Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is working with volunteers at Gippsland Vehicle Collection in Maffra and the Wellington Shire, in a bid to secure at least $1 million for a major upgrade.
Mr Chester visited the museum this week ahead of a new ‘Ford versus Holden’ exhibition and said the case for the redevelopment of the important community facility was impossible to ignore.
He said the community volunteers needed to secure the money to replace a leaking asbestos roof and develop an expanded workshop and trade training area to future-proof one of Wellington Shire’s most important visitor attractions.
“I was very disappointed to see the group miss out on a much-needed grant under the Albanese Government’s ‘Growing Regions Program’,” Mr Chester said.
“I worked with the volunteers and Council to support a grant application but despite 25% of Australia’s population residing in our state, we only managed to secure 7% of the total funding for a paltry eight projects across Victoria.
“Our volunteers across Gippsland do a sensational job of providing services and facilities that wouldn’t exist without their contribution, and the museum has been attracting visitors to Maffra for 20 years.
“I will continue the fight to secure the money needed for the roof replacement to future-proof this important community facility.”
Mr Chester said the museum had grown to become one of the most popular built attractions in the region, with up to 10,000 visitors per year.
“The volunteers worked with the Council to replace the worst section of the leaking roof, but the entire roof needs to be replaced as soon as possible to protect the valuable collections inside, which change on a regular basis,” he said.
“The new Ford versus Holden display is certain to be popular with some incredible vehicles on display.”
The new display will launch on Sunday, March 2 with a ‘Display Day’ from 9am. Entry into the museum is free for drivers of display vehicles and $12 for the public. Proceeds from the day will go towards the roof fund.
