Yarra Ranges Shire Mayor Len Cox is helped by, from left: Federal Member for Casey Tony Smith, Museum of Lillydale Trust Chair Paulette Bisley and Member for Mt Evelyn Christine Fyffe in turning the first sod on works to the Lillydale Museum.By Monique Ebrington
YARRA Ranges Mayor Len Cox officially launched the start of work to the revamp of Lillydale Museum, by turning the first sod last Thursday.
The extension and refurbishment will hopefully see the museum becoming Yarra Valley’s hub of learning, knowledge and celebration.
For more than 30 years the Museum’s Board, the Lilydale and District Historical Society and the community have been pushing for improvements to be made to the museum. Museum of Lillydale Trust, Chair Paulette Bisley said she was happy at the result but was waiting for the new doors to open before she celebrated.
Mrs Bisley said she was happy at the progress, as the public and the board would like the museum to be utilised to its full potential.
“I’d have people coming up to street asking me, ‘what’s happening? And when is it going to happen?’ ” Mrs Bisley said.
“The kids of today are really interested in their roots and this will be a great facility for the community.”
Mrs Bisley said the Lillydale Museum Board, along with community groups and the public raised around $500,000 towards the development.
Mayor Len Cox said the amount was outstanding and was looking forward to what the development will bring to the community.
“I’m very pleased I’ve been involved with it 1992. I’m really pleased to see it started at long last. I do think it’ll be the best regional museum,” Cr Cox said.
“It’ll give people and particularly you people an idea of the history of the area. It’s important that we all have a grasp of our history.”
Combined the Federal and State Government and the Shire of Yarra Ranges have injected $2.4 million into the refurbishment that is estimated to be completed by early 2010.
