Queenscliffe Maritime Museum seeks support

A DROP in tourism numbers and no allocated funding in the Borough of Queenscliffe draft budget has led the Queencliffe Maritime Museum to call for help.

The museum holds a substantial collection of community items and a long history of Queenscliff’s maritime past and present, preserving stories, artefacts and identities central to the community.

Museum president Kerri Erler said she was feeling disappointed and overlooked about being left out of the draft budget.

“This past year, we’ve been working hard to evolve, introducing new attractions like our Escape Room, expanding programs, and opened the Gill Albutt Boat Shed, again hosting a number of events.

“But the reality is, we are now at a point where council support is critical for our future.”

On top of not having any funding allocated, the museum has also experienced a drop in visitors of at least 20 per cent from last year.

The museum has submitted a formal budget request to the borough asking for support in ways including:

A financial contribution to the museum manager’s wages

Relief from utilities and insurance costs, presently reimbursed to the borough

Assistance with artefact restoration and an upgrade of the collection management system

Occupational Health and Safety policy development and audit support

Ongoing logistical assistance for museum-led events and initiatives, and

Support for the 2026 centenary of the historic lifeboat Queenscliffe.

A spokesperson for the Borough of Queenscliffe said the submission will be considered.

“The Borough of Queenscliffe has received a budget submission from the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum, this will be considered together with other submissions as part of the draft budget process,” they said.

Ms Erler said the museum’s asks were not ambitious and were basic resources needed to keep operating.

“It’s not a substantial amount of money particularly, but we’re asking for some in-kind support as well.

“We’re very much hoping they’ll reconsider and find somewhere in the budget to provide us with that additional support to continue opening and to be available to the community and visitors.”

Museum volunteers fear that without ongoing support, they will be forced to reduce opening hours or increase entry fees.

The Queenscliffe Maritime Museum is asking residents and visitors to show their support and make their voices heard.