Central Goldfields Shire, together with Maryborough Midlands Historical Society volunteers, are delighted that the restoration work on historic Worsley Cottage is now complete.
Commencing in February, the contractors – Provincial Constructions of Bendigo – carried out extensive repairs, which included reinforcing the foundations, straightening external walls, repairing stonework, installing additional drainage, replacing internal floors and repairing damaged plasterwork.
In recent months Council staff painted the interior of the Cottage, repaired damaged woodwork and painted the rear kitchen extension.
The $319,143 project was jointly funded by Council – $200,000 and the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program – $119,143.
Central Goldfields Shire Maryborough Ward Councillor Geoff Lovett said it was wonderful to see the historic Worsley Cottage restored.
“Worsley Cottage is a much-loved community asset and a popular tourism attraction for visitors to our region.
“The Maryborough Midlands Historical Society do such a wonderful job sharing our history to visitors to our Shire and so it’s wonderful to see this facility upgraded so that the committee can continue to prosper in the future.
“We thank them for their patience during the works and we look forward to seeing the Cottage fully re-opened early in the New Year.”
Maryborough Midlands Historical Society President Barb Nielsen said they anticipated the Cottage would re-open to the public by February, 2024.
“Although the Worsley Cottage restoration project has been completed, it will take our volunteers several months to carefully conserve and return the furniture, objects and art work and to set up new displays.
“Also, due to the extent of the renovations, it was necessary for the contractors to remove quite large sections of the cottage garden, creating a challenge over the coming months for our garden volunteers, who will plan and restore the paths and plants.
“Although the Cottage itself will remain closed until 2024, our Society volunteers will return to work in the Research and Display Centre at the rear of the property at 3 Palmerston Street from Thursday 9 November.
“Visitors will be welcome at the usual times: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 12 midday and Sunday afternoons from 2pm to 4pm.
“The Committee members are appreciative of the efforts of Central Goldfields Shire Council in recognising the heritage significance of the Cottage and obtaining a grant to enable the restoration of the building, one of the town’s oldest residences.
“We also wish to acknowledge the outstanding work of Council staff involved in the project.”
