Mallacoota’s WWII Bunker Museum, organised by the Mallacoota and District Historical Society, will receive a $100,000 makeover if the Liberal and Nationals are elected in the pending state election.
Mallacoota’s WWII Bunker Museum is a major visitor attraction to the town and an asset that showcases the district’s key strategic role during WWII, as well as significant local history.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, has committed a $100,000 grant to the society to give the bunker an overall facelift.
“This funding will support the Mallacoota and District Society to purchase new display cabinets, cupboards and information boards while also undertaking maintenance works and making general improvements,” Mr Bull said.
“As we know, Mallacoota is a tourist town, and while the facility is a great attraction in its own right, on inclement weather days, it is a great alternative for visitors to enjoy.
“The bunker itself is of historic significance, being used by the RAAF as a major advanced operations base during WWII.”
Exhibits include military weapons and uniforms, information about Mallacoota’s role in the conflict and a display telling the region’s strong links to the timber and shipping industries.
Mallacoota and District Historical Society
Secretary, Sue Nicolaou, said this funding boost would be put to great use.
“The WWII Bunker is an iconic and important part of both Mallacoota and East Gippsland’s history and its transition to a museum is a testament to the hard work put in by members of the local community and this work continues today with the museum staffed only by volunteers,” she said.
“The building, while structurally being in exceptionally good condition, needs to be future-proofed.
“This $100,000 commitment, announced by Tim, is welcomed and will be of huge benefit to the society in its endeavour to keep the bunker viable and open to visitors well into the future.”
Mr Bull congratulated the hard-working volunteers of the historical society for their unwavering commitment to preserving and sharing Mallacoota’s unique war history.
