DETAILED plans have been released for a High Country Hall of Fame, a new business venture that is proposing to bring an additional 20,000 people and $1.4 million to the local economy.
The brainchild of Merrijig cattleman Charlie Lovick, the High Country Hall of Fame (HCHF) will be a one stop shop for visitors – promising a unique country experience with a mix of entertainment, education and local history thrown in.
Proposed to be built on Mr Lovick’s Merrijig property, the HCHF will be built to resemble a traditional bushman’s hut – with reclaimed timbers and local materials used throughout.
Situated on the banks of the Delatite River, Mr Lovick is confident his Hall of Fame will become a destination in itself.
“This will be like nothing Australia has ever seen,” Mr Lovick said.
“I’ve visited all over the country, looked at all the museums, the entertainment centres and the halls of fame and I’ve been able to take the best elements of each and put them together under one roof.”
Mr Lovick’s vision is for a Hall of Fame that will feature local legends from across the North East in one area, think Ned Kelly and The Man From Snowy River, while in another section local historical events and families will be featured.
“I’m talking things that people are interested in – local history, but also from across our region,” Mr Lovick said.
“Local indigenous history, our native flora and fauna, the gold rush, pioneers, settlers, the timber industry – there will be a space for everything.”
Mr Lovick plans for each community group to have access to their own ‘stand’, meaning the details of each display will be curated by those who know it best.
“I don’t want to tell the story of our indigenous past, I want them to tell it,” he said.
“They know it best, after all.”
Along with historical displays, Mr Lovick has plans to create a number of small feature films – to run on a loop in the HCHF – using his knowledge as a mountain cattleman and as the master of horse in The Man From Snowy River movies.
“People say Snowy River was so long ago, no one cares anymore,” he said.
“But Craig’s Hut is the second most visited icon in the state – why do you think that is?
“Ask any local trail ride company and they’ll tell you, people are as interested today as they ever were in Snowy River, and I was there for both movies – I owned ‘the horse’ himself, and that’s what one of the movies will be about.”
There are plans for a state of the art educational facility, with interactive displays and touch screen technology.
A cafe and conference centre will be included, a booking facility for local tour operators, information on things to do in the local area as will display ‘stands’ for new and emerging groups.
“I want this to be for the whole community,” Mr Lovick said.
“I’m just providing a place for it to be set up, but it's about bringing people to Merrijig.”
Outside, Mr Lovick intends to have working demonstrations of historical farming, an animal nursery, pony rides, children’s playground, free barbecues, picnic areas and parking for buses and at least 30 cars.
Although his economic model predicts employment for three initially, Mr Lovick expects the popularity of the HCHF to mean he will be able to employ up to 10 locals within 12 months of operation.
“I know this country, and I know how to tell a good story,” he said.
“I want to preserve our Mansfield history, but also make it interesting for those who aren’t from here.
“My plan for the High Country History Hub is that people will literally get a snapshot of everything in Mansfield in one location, from local food to where to stay, what to do and where to go.”
Mr Lovick already has his HCHF planning permit approved, and his initial business proposal has the backing of the Mansfield Shire Council.
Now looking for federal government funding, Mr Lovick said it was only a matter of time before construction could begin.
“I am applying for grants as we speak, because with the bushfires having decimated the North East it seems now is the perfect time to put together a business that will be of benefit to everyone.”
