NSW
Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre Inc - In-kind Support
Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre (CCMDC) Maritime Heritage Permanent Display: Lord Ashley Shipwreck and Schwanberg's Siebe Gorman Dive Suit
The CCMDC possesses a range of artifacts, including; heritage shipbuilding tools, books and curves, plus relics from shipwrecks including portholes and other materials. The Central Coast had a significant ship building industry in the 19th and 20th centuries.
In-kind support is awarded for representative/s of the Australian National Maritime Museum to provide professional collection management database and / or Interpretation and Design advice and assistance with furthering this museum’s collection and interpretive displays.
Clyde River & Batemans Bay Historical Society Inc. - $6,525
Delivering the Goods - Stages 1 and 2
This project develops a public program to make South Coast maritime heritage more accessible. It ensures primary source content is available worldwide through thematic analysis and dissemination via eHive, and establishes an innovative online ‘community’ of South Coast maritime heritage. The Clyde River & Batemans Bay Historical Society's pivotal maritime focus commenced with Cook250, and continues through 2022, 200th anniversary of Johnston’s exploration of the Clyde, and subsequent maritime heritage.
This project builds on the (alternatively funded) conservation and digitisation of Illawarra Steam Navigation Company’s (ISNC) Nelligen shipping ledgers mid 1860-early1880s. By conducting a thematic analysis of the data, the Clyde River & Batemans Bay Historical Society cultivate an in depth understanding of ISNC’s strategic role in the growth of coastal industries and commerce. Beginning with shared links to ISNC, the Clyde River & Batemans Bay Historical Society will coordinate with museums from Nowra to Eden to establish a community of practice. Developed themes provide the foundation to enable other locally held collections to engage in allied research whilst synchronously building an eHive online gallery of South Coast maritime heritage.
MMAPSS funding is awarded for professional fees for a historian and IT consultancy. Additional research and extensive data entry is provided by the Clyde River & Batemans Bay Historical Society's skilled volunteers.
ISNC Shipping Ledgers John Penn entry 1871 - Clyde River and Batemans Bay Historical Society Collection
The ANMM holds the watercolour ship portraits of the Illawarra Steam Navigation Co. steamships Kembla and Kiama by Frederick Garling
Cundletown and Lower Manning Historical Soc and Cundletown Museum - In-kind Support
Saving the Sunlight
In-kind (non-cash) support is offered for one of the Australian National Maritime Museum’s (ANMM) curatorial team to connect with this organisation to conduct an inspection of the vessel and assist in the preparation of a Vessel Management Plan (VMP) for the Sunlight. This vessel is the last of its kind left on the Manning River. The era of Cream/Milk boats passed many years ago with many now alive not even remembering them chugging up and down the Manning River and its tributaries collecting the milk or cream. This organisation’s long term plan is to undertake conservation work on the vessel “Sunlight” to bring it back to its original condition as much as possible so it is preserved for members of the public to view.
Jervis Bay Maritime Museum - $12,273
Re-float the KINGFISHER
KINGFISHER is a 9.23m wooden motor launch launched in 1946 by the Settree family, boat builders in Huskisson for three generations. KINGFISHER had a long period of operation in Jervis Bay and is well known in the region. This project follows the Vessel Management Plan developed by ANMM Curator - Historic Vessels, for preservation, restoration and reconstruction of KINGFISHER and will lead to the re-floating of this vessel. The work will be done by the team of trained volunteers who successfully restored the 109 years-old motor launch CREST, launched by the Shoalhaven Mayor in a public celebration in March 2020. The volunteer team is enthusiastic about applying their skills learnt on the CREST restoration to continue the work on KINGFISHER, which stopped in 2019 due to lack of money. MMAPSS funding will allow restoration work to continue. This project is part of a bigger JBMM plan to open its pond to become a living estuary from which the KINGFISHER and CREST can enter Currambene Creek. The JBMM will then be able to conduct traditional boat festivals and take visitors for trips on these two historic vessels.
The KINGFISHER at sea in the past and now, ready for restoration – Jervis Bay Maritime Museum
Lawrence Historical Society Inc. - $13,010
Conservation of the Clarence River flood boat Cedar Queen
Conservation of the Clarence River flood boat Cedar Queen, currently on display at the Lawrence Museum, in Lawrence NSW. The flood boat has strong significance for the Clarence River district. Funding is awarded for Conservation and Interpretation work. Last year MMAPSS supported the development of a Vessel Conservation Plan and this plan will now guide this project work and any subsequent maintenance and display of the vessel.
