Federal member for Page Kevin Hogan has today welcomed the Australian Government’s support to preserve and promote Ballina’s maritime heritage.
“$5500 has been provided to Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum to unveil the fabric and history of Florrie through the Maritime Museum of Australia Project Support Scheme,” he said.
“The grant will fund a 3D laser scan of the vessel Florrie and to engage a specialist with timber vessel conservation expertise to assist the museum’s executive and volunteers to undertake identified immediate/short term conservation works to Florrie.
“This project will also result in a formalised Conservation Management Plan, prepared collaboratively between the museum and Ballina Shire Council and with the assistance of an expert in heritage management.”
The Florrie was built at Blackwall, New South Wales, in 1880 and is one of the oldest surviving timber craft in Australia.
Florrie spent most of its 95-year working life on the Richmond River, and is representative of a class of vessel that played a vital part in the economic development of the region.
The Australian Government has announced grants of more than $135,000 to support projects that preserve and promote Australia’s maritime heritage.
The successful recipients of the Maritime Museum of Australia Project Support Scheme grants program will help collect, conserve and display objects from an important part of Australia’s history.
The scheme provides grants of up to $10,000, as well as internships and in-kind support from Australian National Maritime Museum experts. This includes support for staff and volunteers from regional and remote organisations to teach them how to develop educational and public programs that help promote Australia’s maritime collections.
“Maritime museums and historical societies play an important role in preserving and sharing Australia’s maritime heritage and these grants will ensure important maritime objects are available now and for future generations,” said Senator Brandis.
In 2015-16, funding has been awarded to 19 organisations. In-kind support has been offered to 12 organisations and internships have been offered to three applicants.
The scheme, which offers funding to non-profit museums, historical societies and organisations, is supported by the Australian Government and administered by the Australian National Maritime Museum.
The next round of funding will be open for applications in February 2016. For more information about the Maritime Museum of Australia Project Support Scheme and a full list of grant recipients visit the Australian National Maritime Museum website.
