BMACHO, the Blue Mountains Association of Cultural Heritage Organisations Incorporated, was established in 2006 to support the work of the numerous organisations in the cultural heritage field in the Blue Mountains. In recent years, it has expanded to include neighboring districts such as Lithgow to the west and Hawkesbury to the north.
Today, there are 32 Member Organisations: societies, museums, archives, businesses, gardens and institutions. Together, these represent 1,500-2,000 local residents.
In addition there is a limited number of Individual Members, now 8, to support its work. These are invited professionals who make a significant contribution to the heritage sector in the region.
BMACHO provides communication and information across the sector, and training and professional advice for its members. It has its own newsletter and web-site and carries out research on aspects of local heritage, such as its region-wide review of the local heritage sites to document any changes. It is rapidly building effective information heritage services for the benefit of residents and visitors alike.
BMACHO has been a strong and successful advocate on heritage matters at local government level. As a result, heritage now occupies 30% of the current Cultural Strategy Plan of Blue Mountains City Council; this year, Council is reorganizing all its 1000 heritage site records to make them available on-line to the public. Council has revived its appointment of heritage consultants and is also re-establishing the local Community Heritage Advisory Committee.
BMACHO welcomes volunteers to assist in all aspects of its work.
Further information: Secretary BMACHO at committee@bluemountainsheritage.com.au
