When this correspondent returned to Warren to live in the early 1990s, John Burke was one of the local GPs, working out of a busy medical practice next door to the newsagency on Dubbo Street.

He practised full time for 25 years in Warren, followed by 14 years intermittently at Lourdes Hospital, Dubbo before retiring “properly” as he says, just over six years ago.

This year Dr Burke, as he is still fondly known, was awarded Citizen of the Year at the town’s Australia Day celebrations, for his role in restoring the building, formerly known as Collier’s Tyre Service, into a museum and gallery.

Dr Burke recently took the time for a chat with the Western Plains App about the $3.5 million project and how it came to fruition.

“I’d been associated with the Warren Historical and Family History Society for some time and community members were always wanting to donate items of historical interest, but we lacked room to display them,” Dr Burke said. “The idea of a museum was a natural progression and when I put the concept to a meeting back in 2018 the Society members agreed.”

“Soon after we formed the Warren Museum and Gallery Association and we really didn’t expect to be where we are so quickly! A grant opportunity came about in 2019 and in June 2020 then Federal Member Mark Coulton announced the successful grant application of $3,541.665 million!”

The group approached Daryl and Helen Collier, who owned the Collier’s Tyre Service on Dubbo Street, not far from Dr Burke’s original surgery, to lease their building and provide documentation to support the application.

“The site had been unoccupied for some time, was central and had a lot of character,” Dr Burke explained. “We also thought it was possibly heading towards demolition which would have left a terrible hole in the main street.” The original idea was to lease the building but that situation changed and the Association was eventually able to purchase it instead.

A project management committee was formed, of which Dr Burke was chairperson, and the complicated process of overseeing the restoration and refurbishment of an old building “with charm and character” began.

Following a tendering process the committee hired Dubbo Terrazzo and Concrete Industries to carry out the structural work, with Lions Advantage to do the project management.

“The first sod was turned in September 2021. Being an old building there was a lot of unforeseen challenges, it was stressful at times, but we worked through each situation by consulting with the builder and structural engineers, and of course the project managers,” Dr Burke said.

“Some may have said it would have been easier to start from scratch, but the history and character of the site, and the continuity of the streetscape would have been lost had we pulled it down and started again. We couldn’t recreate what was already there.”

A sample of the displays inside the new museum and gallery in Warren. IMAGE SUPPLIED.

Throughout this process, volunteers of the Warren Museum and Gallery Association were seeking donations of items for the museum. “The community has been very supportive, and that process of collection and collation is ongoing. Most items are from the Warren Shire however there are some that are from outside but have relevance to the town and district’s history. It’s fascinating to consider where things have come from and what they’ve been used for.”

The end result is a spacious modern facility nestled into the original streetscape which offers an immersive experience with both static and interactive displays. The art gallery is not only for art but also for temporary museum exhibitions and intimate music events.

At Warren’s Australia Day ceremony last month, those gathered heard a fraction of the museum story and the award citation read in part:

‘Dr Burke took on the project co-ordinator role, and this has been a massive and time-consuming job. Add to this his involvement with the Committee to meet all regulatory requirements, promotion and fundraise for the project as well as navigating the perils of Covid-19 and its effects on the project timetable.’

‘This is on top of his work as a member of the Warren MPHS Health Council, Warren Rotary, Warren Health Action Committee, Warren Men’s Shed, Warren Historical and Family History Society and Warren Chamber Music Festival. As they say, not bad for a young fellow. Dr Burke’s commitment to this project, particularly in 2022 has created something for all of us to enjoy for generations to come.’

Warren Shire's Citizen of the Year nominees for 2023: Mrs Alison Ruskin Rowe, Mr Greg Kentwell, Citizen of the Year Dr John Burke, and Australia Day Ambassador; Mr Keith Potger AO. IMAGE: WSC

Following the ceremony Dr Burke, Mark Coulton MP, Member for Barwon Roy Butler, Warren Shire General Manager Gary Woodman and Warren Mayor Milton Quigley, along with members and friends of the Association had a tour of the museum and gallery, which is now very close to completion.

“I was blown away when I visited the Warren Museum and Art Gallery,” Mr Coulton said. “A group of local volunteers, led by Dr John Burke, has done an incredible job turning this old building into a tasteful, modern museum which brilliantly showcases Warren's rich history.”

“I'm proud that the former Coalition Government invested $3.5 million into this worthwhile project, which is now a fantastic asset for the Warren community and will be a great drawcard for tourists to the area, as well as a valuable educational facility for local school students. Congratulations to all involved!”

Items on display have mostly been donated by local residents. IMAGE SUPPLIED.

With the museum due to open in coming weeks, Dr Burke is grateful for the help and guidance he received over the past three years.

“I’d like to thank the project management committee members for their support. They attended numerous meetings and received many texts and calls from me, and didn’t complain once!” he said.

“Thank you also to the Warren community members who have expressed encouragement, and to those who donated items for display. We now have a wonderful facility for current and future generations to enjoy.”

The official opening of the Warren Museum and Art Gallery will be attended by Senator Belinda O’Neil on Saturday 4 March 2023 at 3pm; tickets will be available for purchase along with guests who are formally invited. Once opened the facility will be manned every day of the week except Tuesday.

Those wishing to volunteer or donate items can contact Dr John Burke, phone 0427 519 295.