The work of the Museum compliments the objectives of the Association.
Background
When Wacol army barracks was sold, the Department of Defence set aside 1.5 hectares of land and 5 historic buildings for the National Servicemen's Association of Australia (Qld Branch) or NSAAQ. Through our previous association with NSAAQ, we were invited to bid for use of one of the buildings for a museum. The NSAAQ will be working with us to show its collection in the Museum.
Our Association was notified late 2005 of its successful bid and was asked by the NSAAQ to have it ready for its official opening on 12 February 2006. This was accomplished by a huge voluntary effort by 13 members of the Association.
The Museum was officially opened by the Australian Minister of Veteran Affairs Bruce Billson MP and PNG Consul General for Brisbane, Paul Nerau LLB on Sunday, 12 February 2006, when over 300 members of NSAAQ, our Association and guests attended.
In recognition of this work, the Minister granted $3,000 for manikins and exhibit cabinets. The Association was also successful in winning a grant from the Queensland State Gaming Fund to air-condition the Museum. This work has been completed.
Work is continuing to collect, catalogue and exhibit the many records, artefacts and memorabilia held. While rent is minimal, the cost of utilities and general maintenance is borne by the Association. Although entry to the Museum is free, the Association appreciates a gold coin donation to assist with maintenance.
The Museum has links to the Victoria Barracks and MacArthur Museums in the city. Inter-loans are regularly arranged.
You are invited to donate or loan appropriate items to the Museum, with the knowledge they will be properly and securely looked after. Also please do not forget to make a bequest to the NGVR/PNGVR Museum in your Will. Note: All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Objectives of the Museum
- To conduct and maintain a military heritage museum, on one or more sites, to be known as the NGVR/PNGVR Military Museum.
- To collect, preserve, restore and display all manner of historical material relating to
(a)
the military and auxilliary forces which have served, or are serving, in Papua New Guinea.
(b) the cultural and geographical diversity of the Papua New Guinea Archiplago.
- To encourage research into Australian and Papua New Guinean military history; to publish and circulate articles from books, documents, circulars and magazines of subjects of educational interest to members; and to provide a source of reference and historical records to researchers.
- To offer an additional public relations vehicle for the Association and to support Australian and Papua New Guinean Defence Forces activities wherever and whenever desirable.
- To do all such lawful acts as are incidental to or are conductive of the attainment of any or all of the aforesaid aims
For more information about the Museum, please download our brochure here (PDF document, 365KB)
The Museum will be open at the following times in 2007:
Wednesday 8th August
Saturday 11th August
Friday 17th August
Saturday 25th August
Saturday 8th September
Friday 14th September
Saturday 13th October
Saturday 20th October
Saturday 27th October - Morning Tea For Patron
Saturday 3rd November
Saturday 10th November
Saturday 24th November
Saturday 8th December
Saturday 15th December
All Other Openings by appointment through the Curataor, John Holland, Phone (07) 3800 1554.
|
