The 2024 Tamworth Regional Heritage Festival is off to a stellar start with winners announced at the biennial Awards event. Recognising the incredible contributions made to preserving and sharing our region's heritage over the last two years, the Awards ceremony was held this morning at the Tamworth Regional Gallery.
The Warren Newman Memorial Award for Contribution to Heritage within the Region was awarded to Joan Wakeford for her work in preserving the 4 Darling Street heritage significant building from demolition.
The Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Award went to Bumbira Arts and Culture Program for working with the local Gomeroi community to improve well-being and helping to improve cultural knowledge and skills in traditional and contemporary art making and cultural practices.
The Sympathetic Development Award went to 17 Gipps Street, West Tamworth with works by Dimity Smith including adding a kitchen and living space to the house.
The Adaptive Reuse Award went to Humble Espresso Cafe and Catering for their works in renovating the outside and inside of their building in Upper Street.
The winner of the Building Conservation Award was Bendemeer Hotel, renovated by Mark and Leanne Summers who completed the exterior paintworks of the hotel.
The final Award given on the day was the Heritage Resources, Tourism, Education and Interpretation and publication category. This was awarded to Manilla Historical Society Inc for their efforts in gaining a successful nomination to get the Manilla Viaduct listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.