Old Dubbo Gaol upgrades unveiled

Old Dubbo Gaol’s reputation as one of the premier tourism facilities in regional NSW has been enhanced, with $1.39 million worth of upgrades unveiled on Tuesday.

Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders joined with NSW Arts Minister Don Harwin and representatives from Dubbo Regional Council at the event, which outlined the creation of an improved visitor experience at the historic location.

“The Old Dubbo Gaol is one of the premier and most unique tourist attractions we have in Dubbo, and I am proud that the NSW Government has provided significant investment to make this as good as it can possibly be,” Mr Saunders said.

“These upgrades allow the Gaol to move with the times when it comes to tourism offerings, while maintaining the heritage feel that befits a site of such historical significance to the city.”

The upgrades include enhancements to displays, and utilising more modern technology to tell the stories of the lives of the inmates at the facility, while strengthening the visitor experience to meet current and future needs of visitors.

The total project cost is $1.39 million, with $809,725 funded by Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) and a further $600,000 from the NSW Government’s Regional Cultural Fund.

“The Old Dubbo Gaol is one of the most culturally significant heritage sites in regional NSW,” Mr Harwin said.

“Listed on the State Heritage Register, it holds artefacts of national significance within its collection of more than 600 items, and I am delighted this project has been supported through the NSW Government’s Regional Cultural Fund.”

Some of those artefacts include the largest collection of Hangman Ropes in Australia, and the original Hangman’s Gallows. The upgrades will preserve these historically significant items, with new display cabinets allowing even more artefacts to be displayed to the public.

Stage Two of the Old Dubbo Gaol redevelopment is currently in development, which includes upgrades to signage and the entry to the Gaol.