The Shire of Collie and community members have come together to give one of Collie’s tourist attractions a new lease on life.
The shire has set up a new advisory committee for the Coalfields Museum, getting it ready for its official re-opening on Saturday July 1.
Shire of Collie president Wayne Sanford said the museum’s re-opening was the work of shire staff, councillors and community volunteers working together.
He said the committee’s role was to run the museum for the next two years before handing it over to a purpose-formed incorporated group.
The museum committee has been comprised of councillors Joe Italiano and John Piavanini, staff members Allison Fergie and Alison Kidman and community volunteers Alan Wade, Kevin Massara, Mark Paget, Susan Lee and Tom Reardon (chosen as works coordinator).
Cr Italiano said many of the issues raised in the 2011 audit have been addressed ahead of the re-opening.
“Many people have already indicated their support for the museum and now is the time for them to come forward and help us with the myriad of jobs which need doing,” he said.
Collie Visitor’s Centre manager Fran Kenneally said Coalfields Museum was an important staple in Collie’s tourism and heritage significance.
“We would love to see it re-opened, it was always a really popular attraction, it’s just unfortunate that its hours were very hit and miss, and I can understand that there were issues, but a lot of people come in and ask about the museum and it’s part of the Working Life [Heritage] Trail,” she said.