The former Morwell Pigeon Club building on the site of the Maltese Community Centre in Morwell has been transformed into Australia’s first Maltese Museum thanks to a $56,270 grant from the Latrobe Valley Authority’s Community and Facility Fund.
The Museum features a collection of miniature handmade replicas of historical buildings dating back to the 1550s during the rule of the Knights of St John in Malta. It also includes a huge collection of Maltese Memorabilia, brought to Australia by migrants since the 1940s.
Extensive works at the building included replacing internal walls, electrical wiring and lighting, replacing front and side doors, removing the suspended ceiling to allow for tall exhibits and replacing guttering and downpipes.
Local contractors were used in the refurbishment project, with many volunteer hours also going towards the project from members of the local Maltese community.
“We are extremely pleased to support this project which has transformed the former Morwell Pigeon Club building into a high-quality Museum for our community to enjoy for years to come," said Latrobe Valley Authority CEO Karen Cain.
