$5,000 grant awarded for preservation of Tomaree Headland heritage Port Stephens Port Stephens by News Of The Area - Modern Media - April 5, 2022April 8, 2022 Tomaree Headland is the southern headland of Port Stephens with Yacaaba Headland to the North. Both are rugged sites, however Tomaree Headland has great historical significance. Photo: Marian Sampson. THE future of the Tomaree Lodge site has been under a shadow for many years. Since the last of the Department of Human Services residents left the site the Tomaree Headland Heritage Group Inc (THHG) has been lobbying to see the site Heritage listed and saved for community use. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au The group has now been successful in attracting a $5,000 grant from the recent AGL Newcastle Gas Community funding round. Peter Clough of the THHG told News Of The Area, “This will be used to create a number of video clips, particularly using drone and QR technology, to highlight the history and opportunities for a future Tomaree Lodge site. “The video clips will potentially include interviews of key local people who represent the military, Indigenous and marine history. “The concept is to use video clips in a community engagement program.” Peter believes developing the video clips and QR codes will complement the preparation of a concept plan which has been commissioned by the THHG for the adaptive re-use of the Tomaree Lodge site to demonstrate its potential and opportunities, while at the same time recognising the potential of this outstanding heritage listed and world class iconic asset for Port Stephens. THHG plans to use social media along with traditional media to highlight the potential educational and research opportunities, the interpretation and restoration of key heritage assets, including indigenous, military through World War II and marine nature including tours of the oyster hatchery. The site offers several ecotourism opportunities such as history and nature walking tours, possibly serviced by a visitors information centre with a cafe and amenities for visitors. THHG also envisages the site hosting a museum and/or interpretation centre. Tomaree Headland offers a spectacular start or grand finale for the Tomaree Coastal Walk which will extend to Birubi Beach, which is being developed by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. “There are a host of opportunities including potentially reinstating the original site Jetty with a pontoon platform to increase public access to the future Tomaree Lodge site, the Tomaree Headland summit and Tomaree Coastal Walk to Birubi Beach. “THHG are grateful to AGL for the grant which will help create positive awareness of what the future for Tomaree Headland could be. “The potential is limitless with both local and regional benefits including social, economic and employment opportunities and the long-term financial sustainability of the site,” he said. By Marian SAMPSON Tomaree Lodge is nestled on the western shores of Tomaree Headland. Photo: Marian Sampson.
