community leaders Sound Chapel short-listed for a heritage award

Cobar’s Sound Chapel has been shortlisted among 40 rich and diverse heritage projects across NSW for the 29th annual National Trust Awards.

The National Trust Heritage Awards is an annual celebration of outstanding practice, awarding excellence in conservation of Aboriginal, built, natural or cultural heritage.

Cobar’s Sound Chapel, by Glenn Murcutt in collaboration with Georges Lentz, has been nominated in the Adaptive Re-Use category which has been short-listed to five projects.

Matthew Devine, Chair of the National Trust Heritage Awards Jury said the diversity, scale and geographical representation this year was “simply astounding” and had prompted “rich and robust discussions between the judges”.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton was in Cobar last Wednesday and caught up with local Sophie Clark to talk about her experiences as one of 20 students from across NSW chosen to participate in the Rural Youth Ambassador Program for 2022. “The program encourages leadership potential in young people and gives them opportunities to develop their skills and speak up about issues that matter to them,” Mr Coulton said. He described Sophie as “inspiring” and said she has a bright future ahead of her! ▪ Photo contributed