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Tomaree Lodge is a place of local and State significance and has significantly contributed to the landscape and story of Port Stephens on Worimi Country.
During the Second World War, Tomaree Headland became a strategic anti-aircraft defence post and was renamed Fort Tomaree. During this time several residential staff buildings, dormitories and an artillery battery, including gun emplacements, torpedo launch pad and radar station were constructed over two areas known as the upper and lower camps.
Ten structures collectively make up the original section of Tomaree Lodge. These single-storey, timber-framed buildings on the western foreshore of the headland were designed in 1942 by the New South Wales Government Architect’s Office. It remains one of the few surviving Army garrison camps dating from the WW2 in NSW. It is a heritage listed site. This recognises it as being of State and local heritage significance with statutory protection under the Heritage Act 1977 and Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
In 1947, the NSW Department of Public Health bought the lower camp of Fort Tomaree to establish the Tomaree Convalescent Hostel for long stay patients with psychiatric conditions. The former military huts were adapted for use as patient dormitories and staff quarters and the Tomaree Convalescent Hostel officially opened in 1949. During its operation, significant changes were made to the site including the modification of existing structures, the establishment of gardens with exotic plants and the construction of multiple recreational and administration facilities.
The facility was renamed Tomaree Holiday Lodge in 1960 when it expanded its operations to include respite opportunities for patients from local hospitals. In 1992 Tomaree Lodge, which was owned by the Department of Health, was listed on the Heritage and Conservation Register. At this time the centre was no longer being used for respite care for patients but provided long-term accommodation for residents with intellectual disabilities. From 2001, Tomaree Lodge operated as a Large Residential Centre until its closure in May 2021 when it could no longer provide residents with the quality of life and community integration opportunities available to the broader public.
The Worimi people are the traditional custodians of the land bounded by four rivers, Hunter River to the south, Manning River to the north and the Allyn and Patterson Rivers to the west. Tomaree Lodge is located on Worimi Country at the base of Tomaree Headland. The Worimi The adjoining Tomaree National Park is understood to have provided a range of resources for the Worimi People, including food, medicines and shelter. The ancient landscape of Tomaree Headland is part of the cultural knowledge and 'Dreaming' stories of Worimi People. A walk along the beaches of Tomaree National Park is to trace the ancient routes travelled by Worimi people as they ventured north and south through their Country. It is important the future use of Tomaree Lodge respects and reflects the history of Tomaree Headland and Tomaree National Park as places of local Aboriginal significance.
Tomaree Lodge is located within a coastal landscape of stunning scenic value. The site is distinctly recognisable as a low-rise foreshore development at the foot of Tomaree Headland. This entry to the site is outlined by a grove of old Norfolk Island pines which stand along the western edge of the headland. The internal network of pathways showcases the site’s exceptional landscape and coastal vistas which frame the unique character of Tomaree Lodge. The significant landscape elements and vegetation on the property must be conserved and managed to retain the character of this important site. Moving forward, vegetation and vistas of significance should be retained and celebrated within any design of the site. Any adaptation of existing elements must also not adversely affect scenic values of the site or impact any adjoining items of significance.
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