Stronger Country Communities Project
Our biggest project for quite some years is now complete – the construction of a wonderful new display shed (measuring 13×16 meters) at the back of the property near our Dungaree church. And what a mammoth task it turned out to be with many of our passionate and hard-working volunteers involved.
It started in March 2022, with the completion of an application for a grant through the State Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund. The Fund’s objective was to support the wellbeing of communities in regional areas by providing new or upgraded infrastructures or programs.
By late 2022, we learnt that we had been successful in receiving a grant of $145,000 to not only build a new shed, but to also construct new pathways connecting the shed to other areas onsite, and to set up a network of security cameras.
Once the money was made available in 2023, and after much paperwork, contract for the construction of the shed was finally awarded to a local company. Work commenced on the site in 2024 with the laying of the slab, after an inspection and surveying report.
In line with safety guidelines, fire extinguishers were installed, and bollards created using silent cops from the 1950’s. The storm water drains and pathways were completed; concrete ramps were constructed at either end of the shed to allow vehicles to be moved in and out, and extra work was carried out to make the space a viable display area: Roof ventilators were installed and as well as a motor to open the larger roller door. The new display shed is wheelchair accessible.
Finally, security cameras were installed both on the inside and outside of the shed which allowed much of the grounds to be covered, and a monitor installed in the office. This in turn resulted in the need to refurbish 2 power boxes and an installation of a bank of power points in the office.
The new display shed will be used to display vehicles with the potential for additional displays over time. Our outdoor curator’s team has been working for many months on moving all the vehicles from their old homes, as well as building stands for the horse drawn vehicles and supports for the signage, created by other members.
And now, we proudly have completed this massive task; we are very thankful that we were given the opportunity to create a new display space for our collection of wagons, sulkies, buggies and other modes of transport, as well as to both make our collection more accessible and secure.
Thank you to all the members who have participated in this project over the years, and the State Government for making it possible.
We welcome all of you to pay us a visit and see the splendid work of our local companies and trades people as well as our committed members who give of their time freely to ensure the cultural and social heritage of Mudgee is unforgettable.
Proudly funded by the NSW Government.