Nelson Head Lighthouse and Rescue Station Reserve Trust - $5,400
Light Room Refurbishment
This project is for the restoration and refurbishment of the Inner Light Room to restore it to its original condition. The original Light Room was designed to provide lights for the safe entry of vessels into Port Stephens. The lights (red/white) were positioned in the Light Room to guide vessels through the hazardous entry into the port. The restoration plans to position new lights both inside and outside the Light Room and coloured glass in the windows to reflect the original conditions. A presentation will also showing visitors, particularly school groups, exactly how the lights operated.
Port Macquarie Historical Society Inc. - $5,409
A Preservation Needs Assessment of the Maritime Collection at the Port Macquarie Museum
Funding is awarded for a professional conservator to undertake a Preservation Needs Assessment which will assist the Museum to identify at risk or vulnerable Maritime items in the collection; prioritise conservation work, identify storage and exhibition needs, and develop a conservation program.
The expected outcomes of the project will include:
- A Preservation Needs Assessment which will establish the overall preservation needs of the Maritime collection as a whole and identify individual items which require preventive conservation or other conservation work and improved storage or display conditions.
- An overall assessment of the museum’s existing storage areas, display areas and working spaces with reference to the Maritime collection
- On the job training of volunteers in the process of preservation needs assessment by observing and working with the consultant during the assessment visit and an improved understanding of the importance of preservation and needs assessment in managing the collection.
- Identification of ‘at risk’ objects in the collection and how these risks can be addressed or better managed both in the short and longer terms
- Information on which to base a Collection Preservation Policy for the Museum
Examples of objects in the collection for assessment:
Painting, Of Rio Janerio; George Herman Bruhn; c1847
Port Macquarie Museum Collection: object number 164W
Calendar 1886, The Embarkation of The New South Wales Troops for Suakim; Gibbs Shallard & Co
Port Macquarie Museum Collection: object number 791
Drawing, Sea Battle, HMAS Sydney v SMS Emden
Port Macquarie Museum Collection: object number 2015.18
Bird Novelty Shell Ornament; Irene Edwards; 1940s
Port Macquarie Museum Collection: object number 2012.90.3
Internship - South West Rocks Maritime Precinct Inc.
Volunteer - Up to $3,000 for 1 week at the Australian National Maritime Museum
QLD
Cairns Historical Society T/A Cairns Museum - In-kind Support
Windows to the Reef
This project aims to conserve the only remaining fabric of the world’s first Underwater Observatory, formerly on Green Island off Cairns. In February 2020, the Observatory was removed from Green Island due to safety concerns. The 74 tonne solid steel structure was scrapped but 4 portholes – the windows to the reef – have been gifted to the Cairns Museum.
In-kind support is offered for one of the Australian National Maritime Museum’s Conservation team to assist with assessing the viability of the project’s aims and to provide advice to guide the development of a conservation management plan for the portholes.
Emu Park Historical Museum Society Inc. - In-kind Support
Protection, Documentation and Display of Maritime Collection
In-kind (non-cash) support is offered for one of the Australian National Maritime Museum’s (ANMM) Interpretation and Design team to provide professional interpretation and design advice and assistance with furthering this museum’s collection and interpretive displays and also to assist by investigating if there is an appropriate ex-ANMM showcase which can be delivered to this organisation.
National Trust Australia Queensland - James Cook Museum - $12,924
James Cook Museum – Maritime Endeavour Gallery Refresh
As one of 14 internal spaces to be refreshed the Maritime Endeavour gallery brings together narratives on environment, contact between Bama and Europeans and challenges experienced by early mariners who visited Cooktown. At present the entire space is dedicated to the narrative of James Cook and HMB Endeavour. Realignment of museum display spaces will ensure visitors on entry encounter the First National Bama story first, and then subsequent galleries all of which will have dual Bama / European narratives. These have been developed and agreed to through extensive community consultation.
