A Migration Heritage Project and Multicultural Communities Council of the Illawarra Joint Project
This is some further information for your interest and we would really welcome your feedback
The Illawarra Migration Heritage Project Inc. (MHP) and the Multicultural Communities Council of the Illawarra (MCCI) have received funding from the Port Kembla Community Investment Fund to scope the feasibility and viability of a large and significant museum that will tell the story of our rich and diverse heritage through the lens of human migration.
What is a Museum of Human Migration?
A Museum of Human Migration will be a place that brings the stories of our culturally rich and diverse community to life. It will be a museum of social history.
It will begin with the stories of the First Australians and through ongoing engagement, research, documentation and exhibition, showcase how all the waves of migration have impacted on and shaped our region.
These stories will be told through the eyes of the people who lived and came to live here.
Why is a Museum of Human Migration Important?
Without a museum that has the role of recording and keeping our stories safe, they will all be lost and forgotten and new generations will have little opportunity to learn about the history of their city. Our current voluntary run museums don’t have the capacity to do this work, and it does not fit the remit of our libraries. We are the 10th largest city in Australia and we do not have a museum worthy of our status.
This is not just our idea, the need for a museum in our region was identified in Wollongong City Council’s new cultural plan and by Destination Wollongong following extensive local community consultation which drew united and enthusiastic responses.
Will it replace all the other museums in the area?
This Museum would not replace any of the smaller museums. On the contrary, it would aim to support and sustain the research and enquiry of smaller museums, bringing them into the larger museum as part of permanent or temporary exhibitions.
Why Port Kembla?
Port Kembla NSW is a port of great significance to Wollongong and to Australia. For over a century, it has played a significant role in the development and growth of heavy industry in the region as well as playing a central part in facilitating trade for NSW and contributing to the economic growth of the nation. It is a key area of cultural significance to our local Indigenous community and holds an iconic role in migration history providing work for one of the biggest workforces in Australia after the Second World War, even larger than the Snowy Mountains Hydro Scheme. Port Kembla has a strong claim to the New South Wales migration and settlement story, with many migrants and their descendants settling and staying in the Wollongong region.
Who is preparing the feasibility Study?
John Petersen (MPHA, MICOMOS) is the founding manager of the former NSW Migration Heritage Centre at the Powerhouse Museum and head of property for Hyde Park Barracks Museum, Sydney. John is working with the MHP and MCCI, supported by an advisory committee made up of people representing State and Local government, heritage and community sectors.
Scope of the Feasibility Study
Business Case which articulates:
Economic benefits
Tourism benefits
Potential site options
Funding and operating models (sustainability)
Sponsorship and philanthropic opportunities
Ownership and Governance
Strategic partnerships
Review of current successful regional and state museums in Australia including:
Governance
Funding models
Sustainability
Community engagement
A concept plan for a museum of human migration in Port Kembla which includes:
Story of human movement, displacement and settlement
Impact on the indigenous communities
The significance of Port Kembla as the place of settlement
Fosters collaboration and engagement with community and heritage groups
Elucidate educational and research opportunities and links and the broader Education sector
Collections
How can I contribute?
You can follow progress on this Study by signing up to the eNewsletter on the Migration Heritage Project website www.mhpillawarra.com.au and by following the MHP or MCCI Facebook page.
If you would prefer to make a more formal submission, please do so by the 7 September 2019 by emailing Chris Lacey CEO MCCI, chris@mcci.org.au or writing to:
Museum of Human Migration Feasibility Study
MCCI
117 Corrimal Street
Wollongong NSW 2500
In your submission you may wish to include: what you would expect/need from this type of museum, how you might be able to contribute, your views on the feasibility of the proposal, possible funding sources.
John Petersen Heritage Consulting, with: Illawarra Migration Heritage Project and Multicultural Communities Council of the Illawarra August 2019
The MHP is proud to partner MCCI is this exciting venture.
