More funding from the NSW Government is on its way for the Lachlan Valley Railway Society with Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke announcing $19,690 for the group under the 2021 Community Building Partnership program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the funding will assist with improvements to the Lachlan Valley Railway Heritage Centre.
“The Lachlan Valley Railway Heritage Centre in Cowra draws hundreds of tourists to the region each year so it is important that the centre is fit for purpose,” Ms Cooke said.
The improvements to the site include an extension to the existing entrance and display building.
Director and Deputy Chair of the Lachlan Valley Railway Society Cass Mendham said the funding comes as a huge achievement to the volunteer led group.
“The funding will help preserve all the work that we have done over the years making sure everything is in good condition for years to come.”
The announcement comes with added excitement with the centre set to reopen to the public this Thursday.
“We’ve been closed for months so we’re really eager to welcome the public back through our gates,” Ms Mendham added.
Since 2019, the Lachlan Valley Railway Society has received a number of grants under the NSW Governments State Heritage Grants Program to improve their operations including one in the 2019-21 round and two in the 2021-23 round.
“The team of proud and passionate volunteers at the centre have shown immense dedication to enhancing the space over the past few years,” Ms Cooke added.
The initial funding in the 2019-21 round allowed for the development of the Locomotive Depot Store Building: Conservation Management Plan.
Furthermore, through the two grants announced earlier this year under the 2021-23 round, one project will be establishing a Conservation Management Strategy with Master Plans which will provide provide a management framework to direct the long-term conservation of significant built fabric at Cowra Locomotive Depot.
The additional project will focus on implementing the priority conservation works outlined in the Locomotive Depot Store Building: Conservation Management Plan to ensure the site’s significant heritage values are conserved and enhanced for future generations.
