The final piece of the Gwydir Shire Council’s long-running Big River Dreaming Project fell into place on Friday, with the official opening of The Living Classroom Centre.
Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan attended the opening which marked the conclusion of the project which kicked off five years ago as a $2.79 million Restart NSW project.
Mr Moylan said the day was a landmark event for Bingara and the Gwydir Shire, and he commended the community for creating a precinct that can be enjoyed by locals and visitors.
“The Big River Dreaming Project as it is called, incorporates many elements and over the years included upgrades to the Bingara Pool, interpretive signage, tourist trails and rest stops,” Mr Moylan said.
“The final piece has always been The Living Classroom Centre which has now been opened, sitting proudly as the centrepiece to The Living Classroom, a 150 hectare area combining agribusiness, education, tourism and conferencing.
“This is a truly unique project that anyone can visit and enjoy the landscape.
“The Gwydir Shire Council has over the past five years worked slowly and steadily, and while some staff and councillors have moved on in that time, the opening was a fitting celebration of that hard work.”
The Living Classroom Centre will now be promoted by the Gwydir Shire Council as a complete destination that can be used by anyone for accommodation, events, functions, education purposes and conferences.