The Jindera Museum is embarking on an ambitious fundraising campaign with a target of raising almost $1 million for the construction of a new building at the site.
The heritage centre has been operating continuously for more than 56 years and says it’s time to secure its future by expanding its interactive experiences, putting a greater focus on education, improving archival systems and a developing a large undercover space to better accommodate school visits and groups.
To kick off its fundraising campaign the museum has created a three-day festival -‘Illuminate our Heritage’ - which will involve an impressive sound and light show designed to emphasise the history and capability of the site for different and engaging events. A lantern walk will be held in the community on the Saturday evening and two lantern making workshops are available prior to the walk.
The festival will be held over three days on August 2, 3 and 4 and will be the biggest event the museum has organised and staged in its history.
Museum president Margie Wehner said it was critical the museum maintained its status as an important attraction for the region and that it continues to be able to attract people to the township from around the region and further afield.
“The museum and its annual events program bring about 5000 through our doors each year. The funds raised from these activities cover the costs of maintenance and improvements but are not enough to pay for a new centre.
“We have started a drive seeking to partner with people or businesses who are just as interested as we are in preserving this unique heritage for future generations.
“We are hoping to secure funding from the private sector as well as through local, state and federal government sources.”
She said the non-profit organisation has already saved $150,000 toward the new centre and has had architectural plans drawn up, the necessary titles consolidated and had the development application approved.
The new arm of the museum precinct will be constructed on the block adjacent to the ‘Wagners Store’, where the small Cottage Craft Shop currently operates. They will be integrated into the new centre when it is completed.
“This is a massive undertaking for us. The museum has grown from strength to strength in the last decade and we find now that we need additional facilities to cater to the needs of our group and tourism visitors.
“We have significant space here for people to wander and enjoy in an idyllic garden setting set on two acres. There are numerous buildings which house our exhibits and permanent displays, but we need to offer more.
“We want school groups to be able to have more immersive experiences, be able to interact with some of the things from the past and have a space where they can store their bags, listen to a talk or have their lunch undercover out of the weather.
“We’d also like to have special exhibitions that highlight significant collections, travelling shows or moments in time that are important to Australia.
“The museum is already a success story thanks to the hard work put in by the members and volunteers over its 56 years.
“What the museum has achieved it has done almost entirely on its own."
“To ensure this extraordinary environment can remain for future generations to experience, it is now time to ask our local shire and the state government for a bit of a hand and to find out if there’s anyone else out there who is just as passionate about preserving this amazing collection of our history.”
The three night Illuminate our Heritage festival will see the grounds and exhibits at the museum come to life each night with special lighting, live music, bush poetry and roving entertainment.
As part of the event a Lantern Walk will be held (on the Saturday night only) inspired by the German tradition of ‘Laternelaufen’.
This festive event is centred around kindness, light, and fostering community spirit by bringing people together. The Lantern Walk celebrates the legend of St Martin of Tours, with its origins in Germany and other parts of Europe.
The lantern walk is a free event.
The walk will commence at the museum and conclude at the Jindera Village Green with a re-enactment of the story of St Martin presented by the Jindera Theatrical Society. Pretzels and Glühwein will be available on completion of the walk.
Local schools have been engaged to create their own lanterns, and the museum will be holding two lantern-making workshops on Sunday, July 21, and Saturday, August 3.
About Us
Nestled in the heart of Jindera, our museum is a treasure trove of artifacts, stories, and experiences that celebrate the rich pioneer heritage of the region. From meticulously restored buildings to hands-on exhibits, we offer a unique journey back in time, showcasing the resilience and ingenuity of early settlers. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a curious traveler, or a local looking to reconnect with the past, the Jindera Pioneer Museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the life of the pioneers who shaped this community. Come explore, learn, and be inspired by the stories that built Jindera.
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