ARDLETHAN AND BEYOND MUSEUM OFFICIALLY OPEN

The Ardlethan and Beyond Museum has been officially opened, preserving the history of this Riverina district for generations to come.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack, present for the opening, said the community building was a great example of co-operation by many parties.

“The Australian Government committed $180,000 to the project through both the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program and the Drought Communities Programme Extension,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“By funding projects such as this, the Australian Government supports regional communities, regional jobs and the resilience of our regional economies.

“The Australian Government continues to roll out these types of projects across the nation under our record $110 billion infrastructure investment plan, which is laying the foundations for economic recovery following the global pandemic.”

New South Wales Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional New South Wales, Industry and Trade John Barilaro said the NSW Government contributed funding to the project via the Stronger Country Communities Fund.

“We provided $210,000 towards the project and $36,797 was provided by the Advance Ardlethan Committee,” Minister Barilaro said.

“The works have established a permanent celebration of the history and culture of the region and created 20 indirect jobs during construction, with five contractors directly engaged.”

Federal Member for Farrer Sussan Ley said the $426,797 project involved a number of works.

“The project included an internal fit‑out – 463 square metres of floor space comprising an office, a display area and storage annex,” Ms Ley said.

“It has also delivered a new external driver reviver area.”

State Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the community should be very proud of the museum.

“This fantastic museum will preserve and showcase local history and share the region’s stories, it will also be a tourist attraction for visitors to Ardlethan,” Ms Cooke said.

“This has been a passion project for many people in the Ardlethan community and it’s a pleasure to see the result of this enormous effort.”

Coolamon Shire Mayor John Seymour said the project had been led by a dedicated team of community members and volunteers who have fought tirelessly for many years to see the project come to life.

“The Ardlethan and Beyond Museum has been many years in the making,” Cr Seymour said.

“It started out as a mere thought or dream, as somewhere to store and display the memories of the Ardlethan district and with the help of funding from both the Australian and NSW Governments and the Advance Ardlethan Committee, with the support of Council, were able to achieve their goal.”

The project was jointly funded, with the Australian Government committing $180,000 and the New South Wales Government committing $210,000.