MALLACOOTA HISTORICAL SOCIETY UNRAVELLING THE PAST
August 12, 2013
The Mallacoota and District Historical Society (MDHS) continues to work hard to provide quality tourism attractions in the community, according to Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester.
Mr Chester met with the MDHS committee at the World War II Operations Bunker Museum, which has become a feature attraction for visitors to Mallacoota.
MDHS have been busily working on a number of projects over the past 12 months.
Historian Dr Sarah Mirams compiled a report for the group titled – ‘Mined at Mallacoota’ – A World War One Maritime Military History of East Gippsland and the South Coast New South Wales – detailing the stories of the ‘The Wolf’, a WWI German raider, which laid a sea mine field near Gabo Island and the subsequent sinking of the ‘Cumberland’.
The group was also recently gifted a clinker-planked wooden lifeboat by the Paynesville Maritime Museum. The boat, which is set to be restored, is at least 90 years old and is one of the last remaining lifeboats from the ill-fated SS Riverina which ran aground off ‘Big Beach’ at Mallacoota in 1927.
Mr Chester said the group, which is made up of volunteers, plays an important role in the fabric of the Mallacoota community.
“Putting the region’s history on display is a great way to provide tourism attractions for visitors to Mallacoota and also a great educational resource for local residents and students,” Mr Chester said.
“I commend past and present members of the historical society on their work to keep unravelling and detailing the history of the region for the benefit of the local community.”