John Street, Coonabarabran c.1915
Our next network meeting will be in Coonabarabran on the 10th and 11th April, 2008, proudly hosted by the Warrumbungle Shire Council.
As you can see, this meeting will be slightly different to usual, mostly due to the considerable travel necessary for many of our members – don’t be put off though! The two day format presents an opportunity to really explore the area and hopefully, for some at least, a chance to stay on for the weekend and see even more of this truly remarkable part of New South Wales.
The program has been designed to allow travel time on Thursday morning with lunch and presentations from 1pm-5pm followed by networking time at the truly fabulous Golden Sea Dragon Chinese restaurant. It’s up early the next morning to board the bus for a bbq breakfast at the Burra Bee Dee Mission followed by a drive to Baradine with more visits to Aboriginal heritage sites along the way. We intend to be back at Coonabarabran around 2pm so those who just have to leave can do so in good time.
Burra Bee Dee Mission entrance road (Photo Ray Christison)
We are fortunate again to have the expertise of Ray Christison, Heritage Advisor to the Warrumbungle Shire Council and consultant on heritage to the Department of Environment and Climate Change, as our keynote speaker. Bob Sutherland, our Aboriginal presenter, will guide us on the field trip with support from the local Aboriginal Land Council.
Burra Bee Dee cemetery (Photo Ray Christison)
The details of the program are coming together and will be posted as soon as possible but for the moment I can tell you that Thursday afternoon’s presentations will provide an overview and information related to the management of Aboriginal cultural heritage – including acknowledging and managing the past and some exciting contemporary initiatives which utilise traditional knowledge in innovative ways.
B Line Road, Pilliga Forest (Photo Ray Christison)
There is lots happening if you can stay for another day. Saturday is the Coonabarabran Racing Carnival – a big day out in Coona, and if that’s not enough, you can spruce up for the Matron’s Ball on Saturday night – Australian intangible cultural heritage at its best. Other highly recommended attractions include a visit to the Warrumbungle National Park, Siding Spring Observatory and the renowned Pilliga Pottery. If you are after a sensible hat, check out the Newcastle Hats factory outlet in Ulan Street. No silly hats here, so if you are after something more frivolous for the races perhaps visit some of the local boutiques in John Street. Nothing like retail therapy after a hard couple of days being entertained and informed by yours truly, the Central West Heritage Network convener and presenters.
Stay tuned for detailed program. If you have any questions in the meantime, please email me on wendy.carlson@carlsonmilliss.com or phone 6355 7500.