After years of setbacks and COVID-19 delays, the Lachlan Valley Railway Heritage Centre in Cowra has been able to unveil its new entrance and display building, thanks to grants provided by the NSW Nationals in the state government.
Nationals Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said she was delighted to have been there for the celebration of this opening, and said this funding was important in keeping the centre in peak condition.
“The Lachlan Valley Railway Heritage Centre in Cowra draws in crowds of hundreds of visitors each year, contributing to the flourishing tourism sector in Cowra,” Ms Cooke said.
“The team of passionate volunteers at the centre have worked tirelessly and shown real dedication and love in all they have done to enhance this space and grow its capabilities as a tourist destination.”
Ian Cameron, Lachlan Valley Railway Heritage Centre manager, said he was very excited at the unveiling of this long-term project.
“What started its life as a storage shed has undergone a magical transformation and become a grand building with displays, souvenirs and even refreshments for guests.” Mr Cameron said.
“After having been postponed due to Covid-19, to be able get together for the opening of this building at our museum has been incredible, it brings joy to see visitors able to walk through and appreciate this new building.”
Further to the funding that has built the new entrance building, Lachlan Valley Railway Heritage Centre has successfully obtained a further grant of $19,690 from The Community Building Partnership Program which will go towards building a 5-metre by 15-metre extension to the existing entrance and display building.
The Lachlan Valley Railway Heritage Centre is not just a museum, but an interactive experience and a functional facility where maintenance and restoration works are carried out.
It is widely considered and promoted as Cowra’s most significant industrial heritage site.