The Maritime Endeavour Gallery explores the stories that connect country to ocean and the cultural coming together of the two through different philosophies and traditions. Funding is awarded for: a commissioned art work and to design and produce interpretation displays; ‘Voyages and Trade’, ’48 days at Endeavour River’, ‘Local waters Ecology & Science’ and ‘Endeavour’s Anchor and Cannon’.
Queensland Maritime Museum Association - $7,680
Queensland Maritime Museum Digital Transformation Project
Queensland Maritime Museum (QMM) is undertaking a major 3 stage digital transformation project to consolidate and photographically digitise its historically significant collection into a centralised collection management system. QMM's collection is currently documented across 150 separate Excel Spreadsheets, making digital access to collection information extremely difficult, time consuming and limited to volunteers and the public. QMM would greatly benefit from the consolidation of the Excel Sheets and Images into a centralised Collection Management System. This project is the first stage towards establishing this goal. Funding is awarded for consultancy and project management costs.
Rockhampton Art Gallery - $3,636
Maritime Self-guided Tour: Digital Access
In 2019/2020, through MMAPSS, Rockhampton Art Gallery developed a Maritime Interpretation Plan for Quay Street Cultural Precinct, Rockhampton. The Maritime Interpretation Plan identifies seven (7) key recommendations and this project seeks support to progress on several of those recommendations by way of 'A self-guided tour' that could begin at Customs House and take visitors to key locations from Quay Lane to Quay Street, such as the Bond Store and Stables, and to the Riverside and views of the former wharves area and the Fitzroy River (Tunuba).
In the development and delivery of a 'A self-guided tour' this project aims to utilise digital delivery of information to share Maritime content of soundscape and/or video presentation bringing to light collection materials held in the collections of the Rockhampton Library History Centre, Capricornia Collection at Central Queensland University Rockhampton Campus, and Rockhampton Art Gallery from key locations in the Quay Street Cultural Precinct.
Funding is awarded for graphics and signage fabrication.
SA
Kangaroo Island Pioneers Association Inc. - $3,200
Replacement of Interpretive Sign - Contemplation Seat Memorial Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island, South Australia
The Contemplation Seat site was developed as a place of reflection and a memorial to the Aboriginal women brought to Kangaroo Island by seamen in the early 19th century. It incorporates a handcrafted wooden seat at the top of a hill overlooking Hog Bay, Penneshaw and is approached via concrete steps etched with the names of these women. An interpretive sign details the contribution these women made to the early settlement of Kangaroo Island. The entire site requires upgrading which will be staged over several years as funding becomes available. MMAPSS funding is awarded for Stage 1, to replace the interpretive sign.
“Mary Seymour, c.1905 (died Sept 1913), the first female child born on Kangaroo Island.
Mary was the daughter of Nathaniel Thomas and Betty, a Tasmanian Aboriginal woman brought to Kangaroo Island in the early 1800’s.”
Contemplation Seat Memorial Site, Penneshaw Kangaroo Island
Photo: Kangaroo Island Pioneers Association Inc.
Mannum Dock Museum of River History - $10,000 and In-kind Support
Captain William Randell’s entrance welcome to the Mannum Dock Museum
The Mannum Dock Museum of River History exhibits a series of displays from Miocene era when the Murray River was an inland sea to Aboriginal occupation, birthplace of the Paddle Steamer and the commencement of River Trade. To entice visitors to take the museum journey a new entrance statement incorporating a “Pepper’s Ghost” effect featuring Captain William Randell – the builder of the first paddle steamer the Mary Ann on the Murray River; will welcome prospective patrons to explore the extensive, unique and interactive displays at the Mannum Dock Museum. This interactive technology will also be incorporated into the adjacent Aboriginal “river life” and river trade displays. Funding is awarded for design and final production elements of the project.
In-kind (non-cash) support is also offered for one of the Australian National Maritime Museum’s (ANMM) Interpretation and Design team to assist by investigating if there is an appropriate ex-ANMM AV Equipment which can be delivered to this organisation.
