THE vision of the Katherine Museum’s long-serving former president is one step closer to being realised thanks to a $200,000 grant from the Northern Territory government.
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Chief Minister Adam Giles and Member for Katherine Willem Westra van Holthe announced the funding boost in a surprise appearance at the museum recently, and curator Simmone Croft said she still struggled to believe the money had been made available.
“I was just almost lost for words,” she said.
“It’s going to be amazing for the museum, especially after the loss of its long-serving president.”
Former Katherine Historical Society president John MacNamara died on September 13 before his goal of airconditioning the shed that housed Dr Clyde Fenton’s iconic Gipsy Moth could be achieved.
Mrs Croft said the Top End heat and humidity had caused the aircraft to “deteriorate significantly” over the past two years.
She explained that about $250,000 was needed to install commercial airconditioning and a solar power system to operate it, adding that the museum had launched an appeal to secure the extra money.
“It’s called the MAC Program, which honours Mr Mac and also stands for museum airconditioning,” she explained.
“People can buy a solar panel for $500 and have their name added to a support board on the building.”
Mrs Croft is aiming to have the airconditioning installed by October.
Mr Westra van Holthe said the museum was in “desperate need of some new airconditioning”.
“Unfortunately, the lack of airconditioning has led to the deterioration of the original Clyde Fenton plane,” he said.
“John MacNamara championed the preservation of this plane and this funding is a nice way to honour his memory.”