The Museum

The work of the Museum compliments the objectives of the Association.  The official name of the museum is “NGVR/PNGVR Military Museum”.

Background
When Wacol army barracks was sold, the Department of Defence set aside 1.5 hectares of land and 5 historic buildings for the National Servicemen’s Association of Australia (Qld Branch) or NSAAQ. Through our previous association with NSAAQ, we were invited to bid for use of one of the buildings for a museum.

Our Association was notified late 2005 of its successful bid and was asked by the NSAAQ to have it ready for its official opening on 12 February 2006. This was accomplished by a huge voluntary effort by 13 members of the Association.

The Museum was officially opened by the Australian Minister of Veteran Affairs Bruce Billson MP and PNG Consul General for Brisbane, Paul Nerau LLB on Sunday, 12 February 2006, when over 300 members of NSAAQ, our Association and guests attended.

In recognition of this work, the Minister granted $3,000 for manikins and exhibit cabinets. The Association was also successful in winning a grant from the Queensland State Gaming Fund to aircondition the Museum. This work has been completed.  Further grants have been received from time to time.

Work is continuing to collect, catalogue and exhibit the many records, artefacts and memorabilia held. While rent is minimal, the cost of  insurance, utilities and general maintenance is borne by the Association. Although entry to the Museum is free, the Association appreciates a gold coin donation to assist with maintenance.

The Museum has links to the Victoria Barracks and MacArthur Museums in the city. Inter-loans are regularly arranged.

You are invited to donate or loan appropriate items to the Museum, with the knowledge they will be properly and securely looked after. Also please do not forget to make a bequest to the NGVR/PNGVR Museum in your Will. Note: All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Objectives of the Museum

1. To conduct and maintain a military heritage museum, on one or more sites, to be known as the NGVR/PNGVR Military Museum.
2. To collect, preserve, restore and display all manner of historical material relating to
   (a) the military and auxilliary forces which have served, or are serving, in Papua New Guinea.
   (b) the cultural and geographical diversity of the Papua New Guinea Archiplago.
3. To encourage research into Australian and Papua New Guinean military history; to publish and circulate articles from books, documents, circulars and magazines of subjects of educational interest to members; and to provide a source of reference and historical records to researchers.
4. To offer an additional public relations vehicle for the Association and to support Australian and Papua New Guinean Defence Forces activities wherever and whenever desirable.
5. To do all such lawful acts as are incidental to or are conductive of the attainment of any or all of the aforesaid aims

For more information about the Museum, please download our brochure here (PDF document, 365KB)

The Museum is not open on a regular schedule.  Generally openings are arranged through the Curator.  Please contact John Holland by phone: 07 3375 5404, mobile: 0449 504 058 or email: newguineajohn@bigpond.com.au.

Since the completion of the upgraded Centenary Highway and Ipswich Motorway junction, access to the Museum by some people may be difficult.  Directions to the Museum are contained in the downloadable Museum brochure.  They are also shown below:

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Groups are welcome and given prior notice, morning tea at the Museum maybe arranged.