Mallacoota’s WWII Bunker Museum is set for a $100,000 makeover under a Liberal and Nationals State Government.

Run by the Mallacoota and District Historical Society, the museum is a major visitor attraction to the town and an asset which showcases the key strategic role the district held during the WWII effort as well as significant local history.

Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, committed a $100,000 grant to the society which will be used to give the bunker an overall face lift.

“This funding will support the Mallacoota and District Society to purchase new display cabinets, cupboards and information boards, while also undertaking maintenance works and making general improvements,” Mr Bull said.

“As we know, Mallacoota is a tourist town and while the facility is a great attraction in its own right, on inclement weather days it is a great alternative for visitors to enjoy.

“The bunker itself is of historic significance, being used by the RAAF as a major advanced operations base during WWII.”

Displays include military weapons and uniforms, information about Mallacoota’s role in the conflict and a display that tells of the region’s strong links to the timber and shipping industries.

Mallacoota and District Historical Society Secretary, Sue Nicolaou, says this funding boost will be put to great use.

“The WWII Bunker is an iconic and important part of both Mallacoota and East Gippsland’s history and its transition to a Museum is a testament to the hard work put in by members of the local community and this work continues today with the Museum staffed only by volunteers.

“The building, while structurally being in exceptionally good condition, needs to be future proofed,” she said.

“This $100,000 commitment, announced by Tim is welcomed and will be of huge benefit to the Society in its endeavour to keep the Bunker viable and open to visitors well into the future.”

Mr Bull congratulated the hard-working volunteers of the Historical Society for their unwavering commitment to preserve and share Mallacoota’s unique war history.

“The War Bunker is a fantastic tourist attraction and one that will only get better with this investment from an elected Liberal Nationals Government.”

Caption: The Nationals Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull has announced $100,000 for the Mallacoota WWII Bunker Museum, if the Liberals and Nationals are elected next month. Pictured with Mallacoota Historical Society volunteer Sue Nicolaou.

 Friday, 4 November 2022