Queanbeyan Palerang Heritage Awards, and the winners are...

For the first time, the Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) Heritage Awards were held at the Braidwood Museum. Mayor Tim Overall presented the awards before an audience of around 40 people.

A total of ten nominations across the three categories were received and all the nominations were of a high standard.

The judges found making a decision very challenging and decided to present “highly commended” awards as well as the winners, to recognise all the outstanding work.

Category 1 – Restoration of a heritage building – the Winner was Helen Ferguson for the ‘The Queanbeyan Hive’ at 274 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan.

This 1910s cottage has been painstakingly restored to its former glory by its owner. The inside has been rejuvenated with original features stripped back and lovingly repaired, from the gleaming glory of the original Australian Red Cedar doors to the immaculately restored pressed metal walls and ceilings.

The Hive is a work of art that will in turn play host to other works of art from local creatives for years to come.

Mrs Ferguson said, “We started the project in March 2018 and it’s been quite a journey.”

The cottage was a George Hudson kit home.

“The building is unique as it had different patterned pressed tin walls and ceilings throughout. Our vision was to create a community arts hub. It’s taken a lot longer than expected and it was a challenge, but we had some grants through Heritage Near Me,” Mrs Ferguson said.

“I’m very grateful for the support of council, as it’s been a problematic site” said Mrs Ferguson. “And I couldn’t have done it without the support of my family.

“I was encouraged to put in the award, and now am so grateful for the recognition which gives me the energy to move forward with the dream.”

“We’re opening the doors on May 18 and 19 for the Australian Heritage Festival, and there will be a slide show of the restoration process,” she said.

Highly Commended was awarded to Martin and Gina Rock – 25 Park Street, Queanbeyan. The 1950s cottage has been extensively renovated by the owners who are keen to ensure that they continue to pay homage to the lovely streetscape and surrounds of the area.

Highly Commended went to Daniel Parsons of Car Models of Braidwood at 198 Wallace Street, Braidwood. The 1920s character of the building has been brought to life by the current owner. It is a welcoming sight as you enter the Braidwood township. Pictures of the building are screened all around NSW on TV, with people travelling from far afield to visit.

Category 2 – New building design / Adaptation / Heritage Garden was awarded to Anna Martyn for 67 Campbell Street, Queanbeyan.

This new home was completed in 2018 and is located in the middle of the heritage conservation area in Queanbeyan. The design and reuse of materials have made a very sympathetic building, picking up key features and colours from the surrounding heritage homes.

Highly Commended went to Anthea Thomson – 21 Forster Street, Bungendore. The owners in this instance have demonstrated love, care and hard work in planning a sustainable heritage garden that complements the historic ambience of the house. Both the garden and dwelling at 21 Forster Street make a significant contribution to the heritage values of Bungendore, and the owners are to be commended for their work on the property.

In Category 3 – Promotion / Contribution to Heritage, the winner was John-Pierre Favre who produces drawings in the form of black and white and ink sketches of heritage buildings around the region. These sketches are then produced into postcards and tea towels for sale.

Highly Commended was awarded to the community for the Hoskinstown War Memorial Hall

The hall was built and opened in 1928 by the community. It continues to be used by the local community that it was built to serve. The Hoskinstown community continues to actively maintain and improve the hall by donations of materials and labour from residents.