of the November 2022 floods, joining Cabonne Council and residents for the official museum reopening, and inspect flood recovery projects across the region.
The reopening represents a significant step forward for the town, restoring a cherished local asset that preserves Eugowra's history, supports regional tourism, and brings community members back together.
The $497,908 restoration project, delivered by Cabonne Council through the jointly funded Albanese and Minns Governments' Community Assets Program, included repairs to damaged building structures, sub-floor areas, internal walls and electrical wiring, alongside accessibility improvements.
The milestone coincides with the official opening of the $1.03 million restoration of Eugowra Memorial Park, which features a new adventure playground, flood-resilient amenities, accessible pathways and upgraded landscaping.
During her visit, Minister Saffin will also inspect key recovery projects and meet with local mayors, community members, and recovery teams across Cabonne, Forbes, Lachlan, and Parkes to review progress under joint Australian and NSW Government funding programs.
Restoring community infrastructure
The Eugowra projects are among 21 community infrastructure initiatives delivered through the $25 million Community Assets Program, funded through the joint Albanese and Minns Government Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Across the Central West, these projects are restoring vital public spaces while making infrastructure more resilient to future natural disasters:
- Cabonne: Restoration of the Molong Hockey Field, Eugowra Pool and amenities, Eugowra Sportsground lighting, Eugowra Showground improvements, and refurbishment of the former Eugowra preschool.
- Forbes: Upgrades to Stephan Field netball courts, Apex and Lions Parks, and improved footpaths and amenities surrounding Forbes Lake.
- Lachlan: Restoration of the Lake Cargelligo foreshore, improvements to Condobolin Memorial Park, and upgrades to local showground and sporting facilities.
- Parkes: Flood repairs at Berryman Oval in Trundle, restoration of Bushman's Dam and PAC Park, and a new flood-resilient facility for the NSW SES Parkes Unit.
Resilient Homes Program Central West
In addition to public infrastructure, the NSW and Australian Governments are delivering the $40 million Resilient Homes Program Central West, part of the broader $100 million Central West Recovery and Resilience Package.
The program supports flood-impacted homeowners across the Cabonne, Forbes, Lachlan, and Parkes LGA, as well as Euabalong, through voluntary buybacks and financial support to raise, rebuild, relocate, or retrofit homes.
Key progress under the program includes:
- 446 applications received from flood-impacted homeowners.
- 396 home assessments completed, giving residents expert advice on improving property flood resilience.
- 21 voluntary home buybacks approved, with 17 accepted and 13 properties settled to date.
- 160 Resilient Measures grants approved, delivering $9.4 million directly to homeowners to raise, rebuild, relocate, or retrofit their properties.
The NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) continues to work directly with local residents to progress buyback settlements and resilience grants to keep communities safer.
Shaping Future Land Use
As the physical recovery progresses, attention is turning to the long-term future of land acquired through the voluntary buyback program.
A four-week community consultation period will open on Monday 16 November, inviting residents across Eugowra and Cabonne to help determine how buyback land can be repurposed to benefit the community while managing ongoing flood risk.
Community workshops will be held in:
Molong: Wednesday 25 November
Eugowra: Thursday 26 November
Consultation closes on Saturday 12 December. Residents can find more information and share their views at haveyoursay.cabonne.nsw.gov.au/buyback-land-use.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said:
"Four years ago, the people of Eugowra experienced unimaginable devastation, and today we remember the lives lost and acknowledge the lasting impact of those floods on families and communities across the Central West.
"Recovery is about much more than repairing damaged buildings. It's about restoring the places that bring communities together and making sure people are better supported when disasters strike.
"The reopening of the Eugowra Historical Museum is another positive milestone, and through our joint investment with the NSW Government, we're continuing to support homeowners, rebuild important community infrastructure and strengthen the region's resilience for the future."
NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:
"Returning to the Central West four years on from the November 2022 floods, it is moving to see the genuine progress being made right across the region.
"The reopening of the Eugowra Historical Museum and Memorial Park is a huge milestone for local identity and pride. Visiting these restored community sites shows what can be achieved when all levels of government work side-by-side with local council and the community.
"Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint, but we are seeing real results - from restored sportsgrounds and parks across Cabonne, Forbes, Lachlan, and Parkes, to 160 Resilient Measures grants approved and buybacks progressing.
"As we inspect these finished projects and look to the future, it is essential that local voices continue to guide us. The upcoming consultation on buyback land gives residents a direct say in how we continue to rebuild a safer, stronger, and more resilient community together."
Member for Orange Phil Donato said:
"The reopening of the Eugowra Historical Museum and Bushranger Centre is a proud day for this community and an important step in its recovery from the November 2022 floods.
"The museum holds the stories that forged Eugowra's identity, and seeing its doors open again is a credit to the volunteers, the museum committee and everyone who worked to save and restore its collection.
"Every milestone like this one helps bring people back together and shows the town is building a stronger future."
Mayor of Cabonne Council Kevin Beatty said:
"The reopening of the Eugowra Historical Museum and Bushranger Centre is a significant milestone for the community and another important step forward in Eugowra's recovery.
"So many people have contributed to getting the museum to this point, from those who helped recover and preserve its historical items following the 2022 floods, to the volunteers, museum committee members, contractors and community members who have supported its restoration.
"The museum will continue to preserve and share the stories of Eugowra's past, while its reopening also represents a positive new chapter for the community and its future."
