The quest to identify and comprehensively document 101 objects from the Bega Valley shire that illustrate the area’s rich history and heritage has ignited considerable local interest.
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Community meetings were recently held in Bega, Bermagui, Eden and Tura to discuss the project and already over 350 different items and places have been nominated for inclusion on the list.
“Locals are realising how many objects of local historical importance exist in the area, many of which have fabulous stories connected to them,” South Coast History Society president and chair of the community committee coordinating the project Peter Lacey said.
“Some are quite obvious objects such as the historic Tathra Wharf or the important Green Cape Lighthouse.
“Others are less well-known, such as a particular type of cross stitch which is one of only two recorded examples in NSW that is now in the Bega Pioneers’ Museum collection.
“Perhaps the most exciting thing, though, is that previously unknown objects have been bought to our attention. And we’re expecting more of these to emerge as the project proceeds.”
Three professional heritage advisers will look at each suggestion and will consider all nominations received in the coming weeks.
“So we’re welcoming every nomination of objects and places from within the shire that may have significantly impacted on the development of the area,” Mr Lacey said.
It is envisaged the final list of 101 heritage objects will be compiled by the end of January and extensive libraries of information about each will be available by the middle of next year.
Funding for this project, which is being coordinated by the South Coast History Society, has been provided by Heritage Near Me which is a unit of the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage.
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This project is designed to assemble information about objects with significant local history and heritage then share it with the public as well as local organisations such as schools, museums, libraries and tourism operators which will each use the information in a variety of different ways.
Because the concept has state-wide applicability, the Bega Valley project is providing a blueprint that will be taken by Heritage Near Me to other areas around the state.
To nominate an object or place to be included on the list and for more information about this project email the South Coast History Society at southcoasthistory@yahoo.com.
