Camp Yarramundi's legacy is set to be enriched after the Y NSW successfully secured $44 million to transform the site for future generations.
The grant was awarded by the NSW Government as part of its WestInvest Community Project Grants program.
The Camp Yarramundi master plan, developed in consultation with a visionary group of architects and Darug custodians, will be delivered in three stages. The grant will fund the first stage of this exciting project, which will ensure greater community access for the western Sydney region and beyond.
With a mix of new and upgraded infrastructure for both accommodation and outdoor education, the campsite – beloved by generations since it opened in 1937 – will be transformed into a more inclusive complex that caters to people of all ages and abilities.
Highlights of this exciting project include:
- Construction of three new accommodation lodges delivering an additional 220 beds across the site
- Decommissioning, demolition and replacement or upgrade of remaining cabins to meet required building and accessibility standards
- Construction of a new kitchen and dining area to support multiple groups simultaneously
- Restoration of river access
- Installation of a cultural garden to serve as both a food source and an educational opportunity for visitors
- Replacement and expansion of all-abilities outdoor programs and activities
- Upgrade of the existing recreation hall to a mixed-use space that can support recreational programs, conferencing, community events, expos and markets
- Construction of outdoor kitchens and an amphitheatre that can support weekend music festivals and other events.
The master plan recognises the special site of natural wilderness that Camp Yarramundi occupies and has been developed with a commitment to sustainability and minimal environment impacts. Initiatives include providing habitat, ecosystem support and planting initiatives, solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations and the harnessing of renewable energy through solar, rainwater and water recycling.
As part of the Y's commitment to First Nations people, the plan was also developed in consultation with Darug custodians who provided invaluable input into the design, connection to First Nations knowledge of culture and Country, programming and more. Under the plan, the adjacent Deeimba site – of which the Y NSW has been the custodian since 1980 – and its abundant biodiversity will continue to be maintained, with opportunity for First Nations programming to be undertaken in this area.
Our thanks go to First Nations Community – Aurora Education Foundations, Darug Custodian Aboriginal Corporation, including Cindy Laws, Erin Wilkins and Chris Tobin, Karbi Community and Development Services, Kari Foundation, and Weave Youth and Community Services.
Situated in the beautiful Hawkesbury Valley, Camp Yarramundi has provided generations of young people the opportunity to try new experiences and connect with nature, and is set to welcome a wider range of guests including corporate groups, weddings, retreats and sporting groups.
The Y NSW would like to thank all parties involved in the submission process including NSW Government, Hawkesbury City Council, Allen Jack+Cottier Architects, Chris Milne Director CWPM, Lori Modde CEO Outdoors NSW and ACT, Jeremy Oakes Director Acorn Project Advisory, and Mark Piggott Executive Advisor and Darren Crombie Principal and Director E3 Advisory.
