Running Rabbits earns stripes

THE Running Rabbits Military Museum, operated by the Upwey-Belgrave RSL, has been granted accreditation by Museums Australia (Victoria).
It is the first RSL museum to be accredited through the organisation’s accreditation program.
A formal presentation of the certificate, signed by the Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley, was made at the 2015 Victorian Museum Awards at the National Gallery of Victoria.
To become accredited, museums spend two to three years developing procedures, policies and practice to meet recognised museum standards.
Located in Upwey, the museum has worked hard to meet set criteria from the National Standards for Museums and Galleries.
Rosemary Hanscombe, co-manager of the Museum Accreditation Program at Museums Australia (Victoria), said it was a fantastic achievement.
“We are delighted to recognise the commitment and hard work shown by the team at Running Rabbits Military Museum,” she said.
“Caring for our shared heritage is an important task, and by becoming accredited Running Rabbits Military Museum has proven to be a leading museum in Victoria.”
The museum opened on Anzac Day in 2009 and is run by volunteers.
Running Rabbits is named in dedication to those who fought so valiantly on the Kokoda Track.
The museum’s collection contains weaponry, documents and equipment from the Boer War through both world wars, and right up to the present day.
There are more than 2500 items of memorabilia, photographs and artefacts on display and a library of books and magazines available to visitors.
The museum is focused on education for people of all ages and provides a space for visitors to understand the local impact of war.