I found a projectile in our donation boxes
Published on 03 June 2025
Imagine you are at work sorting through a box of donations, when all of a sudden you come across an unusual looking item. Upon closer inspection you start to suspect this item might be in fact an explosive, and your heart starts to race – what do you do next?
This is just another day for Glenelg Shire Council’s Collections Management Coordinator Agostina Hawkins, who can now claim that she has had the Bomb Squad called into her workplace, after she found a live projectile in a collections box.
“I was sorting through a series of anonymous donations to the Collection when I made the discovery,” she recalled.
“There were some memorabilia items that dated around the World War II era, however I never expected to find an explosive amongst the items.
“When I realised what it was, I quickly contacted our Risk Unit. Lee [Oakley] our Risk Officer came to do an assessment and made the same conclusion as I did - within a matter of moments the Police were contacted, who in turn notified the Bomb Squad.
“They determined that the projectile was live, but if kept in a safe position would remain a low risk - however it was safe to say we weren’t going to be keeping the item in our Collection. A few days later the projectile was officially removed by members of the Australian Army.”
Ms Hawkins said it was an example of the unusual and unique aspect her role offers.
“It certainly will be an unforgettable moment of my work life, but no two days are ever the same as a Collections Coordinator. One day I’ll be cataloguing items, another I’ll be preparing an exhibition for the community and another I’ll be preparing a funding or research submission,” she said.
“A career in Arts and Museums is filled with variety, there is much more than meets the eye. It really is a privilege to be in this sector.”
Ms Hawkins noted that whilst diversity in the Cultural Collection was important, safety is paramount.
“Not only did this event highlight the importance of our internal safety processes, but also the risks posed with donations,” she explained.
“It is always wonderful to have community members engaging with the Cultural Collection, however many items are not suitable for donation, and this is a prime example of that.
“If community members think they have an item that is cultural or historical significance, we encourage them to submit a donor questionnaire via the Glenelg Shire website. That way we know exactly what items are being donated and aren’t faced with any [explosive] curveballs.”
The Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection houses over 10,000 items valued at over $7 million. The unique collection contains artworks, domestic objects, photographs and records relating to the social, maritime and civic history of the Shire, some of which are of state-wide and national significance.
Council manages the presentation and preservation of this treasured collection on behalf of the community.
For more information, visit: www.glenelg.vic.gov.au/Discover-Our-Shire/Arts-and-Culture/Cultural-Collection.