October 20, 2016
Cherbourg’s historic Ration Shed Museum will receive $237,000 from the Federal Government, Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announced on Thursday.
The funding will be used to develop and deliver education programs, repair and refurbish buildings, and build capacity to strengthen the organisation.
The grant – plus a $150,000 grant arranged by former Member for Wide Bay Warren Truss last June – will go a long way to restoring the Museum’s funding, which was cut to just $31,000 in March 2015 by the Government’s new Indigenous Advancement Strategy.
“Cherbourg’s interesting history is both happy and sad and I am pleased this funding will enable the story of its people to continue to be told,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The Ration Shed Museum is a valuable regional asset and forms part of Cherbourg’s Historical Precinct. It opened in 2004 and its interpretive displays convey the history of Cherbourg and its people.
“The Ration Shed houses art, photographic displays, and documents, and is an iconic tourist attraction that helps to sustain the local community. A range of education, artistic and cultural courses are delivered there, too.
“Events and exhibitions also engage both the community and visitors to Cherbourg, giving them an authentic experience as to how life in Cherbourg was – and how the community has grown and developed over the years.”
Mr O’Brien said approximately 1800 people have visited The Ration Shed Museum so far this year to learn more about local Aboriginal history, and he hoped the extra funding would enable the museum to attract even more visitors.
“The Ration Shed Museum is well integrated into the Cherbourg community. It provides jobs for 11 people and there are opportunities to create more local jobs through this project,” Mr O’Brien said.
The funding will be used to improve the buildings in the Historical Precinct so they can safely accommodate visitors, and also strengthen the organisation by supporting governance, leadership and the development of strategies to improve its long term sustainability.
Funding will also provide new education opportunities for preschool children, youth, women, artists, people with disabilities, and assist with the rehabilitation of offenders, through workshops and activities.
“I look forward to visiting the Ration Shed next Tuesday and I congratulate Sandra Morgan and her committee on the success of their application.”
Related articles:
