Above: L-R Zanita Davies, Amy Hawkins and Sue Jacobs
Photo: Kaine Constantine
Magnetic Island History and Craft Centre are preparing to revamp two of their 100-year-old relocated heritage buildings, Butler Hut and Hayles Cottage at Magnetic Museum, thanks to a Queensland Country Good for Good Community Grant.
Magnetic Island History and Craft Centre Inc President Zanita Davies said the $11,000 grant has enabled them to begin repairs to preserve the buildings’ integrity and ensure their ongoing longevity as vital components of the community museum.
“The funding received enables us to immediately begin repairing some rusted-out roofing and termite damaged areas in the buildings so that the local community can continue to take pride in its heritage,” says Ms Davies.
“Local builder Terry Gaffney will undertake the restoration work on the heritage buildings.
“The repairs are essential to help prevent further damage during wet seasons and to ensure that we can keep our facilities in a condition that our local community deserves.”
Queensland Country Bank Magnetic Island Branch Manager Amy Hawkins said she was delighted that a local association was one of eight community groups throughout Queensland to receive a share of the $120,000 grant funding awarded in this year’s Queensland Country Good for Good Community Grants.
“We’re pleased that the Queensland Country Good for Good Community Grant can contribute to providing the required resources to preserve the historic and cultural heritage of Butler Hut and Hayles Cottage at Magnetic Museum,” says Ms Hawkins.
“Butler Hut and Hayles Cottage relate to two of Magnetic Island’s pioneering families and provide a living history for both the local community and visitors to Magnetic Museum.”
“As a member-owned Bank that puts people ahead of profits, we take great pride in being able to give back to our local communities in this manner.”
This is the fourth year that Queensland Country Bank has run the Good for Good Community Grants program and follows a long history of supporting the community through grants with over $2.4 million injected into Queensland community projects since 2005. An element of Queensland Country Good for Good Community Grants involves the concept of paying it forward, with grant recipients partnering with the bank to fundraise 10% of their grant value for Queensland Country’s charity partner, Ronald McDonald House Charities.