Mulwala Pioneer Museum closed due to structural issues

Published on 28 February 2025

Federation Council has announced the regrettable immediate closure of the Mulwala Pioneer Museum due to serious structural issues identified in recent engineering reports that severely places at risk the structural adequacy of the building.   The decision whilst difficult was necessary to  prioritise the safety of visitors and volunteers.

“The Mulwala Pioneer Museum holds a vital place in our community’s history, and we understand the significance of this closure,” said Federation Council Mayor, Cr Cheryl Cook. “However, the structural integrity of the building has been compromised to a point where public safety is at risk, leaving us with no alternative but to close the site immediately.”

The decision follows engineering research work to support what was to be a signifciant repair of the building, using a State Government Grant, that can now not proceed due to the scale of issues with the building.  Council and the user group were aware that there were major cracking and hence were pursuing a repair project after obtaining the grant for that work.  Unfortunately the recent work including a comprehensive review of historical records and engineering consultant reports, going back many years, revealed that the building's structural problems are beyond the scope of the intended project and the grant funds available.  It is also very likely that it is uneconomical, and possibly impractical to repair the building, due to the original construction methods and the scale of the damage.

“Our primary concern is the safety of everyone who enters the museum,” Mayor Cook said. “We cannot, in good conscience, allow public access to a building that poses a potential hazard.”

Federation Council acknowledges the impact this closure will have on the Yarrawonga & Mulwala Historical Society and its dedicated volunteers. The Council is committed to working closely with the Society to explore all possible options for the future.

“We recognize the hard work and passion of the Yarrawonga & Mulwala Historical Society, and we are dedicated to supporting them through this challenging time,” said Mayor Cook. “We are committed to a planned and considered approach, and we value their partnership in this process.”

While immediate public access is not possible, the Council is exploring the possibility of limited, conditional access for volunteer staff to retrieve and secure items. Further details on this will be provided as soon as they are determined.

To facilitate open communication and collaborative planning, Council will meet with members of the Yarrawonga & Mulwala Historical Society on Monday, March 3rd. 

“We want to engage in productive dialogue to address the Society’s concerns and collaboratively plan for the future,” Mayor Cook emphasized. “This meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss the situation in detail, answer questions, and begin working together on next steps.”

Federation Council reaffirms its commitment to preserving the history represented by the Mulwala Pioneer Museum and supporting the Yarrawonga & Mulwala Historical Society.

“We understand this news is difficult, and we appreciate the community’s understanding and cooperation,” Mayor Cook concluded. “We are dedicated to finding a way to honor the museum’s legacy and ensure the preservation of our local history.”