I am writing this letter on behalf of the Orana House Trust Committee in Canowindra to inform members of the community and
interested persons of the current situation with Orana House.
A brief history of Orana House. The building was sold by the Council of Boree Shire in 1971 to Colin Murphy and Harold Townsend as Trustees on behalf of the ‘Subnormal Children’s School’ for $2,500. The building later became known as Orana House. It was managed and maintained through community fundraising and commitment.
In 1981 Cabonne Council purchased Orana House for $1 with the agreement that Orana House would remain as a ‘Community Use Building’. The property is owned and maintained by Cabonne Council and managed in the daily running by the ‘Orana House Trust Committee’ initiated by Mr Peter Ryan.
Over the years various community members have been part of this Committee. Orana House is currently in need of maintenance
and renovations and Cabonne Council has intentions to sell Orana House in the near future.
The ‘Orana House Trust Committee’ is corresponding with Cabonne Council regarding the options to purchase ‘Orana House’ and is seeking Grant Funding to enable them to purchase and renovate Orana House so it can remain as a ‘Community Use Building’ for Canowindra.
Orana House usage is currently occupied 5-6 times per week by ‘Canowindra Creative Centre’ Wool/Fibre, Mosaic and Writer’s Support groups also AA and NA. An opportunity exists to bring ‘Joblinkplus’ to Canowindra delivering formal training programs from ‘Orana House’ which will provide skills to unemployed and underemployed people of Canowindra and districts.
If anyone requires further information please contact Deb Rutter 6344 2490 or 0487 801 767 or email debrutter@bigpond.com
Deborah Rutter
President/Chairperson