Toganmain Woolshed: A Proud Addition to the NSW Heritage Register
Toganmain Woolshed: A Proud Addition to the NSW Heritage Register
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Statement of Country
The Toganmain Woolshed Precinct is on Wiradjuri land, which for many thousands of years provided abundant resources to its traditional Aboriginal owners. Traditional land use, resource management and cultural practices are evident in scar trees near the woolshed. Spanning pre-contact lore to the resilience of subsequent generations up to the present, the enduring connection of the Wiradjuri people to Country is recognised.
(Adapted from the NSW Heritage Inventory)
Celebrating Our Heritage Listing
We are thrilled to announce that the Toganmain Woolshed Precinct has officially been listed on the State Heritage Register (SHR), an acknowledgment of its significant contribution to New South Wales’ pastoral history. The listing, granted on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of NSW and approved by the Minister for Heritage, recognises the woolshed’s historical importance to the people of the state.
The Toganmain Woolshed, located on the Sturt Highway near Darlington Point, now carries the SHR number 02097. This recognition ensures the preservation of the site and supports our efforts to restore and transform it into a major cultural tourism destination.
Why Toganmain Woolshed Was Listed
The Toganmain Woolshed holds an iconic place in Australia’s wool production history. Constructed in 1875, it is the largest remaining woolshed in the Riverina region and stands as a monument to the pioneering spirit of early settlers. With its significant role in the introduction of the Wolseley Sheep Shearing Machine in 1887, it helped revolutionise Australia’s wool industry.
The State Heritage Register listing acknowledges the woolshed’s exceptional historical value, from its contribution to agricultural development to its role in shaping the lives of Indigenous communities, itinerant workers, and landowners in the region.
What This Means for the Future
This recognition unlocks valuable opportunities for the Toganmain Woolshed Precinct, including:
Eligibility for NSW Heritage Grants: As a listed property, we are now eligible for funding through the NSW Heritage Grants program, which supports restoration and conservation efforts. Applications for grants are open once every two years, and we are excited to apply for support to further advance our preservation plans.
Preservation & Restoration: The listing reinforces our commitment to preserving the woolshed’s historic value. The expanded Conservation Management Plan (CMP) will guide all future restoration works, ensuring they meet Heritage NSW guidelines and maintain the site’s cultural integrity.
Sustainable Development: Listing on the SHR also offers opportunities to access advisory services, helping us develop plans for sustainable tourism and education initiatives that will bring the history of Toganmain to life for future generations.
Our Vision Moving Forward
With the heritage listing secured, our next steps will focus on restoring and enhancing the woolshed, preserving its structures, and expanding its role as a key educational and cultural destination.
Immersive Visitor Experience: We plan to offer visitors an in-depth, interactive experience that explores the rich history of the woolshed, the wool industry, and its connections to Indigenous communities.
Collaborations & Partnerships: The recognition of Toganmain as a heritage site opens doors to collaborate with local and regional tourism operators, museums, and Indigenous groups to share the important stories associated with this historic site.
A Step Forward for Cultural Tourism in the Riverina
This heritage listing is not just a milestone for the Toganmain Woolshed but also for the broader Riverina region. The Toganmain Woolshed will soon become a cornerstone of cultural tourism, linking with other significant local attractions such as Altina Wildlife Park, Whitton Malt House, and Pioneer Park Museum. Together, these sites will help visitors better understand Australia’s pastoral heritage and the relationships between local communities and the land.
We invite you to stay connected as we continue to make progress with our preservation efforts and work towards transforming Toganmain into a living, breathing historical experience for all to enjoy.
Your Support Is Vital
As we move forward with this exciting new chapter, we continue to rely on the support of volunteers, donors, and the local community. Together, we can ensure that Toganmain Woolshed stands as a proud symbol of Australia’s rich agricultural and cultural heritage for future generations.
There is a wealth of information to read through on the State heritage Inventory. This link will take you directly to our listing.
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