It is an icon that sits proudly above Cootamundra, but for years now the town clock has been without its trademark chime.
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Not for much longer.
Last weekend work began on the ambitious $23,000 project to get the clock chiming again.
Workers removed the clock’s hands and internal mechanism, with some parts to be fixed, some to be replaced and others no longer necessary.
Excited locals must now play the waiting game though as the replacement parts will take 8-12 weeks to arrive from overseas.
It has been suggested that the redundant parts be donated to the Cootamundra Heritage Centre and remain a recorded part of the town’s history.
The existing, faulty mechanism is somewhat of a “Frankenstein” project, combining two generations of equipment.
Much of the original Gilbert and Johnston branded ‘Tornaghi’ manually wound mechanical clock remains; such clocks were installed in town and railway stations around the state in the late 19th century.
In the 1970s occupational health and safety concerns about climbing up the tower to wind and lubricate the mechanism led to an electric motor and bell ringer being fitted.
These parts are now well beyond their servicable life and will be replaced by an modern mechanism capable of adjusting for daylight savings and recovering from a power failure.
The most exciting aspect though is that the clock’s classic chime will ring out over town once more.
Though truly years in the making, the project officially got off the ground in July 2014.
Considered beneficial but unnecessary and too expensive, Cr Mary Donnelly finally spurred Cootamundra Shire Council into action last year with a $2000 donation- the equivalent of her payrise over two years- toward the project.
A further $5000 funding came from the council, as well as $3000 each from Australia Post and the building owner.
The Cootamundra Development Corporation (CDC) coordinated fundraising efforts for the final $10,000, half of which came from a generous anonymous business owner.
At the council meeting last Monday evening Cr Donnelly expressed her delight at the successful start to the project.
“I’m very happy that there’s been movement on the clock,” Cr Donnelly said.
Once the finishing date for the project has been set and the work complete there will be a “chime celebration” in town to be coordinated by council and the CDC.
