Cultural Heritage Caloundra City Council

Cultural Heritage Caloundra City Council

Policy Position Corporate Plan theme Heritage. Our goal: The rich and diverse heritage of the region is recognised, protected and enhanced to enrich the local character and identity of Caloundra City. 2

Key Policy Directions: Implement the endorsed recommendation of Social Strategy Ensure Heritage values are protected in Council s regulatory framework/planning documents Developing formal protocols/understanding with traditional owners. Endorsed Programs: Cultural Heritage Register Cultural Heritage Awareness/education Support for Community Groups, establishing networks. Measuring effectiveness (protection, collections and preservation) Encourage Festivals to celebrate our history. 3

Policy Position Social Policy Outcome 6: A creative and cultural community. Strategy Our community s unique culture will be recognised, celebrated and protected. Current Projects/Programs Glass House Mountains Cultural Heritage Study (Action 6.2.9) Cultural Heritage Register (Action 6.2.2) Cultural Heritage Legislation Councillor and staff training Bankfoot House purchase and collection inventory RADF programs Local Studies Unit Caloundra City Libraries Public Art Policy and projects. 4

Action 6.2.8 Investigate Council s preferred direction and outcomes in relation to Cultural Heritage and the management of collections in our City, including Museums, Art Collections and Local Studies. 5

Cultural heritage and sense of place are dynamic, creative and evolving concepts, not rigid, nostalgic and static. They are essential prerequisites to sustainable living, planning and development. Cultural Heritage Centre for Asia and the Pacific, Deakin University, Burwood 6

GROUPS & INITIATIVES Council is increasingly presented with opportunities to preserve its past. The Sunshine Coast Museum Development Officer works closely with the: Shire of Landsborough Historical Society Landsborough Shire s Historical Museum Peachester History Group, Priscilla Cottage Maleny Heritage Collection, and Queensland Air Museum. Each offer unique heritage opportunities that through the development of a City-wide heritage strategy will contribute powerfully to the cultural tourism and economic potential of the City. 7

Caloundra Council has made a significant investment in: Landsborough Shire s Historical Museum Bankfoot House Local Studies Collection - Ma and Pa Bendall film footage 8

Landsborough Shire Historical Museum The Landsborough Shire Historical Museum is a major repository of historic and heritage collections for Caloundra City. Council provides annual base funding of $40,000 for operations to be utilised at the discretion of the LHS. In addition it provides building and grounds maintenance. In 2003 a Community Advisory Board was formed to formalise exchange between the two parties, and to oversee the findings of the Business Plan. 9

Landsborough Shire's Historical Museum is the business entity of the Historical Society, which formed in 1973. Over 10,000 historical items in collection One of the largest social history museums between Gympie & Brisbane. Its mission is to collect, research, conserve, interpret and exhibit the artifacts, memorabilia, documents, photographs and stories of indigenous and non-indigenous peoples whose heritage can be linked to that region, known in the year 2000, as Caloundra City. 10

The main exhibition is located in the Bi-centennial Wing, which is constructed of mud brick and was designed by architect Gerard Murtagh. It houses a comprehensive and diverse collection of objects used in the area in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Collections William Landsborough - Explorer Sir G.F.R. (Francis) Nicklin John Tytherleigh 11

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BANKFOOT HOUSE 13

In 2004, the Caloundra City Council acquired Bankfoot House, situated Old Gympie Road, Glass House Mountains. Bankfoot House was purchased from the Ferris family who were long time residents of the Glass House Mountains. Mr Jack Ferris, who lived at Bankfoot House from the 1960 s, was the last resident. He passed away on 6 October 2002, aged 102. The central section of Bankfoot House, dating from 1878, is the oldest surviving building in the Glass House Mountains district. Bankfoot House is associated with the Grigor, Burgess and Ferris families. Members of these families have made a significant contribution to the district in respect to local industries, community life and local government. The Council wishes to preserve the history of the Ferris and associated families, through the Bankfoot House site and its collection, acknowledging their historic significance to the City of Caloundra and state of Queensland. In 2004 the Caloundra City Council agreed to prepare a general management plan for the site. The purpose of this document is to develop plans for the preservation and interpretation of the site and define the role and responsibilities of the Council. The Bankfoot House Management Plan provides an overview of the condition of the collections; artifacts, ephemera, buildings, significant trees and gardens. It provides plans and policies to preserve the collections and describes management and operational activities that will enable suitable community and cultural tourism outcomes. It promotes three stages of development: (1) Resources, Facilities and Systems, Interpretation; (2) Mary Grigor Cottage, Education and Public Programs; and (3) Jack Ferris Gallery. 14

Grigor Family in the Living Room at Bankfoot House, 1895 Mary at the piano, son James with violin Front L to R, Kenneth, William and William Andrew. Bankfoot House Collection 15

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Local Studies Collection Ma and Pa Bendall film footage The Caloundra City Libraries' Local Studies Collection comprises a significant photographic Collection, oral history interviews and Local Studies reference books, maps, newspapers, and ephemera. The comprehensive collection records the changes and history from the time of early European exploration and Aboriginal occupation to the present day for the towns, people and districts within Caloundra City. Council Council is currently working to preserve a significant part of the world s surfing history through the restoration and interpretation of the Ma and Pa Bendall film footage. 17

All of these projects carry significant value to Caloundra City. Currently, funding for heritage projects is very limited, and Council consider it timely to review current expenditure in a holistic manner to ensure best value for money. A report to Council outlining an expanded heritage program be prepared prior to the 2006/07 Annual Financial Plan. 18