Heritage Centre. They are pictured with Cobar Shire Council mayor Lilliane Brady and general manager Peter Vlatko.
Major works will be undertaken to help preserve the Great Cobar Heritage Centre funded by a State Government grant.
Member for Barwon Kevin Humphries with Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall yesterday announced Cobar Shire Council had secured $295,603 in funding as part of the first round of the NSW Government’s $100m Regional Cultural Fund (RCF).
The preservation of the Great Cobar Heritage Centre is one of 68 projects from 12 regions across NSW, sharing in close to $50m in the first round of grants.
The $100 million Regional Cultural Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $1.3billion Regional Growth Fund which aims to improve not only the economic outcomes but the standard of living and wellbeing of people who call regional NSW home.
Mr Humphries said Cobar Shire Council will weatherproof the Great Cobar Heritage Centre to preserve it and its wonderful collection of exhibits and artefacts.
“The building needs a chemical damp course to stop rising damp and salinity, and a new roof, windows and doors to stop water and dust entering and reduce pest incursions.
“The weatherproofed centre will allow better use of existing space including increased exhibition space, improved safety and a more comfortable experience for visitors. This is a fabulous outcome for Cobar, and I know this project will be a great deal of joy to the community and its visitors,” Mr Humphries said.
“This has been a great win for and great example of the community having a vision to establish a strong cultural identity,” he said.
Mr Marshall said the fund was established to ensure rural and regional NSW received its fair share of arts and cultural infrastructure, no matter where you live.
“Arts and culture is at the heart of every regional community and this first round of funding is evidence that the NSW Government’s commitment to driving growth in arts, screen, culture and heritage in regional NSW is making a difference,” Mr Marshall said.
“This fund is all about building on our regional rich arts and culture offering, and enhancing it – not only for those living in country areas, but for those who’ll flock to those towns as visitors, keen for a unique arts and cultural experience.”
