By Kyra Gillespie
The Light Horse and Field Artillery Museum looks set to declare victory and reopen in the near future after it was besieged and closed by council officials.
The Nar Nar Goon museum has been out of operation for nearly two years under a Cardinia Shire Council order which identified safety problems.
The museum was told to carry out improvements which included the installation of internal fire safety doors, the removal of six 80-year-old cypress trees and part of a property fence line to make way for four large water tanks, all at an estimated cost of $100,000.
But owner Bernard Dingle said the work is being held up by council bureaucracy.
“We could get the water tanks up and trees down in just two weeks, but we’re still waiting for the permits to be approved by the council.
“Everyone’s sort of waiting; it feels like such a waste of time. I’ve had to turn so many people away and it’s heartbreaking. All we want to do is re-open.”
Mr Dingle said he and his family have been hard at work making changes to the museum in the hope of re-opening in the near future.
“We’re doing everything in our power to fully comply with the council’s requests,” he said.
“We’ve now got multiple fire safety exits, signage and doors that open outwards.
“I’ve mapped out clear walking paths and wheelchair access all the way around the museum as requested,” Mr Dingle said, pointing to the fresh lines of paint on the floor.
“We’re trying very hard. We’ve had our ups and downs, but they know we’re not giving up. We just have to make the best of it.”
Since the museum was closed it has seen strong community support including countless meetings and fundraising efforts to support the family with the expensive changes.
“Bernie has been out of action for nearly two years and it’s absolutely disgraceful,” said president of the Berwick Pakenham Historical Society Bill Ronald.
“They’re supposed to be pushing tourism in the shire and yet have abandoned one of the biggest attractions that we have,” he said.
“The museum is highly regarded by people from far and wide as a collection of national significance.
“Bernie is a strong community-minded man who has devoted his life to the museum.
“His life has been pulled out from under him and he’s facing worries that none of us can possibly understand. The council has failed him in every respect.
“One of the most unique things about the museum is that Bernie put it together bit by bit over three decades, building on as he could afford it.
“There’s nothing else like it and that’s the best part about it. I think it’s a shame that Cardinia council doesn’t celebrate it, too,” Mr Ronald said.
The president of the Cardinia Ratepayers and Residents Association Gloria O’Connor has also been among those who have been avidly supporting the return of the museum.
“The building itself is historic, so to start modernising it would mean losing its unique character.
“We’ve done a lot of fundraising but I just wish the council would put more interest into helping to get the museum back on its feet.
“We’re proud to have the museum and the community is concerned for its future,” Mrs O’Connor said.
Cardinia Shire Council said it has been in regular contact with the owner’s representatives and visited them at the museum.
“We have been advised that the Light Horse Museum has finalised plans and the owner is working with a private building surveyor on a program to open the museum,” the council’s General Manager of Planning and Development Andrew Paxton said.
“Council remains committed to working with the owners of the Light Horse Museum to see this valuable collection once again accessible to the community.”
Mr Dingle said he was grateful to the people who have supported and continue to support the museum.
