Situated on the site of the old Wacol Army
Barracks, 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 would be working with us to show it's
collection in the Museum.
Our Association was notified in late 2005
of its successful bid and was asked by the NSAAQ to have the
Museum ready for its official opening on 12th 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, 12th 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 the air-condition of 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.
The Public 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
aim.
For more information about the Museum, please download our brochure here (PDF document, 365KB)
The Museum is opened only by Appointment
through the Curator, John Holland, Phone (07) 33755484.
|
