The Lake Mac Heritage Series was placed to pay homage to the people, places and events that contributed to building and pioneering the Lake Macquarie region. The pick and shovel were chosen in this geoart series to symbolise the hard work the people of Lake Macquarie put forth into the region.

Nissen Huts

Nissen Huts were designed to be used as a temporary and low cost accommodation solution during the second world war. They were a simple design that made efficient use of materials when constructed. The Nissen Hut was named after its inventor, British Army engineer Major Peter Nissen, in the early 20th century and were initially intended for military use. These low cost huts are a prefabricated shelter constructed of predominantly corrugated iron, with a steel frame and timber at each end. The unique shape is of a long, slightly flat cylinder. During the Second World War, these huts were used for temporary military camps set up by the Commonwealth government. Local camps were situated at Stockton and New Lambton. At the end of the war the Commonwealth Disposals Commission negotiated the use of these huts with the NSW State Government with a view to using the former army huts as much needed immigrant housing. Relocation Around 50 of the huts were then relocated in the Lake Macquarie suburb of Belmont North. These huts are dispersed within Arlington, Harlo, Tamar and Somerset streets. At the time the living conditions were isolated and the settlement largely was surrounded by bushland. Transport consisted of the Belmont to Adamstown rail line and a bus service. The huts are thought to have been in place by 1945. Due to the high occupation rate of British immigrant families the allotment was known as "Pommy Town". These immigrants came to Australia to assist with the post war recovery of Australian industry. Employment was to be found at the Redhead coal colliery, Lakeside timber mill and small industries in the Belmont area.

The puzzle

All historical and heritage information courtesy of Lake Mac Libraries

Any questions regarding this puzzle cache or the LMHS geoart series will be answered by clicking HERE

*** The LMHS geoart was placed in conjunction with the OzGeoMuster 2018 mega event. The OzGeoMuster 2018 committee would like to thank the following people for their contribution to this series. ahomburg, day1976, sedgwickDave, The Morris, bobbiesgirl, and the_garbageman.***

Enjoy!

Marcus Vitruvius