Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall, left, pictured with the owners and proud restorers of Inverell’s Egan House – one of many historical buildings successfully renovated and featured in the community.
Thursday, 14 October 2021
A FUTURISTIC approach to mapping Inverell’s past will enable tourists to undertake self-guided tours of the town’s iconic built heritage, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today announcing $66,609 in State Government Heritage grants to develop a new mobile app and support ongoing local restoration efforts.
Mr Marshall said the project would ensure Inverell Shire Council could capitalise on one of the country’s fastest growing tourism segments.
“Inverell’s passionate heritage lovers are driving cultural tourism in our region, as they work to restore iconic buildings like the Convent, Egan House, General Merchant and Oxford Hotel,” Mr Marshall said.
“To promote this work, council will use $43,609 to update its existing 16-page heritage booklet with new research and additional photos and sites.
“It will then develop a GPS activated Soundtrail audio app which will play the stories of 50 people connected to Inverell’s built heritage.
“This project immortalises the research of Inverell District Family History Group and oral histories of descendants of the building’s original owners.
“Without a doubt there has been a groundswell of interest in restoration projects in Inverell, which is helping to attract tourists to town.
“This is a simple project which I think will have a positive impact on Inverell’s visitor economy and I look forward to seeing the app launched next year.”
Inverell Shire Mayor Paul Harmon said 10,000 people annually are expected to directly benefit from the mobile app and heritage guide.
“This is a tremendous project for Inverell, which will showcase the history behind our heritage buildings and encourage visitors to stay longer in our shire,” Cr Harmon said.
“Self-Guided Heritage Walks are a popular way for tourists to enjoy our CBD, and thanks to the latest research from the Family History Group, we are now expanding the amount of sites included in our booklet and adding further details on their history.
“The mobile app is GPS activated, so as users stroll through our CBD, the app will activate with the stories appropriate to their location.
“Tourists travelling specifically for the heritage market segment are known to stay in a town longer and spend more, with an average length of stay of more than five days.
“Council expects the benefits of this project to flow on to our hospitality and accommodation venues in the Inverell and broader New England region.”
The State Government has also provided Inverell Shire Council with $23,000 to continue its Heritage Advisor Service and Small Heritage Grants program over the next year.