Saving a Piece of St Arnaud's History

Nestled in the heart of Western Victoria, Australia, St Arnaud is a charming rural town with a rich history dating back to the gold rush era. Its historic streetscape, adorned with old pubs, shops, and elegant two-story buildings, is a testament to its past.

The St Arnaud Historical Society and Museum, housed in the old Turncock's residence next to the state's oldest fire station, has been a cherished part of the community. This invaluable institution has preserved the town's history through its collection of documents, artifacts, and records.

Unfortunately, a car accident in January 2024 caused severe damage to the museum building. The impact demolished half of the verandah and compromised the front wall, narrowly missing an important piece of historical artifact. In fact, the damage was so extensive that the Historical Society was forced to close its doors to the public, depriving visitors of the opportunity to explore the town's heritage and incurring a loss of income for the museum.

Sadly, the insurance coverage was insufficient, leaving the Historical Society facing a substantial financial burden. The total estimated cost of repairs is $52,000, far exceeding the insurance payout.

The Historical Society is committed to restoring the museum, but we cannot do it alone. We are reaching out to the community, seeking your generous support to help us repair this vital historical building. Your donation, no matter how small, will make a significant difference.

To expedite the reopening of the museum, the Historical Society has phased the repair work.

Phase 1 (Structural Repairs) will cost approximately $37,000. After the insurance payout, the Historical Society still requires an extra $17,000 - $20,000 to secure the front wall and ensure the safety of the building. With your help, we can take the first steps towards restoring this beloved landmark.

Phase 2 (Verandah Repairs) will cost approximately $15,000 and will be undertaken at a later time.

In addition to your generous donations, the Historical Society is also actively seeking grants and fundraising through the sale of their upcoming book, "St Arnaud Then and Now," which will be launched in November 2024.

Every donation, big or small, will not only help restore the museum but also preserve the rich history of this beautiful town.

Watch this YouTube video by Kingdeano Adventures, who had the opportunity to tour the museum in 2023.