Port Adelaide Historical Society - In-kind Support
Preservation of the Falie Wheelhouse and Cabins
Falie is a 46-metre ketch that traded for many years in Australian waters, and purchased by Spencer's Gulf Transport Company in 1922, renamed, and used for coastal trading in South Australia. The vessel was commissioned into the Royal Australian Navy as HMAS Falie during World War II, serving first as an inspection vessel primarily patrolling the Port of Sydney, Australia, then as a stores ship. On the night of 31 May, she was acting as a watchdog outside Sydney Harbour when she struck a Japanese midget submarine trying to infiltrate the harbour. Returned to her owners in 1946, Falie was used to transport explosives around Australia before resuming the South Australian coastal trade to Kangaroo Island and carrying bulk gypsum from Stenhouse Bay from 1968. She retired in 1982, the last ketch to operate commercially in South Australian waters, and the last sail powered trading vessel in Australian waters. The timber wheelhouse, was an addition installed in 1938/39 on the Central Slip. Walter & Morris provided the timber. In the mid to late 1950’s the two steel cabins, attached to the wheelhouse, were installed. Falie was then purchased by the Government of South Australia for preservation as a community and educational resource. The ship was restored to original for the state's sesquicentennial celebrations in 1986, with re-masting, new sails, and the fitting of accommodation and a galley. The Falie Wheelhouse and Cabins, were removed and the museum became the custodian.
In-kind (non-cash) support is offered for one of the Australian National Maritime Museum’s (ANMM) Conservation team to assist with an inspection of the Falie Wheelhouse and Cabins and the preparation of a Conservation Management Plan (CMP). The development of a CMP will assist this organisation to develop sound documentation and planning toward ensuring the viability of both the planned restoration program and the object once restored.
Murray Bridge River Boat, Rail & Steam Group Inc. - In-kind Support
Historic Milk Boat Restoration "Union"
The Rural City of Murray Bridge owns and bought the Union in 1995 for the volunteer group called the Murray Bridge River Boat Rail and Steam Group Inc.
The Union was one of four vessels used as "Milk Boats" traversing the River Murray between Mannum and Wellington in South Australia from 1919 to the mid-1946. The small launches were used to collect milk and cream from the dairy farms on the lower Murray and a new style of river boatman evolved, piloting these fast and powerful boats in all weathers. In some cases the launches transported children to and from school. The long term plan for the vessel is for restoration for display in a prominent position under a shelter near to the Town Wharf and Railway Precinct with interpretive signage.
In-kind (non-cash) support is offered for one of the Australian National Maritime Museum’s (ANMM) curatorial team assist with an inspection of the vessel and the preparation of a Vessel Management Plan (VMP).
TAS
Bass Strait Maritime Centre - $6,364
Bass Strait: Above, Below, and In-Between
This project is for the development and display of a touring exhibition and educational program based around the social, natural, scientific, and family histories of the Bass Strait featuring eight institutions along the Bass Strait coast of Tasmania. The exhibition and educational program explores stories from each region and collection, bringing together staff and volunteers from each institution to develop the resources, write the exhibition and education program kit, and network in a way that has not occurred before between these institutions.
The first stage has been undertaken with support from the Arts Tasmania Roving Curator program with workshops on how to structure the development of the exhibition, touring, object crating, educational kits, and exhibition writing. The project is about to begin stage two – completion and editing of exhibition and educational writing and object crating. Stage three is graphic design, exhibition and resource printing, and developing the touring calendar. Stage four is touring the exhibition and educational kits, getting feedback, and further development of these as needed.
Funding is awarded for the continuation of development workshops, graphic design for the exhibition and educational kits, and the printing of the exhibition and associated construction of materials.
Maritime Museum of Tasmania - $8,600
Regional Digital Vessel Recording and Training Project
The key purpose of the project is to facilitate the recording and documenting of historic and significant vessels in Tasmania. Funding will support the development of a photogrammetry kit for free loan and provision of dedicated workshops and training to allow regional museums and historical societies to independently record vessels in their communities. Archive digitisation will be undertaken centrally by the Maritime Museum of Tasmania utilising the voluntary services of a professional naval architect using proprietary software.
Coralyn East Devonport 2 circa 1920 – photo courtesy of Maritime Museum of Tasmanian
An example of the hull lines taken of the vessel Coralyn as part of a previous project.
Image courtesy of Maritime Museum of Tasmanian
VIC
Islamic Museum of Australia - $7,847 and In-kind Support
The Makassans’ story/ the perahu
The Australian Muslims History (AMH) gallery at the Islamic Museum of Australia was built to educate the community about the Muslims history in Australia and to exhibit the Muslims presence and contribution to the country. One of the earliest examples known is the connection between the fishermen from Makassar in Indonesia and the northern shores of Australia.
