From left: Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Mayor Tim Overall; Braidwood and District Historical Society volunteer John Stahel; Member for Monaro John Barilaro; Braidwood and District Historical Society president Peter Smith; and NSW Senator Jim Molan at the funding announcement. Photo: Supplied.
A proposal by the Braidwood and District Historical Society to develop the Braidwood Museum into a Heritage Centre has received funding of $2.5 million thanks to the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, the NSW Government and the Federal Government.
This is the first significant funding to support Braidwood’s heritage since the listing of Braidwood and its Setting on the NSW State Heritage Register in 2006.
NSW Deputy Premier and Member for Monaro John Barilaro, NSW Senator Jim Molan and Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Mayor Tim Overall joined the museum’s volunteers to announce the funding that will deliver a raft of upgrades that will convert the museum into the Braidwood Heritage Centre.
The heritage tourism attraction will provide a massive economic boost to tourism for the region.
The plan for the new heritage centre at the back of Braidwood Museum. Image: Supplied.
“Braidwood was effectively closed for business when the past summer’s bushfires ripped through this part of the region and closed the Kings Highway,” said Mr Barilaro. “It was a massive blow during what is normally the busiest time of the year for the town, and the impact of COVID-19 has only made it tougher for local businesses.
“The Braidwood Heritage Centre will put this town on the map as a significant heritage attraction in regional NSW by tapping into our region’s rich historical past.
“This project will bring to life the tales of the people who have helped to make this community what it is today and place Braidwood firmly on the must-see list for tourists.
“Importantly, the project will provide direct economic stimulus, creating construction jobs and roles for people to work in the new centre, while guaranteeing valuable tourism dollars from visitors who stop and spend their money with local businesses.”
The Braidwood Museum. Photo: Alex Rea.
Braidwood and District Historical Society (BDHS) president Peter Smith: “Thanks to our mayor, Tim Overall, and our local member, NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro, and Senator Jim Molan for coming here today to deliver this fantastic news for Braidwood.
“You have listened to us, worked with us and delivered for us. We thank you.
“Today you have delivered the first step to making Braidwood a major destination for heritage tourism.
“There are many win-wins in the Braidwood Heritage Centre proposal coming to fruition. The artisans’ precinct will provide opportunities for craftsman to practice their lost trades in a low cost and satisfying environment. The shop will create a market for their products.
“The accommodation units will provide a unique experience – a night at the museum. The cafe will provide a platform for socialising and an area to create new ideas. The museum will have professional staff, and the whole concept is self-sustaining. Any profits will feed back into the museum.
“But this project is not just for benefit of the museum. We have always envisaged this as a community project. It will bring significant benefits for the town and community. The 2006 State Heritage listing that many have seen holding no advantages will begin to deliver many advantages.
“The recognition Braidwood will have as a heritage asset should realise additional consideration for council plans. From a council perspective, Braidwood becomes the heritage jewel in the crown.
Braidwood and District Historical Society volunteers John Stahel, Peter Smith and Roger James. Photo: Pauline Webber.
“I want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our BDHS committee. In particular, I want to acknowledge John Stahel’s contribution in the vision for the Braidwood Heritage Centre which we have been building on for several years, and the assistance of Roger James.
“John has worked tirelessly for the museum and moulded the ideas of the Braidwood Heritage Centre into a document we could present to enable the vision to be realised.”
John Stahel added: “Braidwood Museum now has a clear path to an economically sustainable future. The museum has considerable real estate assets and a valuable collection.
“Our plan leverages these assets as well as the talents of our creative community to make an investment in our own future. This support for our State Heritage listed town enables us to unlock those assets.
“The project is not about changing Braidwood, but protecting Braidwood.”
From left: Senator Jim Molan, Member for Monaro John Barilaro and Braidwood and District Historical Society president Peter Smith at Braidwood Museum. Photo: Supplied.
Mayor Overall said the community of Braidwood is starting to get back on its feet following the bushfires and COVID-19 restrictions, and this announcement will be a major boost for spirits in the community.
“The new heritage centre will celebrate Braidwood’s unique attribute of being NSW’s only wholly heritage listed town,” he said.
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