Less than 12 months after the Friends of Tomaree Headland (FoTH) was formed to "provide a strong voice to uphold the historic, cultural, marine and tourism value of this natural paradise", a breakaway group with its sole focus on establishing a museum has emerged.
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The Tomaree Museum Committee (TMC), still in its embryonic stage, has plans for a historic and culturally significant museum on the Tomaree Lodge site at Shoal Bay, once it has been vacated, at a cost estimated around the $15 million mark.
"Our aim is to establish a Tomaree-based museum to recognise indigenous culture, pioneering families and major historical events," said TMC's spokesperson and Port Stephens fishing identity John 'Stinker' Clarke.
"And just last week our plans were given a great boost by the donation by local families of numerous historical artefacts and memorabilia."
Other project team members include Ian Farnsworth, Chris Peters, Dave Wilson, Tim Meharg and Nigel Dique.
Mr Clarke said that TMC had wanted to travel down an independent path to that of FoTH, with a greater emphasis on "acknowledging and preserving the pioneers of Tomaree peninsula, the Aboriginal history and marine industry".
Mr Farnsworth, a retired Defence member, said that the three central themes to the museum covered geological and environmental history and sustainability, Aboriginal history and European discovery and impacts.
"Our primary aim is to develop a museum which through community and government contributions and engagement will document, protect, promote and learn from the history and changing natural environment of Port Stephens. Also to identify a sustainable future for the region," he said.
He said that the TMC would comprise relevant stakeholders charged with taking responsibility for the land and facilities currently managed by the NSW government at Tomaree Lodge and to develop suitable facilities that can be used/leased to interested groups.
The facility would be expected to house the area's natural and historic displays with regional road map; Tomaree Lodge history; environmental; sustainability information displays and learning centre; website and virtual museum.
"The site could also be considered for a Tomaree national park interpretive centre, a new Port Stephens visitor information agency and office space. Our first priority is to formulate concept plans and gain support from government and other stakeholders before working to secure Tomaree Lodge site once it becomes available," he said.
Mr Clarke said that anyone wanting to contribute can contact him at stinkerfishing@yahoo.com.
