AT THEIR current success rate, members of the Port Macquarie Historical Society may need to curate their own awards exhibit.
Just weeks after receiving Bronze at the Australian Tourism Awards, the society has won the National Trust’s (NSW) Advocacy Award for its efforts in ensuring the future of the Port Macquarie Museum.
The award recognises the ongoing maintenance of the state-significant building and the commitment to preserving the museum’s public profile, its heritage values and their meaning.
The judging panel described the museum’s volunteers “as an amazing and inspiring group that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to advocacy for over 70 years.
“They’re true champions of heritage in the community.
“Their impressive efforts extend well beyond this single focus area and are to be commended”.
Museum Curator and Historical Society Vice President Debbie Sommers, accepted the win at the annual Heritage Awards in Sydney on 16 May.
She said it was an honour to be recognised for “storing, preserving and sharing” Port Macquarie’s heritage and culture.
“As custodians of our building we know how important it is to our community’s identity in preserving not just the bricks and mortar but the stories embedded in them.”
Ms Sommers praised members and volunteers as well as the team from Design 5 Architects who worked on the Museum’s Conservation Management Strategy.
“Their findings have been empowering and will guide our future and ongoing advocacy work.”
She also thanked Heritage NSW and The Copland Foundation for their financial support.
The Historical Society is now awaiting the outcome of a NSW Heritage Grant application to support conservation works for the historic Store building, which is the main building fronting Clarence Street.
Its upper level is currently closed to the public until essential conservation works are completed.
The National Trust Heritage Awards have been running since 1994 and are one of the most highly anticipated events in the heritage, cultural and conservation sector.
Fittingly, the win came just days before the start of National Volunteer Week.
By Sue STEPHENSON
