The Yanko Store is among the oldest in the region, dating back to the 1870s, and has recently been restored.
An open day to celebrate the restorations will be held on site — 25km north of Jerilderie — on Monday, October 21.
The Yanko originally housed a shop supplying non-perishable goods, a post office, bookkeeper’s office, livery, gaol and later a telephone exchange.
It was originally built to facilitate all the needs of the Yanko station.
The restoration process has been a long one for property owners Heather and Hugh Cameron, who started grant application processes almost nine years ago.
They were finally able to start work 12 months ago, and have completed two stages.
The first involved drainage improvements, the repair of brick work, external painting of doors and windows and replacing the roof.
Phase two included the development of an interpretation and display area for visitors in three of the Old Store rooms, and an education package for school groups.
‘‘In 2011 we obtained funding via the NSW Heritage Branch for a Conservation Management Strategy which was completed in 2012,’’ Mrs Cameron said.
‘‘It was not until 2018 that we were successful in a grant from Heritage Near Me. ‘‘We paid for the building to be underpinned where it was cracking, and once this had settled for 12 months we were able to commence works.’’
The Camerons now hope to offer their property as an education tool for local and visiting students, and interested members of the community.
‘‘We are expecting both the Jerilderie schools, together with other interested locals and Murrumbidgee Shire and Department of Heritage representatives to come out our open day,” Mrs Cameron said.
Coinciding with the completion of works was a decision made last week by the Heritage Council of NSW to lobby for The Yanko Store to be on the State Heritage Register.
A public submission phase on the proposal begins today and closes on November 20.
More details about the proposal; and submission process is available, visit.
In the meantime, The Yanko’s open day will be from 10am to 12.30pm on Monday.
Guests will be allowed entry to interpretation rooms, and includes morning tea and opportunity to learn about the history of Yanko Station.
For catering purposes RSVP by phoning Yanko Station on (02) 69561142 or emailing theyanko@bigpond.com.