The Australian tendency to demolish and start again met the force of the Lennox Head Heritage Committee when the Ballina Council proposed to demolish the Lennox shelter shed at Lennox Park as part of the Lennox Village Vision.
At only 70 years old the shelter shed had been allowed to fall into a state of disrepair; it has now been upgraded and reopened along with the rest of Lennox Park.
‘The renovation of the shelter shed was a much bigger task than anticipated due to the age and condition of the structure,’ explained Ballina Shire Council Mayor, Sharon Cadwallader.
‘However, we were able to significantly improve its functionality, look and feel while retaining its original design in line with Council’s resolution from November 2022. The shelter shed renovation ties in with the overall park upgrade and previous stages of the Lennox Village Vision project. Now it is fresh, functional, and ready to be enjoyed by the community for many years to come.’
100 years of Lennox
Acknowledging the centenary of the town of Lennox Head the Lennox Head Heritage Committee has designed and procured a plaque that has been installed inside the shelter shed as part of the renovation.
Indigenous language artwork
While the town of Lennox Head may be looking 100 years in the eye the area has a relationship with local Nyangbal people of the Lower Richmond that stretches many thousands of years into the past.
In recognition of this Aboriginal language words are etched into pedestrian footpaths, seating and as a backdrop to the bus shelter area. The words are based on the broader Bundjalung language and includes some words specific to the Nyangbal people, as such some spelling and pronunciation may vary from the neighbouring language dialects.
The artworks were produced by Ricky Cook, a local Nyangbal Elder and linguist who has been working in education for the past 40 years teaching on Bundjalung Country.
‘Language goes with Country; they go hand in hand. Knowing language helps us better understand Country,’ said Ricky.
Unisex toilets
Meanwhile the new amenities block, which has been completely rebuilt from the original structure, will significantly improve accessibility.
‘The new amenities include a family change room with shower, bench and baby change table, unisex accessible toilet, and two ambulant toilets,’ said Cr Cadwallader.
The Lennox Park upgrade was Stage 7 of the Lennox Village Vision project. The final part of the Lennox Village Vision project will see the Rural Fire Service site on the corner of Park Lane and Mackney Lane converted into new public carparking spaces, once the RFS facility has been moved to its new site off Hutley Drive.
Further information will be provided to businesses and residents closer to the commencement date of these works. Following the completion of these final works, Ballina Shire Council will host an official opening to celebrate the Lennox Village Vision project. For more information visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/LennoxVillageVision.
