Museum powered and paddling

THE Golden City Paddle Steamer Museum Society is set to be full steam ahead, and solar powered, in 2022.

Based at Lake Wendouree, the Society runs trips on the modern replica of the original 19th century Golden City paddle steamer, and has received a Federal Powering Communities Grant worth $7822 to install a nine-kilowatt solar system and battery.

An additional Volunteer Grant worth $2175 has also been awarded to the Society to train their crew of four volunteer skippers who operate the paddle steamer on the water.

President Bob Wuestewald said it costs the organisation approximately $4000 a year to put the boat on Lake Wendouree, and $7000 for insurance.

“If we can save even $1000 then the solar system will be worth it,” he said.

“The paddle steamer history in Ballarat dates back to the 1800s, and our building here over the years has come up to a very high standard.

“We’re grateful for the grants for the skippers and solar panels. We look forward to working with the State and Federal governments in the future, and having a lot of fun.”

Federal Member for Ballarat Catherine King said the Society has brought Lake Wendouree’s paddle-steaming history back to life, following the drought and a 2006 fire that destroyed the original 121-year-old Golden City boat while it was in offsite restoration.

“The history and story of paddle… is an integral part of the heart of the Lake, and the heart of Ballarat, so the fact that we’ve got such beautiful custodians is heart-warming,” she said.

“People are looking to reconnect with their neighbourhoods and their communities… that feeling of home. Organisations like the society and its history are really important for that.

“We’re in for a really beautiful summer, with lots of tourists and people wanting to reconnect with home.”

The Golden City Paddle Steamer Museum Society’s volunteers will aim to open each Sunday in 2022, and are looking to engage schools in education programs.