City approved for maritime grant

THE City of Greater Geelong has been named one of 18 successful applicants to the latest round of Maritime Museums of Australia Project Support Scheme (MMAPSS) grants.

The City, along with museums and cultural organisations across Australia, will receive funding toward projects aiming to preserve Australia’s maritime heritage.

In a total funding pool of $123,000, the City will receive $9,980 to conduct a preservation needs assessment of the Geelong Naval and Maritime Collection to identify the current physical condition of items and storage and housing facilities.

“We are thrilled to have received a MMAPSS grant to protect our extensive Geelong Naval and Maritime Collection,” Geelong mayor Councillor Trent Sullivan said.

“As a strategic port city, we have a rich naval and maritime history and a wealth of artefacts, books and photos across our collection.”

The Geelong Maritime Museum has been closed since 2017 following the closure of the Osborne House Complex in North Geelong.

Several collection items remain on display with some placed outside of the building.

The remaining items are either in archival safe boxes or improperly housed in large plastic tubs.

The paper/photographic objects are stored in filing cabinets.

Other collection items are housed in a heritage building with no climate control or HPA system installed.

The report will make recommendations, including conservation treatment, improved collection housing, storage, and digitisation.

The report will also be used for applying for funds to follow through with the report’s recommendations.

“This is the next step of a multi-year project which includes a complete audit, Significance Assessment for cultural and heritage importance and monetary valuation,” Cr Sullivan said.

“Proposed actions such as conservation treatment, improved collection housing and storage, and digitisation, will be crucial to preserving the collection, advocating for additional funding support and promoting use of the collection for research and education.”

MMAPSS is administered by the Australian National Maritime Museum on behalf of the Australian Government.