Museum’s archives moved ahead of Queenscliffe Hub construction

VOLUNTEERS from the Queenscliffe Historical Museum (QHM) have started the huge task of transferring the museum’s archive down the hill to the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum.
It is the start of completely clearing the museum before the end of October in readiness for its demolition in November and transformation into the Queenscliffe Hub.
QHM’s Eddie Loughnan said the transfer followed many weeks spent by packing teams working behind closed doors to record, photograph, wrap and box display artifacts in readiness for transporting to temporary accommodation for safe-keeping.
“Two dedicated teams of packers have been working while adhering to strict COVID-19 protocols of cleanliness and social distancing. Much of the main display level has now been packed and work on packing the basement storage has begun.
“As additional temporary storage becomes available, it will be necessary to use commercial carriers to transport display cases, furniture and other large items.”
The design of the Hub was open for final consultation until the end of August and the full plan – including renderings – have been available on the Borough website.
The planning application has been submitted and advertising signs are up at the site in Hesse Street, Queenscliff. Construction is due to start early in 2021 and will take about 12 months.
“In the meantime, members of the public are still accessing the QHM Research Unit via internet with 11 new requests coming in during August, and involvement with two Monash students doing remote internships recording experiences with the pandemic in the region,” Mr Loughnan said.
“Sales of videos continue, with Ron Hodgetts’ film Queenscliffe Then and Now being added to stock and being requested from as far away as Tocumwal, Sydney, Perth, Hobart, and even Brighton, England.”