A NEW brightness has entered Bulahdelah Courthouse thanks to an $1800 Community Partnerships grant from the Holiday Coast Credit Union.

The money was used to install new lighting into the cell block area at the courthouse.

President of the Bulahdelah Historical Society, Kevin Carter, said it was great to finally get lighting installed into the historical cell block area at the museum.

“It has improved the ability to enjoy our displays on dull lit days. It has also improved our public and volunteer safety immensely as the old cells were very dark with their 400mm thick walls, small vent like grill window and solid steel doors,” he said.

“Now the individual cells are lit up automatically when a visitor enters the room which means we are saving on electricity as well.”

The wiring was restricted to the ceiling, leaving minimal impact on the heritage values of this iconic 1888 historical building.

The project also included new LED floodlights for the cell block exercise yard as well as a replica period pendant light in the original magistrate’s kitchen.

The project used the services of local electrician, Greg Tosh, as well as society volunteers.

The total cost of the project was $3600.

Kevin said even the electrician had his challenges when coming face to face with an annoyed possum sitting right where the cabled had to go.

“Thanks to Holiday Coast Credit Union for helping the Society bring this long overdue improvement to the Bulahdelah Courthouse Museum; without their help it would not have been achieved,” Kevin said.

Why not go and check out this new lighting yourself at the Bulahdelah Historical Museum, open every Saturday from 9am to 3 pm on the corner of Crawford Street and Ann Streets, Bulahdelah, for further information head to www.bulahhistorical.org.au.