The accolades continue to build for Bankfoot House, the Sunshine Coast’s heritage listed House Museum, which took home a Finalist Award at the prestigious 2019 Gallery and Museum Achievement Awards (GAMAA) in Cairns on September 19.
The GAMAA are presented by Museums & Galleries Queensland to honour the achievements of individuals and organisations in striving towards excellence.
The award submission, titled Expanding Experience, highlighted how council had worked to enhance the visitor experience at the Bankfoot House Heritage Precinct.
Heritage Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski said it was great to see the work of council and the Friends of Bankfoot House recognised at this level.
“Cultural heritage contributes to our sense of place and connection and the Bankfoot House Heritage Precinct now provides local, national and international visitors with an authentic Sunshine Coast cultural heritage experience,” Cr Baberowski said.
“Receiving the Finalist GAMAA Award is wonderful recognition and I congratulate everyone involved.
“If you haven’t been to Bankfoot House recently, or if you have never visited, make sure you get out to the Glass House Mountains and see the award-winning piece of our region’s history for yourself.”
Council’s Cultural Heritage Services Coordinator Peter Connell said they had been working hard over the past 18 months to create a new visitor experience at Bankfoot House.
“Bankfoot House is a priceless piece of our region’s history and, thanks to this project, the precinct now offers a valuable visitor experience that showcases the tenacity, ingenuity and resilience of our early pioneers and subsequent farming generations,” Mr Connell said.
“Being a finalist a these awards recognises the work we’ve done to create new permanent exhibitions within previously under-utilised spaces, enhance existing exhibitions, introduce temporary exhibitions, develop public programs and explore educational programs.
“Locals and visitors are also embracing the new precinct with visitor numbers increasing substantially since the 150 anniversary last October. The site welcomed more than 3000 visitors in eight months leading up to June 2019 and well over 1000 in the past last two months.”
The Bankfoot House Heritage Precinct is a two acre property that incorporates Bankfoot House, the Mary Grigor Centre, outbuildings including laundry and dairy, restored shed and grounds including the wagon shed, vehicle ramp and gardens.
Bankfoot House is open 10am – 3pm, Friday – Sunday and guided-tours are available.
