Museum upgrade ensures history for all

A HISTORICAL hub in the Borough of Queenscliffe will enjoy better access for all, following the official opening of new and accessible structures.

Local representatives were in attendance for the opening of a new all-abilities walkway, viewing deck and listening post at the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum.

The upgrades came about from the state government’s Universal Design Grant program and is one of 27 projects of its kind across Victoria.

State Member for Bellarine, Alison Marchant, led the proceedings.

“Congratulations to the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum for their hard work delivering this project which is allowing more people to get close to the pilot vessel Mavis III and learn about its exciting past,” Ms Marchant said.

The Queenscliffe Maritime Museum received $122,000 as part of the grant project, mainly used to build an accessibility ramp to the museum’s flagship pilot vessel Mavis III.

The vessel features as part of the overall visitor experience at the Port Phillip Sea Pilots exhibit where they experience tales of shipwrecks, life boats, rescues, local fishing, shipping, boating and lighthouses.

The Mavis III has spent 26 years transferring pilots from Queenscliff Harbour to the Bass Strait through ‘The Rip’, one of the most dangerous entrances into a port in the world.

“It means a lot, and is more than just a construction, it acts as connection to a world where everyone regardless of their physical abilities can be included,” Ms Marchant said.

“Congratulations to the museum, volunteers and supporters who made this all happen.

“And I’ll mention that many said Jack Beazley, boatbuilder for the Port Phillip Sea Pilots for nearly half a century, would be super proud.”