Last week, the Sea Heritage Foundation and Tricolor Associates presented at the International Congress of Maritime Museums, highlighting the innovative research being undertaken aboard the heritage vessel MV Cape Don. The presentation formally announced their partnership to secure the vessel’s dry docking and develop a sustainable, long-term future for the former lighthouse tender. It also introduced the Ghost Fleet program, an ambitious initiative designed to revolutionise maritime heritage conservation, interpretation and community engagement.
The mission of the Sea Heritage Foundation is “To create a self-sustaining Living Working Maritime Museum that preserves heritage, builds skills, and drives innovation for future generations by providing a unique community hub for social and economic change.” It is a not-for-profit incorporated charity registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.
The Foundation develops and operates the Commonwealth Lighthouse Service Museum, which primarily consists of the lighthouse tender vessel ‘MV Cape Don’ (built 1962), provides opportunities for volunteers to work on restoration of the vessel, and provides tours for the public when possible. It also provides a training platform for indigenous seafarer training, in association with TAFENSW, Kings Trust Australia and others.
Shipping Australia’s CEO, Capt Melwyn Noronha, is an advisor to the Board of the Sea Heritage Foundation.
