After four long months of closure, Eden Killer Whale Museum is preparing to open its doors to the public again later this week.
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A working bee was held onsite yesterday, Monday November 8, with about 10 people in attendance dusting and getting the space organised for visitors to enjoy again.
Jack Dickenson, president of the the Friends of Eden Killer Whale Museum said the EKWM team were excited and hopeful about the re opening.
"We are hoping to move forward now, we have had the triple whammy of COVID, roadworks and staff changes," Jack said.
"It was a long time to go without any income. We were successful in getting some government subsidies for a little bit, but have had no full-time employment and it was very concerning to have to stand people down."
The museum will have slightly shorter opening hours than usual initially, which is based around cost and visitation, but the hours of 10am-3pm, 7 days per week will be reviewed weekly, and if demand is there will increase.
The museum houses an impressive collection containing nearly 30,000 items, including the skeleton of the legendary orca, Old Tom.
Whaling and local history exhibitions are in place as is the theatrette with local footage showing, however some of the gallery spaces have been reduced while the building project is underway.
"We are starting to feel more confident in our outlook. We are already seeing a lot more Victorian numberplates, it is mainly them we get our influence from, so we are hoping it all continues," Jack said.
"In another month or so we should be looking at a completion of the main part of the building."
There has been a new intake of staff to operate in the shop and EKWM is currently advertising an office position. The museum is also seeking new volunteers as guides.
All visitors to EKWM must be fully vaccinated, check in with QR code, wear a mask and socially distance.
Dine and Discover vouchers are accepted.
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Leah Szanto
Regional journalist covering the Far South Coast of NSW.
Regional journalist covering the Far South Coast of NSW.
