Wireless Hill Museum Collection to be Assessed

Known as a ‘significance assessment’ the review of the collection will greatly assist with the future planning of the museum by determining the value of each item on a range of criteria including: social; historical; technological and aesthetic measures.

Mayor Russell Aubrey said, “Wireless Hill is considered to be of great significance and is on the State Register of Heritage Places. The Wireless Hill Telecommunications Museum is situated at Wireless Hill, in the former Engine Room of the old Applecross Wireless Station. In 2012 the site will celebrate its centenary anniversary as a station, and is the oldest surviving station of its kind in Australia.”

“The Wireless Hill Vision 2020 Project outlined recommendations for building use and ongoing conservation and interpretation of the heritage-listed structures, including the current museum and its collection. The first phase of the project outlines the importance of a significance assessment for the museum collection, which is now over 30 years old.

“The assessment will commence in September 2011, with a special meeting for community members and stakeholders being held on Wednesday, 31 August at 2.30pm at the Museum.

“I invite interested community members to attend this meeting and provide any information they may have about the Museum’s collection. Community engagement and consultation is a crucial part of the process of assessing a museum collection."

The Wireless Hill Vision 2020 plan emphasises the: Aboriginal heritage and connection to the land; its European heritage as a wireless communication site of world significance; and the park’s biodiversity and ecology. Some examples of what is proposed include: an upgrade of interpretative signage; an upgrade of the walking trail experience; an upgrade of park furniture and lighting; a themed play experience that relates to the communication aspects of the site; preparing a new museum experience and multi-use museum exhibition space, and restoration of the remaining anchor blocks.

Events to highlight the 2012 Centenary will include: a Wireless Hill Sculpture Walk; a major art piece to celebrate the site; an art exhibition to focus on the history of the site; school holiday and children's activities; a special Museum exhibition for the Centenary; the Little Hands Children's Festival to be held at Wireless Hill during October 2012; and Wildflower and Aboriginal heritage tours.

For further information visit www.melvillecity.com.au  or contact 1300 635 845.