LEICHHARDT MP Warren Entsch has welcomed news of support for the Cairns Maritime Museum, which will help the organisation put together an innovative ‘virtual treasure hunt’ while increasing awareness about the Far North’s intriguing maritime history.
The Maritime Museums of Australia Project Support Scheme, which can include internships, in-kind support by museum experts, or grants of up to $10,000, is administered by the Australian National Maritime Museum.
Mr Entsch said the Cairns Maritime Museum was in possession of a significant collection of maritime memorabilia and archaeological finds, with particular relevance to the Cairns and Torres Strait regions.
“The project will provide an online walk-through virtual museum featuring ghost ships and lost treasure, using panoramic photography, QR coded labels and public Wireless Access Point nodes on the Trinity Inlet boardwalk,” Mr Entsch said.
“The in-kind support will see the Cairns Maritime Museum benefit from the services of a specialist maritime archaeologist from the Australian National Maritime Museum, who will help assess the merits of their collection for the virtual exhibition.
“It’s a fascinating project that will really capture people’s imagination ? who as a child hasn’t read stories about adventures on the high seas, or dreamed of finding lost treasure? I congratulate the Museum for thinking outside the square and coming up with this unique concept.”
Mr Entsch said that once the collection is assessed and a solid business case developed, he looked forward to supporting the Museum in gaining funding to get the project off the ground.
“This collection must remain in our region, where it can help showcase our unique maritime cultural heritage through a landmark installation on our waterfront,” he said.
Since 1995, community and not-for-profit organisations across Australia have benefited from more than $1 million in funding through the scheme. Many maritime enthusiasts have offered their time and expertise to preserve Australia’s diverse maritime heritage.
Projects assist in the preservation, collection management and conservation of maritime heritage and help to ensure that expert academic knowledge and professional skills can assist in the development of public and education programs.
To find out more, visit Cairns Maritime Museum on Facebook
