Old gaol gets a heritage gong
THE Old Dubbo Gaol has been honoured with a prestigious National Trust Heritage Award.
The gaol was recognised with an award for education and interpretation, and Dubbo Regional Council’s manager regional experiences, Jamie Angus, couldn’t be prouder.
“This award was for a project that was two years in the planning,” Mr Angus said.
“It was a complete refurbishment of all the interpretive material at the gaol, so the signs, the photos, and everything in the Gallows Gallery.
“We also gutted the old theatrette and put in a completely new exhibition there.
“The gaol itself is an amazing site, right here on the main street and that alone makes it unique.
“Overall, it’s been maintained really well over the years, but the interpretive material was showing its age – it was from the 1980s and 90s. So, we had a complete refresh of that.”
The gaol was shortlisted in three award categories – Conservation Interiors and Objects; Education and Interpretation; and Events and Exhibitions.
Mr Angus said the upgrades at the gaol had been well-received by visitors.
“People are spending more time in the gaol, and they’re getting a really good quality visit, they’re getting value for their money,” he said.
“It’s an enjoyable experience for our customers.
“They’re in there longer, and they’re staying in Dubbo longer as well, and we’re really proud to be part of the tourism economy of Dubbo.”
He added all the staff at the gaol were “passionate” about the site and many had worked there for more than a decade.
“Of course, we’re really proud of the gaol and I know that Dubbo is proud of the gaol too,” Mr Angus said.
“Everyone comes to Dubbo for the zoo, and we love the zoo, but we’re really proud that Dubbo locals tell their family and friends and visitors to go to the gaol too.”
There are more plans for further upgrades to the gaol, including a new public plaza and green space in front of the site.
“This is stage 2 of our development, and it exposes the gaol wall to the street,” Mr Angus said.
“That public area will be a welcoming area, especially for our school groups.
“My staff, dressed in character, will be able to come out, and welcome our school groups and bring them from there into the gaol.
“We’re also going to be installing a major kinetic artwork by indigenous artist Dr Bianca Beetson.
“That will be installed in two or three months and that will be a major drawcard as well, as it will be the largest indigenous artwork in regional NSW.”
The National Trust Heritage Awards is an annual celebration of outstanding practice in the field of heritage, awarding excellence in conservation, protection, and interpretation of Aboriginal, built, natural and cultural heritage during the past year.
Chief Executive Officer of the National Trust (NSW), Debbie Mills, celebrated each of the winners.
“I would like to congratulate this year’s winners – and all entrants – for their perseverance and dedication to heritage,” she said.
“We received an exceptional number and quality of entrants, all of which showcase just how much there is to appreciate, acknowledge and celebrate.”
Mr Angus thanked design company 3D Projects and the NSW Government in accepting the award.
“It’s nice to be recognised,” he said.
“We’re producing some great content here and we’re proud to be part of the efforts to position Dubbo as a family adventure destination.”