Cooktown Museum staff Veronica O’Brien, Beverley Grant and Alex Sieverding with Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch.
WITH the paint barely dry on recent repairs to the historical building, Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch has called for a full restoration of the Cooktown Museum.
Speaking at an event at the museum that was celebrating federal government-funded repairs completed this year, Mr Entsch said he would throw his weight behind lobbying for further funding to bring the building back to it’s former glory.
“I congratulate and thank the museum staff and the National Trust for the work they have done,” the MP said.
“But I threw out a challenge, I asked why can’t I walk up the front steps (at the museum)?
“I’ve set a task for them. I want to know how much it’s going to cost to fix the whole front deck and steps, to install a working lift so everyone can access the second-floor exhibits, and even to get solar power and do a repaint of the internal walls.
“It’s a very, very important facility that tells the story of Cook and his interaction with the Indigenous people, a story that should be shared and told throughout Australia.
Warren Entsch at the official completion celebration at Cooktown Museum.
“(Museum manager) Beverley (Grant) is great, the staff there are doing a fantastic job, but let’s make it the best it can be and bring it back to its former glory so it can be there for future generations to tell the true story of Cook.”
Recently completed repairs and upgrades include repairs to the roof, guttering and attic as well as the installation of new interpretive signage and repairs to the annex roof.
