BLACKSMITH and wheelwright Ern Wehner will have his legacy at Jindera cemented through a $99,274 grant. The craftsman’s daughter, retired Rural Fire Service chief Marg Wehner, is rapt the NSW government money will be spent on the workshop and stables where her father worked. “We’ve been waiting five years for this to happen, so we’re more than pleased,” Ms Wehner said. Since Mr Wehner’s death in 1994, the buildings have been open to visitors in conjunction with the Jindera Pioneer Museum across the road. But Jindera Pioneer Museum and Historical Society president Diane McElwaine said an upgrade was sorely needed for them. “The building was built in 1872, the main blacksmith’s shop, and it needs a pick-me-up,” she said. “The stables, which are behind the blacksmith’s shop, are in rather bad repair and need sorting out.” Ms Wehner, who lives in a property neighbouring the old buildings, said a clean out of the stables was done five years ago in anticipation of a makeover. As a result she has a storeroom of wooden hubs and spokes awaiting display. Mr Wehner made horseshoes, sharpened picks and crafted wagon wheels to offset his farming. He worked until six months before his death at the age of 86 after having played football for Jindera into his late 40s. Mrs McElwaine said work on the upgrade was expected to begin in January and be completed in four months. Member for Albury Greg Aplin, who announced the funding, said the restoration would allow a farrier and blacksmith to work on-site. “The works will also ensure these buildings do not fall into a bad state of disrepair and are perfectly timed to coincide with Jindera's celebration of 150 years of settlement next September,” Mr Aplin said. The government has contributed $5000 to the 150th committee with its secretary Denise Osborne saying it would be used to promote the commemoration on September 28, 29 and 30, 2018. A memorial arch and mural will be added to the Village Green, with 27 historical markers to be placed around Jindera. Jindera, originally known as Dights Forest, was settled by German immigrants who travelled overland from South Australia.