Funding has been secured to preserve historical Bert Hinkler artefacts.
Bundaberg Regional Council has successfully applied for a Community Heritage Grant from the National Library of Australia.
Panoramic photographs, strip maps and the ‘Mascot Scroll’ are among a total of 22 collection items that will undergo conservation treatment.
The artefacts help tell the story of Bert Hinkler’s historic aviation journeys.
Tourism, Airport and Information Technology Services portfolio spokesperson Councillor Steve Cooper says the treatment is the culmination of a multi-year project to assess and care for vulnerable items in the collection.
“Hinkler Hall of Aviation houses a remarkable collection of memorabilia, displays and artefacts from the life of Bundaberg-born aviation hero Bert Hinkler, collected by a dedicated group of locals and aviation enthusiasts and entrusted to the care of Council.
“Over the past few years, Council has undertaken assessments to determine the items most in need of extra maintenance and attention.
“As custodians of historic items of national significance, it is important we take good care of the collection for future generations.”
The artefacts will go through three levels of treatment, depending on their physical needs, under the care of a professional paper and photographic materials conservator.
Treatments include surface cleaning, flattening, stabilisation of damaged areas and rehousing in archivally safe packaging.
An archival quality print of the Mascot Scroll will be made for display purposes, allowing the original to be stored safely away from damaging light exposure and humidity.
This third stage of the Community Heritage Grant works follows on from a Significance Assessment in 2022, and a Preservation Needs Assessment in 2023, with treatment of the artefacts to commence in early 2026.
