By ANEEKA SIMONIS
A MILITARY museum forced into closure earlier this month has been injected with fresh hope, following discussions the historic collection may be relocated to a separate site in the outer south-eastern region.
The Light Horse and Field Artillery Museum, opened almost 30 years ago in Nar Nar Goon, closed its doors to the public on Friday 29 January following a building order issued earlier by Cardinia Shire Council.
The closure, issued during the Anzac centenary year, caused a major stir in the community – with many speaking out against the decision or donating money to help museum operator Bernie Dingle cover the costs involved rectifying safety issues highlighted by council.
It wasn’t enough to save the now shut commemorative war legacy, but one-on-one discussions between Mr Dingle and Cardinia Shire Council CEO Garry McQuillan have provided new hope the historical collection will maintain its place.
“They said they might have some land up near the bypass near Kooweerup. They suggested if we were interested, we might be able to re-establish up there,” Mr Dingle revealed.
“We are hopeful … and a little less worried.”
Mr McQuillan confirmed discussing the prospect of keeping the museum in the shire, but revealed little more about the proposal, still in its early days.
Plans to protect the historically significant collection are underway, with the museum soon due to apply for formal accreditation in order for it to be listed as an official museum.
The museum will first require a significance report, estimated to cost $8000.
It is due to be commissioned in the next few weeks.
If you wish to help fund the report, contact the museum’s media correspondent Janene Blanchfield on JBB@lighthorsemuseum.com.au
