BIG plans are afoot for the Logan Brae building in South Bathurst, and operations manager Rebecca Mathie is eager to blend old with new regarding the venue's community purpose.
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Ms Mathie, who also manages The Greens on William, has submitted a development application to obtain a liquor licence for the venue to complement plans to host weddings and functions.
"We want to showcase this beautiful historic building and accompanying chapel as a desirable location for weddings and inclusive community functions," she said.
"Our vision for these functions is to support community-based programs along the lines of mental health, environmental sustainability, permaculture and education."
Ms Mathie was granted the licence to use the Logan Brae building in March by the Institute of Sisters of Mercy Australia and Papua New Guinea following the closure of Rahamim Ecology Centre after 12 years.
She said many of Logan Brae's programs will follow on from Rahamim's foundations, albeit on a larger scale under the 'Our Village' membership model.
"The community garden will be maintained for Bathurst residents who wish to learn how to grow their own food, and the on-site library will also be available for members to browse," she said.
"Malfroy's Gold beekeepers will also continue to have a presence on site and once the COVID-19 situation eases, we intend to continue historical tours of Logan Brae as Rahamim once did.
"We want to manage the site in accordance with the Sisters of Mercy's long-standing mission to present Logan Brae as a place of tranquility, congregation and community involvement."
Ms Mathie said some of the produce grown in the community garden will bolster The Little Pantry, a food relief program run out of The Greens to assist people in need with grocery items.
The Little Pantry is part of a Central West initiative to reduce the amount of food waste that is ending up in landfill.
Ms Mathie hopes Logan Brae will become another desirable community venue for Bathurst to embrace.
"We want this to become an all-encompassing venue for entertainment and wellness activities," she said.
"Whether it be weddings, christenings, live music events or insightful seminars, we envision Logan Brae to grow into a hive of activity in the near future."
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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
