June 16, 2015
Cherbourg’s Ration Shed Museum announced a few days ago that it had received extra Federal Government funding and now the level of that assistance has been revealed.
Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Wide Bay Warren Truss said today the Museum would receive a $150,000 boost for repairs and maintenance from the Federal Government’s Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS).
This is on top of the original $31,350 from the IAS announced earlier this year to support women’s activities at the complex.
The original grant announcement sent shockwaves through the Ration Shed’s management committee as it was far less than the three-year funding program requested and could have made the future of the complex insecure.
southburnett.com.au understands that although this latest grant has been very gratefully received by the group, it is still less than the original request.
“I wrote to the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Mr Nigel Scullion, requesting extra funding for repairs to the Cherbourg Ration Shed, which we visited during his trip to Cherbourg in October last year. Minister Scullion has now confirmed that $150,000 is being provided to upgrade the Ration Shed,” Mr Truss said.
“The Ration Shed is a great asset to the Cherbourg community, which provides support for local volunteers as well as paid work, while playing a vital role in preserving the history, identity and stories of the people of Cherbourg.
“This new funding by the Federal Government recognises the important role that the Ration Shed plays in the Cherbourg community, and will help to strengthen its financial viability, so that it can continue its essential role into the future.”
Museum president Aunty Sandra Morgan said the new grant meant the Museum could maintain current employment levels, introduce improved governance systems, run workshop programs, build visitor toilets and do vital repairs to the Boys Dormitory Building.
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