What’s Happening?
The Australian National Maritime Museum has announced recipients of the 2025 Maritime Museums of Australia Project Support Scheme (MMAPSS), with more than $120,000 distributed to 25 projects preserving Australia’s maritime heritage. This includes funding for Queensland-based organisations in Gladstone, Brisbane, and the Low Isles, reinforcing the state’s role in protecting Australia’s nautical past.
MMAPSS grants support a range of initiatives, including vessel conservation, museum upgrades, interpretive displays, and educational programming. Administered by the Australian National Maritime Museum and funded by the Australian Government, the scheme also offers in-kind support and museological training for volunteers and museum staff.
Why It Matters
Queensland’s identity is deeply connected to its coastlines and seafaring history. The MMAPSS grants ensure these stories are not only preserved but also shared widely.
“Australia is intrinsically linked with our network of waterways. These projects explore our maritime history and enable communities across the country to learn and engage on a deeper level,” said Minister for the Arts Tony Burke.
“Thanks to the dedication of countless Australians contributing to projects across a nationwide network of museums, organisations, and communities, this rich legacy will continue to be protected for future generations,” added Daryl Karp AM, Director and CEO of the Australian National Maritime Museum.
Local Impact (QLD Projects)
Three Queensland-based organisations are among this year’s MMAPSS grant recipients:
-
Gladstone Maritime History Society Inc. The project will carry out preventative maintenance on HMAS GLADSTONE, a decommissioned Fremantle Class naval patrol vessel dry-docked at the mouth of Auckland Creek. It ensures that this important piece of naval history is preserved for future public engagement.
- Queensland Maritime Museum Association (Brisbane), Funding materials and equipment will upgrade artefact and artwork storage, improving preservation of the museum’s significant maritime collection.
-
Low Isles Preservation Society Inc. (Far North QLD) will receive a Museum Administrators’ Course grant to send a team member to the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney for professional museology training, helping regional efforts to elevate collection care and interpretation standards.
By the Numbers
-
$120,000+ distributed nationally through MMAPSS 2025
-
25 funded recipients:
-
15 with direct project grants
-
3 with in-kind support
-
1 with both funding and support
-
6 with training grants
-
-
Since 1995, MMPASS achieved the following:
-
$2.61 million awarded
-
565+ projects supported
-
93+ professional development grants delivered
-
Zoom In (Regional significance)
HMAS Gladstone, dry docked at the edge of Central Queensland, continues to serve as a powerful educational tool. Its maintenance not only supports tourism and heritage education in Gladstone but also strengthens community pride.
Meanwhile, the Queensland Maritime Museum in Brisbane safeguards essential seafaring artefacts, everything from navigation tools to maritime artworks. Their storage upgrade means better protection and future accessibility.
And up north, the Low Isles Preservation Society, a regional group near Port Douglas, gains access to national-level training, helping boost expertise in museum best practices, an opportunity rarely extended to remote Queensland communities.
Zoom Out
Beyond Queensland, this year’s MMAPSS recipients reflect diversity in both geography and heritage stories:
-
NSW: A senior Thaua Elder will build a traditional Kuridja (bark canoe); Shoalhaven Historical Society will conserve Captain John Craig’s sextant.
-
TAS: Conservation of artworks by Owen Stanley and display of the vessel MIRAGE.
-
VIC: Maintenance works on HMAS CASTLEMAINE, interpretive signage in Williamstown, and a memorial for Captain John King Davis.
-
WA: Stabilisation of vessels in the Cocos Keeling Islands, preservation of CHEYNES IV, and digital storytelling of WA’s fishing families.
-
SA: In-kind support to the Robe Branch of the National Trust for shipwreck artefact interpretation.
Additionally, six organisations across multiple states will attend the Museum Administrators’ Course to improve management of maritime collections.
What to Look For Next?
Applications for the next MMAPSS funding round will open soon. Queensland’s regional and community museums are encouraged to apply for:
-
Project funding up to $15,000
-
Training grants up to $3,000
-
In-kind expert support from the National Maritime Museum’s team
Visit www.sea.museum/grants for guidelines and deadlines.
