Berrima Residents Association

Heritage Roses in Australia (HRiA)  and the National Trust at Harper’s Mansion in Berrima recently commemorated the contribution to the heritage rose garden at this State listed property over many years from Sue Kingsford AOM by creating a new garden bed in front the Georgian period house.

The Southern Highlands chapter of HRiA meets regularly in members gardens to swap knowledge on growing heritage roses and to enjoy each other’s fellowship. Contact local convener Peter Rezek for information on the society and its activities on 0413 153 650.

Anyone who has navigated the shocking road conditions on Oxley’s Hill Road, will know all about damage this incessant rain is having on our local roads.

These set of potholes in Nathan Street has been reported to Council using the SNAP SEND SOLVE phone app.

We await the repairs.

The Association was pleased to support a workshop on growing orchids lead by local expert orchid grower Ken Coates on 22 September 2022 in the Village Hall.

Ken generously shared his knowledge with the dozen or so participants who really picked up a lots of tips. Special thanks Ken and to David Palmer for making this happen.

The Berrima Residents Association has purchased a Difibrillator, funded by a generous donation from the Berrima Jam Makers for use by residents and businesses in case of cardiac emergencies in the village.

This sign is displayed on the door of the Post Office.

Special thanks to Fran Meagher for arranging the purchase and installation of the unit, which has been especially chosen as this unit gives users a set of  verbal instructions on its use when activated.

The Unit has been installed in the entry foyer to the Post Office, where it is available in an emergency 24/7. Local resident Dr Bill Meagher demonstrated the use of the machine at a recent monthly of meeting the Association.

Plans are underway to hold a First Aid Course for residents in early 2023, where the use of the machine will again be demonstrated.

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National Trust photo exhibition held in September 2022 at the BDAS Gallery features several Berrima heritage landmarks, including Berrima Gaol, Berrima Remembrance Grove, the Old Theatre and Settler’s Hut.

This exhibition will be presented again in the Highlands later this year in the Civic Centre Moss Vale. Just in case you missed it the first time.

The NSW Minister for Planning the Hon. Anthony Roberts, announced that Berrima Gaol had been sold to the Blue Sox Group for $7m.  Links to the Minister’s announcement and the Press Release from the Blue Sox Group is included below.

The Berrima Residents Association released the following statement on the NSW Government’s decision.

“The Berrima Residents Association (BRA) is particularly disappointed that the NSW Government failed to engage meaningfully with the community about the future use of the Gaol before announcing its decision to sell the property on 18 October 2021.

However, the decision to sell the Gaol to a private developer is now a ‘fait accompli’.

The Association notes the intentions of the new owner, as set out in the Bluesox Group Press Release of 20 May 2022, “to share with the local community its initial thoughts and vision for the site” and the assurance that “any re-imagining of the sites future will be sensitive to all aspects of heritage”.

The BRA vision for the site, developed in collaboration with the Southern Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2021 has many features in common with the Bluesox Group plans including “being respectful and supportive of the history and heritage of the site” while developing “… community engagement areas, … spaces catering for small business opportunities, a must see attraction for local and interstate travellers” and “how the history of the site may be best displayed to the public”.

Realising this common aim of delivering significant social, economic, and cultural benefits to the whole of the Southern Highlands community promises to be an exciting project and we look forward to working with the new owner as we move forward in coming months.

Anthony Roberts Geoff Lee med rel – Former gaol re-invented as boutique hotel

Blue Sox Press Release 20 May 2022