Queenscliffe Maritime Museum has opened a new all-abilities walkway, viewing deck and listening post for its popular Port Phillip Sea Pilots exhibit thanks to funding from the Allan Labor Government.

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant announced the opening of the project, one of 27 projects improving the accessibility of buildings and public spaces supported by the Labor Government’s $2.5 million Universal Design Grant program.

The Queenscliffe Maritime Museum received $122,000 for the project, which primarily built an accessibility ramp to the pilot vessel Mavis III.

The Queenscliffe Maritime Museum promotes the historical importance of Southern Port Phillip, the challenging entrance into Port Phillip from Bass Strait, and the township of Queenscliff. Visitors experience tales of ship wrecks, life boats and rescues, local fishing, shipping, boating and lighthouses.

The pilot vessel Mavis III is a flagship exhibit for the museum, having spent 26 years transferring pilots from Queenscliff Harbour to the Bass Strait through  ’The Rip’, one of the most dangerous entrances into a port in the world. 

The new facilities at the Museum are part of the Labor Government’s commitment to support people with disability to participate in community, cultural and recreational activities.

Universal Design Grants help ensure programs and services are accessible to as many people as possible regardless of age, disability, gender identity, culture or language.

The latest round of funding supported a range of projects such as accessibility upgrades to Federation Square’s iconic ACMI Museum, to smaller community-based projects such as a covered ramp at the Apollo Bay Historical Society.

Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant

“Congratulations to the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum for their hard work delivering this project which is allowing more people to get close to the pilot vessel Mavis III and learn about its exciting past.”