The church, the former headquarters of Wauchope District Historical Society, will move from Timbertown to Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) land in Wauchope's Randall Street.

Land on the eastern side of the railway line will provide the historical society a permanent home to record and celebrate the history of the Hastings, and be a focal point for the community, under a proposal gaining momentum.

The 1868-built church will become a community facility after its relocation and part of the nearby station master's cottage will house the historical society's administration, archives and research.

The station master's cottage is also earmarked to showcase a historic courtroom, information centre and rooms for community use.

The precinct would contain a memorial garden.

Community ownership is at the heart of the gateway project which grew out of the Wauchope District Historical Society's need to relocate the church.

Continued page 2

The group met with ARTC during the investigation process.

Under the Wauchope District Historical Society vision, a railway and timber workers museum would be built on a vacant lot at the northern end of Randall Street.

More planning work is needed including development applications.

Wauchope District Historical Society president Ray Cooper said they wanted to take the people of Wauchope and the district with them in the project.

Mr Cooper praised the support of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, the state government and the federal government.

The council agreed to accept an offer from ARTC to enter into a temporary licence for the three railway properties in Randall Street, pending the preparation of a longer term licence.

The general manger will enter into negotiations to offer a temporary sub-licence of the sites for community purposes.

Project designer Brian Buckett said the project would encompass the whole community.

"It's not just a historical precinct, it's the gateway of the Hastings," he said.

The historical society plans to seek grant funding and community support towards the project.

Mayor Peter Besseling said the project was great example of the community and the council working together for a common good and for a great community outcome.

"The potential for Wauchope to get behind it [the project] and for it to be a showpiece for Wauchope is great," he said.

"It resolves the issue of the church relocation, which is a matter of concern to both the council and the Wauchope community, and it also provides opportunity and a focal point for community activity in Wauchope, similar to that of Hamilton Green."

The council considers land to the north of the railway station car park may also suit the needs of other community groups.