New life for heritage listed infrastructure within Bella Vista Farm Park, NSW

Only 37 kilometres from the hustle and noise of Sydney is one of the most important relics of Australia’s colonial farming history. Home of the first Merino sheep in the country, the Bella Vista Farm Park lays claim to being one of the first farms to export oranges interstate and internationally.

“Bella Vista Farm Park is a nationally significant historical farm which The Hills Shire Council is taking part in developing into a major regional destination,” said David Ransom, Senior Coordinator Parks & Buildings, The Hills Shire Council.

Using $520,000 from the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program, an initiative of the Federal Government’s National Building – Economic Stimulus Plan, The Hills Shire Council along with friends of Bella Vista Farm and the Master Builders of Australia restored the farm’s two storey homestead to its impressive former glory.

“The Bella Vista Farm Park is a rare surviving link between the community today, the first European settlers and some of Australia’s earliest rural development,” said Mr Ransom.

Thanks to funding from The Hills Shire Council, the NSW State Government and the NSW Heritage Office, young apprentices were given the incredible opportunity to learn industry work skills through the Trade Skills Program. The Master Builders Association transported a group of ten Aboriginal apprentices to the site from Redfern each day to participate in a series of training sessions.

A total of 40 young apprentices received hands on experience alongside master craftsmen in the refurbishment of 100 year old flooring, windows, shutters and doors.

The Bella Vista Farm Park restoration employed three major building contract firms, two engineering consultants, a heritage architect, two conservationists and Council staff.

The Hills Shire Council is currently seeking expressions of interest to partner with businesses to provide greater access to the historical buildings on the property. This partnership will create ongoing employment opportunities for the local community.

At the completion of the project, the front gates were thrown open for a Bush Christmas Carols celebration which was enthusiastically attended by 4000 local families.

“It has been a labour of love for most of those working on it - even the kids got a buzz out of being at such an old farm” said Mr Ransom.  

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