Wellington Caves is now home to another piece of the town’s history, proudly displaying bluestone rock that was once a feature of local guttering.
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The guttering, which was first installed about 1906, was removed from Percy Street earlier this year due to works being undertaken.
Western Plains Regional Council building assets manager Stephen Parish said the Council wanted to ensure the rock would be re-used and the redevelopment of the caves complex provided the perfect opportunity.
“It was important that we retained the bluestone and not lose sight of its importance in the building of Wellington,” Mr Parish said.
“Through discussions the idea came about to use it as edging for trees and gardens as part of the beautification at the Wellington Caves, and while work is still continuing, it is looking great.”
Mr Parish said special mention must be given to the Wellington Correctional Centre’s Community Projects Team who had put a lot of time and effort into helping.
“The Community Projects Team have been working on different projects at the caves since before Christmas and have done nothing but amazing work. The manner and enthusiasm with which they approached this project is beyond words.”
“They have shown a real commitment and are excited about seeing the bluestone project through until the end.”
Wellington Caves manager Jodie Anderson has also expressed her gratitude to the team, saying they had been invaluable at the site.
In the past six months they have removed old lighting from the Cathedral Cave and old pipe work on the cast, relocated the replica of the Megalania and relocated a shade shelter so that it can be utilised by students learning about palaeontology and searching for fossils.
“The crew has always been very courteous and respectful when onsite and their willingness to work and learn about the caves is nothing short of impressive,” Ms Anderson said.
“We wouldn’t have been able to get some of these tasks completed without them. I hope that we will be able to work with them even more in the future.”
Once the garden beds and edging are complete, Western Plains Regional Council plans to put a plaque near the edging that will provide a history of the bluestone as well as showing an appreciation to the community projects team.
