Ancient Indigenous history, Gold Coast’s first bikini – forgotten treasures at local museum

A local museum is fighting to share the Gold Coast’s “rich and complex” history. Find out why

Volunteers Lynette Wilson (left) and Pam Hill pose in front of the Veivers early settlers cottage on display at the Gold Coast Historical Museum during the open day, Sunday, July 9, 2023. Photo: Regi Varghese

From ancient Indigenous history to the woman who pioneered the first bikini – a local museum is on a mission to keep Gold Coast history alive.

The Gold Coast Historical Museum stands tucked away on Elliott Street – a plot of land once a sugarcane plantation now filled with relics from the past.

The museum had its open day Sunday July 9 which saw over 150 people turn out for sausage sizzles, coffee, live music and in depth history. It’s only the combined efforts of a small, dedicated team of elderly Gold Coasters keeping the museum afloat.

Laurene Hassard, daughter of Gold Coast fashion and aviator trailblazer Ivy Hassard, in front of her mother’s exhibit. Photo: Regi Varghese

Museum president Brian Adams said: “There is very little of the old history left on the Gold Coast.”

“It’s important that someone just takes the time to remember that this was ancient Aboriginal land, then colonial land and now it’s boomed as a big tourist destination.”

The museum has survived rapid city growth, major development projects and dwindling funding. But it’s the lack of people – especially young people – interested in volunteering that could see the museum close its doors.

Committee member Lynette Wilson added: “We get a lot of schools coming through here and

Brian Adams (left), Carole Morris and Stephen Weinstein during the Gold Coast Historical Museum open day. Photo: Regi Varghese

I love teaching the children what it was like back in those days.”

“It’s nice to know where you come from – but we can only do this with volunteers.”

Longtime volunteer Stephen Weinstein said it would be a shame to see the “rich and complex” Gold Coast history disappear.

“This museum is full of unique exhibitions – fashion, the undersea electric cable, and even the graveyards of pioneering Gold Coast families,” he said.

“This has been a very enjoyable retirement job but now we need help to keep the museum open.”