By Tanya Steele
A historical society left in funding limbo has been offered a lifeline in the form of a 2.5 million dollar promise by Liberal candidate for Aston on Thursday 27 February.
After years of the group operating from substandard temporary facilities, the funding for the provision of a purpose-built resource and visitor for the Knox Historical Society (KHS) was officially pledged to the group by Liberal candidate for Aston Manny Cicchiello.
“I’m delighted today to announce that a Dutton coalition government will fund a multi-purpose Resource Center to the tune of two and a half million dollars for this precinct,” Mr Cicchiello said.
“Our community deserves the resource centre it was promised,” he said.
KHS said it was thrilled by the news as the committee have been advocating to all levels of government for funding over several years now.
“This will mean that our amazing volunteers will finally have a building that is first for purpose and we can continue our work in a space that will foster and promote camaraderie and community,” said KHS President Ray Peace.
Mr Cicchiello delivered the Coalition announcement to members of the KHS in a ceremony hosted by society secretary Karin Orpen.
The proposed plans for a temperature controlled space were revealed in Ambleside with local council and state officials in attendance, along with volunteers and community members over speeches and morning tea.
“The centre will support our schools, volunteers and service clubs, fostering local knowledge, community spirit, and an appreciation of history.” Mr Cicchiello said.
Also present was MP for Casey Aaron Violi who said supporting local projects was part of the Coalition’s plan to get the country back on track.
“It’s run by volunteers who put in their time to share more about our past, to make sure as we move forward as a society and as a community,” he said.
Knox Historical Society celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, so the timing for this announcement is positive for the long-time community group, which has made many attempts over several years to get funding for a much needed building upgrade.
The society moved into Ambleside homestead, which was gifted to the City of Knox in 1975 following the death of Oliver David, in 1977.
The aging resource centre site at Ambleside Park was demolished by Knox City Council over 14 years ago and was supposed to make way for a new space that would give the property a proper working hub and enable it to both grow and provide an accessible space for the volunteers.
The homestead and museum at Ambleside receives over one thousand visitors a year, including tour groups, hundreds of school children, and residents of local retirement homes.
With limited working space, including a windowless shipping container, the society volunteers currently still operate from temporary facilities that are inadequate for their needs.
“The generous gift of Oliver David, who donated his property for the preservation of our history, must be honoured,” said Mr Cicchello.
Knox Council Deputy Mayor Cr Glen Atwell said at the gathering that there is an acknowledgement that council can get more bang for their buck and get more done when council partners with the state and federal government.
“We are very grateful for the commitment – we acknowledge it, we look forward to partnering should have come to fruition,” he said.
The funding is dependent on if the Coalition regains power and Mr Peace said the announcement recognises the need for preserving our history for future generations.
“The winners are the Knox community – It’s a great day,” said Mr Peace.
