![DAMAGE: The aftermath of the Awaba House fire last August. Lake Macquarie City Council wants to hear from residents during planning of the site's restoration. Picture: Simone De Peak DAMAGE: The aftermath of the Awaba House fire last August. Lake Macquarie City Council wants to hear from residents during planning of the site's restoration. Picture: Simone De Peak](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/max.mckinney/710bc50f-7f15-4507-9822-a360ecc80457.jpg/r0_0_4913_3122_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
RESIDENTS of Lake Macquarie are being invited to share their memories and experiences of historic Awaba House as part of the council's restoration of the fire-damaged building.
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Residents' input will be coupled with the work of a community reference group, made up of architecture, design and hospitality professionals, which has been formed to help determine the future of the historic site at Booragul.
Awaba House, a homestead acquired by the council in 1995 that was up until last year being used as a café, restaurant and function venue, suffered extensive damage when a fire tore through the property last August.
![BLAZE: Saving Awaba. BLAZE: Saving Awaba.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/max.mckinney/ba643d33-9ad4-4de5-9e02-0dbc86f56d8a.jpg/r0_0_3612_2496_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Lake Macquarie City Council's manager of property and business development, David Antcliff, said input from the wider community would play a vital role in the restoration project.
"As part of the first phase of consultation, we want to hear what people would like to see the site used for," he said.
"There will be further opportunities in coming months for the community to provide feedback on options as they are developed."
Interested residents are welcome to comment online. Visit shape.lakemac.com.au before February 29.
![LOSS: A council worker inspects the building the day after the fire. Picture: Simone De Peak LOSS: A council worker inspects the building the day after the fire. Picture: Simone De Peak](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/max.mckinney/a2b7448a-7cfe-4c2c-9813-975933cce8e3.jpg/r0_0_4983_3174_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)