Funding win for new education cart

Published on 08 July 2026

Stories of the Glenelg Shire’s rich maritime history will be shared in new and engaging ways following a recent funding success.

Glenelg Shire Council was one of 27 successful applicants in the Maritime Museums of Australia Project Support Scheme (MMAPSS) 2026–2027 Grants Program.

The funding will support the design and production of a mobile Discovery Cart, expanding the museum’s mobile capabilities and enabling hands-on engagement with its collection.

Glenelg Shire Cultural Collections Coordinator Agostina Hawkins said the project would transform how visitors can connect with the region’s maritime stories.

“The cart will feature lockable drawers filled with carefully selected collection items, chosen for both their interpretive value and suitability for hands-on learning,” she said.

“Mounted on wheels, it will allow our team to deliver interactive experiences for visitors and school groups throughout different areas of the museum. The items on display will rotate each school holidays, allowing us to extend the museum’s programmable space and offer fresh experiences.”

The Discovery Cart will be created by local artisan Williamson Fine Furniture, supporting local craftsmanship while delivering a bespoke, high-quality design.

Council has previously received MMAPSS funding for significant projects including the Nyamat Mirring Gallery and the currently underway Great Southern Reef Gallery.

“We thank MMAPSS for this vital investment, which has helped us explore new and accessible ways to share the important stories of our region with the community,” Ms Hawkins said.

The Discovery Cart is expected to be constructed and in use by the end of the year, in time for the Summer school holidays.

MMAPSS is administered by the Australian National Maritime Museum and funded by the Australian Government through the Australian National Maritime Museum and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts.