A rare surviving slice of Bathurst's past has been listed on the State Heritage Register to ensure it is protected for future generations.
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The beautifully restored 1860s Cobb & Co Coach that has been kept on display at the Bathurst Visitor Information Centre has been listed in recognition of its great historical significance in NSW.
The story of the Cobb & Co mail and passenger transportation company is etched in the colonial history of Australia.
Bathurst MP Paul Toole said the coach was a reminder of Bathurst's rich pioneering history and was a great asset to have on display for both visitors and locals.
"Restored and proudly displayed by Bathurst Regional Council at the Visitor Information Centre, the Cobb & Co coach was built in Bathurst and ran the Bathurst to Sofala mail and passenger route throughout its lifetime," Mr Toole said.
The coach reflects the beginnings of the Cobb & Co company in NSW, which relocated its headquarters and factory from Victoria to Bathurst in 1862.
Under the management of the company owner, the "great country entrepreneur" James Rutherford, the Cobb & Co company grew into the most famous coaching firm in Australia and the largest company of horse-drawn transport in the world.
The coach is particularly significant to Bathurst given its provenance and service to the region.
The coach is particularly significant to Bathurst given its provenance and service to the region.
- Heritage Minister Don Harwin
Heritage Minister Don Harwin said he was delighted to announce the coach's entry on the register.
"The coach is particularly significant to Bathurst given its provenance and service to the region. Safeguarding this item for display is of great importance to the historical story of NSW," Mr Harwin said.
"Having been built around 1862, it is likely that this particular coach was one of the first coaches produced in Bathurst at the company's new factory, which is remarkable.
"I applaud the efforts of the local community and Bathurst Regional Council who have advocated for the preservation of this important piece of Bathurst's heritage."
The state heritage listing will ensure the significance of the Cobb & Co Coach to Bathurst will continue to be recognised and protected for future generations.
Locals on the list
- Bathurst Cathedral Bells: Bathurst Anglican Cathedral, Church Street.
- Bathurst Correctional Centre: Browning Street.
- Bathurst Court House: Russell Street.
- Ben Chifley's House: 10 Busby Street.
- Cathedral of St Michael and St John: William Street.
- Denison Bridge: Macquarie River, Great Western Highway.
- Grave of Windradyne: Brucedale, Sofala Road.
- Miss Traill's House: 321 Russell Street.
Some of the Bathurst items on the State Heritage Register. Find more here.
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