In 2016, 19 local families and 4 philanthropic foundations came together to save the Old Beechworth Gaol. Their vision and commitment, led by the Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE), made this the world’s largest small-town community asset buy-back that year.
Today, the Old Beechworth Gaol (OBG) is a thriving social enterprise. We’re proud to honour the Gaol’s rich history whilst transforming it into a vibrant community precinct that delivers social, cultural, and economic benefits to the region.
We host regular events, historic tours, the OBG Cafe and are home to a growing community of local tenants and changemakers.
OBG is also home to Breakout - an Action Learning Centre for social entrepreneurship that offers access to global and local knowledge, know-how and networks.
As we activate the site for community use, we’re deeply committed to preserving and protecting the Old Gaol’s unique heritage for future generations. We hope to inspire other rural and regional communities to do the same.
In recognition of its cultural and historical significance, the Old Beechworth Gaol was included on the National Heritage List in late 2024. The List recognises natural, historic, and Indigenous places of outstanding significance to the nation.
In 2016, 19 local families and 4 philanthropic foundations came together to save the Old Beechworth Gaol. Their vision and commitment, led by the Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE), made this the world’s largest small-town community asset buy-back that year.
Today, the Old Beechworth Gaol (OBG) is a thriving social enterprise. We’re proud to honour the Gaol’s rich history whilst transforming it into a vibrant community precinct that delivers social, cultural, and economic benefits to the region.
We host regular events, historic tours, the OBG Cafe and are home to a growing community of local tenants and changemakers.
OBG is also home to Breakout - an Action Learning Centre for social entrepreneurship that offers access to global and local knowledge, know-how and networks.
As we activate the site for community use, we’re deeply committed to preserving and protecting the Old Gaol’s unique heritage for future generations. We hope to inspire other rural and regional communities to do the same.
In recognition of its cultural and historical significance, the Old Beechworth Gaol was included on the National Heritage List in late 2024. The List recognises natural, historic, and Indigenous places of outstanding significance to the nation.