LOCAL LIFE
New life for Scheyville historic buildings
One of the buildings at Scheyville .
Several dilapidated buildings and playing fields within Hawkesbury ’ s Scheyville National Park will soon begin their transformation into a key community and veteran ’ s centre thanks to a $ 5 million grant from the Government . Federal Member for Macquarie , Susan Templeman , said this investment has the potential to achieve a number of objectives for the community as it progresses .
“ The first stage of funding has now been delivered to grant recipients , Hunter Anzac Memorial Limited , who are reaching out to other community groups as they begin making several large buildings habitable ,” Ms Templeman said .
“ This includes a large structure that will house a military museum and have an enormous space for a variety of events use , and a second building of a similar size with opportunity for community groups to be housed .
“ In addition to the $ 5 million grant , there is $ 66,000 specific funding for restoration and landscaping in the courtyard of the former Officer Training Unit to commemorate Australians who served in the Vietnam War , provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs .”
“ The site has a fascinating history , NSW National Parks and Wildlife manages the park and they talk about it as a former socialist labour settlement , then a place
Duncan Burck Director Hunter Anzac Memorial , Susan Templeman MP , Brett Wild Chairman Hunter Anzac Memorial .
where young British men took part in the Dreadnought scheme , learning to farm .
“ It was later a military camp to train new officer cadets before becoming the largest immigration hostel in Australia – so it has many stories to tell ,” she said .
“ I ’ m proud to deliver on this commitment that has the vision of this site – which has been used for many purposes over the years – to become a place for veterans and the wider community to come together .”
Chairman of Hunter Anzac Memorial Limited , Brett Wild said , “ Hunter Anzac Memorial Limited is thrilled to undertake this transformative venture at Scheyville . “ We invite community groups to join hands and partake in this journey towards preserving history and building a meaningful , inclusive centre for all .”
“ I congratulate Hunter Anzac Memorial Limited on their passion and commitment to this project ,” Ms Templeman said .
“ The plans are still very flexible at this stage and I ’ d encourage groups to contact Hunter Anzac Memorial if they would like to know more .”
Ms Templeman stressed that the centre at Scheyville is separate to the federal government ’ s Veterans ’ and Families ’ Hubs that will provide a onestop-shop for veterans and defence families to access targeted specialised services .
THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 162 // NOVEMBER 2023 11