By Cr Peter Murrihy
It may be behind us, but the past is not static.
In Geelong, many of our cultural stories are brought to life and told via the National Wool Museum.
The museum’s current home, the CJ Dennys & Co Woolstore, has its own historic link to the progress of Geelong.
Last month marked 150 years since the opening of the Woolstore, and a new exhibition looks at the events leading up to its creation.
Bluestone: 150 Years of the Dennys Lascelles Woolstore tells the stories of those who walked its halls, and explores the development of Geelong and those who lived here through the ages.
The multi-award-winning National Wool Museum opened in 1988 with the aim on detailing our region’s connection to wool, fibre and textiles.
For the past decade, the museum has sought to reflect societal changes and expand its programming.
There is much in our past to learn, to reflect on, and to recognise.
As we now know, the history of this region dates back tens of thousands of years.
It is only right that as our understanding grows, that our shared history is updated and refreshed.
Residents have told us they want to experience and understand more about Geelong’s unique culture and shared future.
In this milestone year for the Woolstore, Council has heeded the call and endorsed a 30-year vision to modernise and broaden the scope of the museum.
Independent analysis has shown that the expanded vision has the potential to deliver a net benefit of up to $72 million to the region over the three decades.
While the city’s connection to wool and textiles would still be celebrated, an enhanced museum would focus on sharing the broader story of Geelong’s history.
We want it to be a place for visitors to connect with and understand Geelong’s past, engage with its present and contribute to its future.
This means reflecting on the region’s 60,000-year living culture and history, from First Nations People to the emerging and advanced industries of today.
A business case will be developed to determine the required investment for the new vision.
It will look at the potential development of the Dennys Lascelles Woolstores, to host the reimagined and expanded museum.
This includes its ability to publicly display more of the City’s diverse art and heritage collection, which comprises about 20,000 items.
We are still seeking public views about the future of the National Wool Museum.
The next opportunity will involve an interactive exhibit, which can be seen on site and via yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/yourmuseumgeelong
I encourage you to share your ideas, so we can help create a contemporary cultural venue that can be enjoyed by a wide range of residents and visitors.
