One of Dubbo’s most iconic historical tourism sites is set for a digital revamp, thanks to funding from the Create NSW’s Creative Capital program.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said Dubbo Regional Council has received $250,000 to enhance the Gallows Gallery with a touchscreen display, and build an interactive virtual 3D-rendered map of the state heritage-listed gaol.
“The team at the Old Dubbo Gaol have shown time and time again that they can execute grant funding to an award-winning standard,” Mr Saunders said.
“Just last month the Gaol claimed gold at the prestigious Museum and Galleries of NSW IMAGinE Awards for the upgrade of the Gallows Gallery, which was proudly supported by the NSW Government!
“This latest project will take one of the state’s top cultural tourism attractions to the next level, and I can’t wait to see it!”
The funding builds on the $600,000 from the NSW Government’s Regional Cultural Fund for the Stage 1 Redevelopment, $150,000 from the NSW Government’s Heritage Grants program and $193,820 from the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund for repairs and maintenance, and $99,600 for Dubbo Regional Council to digitise five regional collections, including the Gaol’s.
The NSW Government also contributed $70,000 for the refurbishment of the Padded Cell – which has now officially reopened.
Mayor of Dubbo Regional Council Councillor Mathew Dickerson welcomed the funding announcement.
“The funding will ultimately make the Old Dubbo Gaol more environmentally friendly by implementing an interactive version of the tour map, including video re-enactments of prisoners speaking in slang-code with one another, newspaper articles and original documents,” Cr Dickerson said.
“The digital upgrades will also include the installation of an interactive touchscreen in the Gallows Gallery to give more information on the condemned men, hanged men and our executor Nosey Bob.
“We anticipate these upgrades will positively add to the dwell time of visitors which had similarly increased with the Stage 1 Redevelopment works and further strengthen the Gaol’s position as one of the best cultural tourism experiences in the state.”