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A message from our President

Dear Mansfield Community.

We are excited to announce that construction of the first stage the Mansfield Heritage Museum is nearly completed.

The building is to be locked up shortly and it is looking as good as we had hoped- drop by the Station platform for a look.

The Historical Society however still needs more financial support to finish the project which I explain in detail further down this message.

Where we are with the Museum project and what happens next?

Stage one was supervised by the Shire of Mansfield with a local building company (Hennessey’s) constructing the building. It was designed by Taylor Consulting Engineers also located in Mansfield.

Stage two of the project will be next which is to fit out internal walls landscaping and necessary infrastructure.

It is very significant and exciting that when the internals are completed, the Mansfield Visitors Centre will be relocating to the Museum. This will combine the energy of the two operations and attract even more visitors to the complex.

The final stage of the project is the one that the Historical Society is heavily involved with and responsible for.

We are going to build world class exhibits worthy of the Mansfield district and its people. To do this we must go to the community and again ask them to consider donating towards design and build the exhibits

Earlier this year we reached out to the community. We were seeking support for our appeal for a further $600,000 to professionally develop interpretative and educational facilities, and design and install the exhibits once the new building is completed.

I can now report we are half way towards raising the required  $600.000.00, however we must raise another $300,000 to get the job done. 

Would you like to have your name recorded as a supporter and displayed at the Museum entrance?

We are announcing a new opportunity for supporters to get involved by having your name inscribed on a paver This offer is at an affordable price to enable the general Mansfield public to be part of history. We make no apology that this is of course a fundraiser, but in return for your support you get something lasting and really special. 

The named pavers will be laid around the Museum entrance and can display family names and messages. People may wish to honour a passed family member with a paver or remember a special pet.

The nett funds raised after costs will go directly to creating the exciting exhibits.

The backstory to the exhibits:

We plan that the exhibits will use the latest techniques to tell the story of Mansfield's proud history and culture including a significant display of local fish fossils going back to the start of time and the Taungurung first people’s story. The more recent history and pioneering feats connected to High Country grazing, timber, gold and tourism which built our district will also be featured. To this end we have had assistance and are taking

advice from Museum Victoria.

The Historical Society is the guardian of many precious local artifacts and we want to be able to put them on display. When completed, the Museum will attract visitors to the town and encourage them to stay longer therefore increasing business opportunities. Importantly, it will educate our children about the long and proud history of Mansfield, including its first people.

With community support we are confident we can achieve our aims with this exciting project which is our one chance to preserve and enrich our historical and cultural heritage for future generations. It will be a long-term investment for the Mansfield district. You will be aware that sadly Governments (both State and Federal) are short of money and therefore further grants are unlikely. The only way to get the Museum finished to a high standard is for the Society to ask for our local communities support. I hope you don’t mind this approach on behalf of a very important local project which will both assist to preserve local history and boost economic growth through tourism. I invite you to have a look at our video on the QR code below using your mobile  phone.

We hope you may see your way clear to become significantly involved in this major appeal by buying one or two pavers or giving a more significant donation.

By doing so you can be part of ensuring the long-term success and viability of this important community project. Details on how to donate, or put you message or name on a paver and other options are on our website. The offer to have your name on a paver will only be open for a limited time as decisions have to be made about ordering and laying

We are hoping some families may consider a bequest to the Museum in their wills. I would be very glad to call around to discuss the project and various donation options if you would like to get involved.

Yours sincerely

Graeme Stoney AM
President - Mansfield Historical Society

graeme@stoney.com.au.