In the latter half of 2017, the Abbey Museum sought assistance from the Federal Member for Longman, Susan Lamb MP, in lobbying the Federal Government for funding. With assistance from Ms Lamb, the Abbey Museum has been successful in securing $5,000 under the Stronger Communities Program which will help with the construction of fencing around the Museum’s Joust Arena, a feature of its Abbeystowe Living Museum project.
Ms Lamb said “The Abbey Museum and Festival has evolved into a national institution, bringing thousands of visitors into our region each year. This provides a massive boost to our local economy in terms of spending and employment.”
While visiting the Museum to officially announce the successful application, Ms Lamb met with Director and Board Secretary, Edith Cuffe O.A.M., to discuss the next steps for the Abbeystowe Living Museum project.
The project will bring the Museum to life with real medieval experiences, featuring roving actors, craft worker demonstrations, and lifelike buildings and structures which will give visitors an understanding of the cultural and social practices of the Middle Ages.
“‘It’s a really exciting proposal and one that I’m following very closely. Anything that brings jobs, tourism, and education to our region is definitely something that I’d support’” Ms Lamb said.”
The Member for Longman and the Museum’s management will continue to work together to identify opportunities for Government support that will assist with the Abbeystowe Living Museum project’s development.