The Museum has existed for over 40 years as an organisation operating as an incorporated Association with a Management Committee. It is a membership-based entity, staffed by volunteers, and is widely recognised within the community as a key resource for those seeking historical information, photographs and artifacts about the local area.

A key aim is to be a highly-respected resource for the research, preservation and education of our local history. It does this through collecting, assessing, conserving and displaying historical items and photographs. It is a place where historians and members of the community can conduct research activities, attend regular educational activities such as the monthly Morning Teas with History, special event historical talks, and regular community Walks and Talks.

The Museum owns the building from which it operates in Rainbow Street, Sandgate. It is totally self-funded relying on membership fees, fundraising activities and events, and supplementation through approved Government grants.

These funding arrangements have proven to be a challenge when considering extraordinary expenditure items such as building maintenance and the like.

For example, a recent building inspection has identified the need to carry out some much-needed restoration work due to:

• the aging of the building, which is compounded by termite damage in the building’s structure

• the building was designed at a time when attention to principles of equity and inclusion in the design of community buildings was uncommon, and the Management Committee is determined, in accordance with Government and community expectations, to make the Museum a space which is safe and accessible for everyone, including people with disabilities.

Consequently, there is an immediate need for the Museum to implement a building improvement project – Saving our Sandgate Museum.

Phase 1 of this project, Planning, Design and Approvals, will include activities such as assessing feasibility, surveys, design, and certification. It is estimated that this phase will cost approximately $25,000. The work is foundational to the commencement of the actual restoration work.

It is the funding for Phase 1 which is the subject of this Saving our Sandgate Museum fundraiser.

We are seeking your support in funding Phase 1 of the Saving our Sandgate Museum fundraiser and any donation will help to make an impact.

Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause which means so much to the Museum and the local community.

To donate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/saving-our-sandgate-museum