Pioneer village within reach of $30k fundraising target

THE community has thrown its support behind the Highfields Pioneer Village after COVID-19 decimated its income and put it at risk of closing.

THE community has thrown its support behind the Highfields Pioneer Village after COVID-19 decimated its income and put it at risk of closing.

After launching a GoFundMe campaign in mid-May, people have donated $24,591 to the museum's kitty.

It means the museum is just $5409 short of its $30,000 fundraising goal - a figure that will allow it to operate on a "no-frills" budget for the next year.

The village has been closed to the public since COVID-19 restrictions came into play.

Village volunteer manager Ray Ashford said if the village was to reopen before hitting its target, it might get into difficulty and have to close again.

"First of all, we'd like to thank all those who have donated already and encourage others to donate, even if it's a small amount," Mr Ashford said.

"Every little bit helps, and it's for a really good cause."

The level of support shown so far from the community is indicative of how cherished the village is.

Since it opened in 1993 in order to give the younger generation an insight into how the region's pioneers lived and worked, it has taken on a life of its own, hosting the annual Easter Vintage Festival, Australia Day celebrations, school visits, weddings and more.

And all of it has been under the steam of its band of volunteers, many of whom haven't let COVID-19 stop them from helping out around the grounds.

"There's many thousands of artefacts here we've preserved and restored that would have otherwise been lost, almost without exception," Mr Ashford said.

"There's a huge cross section of people from all walks of life who enjoy the Pioneer Village, and I guess that's why (our fundraiser) has done so well."

To help the village, head here.