Port Macquarie Museum seeks community support to fund urgent building repairs

PORT Macquarie Museum is calling on community support after unexpected structural and asbestos-related building issues put pressure on its limited funds.

The museum was undertaking renovation work when more serious building concerns were discovered, adding additional costs and prompting an urgent community fundraising campaign.

The campaign aims to provide immediate financial support while also building a stronger network of ongoing supporters to help protect the museum and its collection into the future.

Local community fundraiser Peta Alexopoulos is helping coordinate the campaign with restaurant/bar The Stunned Mullet, bringing businesses, residents and community organisations together to support the museum.

“The museum belongs to our community,” Ms Alexopoulos said.

“It holds our stories, memories and history, and this campaign is about bringing people together quickly and giving them a way to help.”

A ‘Save The Museum’ Halloween Black Tie Soiree will be held on 31 October, featuring local history, ghost stories, classical music, food, wine, and special after-hours museum experiences.

An online fundraising raffle, sponsorship opportunities, donated prizes and community partnerships will also form part of the campaign.

However, organisers hope the community response will extend well beyond the immediate fundraising drive.

The museum is encouraging residents to become Port Museum Friends to provide ongoing support.

Community members can also help by attending fundraising events, purchasing raffle tickets, making donations, contributing prizes or sponsorship, and sharing the campaign.

The fundraising effort will support museum curator Debbie Sommers and the museum team in caring for the collection and preserving Port Macquarie’s history as it navigates the latest building challenges.

Further details about fundraising activities, the raffle and Port Museum Friends membership will be released soon.

By Sis HIGGINS