The Tool Room at the Walcha Historical Society Museum Complex is now a 'safe and sure' place for historical displays thanks to a $16,170 Community Building Partnership restoration grant.
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However it will be some months before the building will be reopening it for display purposes as the volunteers will be photographing and cataloguing all the items in the collection as they replace them in the display.
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson was recently on hand to inspect the work of local builder Josh Wellings who completed the restoration work.
"This is great news for the Historical Society," he said. "They are a passionate and committed bunch of volunteers who are doing a fantastic job of looking after the town and region's past.
"The Tool Room building now stands straighter, the floor is now firm and does not drop when you step on it and it has a grab rail at the door to allow easier access.
"The Tool Room's lighting has been improved with a sheet of clear roofing material and Josh even shored up the grape trellis on the outside of the building.
"He has added guttering which will ease the constant dampness (when it rains) which has been rotting the timber walls."
They are a passionate and committed bunch of volunteers who are doing a fantastic job
- Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson
A grant of $1,998.76 from Museums & Galleries NSW - Create NSW fund was also handed over to allow for the purchase more storage boxes for the protection of vintage clothing.
Historical Society President Kate Hoy said the volunteers sincerely thanked the Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson and the NSW Government for the grant funding.
"The Society is slowly upgrading all the buildings in the complex with the intention of preserving our past for the future, with the assistance of grant funding," she said.
At the Society's Annual General Meeting earlier in the year Mrs Hoy's annual report stated that despite the drought the complex looked beautiful.
Visitors are amazed at our displays and number of artefacts
- Kate Hoy Walcha Historical Society president
"Visitors compliment us on well-kept grounds, gardens and clean, tidy buildings," she said.
"They are amazed at our displays and number of artefacts and visits to the museum remained steady during the last year. On most weekends we saw someone. We had bus tours and school groups. The children from both schools showed great interest and really enjoyed their visits."
Mrs Hoy said the Australia Day breakfast display of old tools generated a lot of interest and discussion.
"Improvements to the Pioneer Cottage Museum complex this year were many," she said.
"The war room and new cupboard, the hospital room update and the ramp to the wool hall are all wonderful assets. We also have a new museum veranda and steps as well as a new handrail for the pioneer cottage.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank my committee for a wonderful year. "
