Maritime heritage in Cooktown will be given a boost with the announcement the James Cook Museum in Cooktown will receive $12,924 under the Maritime Museums of Australia Project Support Scheme.
The scheme is administered by the Australian National Maritime Museum and provides grants of up to $15,000 to not-for-profit organisations to help display and conserve objects of national and historical maritime significance. Successful applicants may also receive in-kind support from the Museum.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said the funding was a boost for locals working tirelessly to preserve Australia’s maritime heritage.
“I am pleased to announce this funding will support James Cook Museum to conserve and display significant local objects for today’s audiences and future generations,” Mr Entsch said.
“This funding will be used to give the Endeavour Gallery, which houses an original anchor and canon from HMB Endeavour that were salvaged in the 1970s, a refresh.
Federal Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts Minister Paul Fletcher MP said our maritime history is an important part of Australia’s national story and must be shared.
“Preserving our maritime heritage provides a significant opportunity for Australians to reflect on our history and how we interact with the sea and inland waterways, as well as the environment,” Mr Fletcher said.
“This year, the Maritime Museums of Australia Project Support Scheme is supporting a total of 15 projects with grants, four projects will receive a grant and in‑kind support, with a further six projects receiving in‑kind support from the Museum to preserve and showcase our fascinating maritime heritage to audiences across Australia.
“We are also pleased to support two paid internships, which will offer exciting professional development and networking opportunities.”
The Australian Government has provided more than $1.9 million to over 460 projects and over 60 internships under the Scheme, since its inception in 1995.
The next round of funding opens in early 2021.
For more information, including the successful 2020‑21 applicants, visit: www.sea.museum/about/grants-and-awards/funding-for-maritime-heritage
