Windy Station woolshed vies for heritage grant dollars

Windy Station's manager of agritourism, Clare Lee, presented the conservation and re-adaption project at Heritage PitchFest in Sydney

Windy Station's woolshed was alongside representatives from three other shortlisted projects - Bondi Surf Club Heritage Restoration (Sydney), Corrimal Coke Works Site (Wollongong) and Horsley Estate Hospitality Development (Sydney).

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Windy Station was the only contender based in regional NSW. The successful submission will facilitate the woolshed's use as an event space catering to large events and open days and allow access to the iconic structure for both community and visitors.

Heritage PitchFest was hosted by comedian and media personality Tim Ross and judged by a panel of heritage experts, including Frank Howarth, Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon, Natalie Vinton And Annie Tennant.

The woolshed is a historic, cathedral-like, 44-stand structure dating back to 1901 and is one of four projects vying for $1 million in heritage grant money that will protect and encourage the iconic building's further use.

"The Activating State Heritage grant would be a game changer for our project, but Heritage PitchFest is also an amazing opportunity to see what ideas are out there, get feedback on our plans, connect with some heritage buffs and fly the flag for regional NSW and the Liverpool Plains," Mrs Lee said.

Windy Station stands between Pine Ridge and Blackville, west of Quirindi, and the shed is no longer used to shear sheep. But the property managers, with the owners' support, are planning to open the space to tourists as part of a new agritourism trail.

"I have people contacting me almost weekly wanting to use the woolshed for various reasons, so that excites me the most, being able to share it," Mrs Lee said.

An ambitious plan is to restore the state heritage-listed shed and open it as a conference centre.

Windy Station woolshed's conservation and re-adaption project will facilitate its use as an event space catering to large events and open days and allow access to the iconic structure for both community and visitors.

The project began in 2019 and has already attracted interest from across the country.

"In the past three years, we've seen a big increase in agritourism interest and have welcomed visitors both domestically and internationally.

"So far, we've hosted photoshoots, public events, open days and conferences at the Woolshed.

By undertaking this project, we hope to continue to draw visitors to the Liverpool Plains, allow them to learn about agriculture and its rich heritage, and inspire others to do the same.

"The project is currently in the final stages of approvals with the Liverpool Plains Shire Council, and landscaping works have begun.

"This grant would elevate the project through high-end finishes, the incorporation of amazing tech equipment and experiences, a curated museum, a published book on Windy Station's history, plus improvements on our accessibility plans and the creation of educational resources," she said.

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