Government pledges $1.3m to restore Gough Whitlam’s home in Sydney’s west
The federal government will put up $1.3m to buy and restore the former prime minister Gough Whitlam’s family home in Sydney’s west.
The assistant minister to the prime minister, Ben Morton, announced on Saturday that the mid-century ‘Lodge in Waiting’ would be entrusted to the Whitlam Institute, within Western Sydney University.
The institute’s chair, John Faulkner, said ensuring and protecting the heritage value of the residence at 32 Albert Street, Cabramatta would be a significant legacy for future generations.
When Gough Whitlam moved into my Cabramatta street, my life was transformed
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“We look forward to meeting the responsibility of protecting and managing this important national heritage asset in perpetuity,” Faulkner said.
Part of the community development grants program, the funding of the home aims to protect the historic significance of the building.
“This home is an indelible part of Australia’s national history – and it should be preserved and treasured for future generations,” Morton said.
“I am delighted the Whitlam Institute and Western Sydney University have committed to hold and manage this important national asset for the long term where visitors can be engaged in Australia’s democracy.”
The director of the Institute, Leanne Smith, described the acquisition as an honour, especially as it occured on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the Whitlam government’s election.