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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Museum president Kerri Erler said she was feeling disappointed and overlooked about being left out of the draft budget.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“But the reality is, we are now at a point where council support is critical for our future.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The museum has submitted a formal budget request to the borough asking for support in ways including:<\/p>\n
A financial contribution to the museum manager’s wages<\/p>\n
Relief from utilities and insurance costs, presently reimbursed to the borough<\/p>\n
Assistance with artefact restoration and an upgrade of the collection management system<\/p>\n
Occupational Health and Safety policy development and audit support<\/p>\n
Ongoing logistical assistance for museum-led events and initiatives, and<\/p>\n
Support for the 2026 centenary of the historic lifeboat Queenscliffe.<\/p>\n
A spokesperson for the Borough of Queenscliffe said the submission will be considered.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
Ms Erler said the museum’s asks were not ambitious and were basic resources needed to keep operating.<\/p>\n
“It’s not a substantial amount of money particularly, but we’re asking for some in-kind support as well.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
Museum volunteers fear that without ongoing support, they will be forced to reduce opening hours or increase entry fees.<\/p>\n
The Queenscliffe Maritime Museum is asking residents and visitors to show their support and make their voices heard.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n