Blue Mountains City Council has recreated an historical photo to celebrate conservation works that have been completed at the Map of Australia, in Lawson.
The works undertaken at the Wilson Park water feature included bridge repairs, stonework and channel restoration, cleaning of the water feature, significant ground water management works, removal of weeds and new interpretative signage.
Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill, who presided over the ceremony to celebrate the completion of works on Saturday, 28 October said: “The water feature and map were originally unveiled more than 90 years ago on 12 May 1932, during a special event attended by local dignitaries and school children from the nearby Stratford Girls School.
“As part of our launch today we will recreate this historical image with everyone present.”
Members of the original ‘Friends of Wilson Park’ group, who advocated along with Cr Romola Hollywood for works to be undertaken, attended the weekend’s ceremony along with school students from Lawson Public School and Council representatives.
Lawson Public School’s Green Team recently visited the park to learn about its historical and environmental significance.
“Maps of Australia (and the world) were commonly constructed during the 1930s as part of an early 20th century education initiative in Australia, however few have survived,” Mayor Greenhill said.
“As one of the largest of its kind still in existence in Australia, this map was constructed with a high level of technical accuracy, scale and level of detail. It depicts all states and territories and shows the elevation levels based on the colours used in school atlases.
“Council has taken significant steps to ensure the conservation of the Map of Australia and its associated channels and weirs, securing it for the generations to come.
“Local heritage items such as this one are protected under our Local Environmental Plan and Council is committed to their protection, and also to encouraging and facilitating enjoyment of these spaces by our community.”
For more information go to bmcc.nsw.gov.au/heritage/wilson-park-water-feature
Photo: The historical photo taken in 1932, and the re-enactment photo taken on 28 October 2023.
