Ballina MP Don Page and Minister for Heritage, the Hon. Robyn Parker have congratulated the Crew of the Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum and Cape Byron Friends Volunteers, on being recognised at the NSW Government Heritage Volunteer Awards.

Mr Page said these local organisations were just two of 24 individuals and groups honoured as ‘heritage heroes’ at the tenth annual awards ceremony.
 
“Volunteering makes a significant contribution to protecting, preserving and bringing to life our heritage places and stories,” Mr Page said.

Mr Page said it was great to see locally-based organisations being recognised for their work in preserving our heritage.

“The Crew of the Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum was nominated within the maritime heritage category for working tirelessly to develop an impressive collection of artefacts, models, weapons, flags, photos and paintings that explore Ballina’s naval and maritime history,” Mr Page said.

“Made up of a number of ex-mariners and community members, the volunteers of the Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum are a dedicated group who recognise the need to preserve and interpret the rich maritime history of the Port of Ballina.

“Active for the better part of the last 20 years, this volunteer group runs the museum seven days a week with a mission to collect, preserve and present information to its visitors and to the community.

“The success of the museum is due largely to the skills and professionalism of this group of committed volunteers and their work in interpreting and promoting history has received widespread recognition in the community and from afar.”

Also nominated in the maritime heritage category, the Cape Byron Friends volunteer group has played an integral role in the presentation and interpretation of the maritime heritage of the Cape Byron Lighthouse for more than a decade.

“Since the lighthouse museum was established in 2000, the Friends have actively participated in the programs and services of the Cape Byron State Conservation Area with a dedicated focus on the museum and the management of its collection,” Mr Page said.

“With their wealth of knowledge of the history of the area and its maritime tales, the Friends approach their work in a capable and accessible manner.

“Opening the museum seven days a week, these dedicated volunteers welcome visitors and help them in learning about the heritage value of the Cape Byron area.

“Without the ongoing efforts of these volunteers, the ever-increasing number of visitors to the museum and their engagement with the history being explored could not have been achieved.”

The Heritage Volunteer Awards were first introduced in 2002 to recognise the work of local community-based volunteers and heritage organisation in conserving heritage in NSW.

The program has seen more than 200 groups and individuals formally acknowledged for their work over the years.

2011 award winners represent a cross-section of community based organisations, heritage agencies and individuals from regional and metropolitan areas of NSW.