Upgrading the Mallacoota War Bunker Museum would help it cater for an increasing number of visitors, according to Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull.
“Having visited the centre twice in the past year, I have been able to view the great display of the area’s unique World War II history,” he said.
Speaking in State Parliament recently, Mr Bull said he had been “taken by the dedication of the volunteers but also the need to upgrade the facility without compromising its unique feel”.
“A new administration area, which would include a kitchen, an updated barbecue area, amenities upgrade and a generator room, would greatly assist the volunteers to go about the work they do and it is something I will be working on,” he said.
Run by the Mallacoota and District Historical Society, the museum is located in a large underground concrete bunker from where antisubmarine operations were conducted throughout WWII.
“It was also the headquarters of RAAF coastal intelligence activity in the region,” Mr Bull said.
“I have a real interest in wartime history, having trekked the Kokoda Trail twice, visited Beersheba and Pearl Harbour as well as the ANZAC Centre in Albany from where our troops departed, so this bit of history on our doorstep is certainly worth recognising.
“A lot of our wartime history focusses on things that happened in faraway Europe or the Pacific Islands, but the Mallacoota and District Historical Society has done a wonderful job of preserving and honouring the story of the very real action that occurred right here in East Gippsland.”
The Bunker’s volunteer and membership numbers are increasing, with it visited by more than 3000 people annually. It is open Tuesdays from 9.30am with last entry at 11.30am, and Sundays from 1pm with last entry at 3pm.
PICTURED: Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, pictured with Mallacoota War Bunker treasurer, Pierre Forcier, is supporting calls for funding to upgrade the Mallacoota War Bunker Museum. (PS)
