State Government grant assists conservation work at Oakabella homestead

18/10/02
Long-term conservation of the historic homestead at Oakabella has been boosted, thanks to a $15,000 grant from the State Government's Heritage Grants Program.
Environment and Heritage Minister Dr Judy Edwards said the homestead was just one of a number of heritage buildings located on the Oakabella property.
"Oakabella represents the agricultural development of the Northampton District, with the 13-room homestead, cookhouse, barn, shearing shed, stables and blacksmith's shop having been constructed in 1860," Dr Edwards said.
"The original pastoral lease measured some 50,000 acres, and the property was used to stable race horses and for horse breeding programs for Army remounts in India.
"The property was subdivided after being purchased by the Government in the early 20th century."
Dr Edwards said Oakabella had a close association with the Drummond family, who were the first lessees, and with the Jackson family, who have lived at the property for more than 80 years.
"Today, Oakabella is still a working farm with 1,200 sheep and 400 acres of wheat and oats," she said.
"Most buildings at the property have also been gradually modernised and lovingly restored, and are now the site of guided tours and local market days.
"In addition, the uniquely buttressed barn, which was once a dance hall, school and church, is now a museum filled with equipment from the 19th century, and the homestead is decorated with period furniture."
Dr Edwards said the recent conservation works had included replacing the homestead's deteriorated roof sheeting and remedying roof structure defects to prevent further leaking.
"Works have improved the appearance, condition and safety of the building, and have brought Oakabella one step closer to complete restoration," she said.
"The next stage of conservation works at the property will involve new roofing for the blacksmith's shop."
Minister's office: 9220 5050