The history of the area, recorded on a map detailing where families settled and landmarks stood before the dam was constructed in 1967, took two years to compile.

The project was a community effort by Stuart Town and Wellington who together found 250 names relating to Burrendong before it went under water.

The compiled local knowledge of Bill ‘Redfin’ Inwood, Lyal ‘Slim’ Bloomfield, Ron Foxall, the Pope family, the Frappell family and Dale Edwards went towards the project.

“It was sort of done in two sections because Slim knew information down one end and Bill knew the information on the other side,” project member Garry Braithwaite said.

However Slim Bloomfield will not get to see the completion of the project. He passed away a few weeks ago at the age of 96.

Mr Braithwaite said the Land and Property Management Authority would draw up the final maps.

“The land management here in Dubbo have never been approached to do a project like this before,” Mr Braithwaite said.

Ron Foxall and Bill Inwood who have contributed heavily to the project were initially from Stuart Town and Fashions Mount, respectively.

Fashions Mount is now partially submerged as are many landmarks and houses Mr Foxall and Mr Inwood knew before the dam was built.

“When the dam goes right down you can still some of it,” Mr Foxall said.

“There’s a lot of stories under the dam about the people who lived there and what took place. Each person in reality has a story,” Mr Inwood said.

At 87, the knowledge Mr Inwood has provided to the project has been invaluable to its success.

“If Bill hadn’t done this it would have been lost,” Mr Braithwaite said.

The map of Burrendong as it once was will be available at the Burrendong Dam office and the Stuart Town Hall.

“It will all be in colour and they will be available for the cost of $25 each,” Mr Braithwaite said.

The funds raised by the non-profit project will go back into the community.

“After all expenses are paid the profits will go to the maintenance of Stuart Town’s Hall,” said Mr Braithwaite

To purchase a map call Ron Foxall on 6881 8156 or Bill Inwood on 6882 1010.