WORK is progressing on development of the South Australian Volunteer Fire Fighters Museum with a membership drive and events planned after a well-attended annual general meeting in Naracoorte last month.
Around 40 members from all parts of the state travelled to Naracoorte on October 28 for the meeting.
After inspecting the fire fighters memorial and the proposed museum site on Kingston Avenue, members inspected other memorabilia housed at the Naracoorte showgrounds.
The group attended a meeting and workshop in the Country Fire Service regional headquarters in Smith Street, where the annual meeting was held.
Ray Blackshaw, representing the northern branch of the CFS Volunteer Association, presented a cheque for $2000 to the museum.
The evening finished with an address by guest speaker Member for Barker Tony Pasin.
“Financial support from so many across the state, and the ongoing support of contractors, suppliers and volunteers, gives the committee great satisfaction and the long-term goal is now in sight,” museum chairman Rex Hall said.
Mr Hall described outcomes from the meeting as an outstanding success.
“With a revised business plan and the final drawings near completion, a public awareness and fund-raising campaign across the state will start shortly,” Mr Hall said.
The committee was also grateful for assistance from Naracoorte High School and teacher Tony Hill to help upgrade the museum website.
The first statewide fund-raising appeal and awareness campaign has begun with a membership drive.
“It is anticipated that it will not only generate a cash flow, but will enable the committee to keep the public better informed of the ongoing progress,” Mr Hall said.
“Members of the public are welcome and encouraged to become a member of the museum.”
Major events planned over the coming months include a country music concert in Naracoorte Town Hall on April 6, 2018, where a major lottery will be launched on the same night.
Top artists from across the state have been booked to entertain on the evening, with the annual CFS memorial service to be conducted the following morning.
Mr Hall said news of other initiatives in support of the museum would be revealed soon.
