{"id":2242,"date":"2021-10-25T11:40:43","date_gmt":"2021-10-25T11:40:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.themedemo.org\/WCM07\/WCM070151\/?page_id=2242"},"modified":"2026-01-09T01:50:16","modified_gmt":"2026-01-09T01:50:16","slug":"about","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/naturefriendlyproducts.com.au\/?page_id=2242","title":{"rendered":"About US"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\tAbout H1HC Association<\/span>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The People behind the passion<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The Snowy Technical Centre Working Group was established mid-2016 to represent\u00a0community interest in the site. It became an incorporated entity under the Associations Incorporation Act 2009 on March 22, 2022 and is now known as Hydro1 Heritage Centre Incorporated.<\/div>
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The working group comprised members of the Cooma-Monaro Historical Society, Cooma and Monaro Progress Association, former SMA and SMEC staff, and interested residents of Cooma and the Snowy Mountains region.<\/div>
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The group\u2019s initial intention was to reflect and represent community interest in the preservation of the fluid mechanics laboratory, however, it soon became clear that conservation of the associated cultural, social, and technological histories of the building and the region itself was needed.<\/div>
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In 2018, SMEC and the Snowy Monaro Regional Council cooperated in financing a feasibility study for a proposed heritage centre.<\/div>
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Hydro1 Heritage Centre Inc is proceeding towards the realisation of its vision, in consultation and with the support of SMEC, Australia and New Zealand as the owner. Next steps include the formation of a not-for-profit organisation, Hydro1 Heritage Centre Limited, for the benefit of the community and public and for the advancement of education and culture.<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\tEvents and Open Days<\/span>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Find out more<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSMEC Fluid Laboratory<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Visit the Historic SMEC Fluid Mechanics Laboratory \u2013 Where the Snowy Story Lives On<\/strong><\/p>\n

Step into the heart of Cooma\u2019s engineering legacy and discover the vital role the SMEC Fluid Mechanics Laboratory played in shaping one of Australia\u2019s greatest achievements \u2014 the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme.<\/p>\n

This historic site stands as a tribute to the ingenuity, resilience, and determination of the original Snowy families \u2014 migrants, workers, engineers, and visionaries \u2014 who together built a project that changed a nation. Through interactive displays, preserved machinery, and storytelling that brings the past to life, visitors will uncover how innovation flowed through these walls and helped power Australia\u2019s post-war progress.<\/p>\n

Now being transformed into the\u00a0Hydro1 Heritage Centre<\/strong>, this landmark will be more than a museum \u2014 it will be a vibrant, inclusive precinct where past and future meet. Come walk in the footsteps of pioneers, celebrate multicultural heritage, and be inspired by the spirit that built the Snowy.<\/p>\n

Visit today \u2014 and become part of the story.<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhysical Models<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Marvel at the Original Physical Models That Shaped the Snowy Scheme<\/strong><\/p>

Explore the original hydraulic models used by pioneering engineers to test, design, and perfect the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme \u2014 long before digital simulations existed. These meticulously built physical models were created right here, within the SMEC Fluid Mechanics Laboratory, and played a crucial role in solving real-world engineering challenges.<\/p>

Each model tells a story of innovation \u2014 from dam spillways and tunnels to valve systems and water flow simulations \u2014 offering a rare, hands-on glimpse into the problem-solving minds behind one of the world\u2019s most ambitious infrastructure projects.<\/p>

Whether you\u2019re a curious visitor, an engineering enthusiast, or a proud descendant of the original Snowy families, these physical models are living artefacts of a project that transformed a nation.<\/p>

See the ingenuity. Feel the legacy. Witness history in motion.<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Hydro1 Heritage Precinct Development \u2013 Building a Legacy for Cooma<\/strong><\/p>

The development of the Hydro1 Heritage Precinct is more than a restoration project \u2014 it\u2019s a bold step toward creating a vibrant cultural, educational, and community destination in the heart of Cooma.<\/p>

Anchored by the historic SMEC Fluid Mechanics Laboratory, the precinct will honour the spirit of the Snowy Scheme and the generations of workers and families who made it possible. Through a blend of heritage preservation and forward-thinking design, the site will offer:<\/p>

  • A world-class heritage centre<\/strong>, showcasing the original physical models, engineering breakthroughs, and personal stories behind the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme<\/p><\/li>

  • Interactive exhibits and digital storytelling<\/strong>, bringing the past to life and inspiring future innovators<\/p><\/li>

  • Flexible community spaces<\/strong>, where locals and visitors can gather, learn, and celebrate<\/p><\/li>

  • Educational and tourism programs<\/strong>, engaging schools, researchers, and travellers alike<\/p><\/li>

  • An inclusive and accessible environment<\/strong>, designed to welcome people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

    This transformative precinct will serve as a\u00a0social, cultural, and economic catalyst<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 reconnecting Cooma with its hydro legacy while generating new opportunities for growth, learning, and pride.<\/p>

    The Hydro1 Precinct isn\u2019t just about remembering the past \u2014 it\u2019s about building a future Cooma can be proud of.<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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    Honouring the People Behind the Power \u2014 SMEC and Hydro1 Employees<\/strong><\/p>

    The success of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme was not only the result of bold vision and groundbreaking engineering \u2014 it was built by people.<\/p>

    The men and women who worked at SMEC and the Hydro1 Fluid Mechanics Laboratory were among the brightest minds and most dedicated professionals of their time. Engineers, model makers, researchers, technicians, and support staff brought this site to life with passion, precision, and purpose.<\/p>

    From designing intricate physical models to solving the complex challenges of water flow and pressure, their work formed the backbone of one of the world\u2019s greatest infrastructure projects. They were innovators, problem-solvers, and quiet heroes whose contributions helped shape modern Australia.<\/p>

    We honour their legacy \u2014 and invite you to step into their world, see their work up close, and be inspired by the dedication, teamwork, and ingenuity that defined this remarkable chapter in our history.<\/p>

    To the SMEC and Hydro1 employees \u2014 we remember, we thank you, and we celebrate your lasting impact.<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t