Over $162,560 Allocated to 27 Projects
The Australian National Maritime Museum has disbursed over $162,560 in grants to support 27 projects nationwide under the Maritime Museums of Australia Project Support Scheme (MMAPSS) as of 14th June 2026.
Funding this year will be allocated to 19 projects, with an additional 8 applicants receiving support to attend a week-long museological training course at the museum. These initiatives aim to conserve and present Australian maritime heritage.
Minister for the Arts, The Hon. Tony Burke, remarked, "These projects bring to life Australia’s maritime history and audiences across the country will be able to experience the unique stories being told."
Notable Projects Across Australia
In New South Wales, the Eden Killer Whale Museum will develop an artwork-led exhibition exploring the Thaua People's connection with killer whales. Meanwhile, the Camperdown Cemetery Trust will conserve graves of significant maritime figures.
Victoria's City of Greater Geelong plans to digitise a photographic album from HMAS Australia's 1934 voyage, while the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum will stabilise the historic couta boat Maud for preservation.
The Wooden Boat Centre in Tasmania will support students with a professional placement at the museum, focusing on best-practice conservation skills. In Western Australia, the Carnarvon Heritage Group will work on the vessel Little Dirk.
Hieu Van Le AC, Chair of the Australian National Maritime Museum, stated, "As an island nation, Australia has always been shaped by its enduring relationship with the sea. Our maritime heritage lives in the stories, vessels and objects that connect communities across generations and across the nation."
Since its inception in 1995, MMAPSS has provided over $2.7 million to more than 580 projects and facilitated over 100 museological training opportunities for organisations across Australia.
This year’s projects span conservation, exhibition development, educational resources, and public access enhancements. The scheme is administered by the Australian National Maritime Museum and funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts.
Among the supported projects is a hands-on 'discovery cart' for museum collections education activities. Another project involves restoring a historic fishing boat, reflecting the initiative's commitment to preserving maritime history.
Last updated: 15 June 2026, 12:21 pm
