Media releases

Friday, 19 June 2009

$76,500 to conserve Tennant Creek's historic military hospital

THE HON PETER GARRETT MP
Minister for Environment, Heritage and the Arts

THE HON WARREN SNOWDON MP
Member for Lingiari, Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health, & Regional Service Delivery

The historic Tuxworth Fullwood House in Tennant Creek will receive Australian Government funding of $76,500 for restoration works.

 Funding was announced today by the Federal Minister for Environment, Heritage and the Arts, Peter Garrett, and the Federal Member for Lingiari, Warren Snowdon.

“Built as an extension of the Tennant Creek hospital during World War II, Tuxworth Fullwood House is an important part of Australian war time history,” Mr Garrett said.

 “Originally used to serve the military personnel in the Tennant Creek region, the building is now a museum that houses pieces of history, ranging from mining equipment to a steam traction engine.

“This significant investment through the Australian Government’s Jobs Fund initiative will improve the usability of the building, through installation of an access ramp and amenities, and provide a much needed upgrade to protect the fabric of this historic place.

“The Jobs Fund is an important part of the Australian Government’s commitment to provide targeted funding for projects that not only protect and conserve some of our most important heritage places, but also help to generate jobs and provide economic stimulus around the country,” Mr Garrett said.

Mr Snowdon welcomed the funding as an important investment for the local community.

“Tuxworth Fullwood House is a popular tourist stop and as a result of this important conservation work more visitors will be able to experience a little piece of Tennant Creek history,” Mr Snowdon said.

“I congratulate the National Trust of Australia (Northern Territory) for securing this important investment in the site’s future.”

The $650 million Jobs Fund includes $60 million for projects related to Australia's historic, Indigenous and natural heritage places.

The $60 million for community heritage projects has been developed in consultation with Senator Bob Brown as part of the Government's $42 billion Nation Building - Economic Stimulus Plan.

Funding previously announced for heritage projects includes more than $700,000 to be provided for three heritage projects at two NT World Heritage Sites: Uluru- Kata Tjuta and Kakadu National Parks, as well as $1.3 million for a major upgrade to the Grand Canyon Walking Track in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, $2.5 million for four Tasmanian convict sites and more than $550,000 to protect and conserve the Cottesloe home of World War II Prime Minister John Curtin.

For more information on Australia’s heritage projects visit www.heritage.gov.au

Media contact: Mr Garrett’s office, Ben Pratt 0419 968 734 Mr Snowdon’s office, Kate Sieper 0488 484 689

Copyright © 2004-5 Warren Snowdon MP. This page was last updated on 25 June 2009.