No Man’s land: 1976 – 1993
The Homestead was temporarily occupied during this period by a number of transient tenants. It was under-maintained, suffered damage by fire, theft, vandalism and overgrazing and was at risk of being destroyed. Part of the property was subject to declassification of its heritage status. The Tuggeranong Homestead and environs site is not only an example of an intact 19th century European heritage site, but one of significance to the Aboriginal community, both of which are considered rare in the Canberra region.
Minders of Tuggeranong Homestead: 1992 – 2006
In 1992 a proposal to develop a medium-density housing estate on the site was approved by the ACT government. A non-profit, community lobby group, Minders of Tuggeranong Homestead (MOTH Inc.) was founded on the 21 October 1992. It galvanised the community into action and successfully appealed against the proposal on the grounds that the heritage value of the property would be irrevocably compromised. The ACT Legislative Assembly had already approved the proposal. MOTH maintained that this type of development was inappropriate and oversupplied, and that part of the site had been contaminated from an old sheep dip. Subsequently the ACT Government withdrew plans for housing development. MOTH’s action resulted in recognition by the ACT Government of the site’s natural and cultural heritage, which in turn led to the renovation of the buildings and gardens, and the creation of a commercial presence. In 2001 an amount of $675 000 was awarded by the Centenary of Federation Grants Program to restore the buildings to a suitable standard and allow for their use by the public.
MOTH is committed to fostering a viable and respectful future for the remnant historic property based on the values of preservation, restoration and enjoyment for all Australians. MOTH demonstrates this commitment by undertaking various landcare and practical tasks and promoting cultural heritage values to the wider community.
Lease Period: 1996 – 1999
The Homestead was used as a private residence and horse agistment with limited access to the public during this period.
Lease Period: 1999 – 2006
The Tuggeranong Homestead buildings were leased as a venue for small conferences and functions and there was limited public access exept for use as a commercial venue for horse agistment.
Lease Period: August 2006 –
In August 2006 a dynamic future commenced under new management. The Tuggeranong Homestead currently provides a popular café, conference and events facility and is the focus for a wide range of community events in pleasant, historic surroundings. The Lake Tuggeranong Lions’ Club holds monthly markets at the site. Visitors to the Homestead are welcome to discover the site for themselves, discover the shady garden under century-old elm trees and enjoy a meal at the Homestead Kitchen. Buildings at the Homestead have been sympathetically converted to provide comfortable multi-purpose facilities as part of a government ‘adaptive re-use’ policy. The convict built stone barn is the oldest extant building in the complex dating from the early MacQuoid era of 1835 – 1841. Visitors may pause to contemplate the Homestead’s history, the aspirations and the capricious fortunes of its past Aboriginal and colonial occupants.