A business case for a local military museum is gaining support from Bathurst Regional Council, with the old ambulance station in William Street touted as a potential location.
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Council decided at last Wednesday's ordinary meeting that it will purchase the old ambulance station from the state government for $1, as per the initial offer made in late 2018.
Bathurst mayor Bobby Bourke said he's supportive of the military museum as a potential occupant as long as the appropriate funding can be secured.
"The military museum is a very important project, and one that I can see myself in full support of," Cr Bourke said.
"As generations of ex-servicemen and women pass away, a lot of those stories are lost, so it's important we work towards a facility that will bring this history together."
Cr Bourke said council will act as quickly as possible on the building's future to ensure it doesn't fall in a state of disrepair.
"We don't want another TAFE building or Gasworks on our hands," he said.
Bathurst historian Andrew Fletcher, who submitted the business case to council, said the location of the building is ideal for a military museum.
"The building is easy to access, there's plenty of parking and local eateries are only a stone's throw away, so you couldn't ask for a better spot," Mr Fletcher said.
"If the business case is accepted, we'll aim to put the museum on the ground floor to accommodate people of all ages and abilities."
Mr Fletcher said his concept for the museum encompasses everything from Wiradyuri military organisation to present-day operations.
"Bathurst has had involvement in every conflict since settlement: from the 1824 declaration of martial law to our current servicemen and women," he said.
"I'm yet to come across anyone in the community who disagrees that it's essential to remember the service of Bathurst's veterans."
State member for Bathurst Paul Toole is also supportive of the military museum, noting its appeal under the 'community use' condition.
"It's an iconic building in Bathurst, and council has a real opportunity to turn this into an attractive community and commercial hub."
Bathurst RSL Sub Branch president David Mills would also love to see the military museum incorporated into plans for the building.
"This is an opportunity for us to display the histories and stories of local families," Mr Mills said.
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"I'm not in the business of telling people what to do. I'm much more in the business of describing things, situations and stuff like that and leaving them out there, and you can make up your minds about them." -Nick Cave
"I'm not in the business of telling people what to do. I'm much more in the business of describing things, situations and stuff like that and leaving them out there, and you can make up your minds about them." -Nick Cave
