Community & Business
11 October, 2024
Ambrose restoration update
The restoration effort for St Ambrose Memorial Church took another step forwards last Thursday, October 3, with a visit from current member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, and candidate for the federal seat, Jamie Chaffey.
In attendance were involved residents and members of the Save St Ambrose Committee: Margo Piggott, Cr Madeline Foran, Doug Clouten, Stuart Border, and mayor Doug Batten.
The visit was organised to raise awareness of the church’s plight and discuss funding options as renovations plan to begin.
According to surveys conducted earlier this year, a full rebuild of the church could cost up to $80 million. Restoration of the original structure is estimated to only cost around $5 million.
The Save St Ambrose Committee intends to source $900,000 by December 2024 for initial works to start in early 2025, to take advantage of current grant funding that will not be available next year.
Stuart Border, part of the committee, said that the first part of the works will be underpinning the foundation to stabilise the building. A series of concrete piers will be constructed under the building to make the structure level. “[St Ambrose Church has] lots of cosmetic damage,” said Mr Border, “but the lateral structural damage is the real problem.
“That’s… what gave people a scare [two]-years-ago and forced us to close the church.
“The number of people that have been baptised, confirmed, married, and buried here: it’s an amazing story and an integral part of Gilgandra.
“We’re here for the long haul and good to go.”
Mark Coulton was eager to support the restoration and showed special interest in the site's historical value. “I’m amazed that the people of Gilgandra had the foresight to build a building that is still relevant a century later.
“Half of the battle is knowing where to look [for funding]: often it’s how you talk about the project, about the social and economic impact on the town.
“There is money around for memorials, which [the Church] is, but not $5 million,” said Mr Coulton.
The Save St Ambrose Committee is optimistic about reaching their goal and beginning work, which now looks all the more possible with the support of Mr Coulton and his wider Nationals team.
