Bathurst Regional Council has selected a design by prominent Bathurst architect Henry Bialowas for the bicentennial monument, which will include a flagstaff reminiscent of one Governor Macquarie planted on the banks of the Macquarie River almost 200 years ago.

Mr Bialowas’ design was one of four presented to council for consideration, with councillors signing off on their choice during a confidential meeting last week. 

Macquarie’s flagstaff not only marked the end of Cox’s Road – which carried the governor of the colony and his party over the Blue Mountains – but it was also the point from which all inland expeditions set out. 

In addition, the flagstaff was the first construction over the Blue Mountains. 

Sadly, it ultimately disappeared and its location was forgotten. A public toilet block was built on the historic site. 

Surveyors and historians have since worked hard at pinpointing the exact location from maps and texts so a permanent marker may be erected. 

Mr Bialowas said he recognised the cost of relocating the toilets would be close to half a million dollars.

So he decided the solution lay in building a landscaped concourse over the top of the existing toilet block, made possible because of the steep banks that lead down to the river.

A new flagstaff will form the centrepiece. 

“The original flagstaff, probably a ship’s mast carried in by Macquarie’s party, was mounted on a pyramidal base of timber with four angled struts supporting it,” Mr Bialowas said.

“The proposed flag will have a similar pyramidal base, but with the sides glazed so that it is possible to look down onto the existing stone cairn that depicts the location of the original flagstaff. 

“The base of the pole will have a spotlight illuminating the cairn and its brass plate.”

Mr Bialowas said the underside of the concourse will contain the toilets, which may be accessed from the river side, with provision for a kiosk in the summer months or public holidays. 

Both levels of the concourse will be wheelchair accessible. 

“The external walls will display the story of the Aboriginal people on whose land we stand and who held a corroboree with Governor Macquarie, thus re-uniting the two cultures for all Bathurstians and indeed all Australians,” the architect said.

Mr Bialowas said the elevated position will provide stunning views over the Macquarie River. 

He said his vision for the monument comes back to the notion that the Bathurst Town Square started its life at the flagstaff.

Mr Bialowas said the flagstaff lines up with the spike of the Anglican cathedral, the Carillon and Bathurst Courthouse. 

“Council felt it was crucial that when we all meet at the river on May 7, 2015, we didn’t gather around a sewer vent to commemorate the occasion,” he said.

Mr Bialowas also designed the All Saints’ Cathedral Bell Tower and feels his vision for the flagstaff follows on from that.

“Creating things that future citizens will appreciate and remember fondly is very satisfying,” he said. 

“I’m delighted to be involved with this project.”

Mayor Monica Morse, who is also chair of the Bathurst 200 committee, was thrilled with Mr Bialowas’ design.

“I have always believed that when you have something significant, like a 200th birthday, you have to give the city a lasting gift,” she said.

“It is such a wonderful project for Bicentennial Park and a wonderful asset for the city.

“It will fit in beautifully. Everyone who has seen the design just loves it.”