Alison Homestead goes forward

Mayor Bob Graham addresses the Alison Homestead Volunteers

Wyong Shire Council Mayor Bob Graham addressed over 70 volunteers at the Alison Homestead.

All the volunteers were relieved to hear plans to build a new facility at the site. Some of the original Homestead, not destroyed in the fire will be retained. A new building, possibly in colonial style but not replicating the original homestead will be constucted at the site.

While the building was covered by insurance, this may not cover the entire cost of new construction. Reassurance from the State Government that funds will be provided to cover any shorfall guarantees the continued occupancy of the Wyong Histsorical Society at the site.

Neither Wyong Shire Council or the Historical Society were seeking to break the lease, even in these extraordinary circumstances. Both have agreed to progress towards a vibrant and sustainable celebration of the History of Wyong at the site.

The Chairman of the Historical Society Phil gave the gathered assembly good news about the artifact and documents that are the core business of the group. The photo of the inaugural Pioneers was unscathed in the fire. Items were recovered from some of the unburned sections of the Homestead and documents and inventories were backed up and held off site.

Other original documents have come to light from pioneer families in the area and have formed a growing collection of new donations. If you have any documents objects of photos or paintings please do not hesitate to contact Pat Trott, Secretary of the Society who is now operating in temporaty accommodation in the dairy precinct adjacent to the Homestead across Alison Road.

Roman Paul was especialy appreciative of contributions from Men's Sheds Central Coast Inc and ongoing support with materials from The Entrance Men's Shed. The workshopr radio won by Terry Anderson was donated back to the Alison Homestead Mens Shed and was again raffled at this recent meeting to generate funds for the Alison Homestead and Mens Shed.

The Alison Homestead Mens Shed have been advised that the grant for $11,000 from the State Government will be approved. This will give the shedders and other volunteers in the garden a place to have a toolbox meeting and a cuppa now that the breezeway is burned to the ground.

Many thanks to the volunteers that provided the bar-b-que, drinks and cakes on the day. If you want to do something concrete to assist the work of this enthusiastic group they suggest that you become a member for $25. That will encourage the group about the community interest, give support in expediting plans with council and government, allow the distribution of updates to those interested and give a small financial boost to the Society in a time of financial difficulty.

A bright future for the Historical Society and a phoenix will burst forth from the ashes.