The 2023 Cultural Heritage Awards were presented on Friday 18 August, with several buildings and individuals in the community recognised for their contribution to the city's cultural and historical significance.
The Awards, which are held every two years, are an initiative of Orange City Council's Cultural Heritage Community Committee and aim to recognise and encourage outstanding contributions to cultural heritage conservation, education and interpretation within the Orange City Council area.
The Chair of the Cultural Heritage Community Committee, Cr Gerald Power, presented the awards at a ceremony at the historic Duntryleague Guesthouse on Friday night.
"I am pleased to be able to recognise these projects and individuals for their contributions to cultural heritage conservation. It's great to see when someone takes the time to maintain and conserve the city's older buildings for future generations to enjoy," Cr Power said.
HERITAGE STREETSCAPE: This building at 173 Lords PLace retained its original facade when it was redeveloped.
"Congratulations to all the winners for their outstanding achievement towards cultural heritage conservation, education and interpretation."
- The award for Best restoration of a residential building, including streetscape element restoration was given to 87 Byng Street, for the restoration of what was once a commercial premises (former sewing material shop) returning it to its original purpose of a residential property.
- Adaptive reuse of an existing building award was presented to the Orange Local Aboriginal Lands Council for the adaptive reuse of the former police station at 120 Byng Street, into a community hub for the Aboriginal community. Gowrie Newstead Early Education, Care and Preschool at 47 - 49 Hill Street, Orange also won this section for transforming the former Newstead Bowling Club into a childcare centre.
- The award for Infill development - a new residential building in an existing heritage streetscape went to 107 March Street (near TAFE), which is a new residential development that mirrors the existing dwelling which is sympathetic to the character of the building.
- The award for Infill development - a new commercial building in an existing heritage streetscape went to 173 Lords Place (Cheney Suthers), a new two-storey commercial building that retained the original façade.
- The Best heritage treatment of a commercial building was awarded to OCTEC Limited at 247 Anson Street for its new paint colour scheme, which contributes to the streetscape amenity.
- Best conservation or improvements to landscape/garden design which is appropriate to its environment was awarded to Bloomfield House at 15 Cato Close. The installation of a new period style fence reflects the heritage significance of the property.
METAL AS ANYTHING: Blacksmith Tom Miller.
Four people received individual awards for their contribution to the cultural heritage of Orange.
Sharon Jameson and Margaret Nugent were recognised for their work identifying, researching and commemorating the district's WWI service personnel. Sharon and Margaret have identified 107 unmarked WWI graves in the Orange Cemetery and have approached the relevant authorities to secure a Commonwealth War Grave for 40 service personnel.
Tom Miller of Metal as Anything was recognised for the restoration of metal work at the Orange Cemetery. Tom was engaged by Orange City Council to restore metal elements to the some of the early grave surrounds at Orange Cemetery.
Wiradjuri Elder, Uncle Neil Ingram was recognised for his ongoing contribution and service to the Aboriginal cultural heritage of Orange for more than 40 years.
Four groups received the Group Contribution to the Cultural Heritage of Orange award for their contribution to cultural heritage in Orange and district. They were the Lachlan Valley Railway Society, Orange and District Historical Society, Orange Family History Group and OCTEC Limited.
