Ruth SANDOW
This presentation showcases the heritage conservation and cultural tourism developments at the historic town of Milparinka, 296 km north of Broken Hill (current population 4). Proclaimed in 1880, Milparinka had a population of around 400 in its hey-day, when it serviced the Mt Browne goldfield. Several beautiful sandstone buildings survive, including the Albert Hotel. The James Barnet designed Courthouse, together with the Police Barracks, cells, kitchen underground tank, (collectively known as the Milparinka Heritage Precinct), have been restored by the Milparinka Courthouse Committee (1988) and the Milparinka Heritage and Tourism Association 2000-2007. Currently used as a local history and Visitor Information Centre, the Precinct is operated during the tourist season by teams of visiting volunteers, people from all over eastern Australia who offer their help for periods from a week to a month. There are also substantial ruins of the post office, Commercial Bank, Bakers’ Store cellar and ground tank; others remain as archaeological sites. A recent survey of the township lays the way ahead for the reconstruction of the original streetscape. Winner of the 2009 Tidy Towns Sustainable Communities Heritage and Cultural Award, Milparinka is an example of successful community driven conservation project in an isolated location.