The former Newcastle Post Office is getting a much needed cash injection from the state government.
Under the Heritage Grants Program, the government are giving the Awabakal Aboriginal Land Council $150,000 to go towards stabilising the building.
The building has been in a state of disrepair for some time, and without any stabilising works will continue to fall a part and crumble.
Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Rob Russell isn't even allowed into the building to assess the damage so making it safe for inspections is a top priority.
Without the funding, the building's future was up in the air with no one sure how long the building could go without any form of stabilisation before it would've fallen further into disrepair.
"Primarily what we want to do is just have a look inside and see what damage has been done. We believe that the basement is full of water, we need to find out where that water is coming from, how much structural damage its done so yes there will need to be a fair bit of work done," said Rob Russell.
"This is a very important asset to the Aboriginal community in Newcastle. You can see its been in neglect for some time. This money will be very useful for the community in being bale to repair some of the damage that's been done through that neglect," said Rob Russell.
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| Scot MacDonald and Rob Russel in front of the Newcastle Post Office this morning. |
The Newcastle division of the land council are now looking away from private partnerships for funding, and keeping the building as a community asset.
"Looking at it now, and I'm not an expert I should say, you've got to worry that it's getting to a point where it's going to be dangerous for the people who are squatting here, or anybody that sees some sort of future use, so you can see the potential but you can also see if it isn't turned around soon then you will be looking at a dangerous condition," said Scot MacDonald.
"The community want to see this, if not restored to its former glory then at least functional. At least not being an eyesore and it is an eyesore at the moment and I don't know what that path will be."
