Long Awaited Reopening of the Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum

Military history on show and looking better than ever.

After long months of planning, four months of renovations and a massive effort by volunteers, the outstanding Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum re-opened today.

Chairman Greig Bolderrow has thanked the team of volunteers who repositioned, dusted, replenished and replaced the various displays. “The lift is not fully commissioned but we can work around that,” said Greig, who has dedicated a hefty slice of his life to the museum after iconic founder John Meyers died almost three years ago.

The museum, founded by John and Else Meyers in memory of their son Geoffrey and daughter Karen who died in a car crash, is rated the best in Australia outside of Canberra. It is more than a museum display: absorbing stories and surprising snippets make it an engaging experience.

Boldy said the museum needed to have a soft opening today pending the completion of the lift installation because too much revenue was being lost as southern visitors in Queensland for the winter had had to be turned away.

While the downstairs floor of the museum had had only minor changes, new track lighting had brightened the main entrance. “We’ve often seen potential visitors come to the front door and look into a somewhat dim interior that doesn’t really invite them in. Not now! It shines inside.”

Upstairs was a whole new experience. The Gallipoli Room had moved from the mezzanine to a purpose-built secure room on the top floor. All of John’s prized WW1 collection still took pride of place, but with better lighting to highlight it.

The museum is a Fraser Coast treasure and with the Gallipoli to Armistice memorial and other assets, builds Maryborough as a fascinating city to explore Australia’s military heritage.

Congratulations Greig Bolderrow and all the volunteers who help make this city a wonderful place not only for visitors but also for residents. The museum is a rich, engaging and rare treasure that takes weeks to explore.

This link is to a video of an interview with Boldy posted by Tom Hagan:

https://www.facebook.com/TOMHAGAN2306/videos/1021148920214433

By Nancy Bates