2 May 2025
The National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards shortlist was revealed on Wednesday 23 April, showcasing a vibrant range of heritage projects across New South Wales. Old Bega Hospital, Bega has been shortlisted in the 2025 Built Conservation awards section. The Awards recognise excellence in the conservation, protection and interpretation of natural, cultural and built heritage. Winners will be announced at the National Trust Heritage Awards ceremony on Friday 16 May in Sydney.
“The response to the 31st annual Heritage Awards has been remarkable. The effort to promote and conserve heritage right across the state is very inspiring to see” said Debbie Mills, CEO of the National Trust (NSW). “We congratulate all entrants and those who have been shortlisted for their incredible achievements.”
The Old Bega Hospital was originally built in 1888 and expanded in 1904 and 1908. After the new Bega Hospital opened in 1957, the building served various purposes before becoming a community centre in 1985. In 2004, a fire severely damaged the structure, leaving only the brick walls, chimneys, and parts of the roof, floors, and joinery intact. Following years of community fundraising, government grants were secured in 2019 to restore the building. Design 5 – Architects led the team of consultants from 2020, with project management by Public Works NSW. The team reviewed and refined the existing development application to fit the budget, prepared construction documents, and collaborated with local builder Leser Build during construction.
Reconstruction work was carried out in 2023-24. Existing fabric was retained and repaired wherever feasible, and new elements were informed by archival drawings, historic photographs, and site evidence. The building now features accessible facilities, upgraded services, a community kitchen, and multipurpose spaces. Remnants of the fire-damaged fabric were retained and featured in the building’s continuing use as a valuable community facility.
