Wentworth set to become global tourism hot spot with world class military museum slated for 2027
A $34m proposal to build a state-of-the-art military museum and education centre in Sunraysia is gaining traction. See the plans.
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A major military outpost could be deployed close to Victoria’s far northwest border as part of a bold multimillion-dollar plan for a museum and discovery centre.
Wentworth, 30km west of the Sunraysia region’s largest city Mildura is home to the Wentworth Military Museum, a cramped building in the centre of town packed with war artefacts from Australia, her allies and foes stretching back more than 100 years.
But curator Russell James wants to transform the museum — to be based at the Wentworth Airport — into a major tourist destination, and even a training centre for ADF recruits and cadets.
He said he was confident a combination of federal and state government grants, private investment, and traditional fundraising would secure the millions needed to turn the project into a reality, having already secured $351,000 from the NSW state government.
The $34m design includes 2000sq m museum, featuring a 21m-wide poppy memorial as its centrepiece, symbolically shaped to represent the preservation of peace, with two hands holding the poppy.
It would also feature advanced audio tours, a discovery centre with artefacts, a Ghost of the Oceans tour allowing tourists to see the sunken wrecks of vessels such as HMAS Perth, a Wings over Wentworth sound and light show showcasing the training role the area had during World War II a learning centre, theatre and library.
The museum could also be used to train ADF recruits and cadets with a weapons training simulation system, featuring a virtual gun range, although the ADF has distanced itself from that at this stage.
“This would also provide a facility the would be utilised by regional ADF personnel for
required training without having to travel to on-base facilities. This would be the same for
Reserve Units, Cadet Units and Veteran Associations,’’ a business paper states.
“It’ll be an all-inclusive hub, with facilities for veterans and potentially even a training centre for the ADF down the track,” Mr James said.
Wentworth mayor Daniel Linklater said the proposal had the support of the council.
“It will be an absolute tourism drawcard. It’s what we all want in our regional areas, to attract more tourists. Russell’s plan will put the region on the map. It will just be incredible.”
Mildura RSL sub-branch veterans services manager Paul Mensch said a revamped museum would be great for the Sunraysia region.
“We have written letters of support to strengthen their bids for funding. There is a lot of military history here.
“Their plans are extravagant, but they need to be.”
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts pointed to the growing regions grants as one that could be a potential good fit for the museum.
“The Australian Government is committed to developing regional communities, including by funding projects that create jobs, build opportunity and unlock economic growth,” a department spokesperson said.
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