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Federation in Tenterfield: a rejuvenation cornerstone

"Securing the future means doing more than simply protecting the past," said Tenterfield Shire Council General Manager Mark Arnold in launching an enthusiastic assessment of the reasons Tenterfield is committing so much effort to Australia's year of national celebration.

"Tenterfield has always been proud of its role in the achievement of Federation and enjoys the rare distinction of being one of only three rural centres to be afforded 'Federation Town' status by the New South Wales Centenary of Federation Committee."

The challenge Tenterfield faces is how to turn its association with a political event into a viable platform for future prosperity. According to Mark Arnold, the town will succeed only if all sectors of the community understand the role they must play.

"While Tenterfield Shire Council has identified the sense of expectation in the community about what Centenary of Federation could mean for the Shire, it is keen to ensure that the opportunities that the Federation year present do not finish up becoming a distraction to Council from its core business activities," he said.

"We consulted widely and then set about establishing a framework that was consistent with Council's preferred position as a facilitator of opportunity."

Much has resulted from the structure that Tenterfield has adopted. In addition, Council has proactively secured major infrastructure and funding outcomes to assist the community in its Centenary of Federation endeavours including the following.

• The signing of a 50 year lease with the National Trust of NSW over the famous School of Arts where Parkes delivered his nation shaping Oration. This agreement provides a stable management environment that supports a $2.75 million Commonwealth Government funded restoration project that will transform the building into a regional and national flagship attraction.
• Gateway Tourism Centre - Elevated prioritisation has been granted by Tourism New South Wales for the construction of a pivotal Gateway Tourism Information Centre. This critical customer service facility will be completed early in 2001 reinforcing Tenterfield's strategic New England Highway location close to the NSW/Queensland border.
• Centenary of Federation event and project funding. Underpinning a year of major activity, Council has been afforded significant resources from the New South Wales Centenary of Federation Committee to highlight and promote Tenterfield's role in the Federation process.

"Uncovering future opportunity is one thing but there-establishment of Tenterfield's place in the national identity will be the real long term dividend," Mark Arnold said.

While Council has negotiated access to programs and sourced funding for initiatives, the community is demonstrating its commitment by driving key projects and activities during 2001.

"Residents are the ultimate stakeholders so it makes sense that a credible, community inspired program is the key to Tenterfield becoming the ultimate beneficiary," Mark Arnold said.

"We want real and lasting benefits to come from our Shire's Centenary of Federation 2001 activities and we're now well on the way to becoming a heritage tourism product leader."

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