But on Monday former Fairbridge children happily banged the bell to celebrate the announcement of $500,000 state government funding that will allow the construction of the Fairbridge Children’s Farm Park at Molong to go ahead.

David Hill, chairman of the Fairbridge Childrens Farm Park committee, said they were delighted work could start on the project which will see artefacts, art installations and information tracing the children’s path from England to the farm and beyond from 1938-1973, displayed in a roadside rest area on the Mitchell Highway.

VIDEO: Fairbridge Farm bell back in action …

The $775,000 project also has been funded through the donation of fees and services plus $20,000 from former residents.

The former farm school bell, which Mr Hill said was made in 1938 and rung to alert the children to wake up, for meal times, church services and more, was on display.

“The bell ruled our lives. We reckon it has been rung about one million times,” he said.

“It's been in the Molong museum for the last 30 years. It’s got dents in it from being beaten.

“Every Fairbridge kid has hit that bell. They reckon they could hear it in Molong on a good day.”

The funding was announced by the parliamentary secretary for Western NSW Rick Colless.

“I know this is going to be a remarkable memorial to what is an important part of Australia’s history,” he said.

Cabonne Council mayor Kevin Beatty said the site would be a “reflective park”.

“It is going to be a wonderful memory of the journey for all the people at Fairbridge,” he said.

Orange mayor Reg Kidd said he expected thousands of people to visit the site.