Frenchman”s Beach:  On Monday 21 February, 1876, a submarine cable was opened between Australia and New Zealand. The cable can be seen coming from the stern of the C.S. Hibernia.

Randwick City Council, on behalf of its residents/ratepayers, are developing a Collections Policy for the La Perouse Museum (leased from National Parks for 21 years beginning in 2017 with an option of a further 21 years). Residents/ratepayers and others interested parties are asked to ‘HAVE A SAY’. The opportunity to provide feedback closes 17th November 2020. Send your comments headed “La Perouse Collection Policy” to the General Manager by email council@randwick.nsw.gov.au(External link or by post to Randwick City Council, 30 Frances Street, Randwick NSW 2031.

This is an example of ‘your rates at work’ so also speak to local councillors – contact details. Discussion of this document by councillors, at Council meeting 29th September 2020, can be heard at 3:02:05 – 3:16:20 at this link   There is no discussion of projected cost to ratepayers.

Note that there is no list of items in the policy document to view, however items recorded are listed at this  e-hive link. Note that there are no items listed under telecommunications, only a few natural science items including a pin and a fox skin, and no details as to the value (historical/monetary). There are some items listed in the menu on this site under Treasures of the Collection eg. the Winch Tapestry, the Mill Stone, the replica of the Tree Stump, the replica of the Altar Stone, the bronze statue presented by Gough Whitlam which provide greater details.  The collection to date, including the Snake Show history(displayed in a dedicated room) , has been the result of sponsorships and donations eg. Reece Discombe for items from the Laperouse wrecks. 

FROM COUNCIL WEBSITE:

‘The La Perouse Museum has developed a La Perouse Museum Collection Policy June 2020 that reflects where the Museum has come from and where it might go in the future.

Based on national museum standards, the policy outlines the museums key collecting focus and collections management.

Background
The Policy has been developed by lead consultant Margaret Birtley (former Head of Museums Australia) in partnership with the Curator La Perouse Museum, and funded through a grant from the Australian National Maritime Museum.

The policy has also been developed through consultation with key stakeholders including the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NSW), the Friends of the Laperouse Museum, the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council and the La Perouse Museum and Headland Trust.”

Other key stakeholders not mentioned include those furthering knowledge of communications history eg. The Telstra Museum  The Cable Station was built to house equipment and staff providing the first communications link between New Zealand and Australia and for New Zealand the first link with the rest of the world. There is also a local tourism tradition of snake shows, eg. Cann Family

“We welcome community feedback on the Policy as we continue to develop the Museum as a valued cultural asset for our growing audiences.

To have your say:

• Send your comments headed “La Perouse Collection Policy” to the General Manager by email council@randwick.nsw.gov.au(External link) or by post to Randwick City Council, 30 Frances Street, Randwick NSW 2031.

The Collection Policy is also available in hard copy at all Randwick City Libraries and at the Customer Service Centre, 30 Frances Street, Randwick.

Consultation period: 21 October to 17 November 2020.”