Whitlam Cabramatta home to be restored and preserved as national heritage asset

The Commonwealth Government is providing $1.3 million for the purchase and restoration of former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam’s family home, the Hon Ben Morton MP, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and Cabinet announced.

Based in Cabramatta, the Whitlam mid-century ‘Lodge in Waiting’ will be entrusted to the Whitlam Institute, within Western Sydney University.  The Chair of the Whitlam Institute, John Faulkner, said that ensuring & protecting the heritage value of the Whitlam home will be a significant legacy for future generations.

"The Whitlam Institute and Western Sydney University sincerely appreciates the generous and substantial financial commitment from the Commonwealth Government to ensure the preservation of the Whitlam family home at 32 Albert Street Cabramatta.

“We look forward to meeting the responsibility of protecting and managing this important national heritage asset in perpetuity," said Mr Faulkner.

Part of the Community Grants Development Programme, the funding of the home aims to protect the impressive historical 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,” said the Hon Ben Morton MP.

“I am delighted that 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,” said Assistant Minister Morton.

Director of the Institute, Leanne Smith said “The Whitlam Institute within Western Sydney University commemorates and brings the Whitlam legacy to life for all Australians through its work in policy research, civic education and community engagement.

“It is an honour to take on custodianship of the family’s Cabramatta home at this time, on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the Whitlam Government’s election.”

Vice-Chancellor and President of Western Sydney University, Professor Barney Glover AO, also welcomed the announcement.

“The Whitlam Institute and the University are very grateful to the Commonwealth Government for generously funding this important piece of our social and political history,” said Professor Glover.

ENDS

21 June 2021

Clare Patience, Public Affairs Manager, Whitlam Institute

Photo credit: Sally Tsoutas