After 127 years of operating out of the town, Camden Council will tonight hold its last meeting before its historic move to new premises in Oran Park on August 8.
According to a mayoral report to tonight’s meeting, on April 24, 1889, the Camden Municipal Council held its first meeting in the upstairs office at the School of Arts building.
“Over the years since 1889, meetings of elected council representatives have been held in buildings at several sites across Camden,’’ says the report.
“In 1924, Council meetings moved to new premises above the Whiteman’s Store in Argyle Street and remained there until the School of Arts was transferred into Council’s ownership, thereby becoming the Town Hall and Council Chambers in 1930.
“In 1964, the Town Hall offices were demolished and new council administration facilities were constructed. “This building is now the present day façade and front area of the Camden Library.
“Meetings of council, however, continued to be held in the rear of the building in the original School of Arts section.
“In 1982, Camden’s Community Centre (now known as the Civic Centre) was officially opened and council meetings were held at this site from September 1986 until now.
“And now, in 2016, we will see another change in Council’s Chamber meeting location with Council moving to its new administration building and Chamber facilities at Oran Park on August 8,’’ says the mayoral report by Cr Lara Symkowiak, who has served in the top post for four years running.
“I am very proud council has not had to sell any assets in order to fund our move to Oran Park,’’ her report to council says.
“Council has entered into lease agreements for the properties we are vacating in Camden and Narellan.
“In the future, revenue of around $800,000 a year for these sites will be realised for our ratepayers.
“Our vacated properties will house new business uses such as medical centres, disability services and an art gallery.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“Council has carefully planned our move to Oran Park to ensure the town centres in Camden and Narellan are not left worse off.[/social_quote]
“Historic Macaria in Camden will become an art gallery and made accessible to the public.
“It’s the perfect location for an art gallery, especially being opposite the museum.’’
Invitation to the community
“I look forward to our first council meeting at 70 Central Avenue, Oran Park, on August 9 at 6pm, and welcome all members of the public to join us at the new facilities for that historic occasion.
“The community is also invited to join Council at the official opening of the new building on Sunday, August 7 from 12pm to 2pm where a barbecue, free activities, building tours and entertainment will be on offer.’’