The project aims to tell the story of the Muslim fishermen from Makassar from Indonesia and their connection with the Indigenous communities in the northern and the north western shores of Australia from the early 1700s. The Project will take place in one corner of the Australia Muslims History (AMH) gallery and will include display and exhibit of the perahu model of the vessel which was used by the Makassans in their journey to the Australia land.
Funding is awarded towards several elements of this project including, design, graphic art, installation and a showcase for the perahu model. In-kind (non-cash) support is also offered for one of the Australian National Maritime Museum’s (ANMM) Interpretation and Design team to assist by investigating if there is an appropriate ex-ANMM showcase and / or an AV Interactive Screen which can be delivered to this organisation.
Perahu model of the vessel which was used by the Makassans – image courtesy of the Islamic Museum of Australia
Mallacoota and District Historical Society Inc. (Bunker museum) - $2,500 & In-kind Support
SS Riverina lifeboat
The wreck of the SS Riverina near Mallacoota in 1927 and rescue of all passengers and crew via Mallacoota has legendary status in Gippsland. The Bunker Museum has a collection of Riverina artefacts, principally a sideboard from the salon and a lifeboat which had been converted to a cabin cruiser on the Gippsland Lakes. The boat was well known on the lakes for over 70 years before being donated to the Bunker Museum in 2012. Wooden lifeboats were phased out in the late 1920s in favour of steel lifeboats.
Original examples of wooden lifeboats from the Riverina’s era, 1905-1927, are rare. The Shetland Museum (UK) in 2016 restored a life boat from the SS Oceanic (1899-1914). The National Maritime Museum (UK) in 2018 built a replica of a lifeboat from the Titanic (1911-1912).
MMAPSS in-kind support is awarded for one of the Australian National Maritime Museum’s (ANMM) curatorial team to assist with an inspection of the vessel and the preparation of a Vessel Management Plan (VMP) for the SS Riverina lifeboat. This VMP will provide sound documentation and planning toward ensuring the viability of both the restoration program and the vessel once restored. Funding is also awarded for a diorama to better present the life boat in as near as possible to its original form, as an example of the craft of wooden life boats carried by ships of the era, representing the role and values of the township of Mallacoota and the region in saving lives at sea.
SS Riverina Life boat - passengers being ferried ashore 20 April 1927
'Photograph from the collection of the Mallacoota and District Historical Society, author unknown'
Mission to Seafarers Victoria - $5,000
Ship to Shore: The Colonial Gaze in Port Phillip
This project will work with RMIT early career artists in a multidisciplinary research program, linking theory and practice, and will result in a unique body of photographic works that will engage audiences, and deliver a post-modern interpretation of European visual encounters with local maritime environments, through exploration and mapping (1798-1850).
Funding is awarded for several elements of this project: to produce 30 large photographic artworks on metal, and for exhibition design and installation for public exhibition. This project is designed to create new audiences of maritime histories and create a platform for community collaboration across maritime culture, the arts, heritage and academia.
The resultant artistic content and research produced will be channelled into travelling exhibitions, education workshops, forums and talks across several cultural institutions and RMIT University. Works will be held by the Mission to Seafarers Victoria and potentially other relevant cultural organisations.
National Trust of Australia (Victoria) - $3,000
All hands on deck – The Polly Woodside shares her stories (Research, interpretation and digital online public program information for the Polly Woodside tall ship)
An internationally significant three masted barque, the Polly Woodside is a key story in Melbourne’s maritime history, a commanding object in situ at Duke and Orr’s dock and testament to the vision and passion of maritime enthusiasts and volunteers. It is of historical, scientific (technological) and social significance to the State of Victoria. As a popular tourist destination, icon for the community, and educational site for school children, the ship and its associated stories provide rich and intriguing information about the past.
This project is designed to discover, share and celebrate the hidden stories of the many communities involved with the Polly Woodside from its early sailing days to its most recent journey. Team work, collegiality, inclusion, support and shared experiences are hallmarks of Polly Woodside’s rich history. These new stories will broaden and enhance public understanding and interest in the Polly Woodside and provide a vehicle for increasing contemporary public engagement with the past and future of maritime history.
Funding is awarded for one element of the planned project activities – for a researcher / writer to research and develop new and refreshed stories.
Port of Echuca Discovery Centre - $3,532
'Caring for the Collection' - A Preservation workshop at the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre
In 2019 the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre, with the support of a MMAPSS grant, engaged a professional to undertake a Preservation / Needs Assessment of the existing collection. A previous assessment had been undertaken in 2007, however since that time much had changed, including the building of the Discovery Centre in 2014. One of the aims of the assessment was to view each storage and display area and determine their suitability as repositories for the paper based collection, which includes photographs, materials, documents and books. The Preservation / Needs assessment identified many projects that the Discovery Centre will need to undertake, however a High Priority rating was given to conducting a workshop for staff and volunteers to assist with the preservation of the collection.
Queenscliffe Maritime Museum Inc. - In-kind Support
Pilot Vessel 'Mavis III' and the Evolution in Technology and Design of the Pilot Vessels at Queenscliff and Port Phillip from the 1970s to 2020.
Setting off from Queenscliff, Victoria, pilots have guided vessels through the dangerous entrance between Port Phillip and Bass Strait since 1839 when George Tobin was granted the first pilot licence for the Port Phillip District of New South Wales. Today, the Port Phillip Sea Pilots (PPSP) operate a twenty-four hour essential pilotage service to Victoria’s maritime industry from the same location as those first pilots launched their whaleboats. In March, 2020, their pilot vessel, 'Mavis III', was donated to Queenscliffe Maritime Museum. She served twenty-six years in 'the Rip' and exemplifies the shore- based launch service that began in 1979, ending the era of ships having to stop to transfer pilots.
In-kind (non-cash) support is offered for one of the Australian National Maritime Museum’s (ANMM) curatorial team to assist with the preparation of a Vessel Management Plan (VMP) for the Pilot Vessel 'Mavis III'.
Internship – Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Volunteer Curator - Up to $3,000 for 1 week at the Australian National Maritime Museum
Albany’s Historic Whaling Station - $4,500
The Art of Scrimshaw: A whaler’s pastime.
This project follows on from the 2019-2020 MMAPSS project: “Whaler’s Tales: Oral Histories of Albany’s Past Whaling Community”, using content from one of the interviewees, Gary Tonkin. Tonkin’s life as a Meat Inspector at the Cheynes Beach Whaling Company (CBWC) was followed by his transition to a world renowned scrimshaw artist.
The current project will use artefacts from Albany’s Historic Whaling Station’s (AHWS) existing scrimshaw collection to showcase the maritime significance of scrimshaw craft, with the support of Tonkin’s in-depth scrimshaw knowledge.
AHWS’ scrimshaw collection is currently housed in the Gift Shop Gallery adjacent to the whaling museum. The display has no interpretation and the artefacts are all located in one display case. AHWS aims to enrich this scrimshaw exhibition and to enhance engagement with the addition of interpretive panels and visual presentations, aligning it with both industry standards and those currently onsite. This will also provide the foundations for future expansion of Tonkin’s scrimshaw art pieces.
Funding is awarded for design elements of this project.
Gary Tonkin, Scrimshaw Artist, Albany’s Historic Whaling Station
Irwin Districts Historical Society $3,600
Pullin’ the Pots Oral History program.
“Pullin’ the Pots - A History of the Port Denison Fisheries and their Environs on Western Australia’s Abrolhos Coast” is an overarching project focused on the histories of activities central to the local ‘cray culture’ in Port Denison, such as the customs and traditional practices of fishers and fishing communities, boat building and maintenance, changing marine environments, and the cultural extent of the historical and contemporary fisheries.
The Pullin’ the Pots Oral History program, within the larger project, will conduct interviews with twelve people who have been engaged in the cray fishing industry out of Port Denison since the late 1950s/early 1960s. It will include both fishers who ventured out to sea as well as fisher-partners who stayed ashore.
Funding has been awarded for one element of this project; the transcriptions of the interviews.
‘Fishing Boats and Obelisk, Port Denison', by Tom Reynolds, c1910, oil on tin
Irwin Districts Historical Society Collections IROB0211