Bombala's historic Woolingubrah vandalised

Bombala's historic Woolingubrah Inn has recently been vandalised by thieves who removed corrugated iron from the roof.

Forestry Corporation regional planning manager Tim O’Kelly said the incident had occurred within the past two months.

“We are very upset about the attack on this local historic gem,” he said.

Woolingubrah Inn is located in Coolangubra State Forest about 20 kilometres from Bombala.

The inn arrived aboard a vessel that docked at Twofold Bay at Eden in the1860s at the time of the Kiandra gold rush.

‘Woolingubrah’ is an Aboriginal word for windy place, an appropriate name as the inn is located on a rather exposed peak of the Big Jack range of mountains.

It was erected on the track from the coastal towns of Tathra, Merimbula and Eden to the Monaro and beyond, used by emigrants on their way to the gold fields.

The original section, which is well preserved, was imported in prefabricated sections and is said to be one of only three such buildings still in existence in Australia.

The Inn was purchased by Forestry Corporation in 1986 along with surrounding property and has since undergone extensive renovations.

In 1997, under the Heritage 2001 program, State Forests gained a grant of $24 000 on the basis of a dollar-for-dollar contribution to conserve the building.

Berridale architect Suzannah Plowman was engaged to oversee the conservation work carried out by Bemboka builder John Scarlett.

Due to its historical importance, a process has commenced to place the Inn on the State Heritage Register.

Mr O’Kelly said police were investigating the attack on the inn and anyone with information relating to the crime should contact Forestry Corporation or the police.

Photo available.

Media contact: Sarah Chester (02) 6036 2110 or 0417 207 669.