New Space Shows Off Redcliffe's Rich History

Final touches are being put on the $800,000 Redcliffe Museum upgrade to create a refurbished and extended space that will showcase the peninsula's rich history.

The new space will be opened to the public on Saturday, May 26 by Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Allan Sutherland with actor William McInnes as master of ceremonies.�

The new layout of the museum has been designed to speak equally to locals and visitors and tell stories stretching back thousands of years to a rich Indigenous culture, Queensland's first European settlement and the birthplace of the Bee Gees.

The Redcliffe Museum expansion is the first major upgrade of the former church since it opened as the museum in 2001.

The upgrade includes a new temporary exhibition space, imaginarium, theatre and dedicated areas for collections. The new space will allow the museum to expand its permanent displays and host large-scale temporary and touring exhibitions for the very first time.

Councillor Koliana Winchester (Division 6) said it's a fitting upgrade for the venue that complements its unique architectural style, and couldn't come at a better moment, with the region's narrative evolving each and every day.�

Museums are an important place for preserving our history and for sharing it with generations to come, which is why I think it's important that we invest in them and create a space to collect and display objects and stories that are of huge cultural importance,� Cr Winchester says.

My kids grew up on the peninsula, and each one of them distinctly remembers visiting the museum when they were in primary school to learn about Redcliffe's past, from its Traditional Owners and European settlers to its transformation into a seaside holiday destination and the birthplace of the Bee Gees.�

Volunteers Ian and Margaret Harding have been involved with the museum since Council purchased the site in September 1998.

The upgrade and new facilities will bring a greater awareness of our heritage and create an important educational facility and an impressive tourist attraction,� Margaret said.

New features will include the portrayal of our local Indigenous culture, an innovative children's space and a very generous exhibition area.�

The Redcliffe Museum opens on Saturday, May 26 with formalities from 10.30am and a family fun day from 11am. The museum is located at 75 Anzac Avenue, Redcliffe.