The building occupied by the Society was originally constructed to serve as a police station. Built in the mid 1940's it served that purpose for approximately 30 years before being used as headquarters for the volunteer fire brigade. During their time they extended the original car "lock-up" used by the police and converted it into a garage for the fire truck.
When the new fire brigade headquarters was built the main building was left unused until the Council gave the Westbury Historical Society the go ahead to use it as its headquarters in 1999. At the same time one room was allocated to the Quamby Whisper, a local newspaper which operated for a short time.
Through the years the club members and the Council tried to make the building more user friendly. The old toilet was removed, rooms were carpeted and painted but it became increasingly obvious that if the Society wanted to become more active in the community more space was needed.
In 2010, after one previous failed project, a grant was received from the Tasmanian Government to renovate the two buildings.
Under the supervision of a Meander Valley Council officer extensive renovations have been completed. The main office building has basically been rebuilt with new flooring, new roof and new plaster on internal walls. With a kitchenette for the volunteers, new cupboard storage, new lighting and air conditioning, new furniture and carpets it has become, at last, an efficient workspace for volunteers and a welcoming place for visitors. A bank of filing cabinets now houses an extensive collection of local history records and new display boards will be used to exhibit the Society's collection of photographs.
In the old garage the roofing iron was replaced, a new roller door installed, new lighting and extensive shelving fitted with a dedicated gallery space lined and made ready for displays.
Visitors are welcome to share and use our wonderful new facilities.
