The recently completed Pillars of Bathurst cultural heritage garden and the role played by Dr Robin McLachlan in the project was officially acknowledged by Bathurst Mayor, Cr Robert Taylor, on Monday 17 February.
Instigated in 2015 by Council in collaboration with local historian, Dr Robin McLachlan, the Pillars of Bathurst commemorates past residents who significantly contributed to the development of our community but for whom there were no other memorials to tell their story.
The pillars are at Macquarie Park, Stanley St, Bathurst.
From the historical figures who built the city’s foundation, to modern community leaders and remarkable activists; those acknowledged by the Pillars of Bathurst together present and preserve the intricate story of the city of Bathurst.
Accompanying the project is a booklet providing background on the initiative as well as detailed biographies of those celebrated at the garden. These biographies were researched by Dr Robin McLachlan, input without which Council could not have completed the project. The final booklet also includes a reflection of the Pillars Garden as written by Dr McLachlan.
After his death in 2022, the final pillar, installed in 2024, acknowledges Dr McLachlan’s role in the project and the immense level of history he worked to preserve within the community.
Honouring his work, at this tribute event the first Dr Robin McLachlan Heritage Award was be presented by Mayor Taylor and Janet Bingham. This was awarded to the Friends of the Bathurst Agricultural Research Station.
Content: Bathurst Regional Council
