Ray Walsh House
Information, updates, and community discussion regarding Ray Walsh House and Council decisions.
Stay informed. Ask questions. Be involved.
Overview
Ray Walsh House has been a central administrative building in Tamworth since the late 1970s.
Originally constructed in 1976 and officially opened in 1977, the building has played an important role in the region’s civic and administrative history.
In recent years, concerns have emerged regarding asbestos, remediation costs, and the future use of the building.
These issues have raised broader questions about transparency, long-term planning, and the management of major community assets.
Ray Walsh House is one of Tamworth’s most significant civic buildings, and decisions about its future will have long-term financial, operational, and community impacts.
Why this matters
Decisions about Ray Walsh House are not just about a building.
They affect public finances, the future of a significant community asset, and how decisions are made on behalf of residents and ratepayers.
Our Approach
We are focused on:
- Providing clear and accessible information
- Encouraging informed and respectful discussion
- Supporting community awareness and participation
- Advocating for transparency and accountability in decision-making
CURRENT STATUS
Key facts as at April 2026
- Ray Walsh House is no longer used for Council staff
- Internal remediation works have been undertaken
- Significant costs have already been incurred
- The future use of the building remains under consideration
KEY ISSUES
Several key issues have been consistently raised by residents and in public discussion.
Costs and Budget Concerns
Questions remain around the total cost of redevelopment, ongoing investigations, and the potential financial impact on ratepayers.
Decision-Making Process
There is ongoing concern about how decisions are being made, including the level of transparency, documentation, and community consultation.
Options for Ray Walsh House
It is important that all options are clearly outlined and compared, including refurbishment, repurposing, or alternative uses.
Long-Term Planning
Decisions about Ray Walsh House should align with a clear, long-term strategy for Council assets and financial sustainability.
Architecture
Ray Walsh House was designed in 1976 by Sydney-based Peddle, Thorpe & Walker (PTW Architects). Originally, Ray Walsh House was the Peel Cunningham County Council to house the council offices, chambers, committee rooms and a computer installation. Sydney builders, Kell and Rigby was responsible for the contruction with the building’s construction costs had been just over $5 million.
Understanding the original design and purpose of Ray Walsh House helps provide context for current decisions about its future.
Queen Elizabeth II Visit
Ray Walsh House has also been part of significant moments in Tamworth’s history.
On March 11, 1977, Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, officially opened ‘Ray Walsh House’ at 435-441 Peel Street, Tamworth.
TRRRA Letters
Letter to the Editor – April 12, 2024
TRRRA has established a Facebook page with the intention of providing the Tamworth regional residents access to information about Ray Walsh House and its significance to the recent history of Tamworth.
TRC has some 600 employees, where the bulk of the indoor staff could be comfortably accommodated in a refurbished RWH.
Letter to the Editor – 01.03.2024
It was reported that Ray Walsh House (RWH) would have $2 million spent on removal of all the internal walls and floor coverings in TRC business papers. TRC in their media release of 26 February said that $1 million had been spent on this task.
Letter to the Editor – 21.02.2024
Ray Walsh House (RWH) has had $2 million spent on removal of all the internal walls and floor coverings. We are told by a reliable informant that the asbestos lagging around the air conditioning above the false ceilings is still in place. We have also been told that all of the fittings in the Tamworth Regional Council (TRC) Chambers and meeting room on the fourth floor, many being historical artefacts, have been removed and disposed of as waste, as have all of the floor coverings throughout the building. Essentially the interior of RWH has been gutted. The source of the original asbestos issue does not appear to have been addressed.
Documents & References
The following documents and media reports provide additional context and supporting information.
Council Documents
Media Coverage
Future of Ray Walsh House Unknown
Council asking for State’s help to fix Ray Walsh House asbestos problem
Questions remain on Tamworth council’s asbestos removal from Ray Walsh House
Tamworth council conducts investigation into Ray Walsh House relocation after asbestos discovery
Queen Opens Ray Walsh House
Council Move
Ray Walsh House riddled with asbestos issues as Tamworth Regional Council vacates hundreds of staff
Queen Visits Tamworth in 1977
Background & History
Last updated: April 2026
GET INVOLVED
Residents and ratepayers can stay informed and have their say by:
• Attending TRRRA meetings
• Reading Council business papers
• Contacting councillors directly
• Participating in community discussion