On Thursday 27th February 2025 two members of our museum attended the Southern NSW Regional Heritage Group Meeting held in the Up-To-Date Store at Coolamon.
The GM of Coolamon Shire Council presented the story of the store and how it was purchased by council to save it from demolition. The council went on to restore and enhance the building and the precinct of old commercial shops into a commercial hub of the town. The former store is now a museum and is listed on the NSW State Heritage register. A new library was built in keeping with the store which acts as a cultural space when needed. The local historical society is also working on digitising the Coolamon newspaper. The precinct also includes a cafe and RSL Museum. Across the road is a Fire Museum established by ex-fireman Chris Berry with the help of his wife.
How refreshing it was to see that a small NSW Council has actually championed the preservation of historic buildings and managed to reinvigorate the town to the benefit of all. I can also recommend the Coolamon Bakery for a tasty lunch, as well as a visit to the Cheese factory just down the road. We were also told that the local Pub at the south end of town is currently being renovated.