Investment breathes new life into Cobar site

A disused building in Cobar has been revived with a $50,000 NSW Government investment to enable local Aboriginal groups to use it for community purposes.

The investment by Crown Lands in the Department of Planning and Environment has included essential electrical work including new lighting, an electrical board upgrade and installation of two air conditioners as well as new flooring, removal of an old chemical shed, installation of security screens and other necessary items.

The site at 20 Barton Street was previously used by the Department of Agriculture and Local Land Services but was surplus to needs.

Crown Lands has appointed the Ngemba, Ngiyampaa, Wangaaypuwan, Wayilwan Aboriginal Corporation (NNWW) to manage the site and approved its additional use for Aboriginal purposes to support the corporation’s activities.

Crown Lands Far West Area Manager Sharon Hawke said the project aimed to revive the vacant office building to support Cobar.

“This former NSW Government site was surplus to needs so its management, including four buildings, an office space workshop shed and shade structure, was transferred to the local Aboriginal community for use, and the upgrades have helped reactivate the site,” Ms Hawke said.

NNWW Aboriginal Corporation member Aunty Elaine Ohlsen said members will explore possible uses of the building which could include administration, education, arts and crafts and community gatherings.

“We were over the moon when we heard the news. The work brings the building up to proper standards allowing us to move in and use it.  I love looking after our people and the wider community and we want to keep those community connections going.”

As Crown Land Manager, NNWW Aboriginal Corporation will be responsible for care, control and management of the 0.14 hectare block of land.