Balranald

Discovery

Centre

NIMMIE CAIRA INTERPRETATION

PROPOSAL Prepared by Balranald Shire Council

OVERVIEW

Balranald Shire Council is currently progressing the construction of

the new $1.5m visitor information and interpretive centre in

Heritage Park, Market Street, Balranald.

Recently named the Balranald Discovery Centre, the complex

features three purpose built, architecturally designed pavilions. The

pavilions are functional, practical and successfully marries its

prominent location on the Sturt Highway with the green park

setting.

The Balranald Discovery Centre will offer excellent facilities for the

local community, short - term visitors and the passing traffic.

Serviced public amenities, local, regional and State wide

information, souvenir and retail sales, information and educational

experiences through interpretive zones and a quality café will be

the key features of this facility.

The facility is owned and operated by Balranald Shire Council

and upon completion the Balranald Discovery Centre will house the Visitor Information Centre staff. The Visitor Information Centre will be a 7 day per week

operation – from 9.00am to 5.00pm, 362 days per year (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday only).

Council commenced construction in late 2013, and with the pavilions nearing completion Council is now progressing to the interpretation phase. It is envisaged

that the complex will open in late August 2014.

The centre interpretation will celebrate the Balranald region in natural and cultural contexts. Interpretive elements will f low inside and outside the buildings and

the design will be bold, interactive and memorable.

Artist impression from Market Street

ARTIST IMPRESSION

Artist impression - aerial view of complex from River Street

PROPOSED NIMMIE CAIRA INTERPRETATION

To progress the proposed Nimmie Caira interpretation at the new Balranald Discovery

Centre, Balranald Shire Council presents the following concept idea for your

consideration.

The Balranald Discovery Centre is located in the vast grounds of Heritage Park, Market

Street Balranald, with Sturt Highway frontage. This prime highway location lends itself to

a “traffic stopping” attraction… Nimmie Caira?

The Concept

It is proposed that the Nimmie Caira interpretation be a focal point at the front of the

Balranald Discovery Centre utilising the Malcolm Museum as the backdrop.

The concept would incorporate the following components:

Timber sheep yards

Life size steel cut - out sheep

Life size steel cut - out dog

Life size steel cut-out of a stockman and his horse

Movement activated sound boxes

Interpretative signage - depicting the pastoral history of Nimmie Caira

Landscaping and path work

Nimmie Caira wording on the east facing roof of the museum overlooking the sheep yards

Flood lighting

A4 - DL folded promotional brochure available within the information centre

Nimmie Caira Location

Location of Nimmie Caira in relation to Balranald

PROPOSED NIMMIE CAIRA INTERPRETATION

The Experience

The experience will capture visitor attention as they step into the Balranald Discovery Centre

precinct from the Market Street entrance.

As you meander along the rustic earth coloured path you will see the timber stockyards

framed by the timeless corrugation on the Malcolm Museum, Nimmie Caira branded boldly

across the roof, and … your sense of curiosity kicks in.

You will hear the sound of sheep “baaing” as you pass the movement activated sound

bollards, then listen to the stockman call up his dog. Immerse yourself in the sounds of a real

pastoral station with baaing sheep, barking dogs, horses neighing and the birds tweeting.

Take a walk over, to view the amazing works of local Riverina artists - in the steel sheep

cut-outs, or snap an image of the life-size stockmen and his horse under the tree.

Learn about the pioneering heritage of the Nimmie Caira through the interpretive panels

and gain an insight into how this area has evolved over the years… and take a look into the future!

Marketing Collateral

The Nimmie Caira interpretation will be captured in a full colour A4 DL folded brochure that will disseminated through the Visitor Information Centre.

Estimated Cost

Approximately $120,000 - all components mentioned, research, earthworks and flood lighting for night impact

DRAFT CONCEPT

Nimme CairaNimme CairaNimme Caira

NIMMIE CAIRA

Very primitive concept design - a detailed plan will be developed should this concept be approved

EXAMPLES OF STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS

For further information please contact

Robyn Ryan

Director of Economic and Community Development

Telephone: 03 50201300

Email: rryan@balranald.nsw.gov.au

Mobile: 0427 201 300