Our historic buildings bring the stories of our past to life; the grim Old Police Station complex of the courthouse, police offices, quarters and cells: together with the pretty little Russ Cottage family home. These places hold stories of policing and justice, and of local community life across the centuries.

Like reading a good book, they hold stories from the difficult to the joyful. Imagine the smell of baking bread in Russ Cottage, the taste of fresh produce from the Russ market gardens: doleful sounds of the magistrate passing sentence in the court room; the terror and melancholy of being locked up in the Native Cell.

So many of our stories are hidden away. Important objects are in storage. Display spaces are limited. Roofs need repair. Stonework needs restoration. Cement floors need removing. Historic uses can be reinstated. The grounds can be welcoming civic spaces. More stories told.

We have a plan to free these stories. THE BIG PROJECT will restore the roofs, stonework and floors of the Old Police Station and Russ Cottage; create a respectful ghost structure to interpret the demolished Aboriginal Cell; build a dedicated new research and archives centre and create a new exibition and research space.

Our members have acheived a great  deal through decades of volunteer commitment and stewardship. As custodians we constantly work to conserve these places, tell their rich stories and share them with the community for generations to come.

Unlock the past. We invite you to help us restore and take care of these historic places for present and future generations. Join us on a journey to unlock the cells and restore the stories