A local community has managed to save one of Australia's lesser known heritage sites - a historic village in the Hawkesbury Valley north west of Sydney.
The council had been planning to sell off the decaying property.
But it has now backed down on its plans, and instead decided to hand it over to the community.
The Australiana Pioneer Village is a glimpse of early nineteenth century Australian life, frozen in time.
The councillors voted to fund AU$100,000 worth of repairs and let volunteers restore the site and turn it into a tourist attraction again.
This quaint collection of buildings is what the fuss is all about.
From barber shops to blacksmiths, it's a fascinating slice of Australia's past.
Volunteer village caretaker Kerry Gannell says the site is unique in its historical value.
For 10 years the Friends of the Pioneer Village Society has been rallying to restore the dilapidated property to its former glory.
Auditors said the community couldn't succeed in funding the venture, until campaigners called upon multi-millionaire Australian businessman Sid Kelly OAM (Order of Australia) to support the project.
"We know that with that AU$100,000, with the local support we know we will get, we will be able to turn that site around," Kelly told the council chamber.
Campaigners are delighted that the future of the site has been secured.
They will be restoring the buildings so they can re-open as a tourist attraction, welcoming school groups and visitors.
The village dates back to the early 1800s, but has been closed for the last decade while uncertainly hung over its future.
The council's decision means it will now be leased to the Friends of the Pioneer Village Society for five years.
They hope the site will be ready to welcome visitors again within a year.
APTN