The significance of the eight-section pioneer museum collection was emphasised at Federation Council’s March meeting in Urana, which acknowledged the significance of the close working relationship between council and the Yarrawonga Mulwala Historical Society.
Federation Council’s decision on February 27 to immediately close the museum was due to concerns about the structural adequacy of the building after a review of three engineering reports.
In her report to councillors, planning director Susan Appleyard said while the decision had been difficult, it was necessary to prioritise the safety of visitors and volunteers who run the museum.
Six members of the Historical Society committee, Kaye Reeves, Glenn McCully, Bill Gleeson, Geoff Campbell, and Anne and Alex Sloane attended the meeting.
President Kaye Reeves said committee members appreciated the thoughts of council, specifically thanking Mulwala-based councillor Andrew Kennedy for putting a good case across.
“We want to press upon council that communication is essential from our members’ point of view, and the public,” Ms Reeves said.
“We want access to the building; volunteers have worked really hard to build up this historical collection.
“Hopefully the land next door to the museum might be available for a new building and that the money left over from what was to be spent on our museum can go towards a new building.”
In 2023 council received state funding for $265,000 for structural upgrades, of which $28,711 was spent on an engineering review and design of potential repairs.
Cr Kennedy described council’s decision to close the building as “pretty drastic” but added council was left with no other option after reading the engineering reports.
“I don’t know where they can ever store the items,” Cr Kennedy said.
“We’ve got to try and help them out and we’ve got to push as hard as we can.”
Cr Bourke said he felt “really bad” about the museum’s closure.
“It’s an amazing collection of history and an unfortunate situation. I also encourage the seeking of financial assistance,” he said.
Council’s General Manager Adrian Butler said the historical society wanted to meet monthly with council and while he didn’t commit to this, he said he was keen to see action taken.
“It is Yarrawonga Mulwala Historical Society so we’ll talk to Moira Shire and seek whatever state grants we can find,” Mr Butler said.
Cr Sue Wearne enquired about risk assessment if people were to enter the museum building with permission to remove items and heard from Ms Appleyard that a risk assessment was imminent.
Deputy Mayor Rowena Black sympathised with the Historical Society’s plight and implored council to keep good relations and communication.
Cr David Bott described the museums’ collection as priceless.
“It’s significant Australian pioneer heritage and therefore federal government grants towards a new building should also be sought,” he said.
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