Tathra Wharf highly commended at state heritage awards

The restoration of the historic Tathra Wharf has been honoured at the National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards, receiving Highly Commended in the Built Conservation category.

Project Manager David Buckley at National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards.

Project Manager David Buckley at National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards.

22 May 2025

The restoration of the historic Tathra Wharf has been honoured at the National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards, receiving Highly Commended in the Built Conservation category.

This follows the recent recognition of the wharf restoration at the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) NSW & ACT State Conference.

“These accolades are a testament to a project balancing heritage, planning and engineering to deliver a lasting impact,” Council’s CEO, Anthony McMahon said.

“It gives me great pleasure to see recognition of the exceptional efforts invested in preserving this iconic 1862 structure, ensuring it’s enjoyed by residents and visitors for generations to come.

The restoration project, initiated in November 2022, involved a comprehensive ’like-for-like’ approach to preserve the wharf's historical integrity, ensuring that despite extensive works, the wharf retained its heritage character and charm.

Of the 78 in-water pylons, 54 were replaced and the remaining received protective works. All handrails, toe rails and kerb units were replaced as were half the sub-structure headstocks, girders and cross-braces.

The stockyard was replaced as was the stock race, which was also extended, and the only remaining buffer assembly for coastal freighters was replaced and a second one added.

The external and visible pylons were replaced with traditional turpentine timber pylons and some of the originals when removed were found to have blacksmith forged points to protect the timber while being driven into the seabed.

760 square metres of the main deck was replaced, excluding the access ramp which was replaced in 2016, and 150 square metres for the stockyard and stock race.

“Project Manager, David Buckley led the restoration efforts, collaborating with a dedicated team of Council staff and contractors to deliver the specialised work.

“I congratulate everyone who was involved in seeing this meaningful project come to fruition.

“I’d also like to congratulate the team from Design 5 Architects who worked on the Old Bega Hospital project and won the prestigious Judges’ Choice award in the Built Conservation category. It’s wonderful to see another unique site being celebrated and conserved in the Bega Valley.”

To learn more about the Tathra Wharf restoration project, visit Council’s website.

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