PEGS are in the ground and the cash is about to hit the bank account, after Moulamein Community Development Incorporated was awarded close to $150,000 to support stage two of its heritage village restoration.
The group received the largest grant from the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal’s (FRRR) Tackling Tough Times Together program.
Moulamein Community Development Incorporated president Drew Harris said stage two of the project included the dismantling, relocation and restoration of the Werai Horse Stables.
“It has very historic significance to Moulamein as it was built in the late 1840s,” Mr Harris said.
“It’s a substantial-sized drop log building – 17 metres by nine metres.
“We had a meeting on the site yesterday looking at the location and orientation, and will start to get the design done.”
Mr Harris said the balance of the funds would be used to restore the Moolpa Station Blacksmiths shop.
Located in Paterson Street, the Moulamein Heritage Village will be a new tourist attraction that will conserve and showcase a number of objects and buildings that have historical significance in the local area.
“The blacksmith shop is of a similar vintage and has been dismantled and is already in storage.”
Mr Harris said the committee had been fortunate with recent funding success, including drought resilience and council grants.
“We initially got a $50,000 grant to kick off a heritage business case and plans, then we thought he had this viable project, so presented them to council – who have been fantastic in assisting.
“We have used about 38 contractors so lots of money went around the community. It will be similar with stage two.”
Mr Harris said the team worked on the site this week, pegging the works on the ground.
“We have spoken to a heritage surveyor on site and is working with us,” he said.
“Because of its significance and age, we need heritage advice – next we need a draughtsperson and engineer.
“We will have a site meeting in the next few weeks to look at the best way to put this building up so we can look into the future and still have it intact in another 170 years.”
Mr Harris said it was perfect timing for the development as more people hit the roads and holidayed in their back yards.
“This is really great for Moulamein and tourism going forward,” he said.
“We are the oldest town in the Riverina and claiming that title. Now tourists will have a reason to stay a bit longer.
“People are holidaying locally for the first time in a long time.”
