Future proofing historical village

Caboolture Historical Society (CSH) has received a major funding boost to support operations and development of Caboolture Historical Village.

CHS, which manages Caboolture Historical Village, will receive $140,000 per annum over the next three years from Moreton Bay City Council.

It continues Council’s financial support of more than 15 years and increases the three-year Community Operational Support Grant funding of $40,500 a year from 2022.

The increase, supported by councillors, was recommended by Council officers for the “significant contribution” the Village makes to “community wellbeing”.

A background report to Councillors says the Village has 80 buildings, 110,000 museum pieces and structures showcasing the city’s early European settlement.

The 12-acre site also offers “educational experiences, hosts community events and preserves local heritage through exhibitions, collections and interactive displays”.

CSH President Greg Raedel said the funding boost is a vote of confidence in the important role the Historical Village played in City of Moreton Bay.

“This investment helps us with building sustainability for the next three years and it gives us a good foundation,” he said.

“It’s the culmination of a lot of work by the Council and our local Councillor Adam Hain and the team at Council that has managed to get this for us which is a fantastic result.”

Mr Raedel said the Village provided an insight into Caboolture’s agricultural roots, where dairy, timber and sugar once flourished.

More than 9000 school children tour the Village each year, with volunteers providing demonstrations of old equipment used by early European settlers.

“Council understands and appreciates the immense cultural value that the Caboolture Historical Village has provided our community for decades,” he said.

“Moreton Bay is experiencing an unprecedented era of growth and transformation, but it is important to celebrate the history on display.”

The funding will support operations while CHS develops and provides to Council a new business and marketing plan outlining how it will continue to engage the community and grow visitation to the Village while improving its financial sustainability.

Councillor Adam Hain (Div 3) said the Village was an essential part of the fabric of Caboolture and a tourism drawcard.

“Not only does the Village proudly preserve local heritage through exhibitions, collections and interactive displays, it also offers educational experiences and hosts community events,” he said.

“Even though we have the wonders of technology available at the touch a button, the Village remains an important reminder of our humble beginnings as a community.

“We want the Village to succeed, and this funding goes some way to helping them do that.”