A wooden fireplace mantlepiece from the former home of the late Dorothea Mackellar - Kurrumbede - has pride of place in the centre after it was discovered for sale online.

Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society president Juliana McArthur said poetry awards officer Brittany Riley discovered it on Gunnedah Buy, Swap, Sell and brought it to their attention.

Ms McArthur contacted the owner Rosie Sims and told her the society would "love to take it".

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Local business owners Brendon and Kellie Mackellar purchased the piece and donated it to the society this month.

"It's there and it looks fantastic," Ms McArthur said.

"It's caused us to rethink the whole space."

The president said it had been removed from the ballroom in Kurrumbede in the early 1950s, and had been hidden away in storage all these years.

"We're so glad we've got it," she said.

"We're delighted that people can now enjoy it as a beautiful piece and a momento of Kurrumbede."

Mr Mackellar said the mantel was "better than I expected".

"It's beautiful. I'd love to have it in my house," he said.

"It's good to preserve the history."

The Mackellar Centre already houses personal belongings on the late poet, including a personalised cigarette lighter, hand-written calendar and silk shawl. They were donated by Susan and Bob Duncan in late 2018.

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