TIMELINE OF EVENTS 2020-2021
2020
- Friday 19 March – Museum closes due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
- Mid-April. A small group of volunteers tasked to do security walkaround the museum site to satisfy the museum’s insurance policy.
- Mid-May – Repainting of HMAS Diamantina’s Quarter Deck commenced by external contractor.
- COVID-19 Visitor plans for numbers and routes established.
- Late June – Discussions started about a possible re-opening. This required the development of a COVID Safe plan with over 250 man-hours devoted to this one task.
- Late July – Recruitment started for staff to run the museum and comply with the strict COVID Safe requirements.
2020
- Saturday 5 September – The museum re-opened for the first time and only on weekends since COVID-19 outbreak.
- 25 October – VP Day Ceremony held on board HMAS Diamantina.
- 1 November – Museum closed again following decision by CEO amid concern surrounding the museum’s financial future and viability.
- Painting of the decks on HMAS Diamantina.
- December – Museum closed to visitors.
- December – Brisbane City Council commences work on stabilizing the Dry Dock far walls and replacing the fencing.
2021
- Saturday 9 January – Museum re-opened on weekends.
- 21 January – ST Forceful leaves the QMM wharf and towed to the “Yard” at Lytton for inspection.
- Painting of the decks on HMAS Diamantina.
- May – Outside groups started to return to use the museum for film shoots and booked functions/events, small group tours.
- Late July – Planning started for opening the museum on a Friday.
- 13 August – The museum opened on a Friday for the first time since the start of COVID-19.
- 4 September – Opening of the “Indigenous Watercraft and Pearling” exhibition and “Arnie” book launch.
- 4 September – “Imaginaria” attraction opens on part of rented QMM grounds.
- Mid-September – QMM commences being opened on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday as well as weekends.
- 30 September – QMM participation in 2021 The World Maritime Day. Bulwer Lighthouse illuminated in blue.
2021
- 20 November – Unveiling of the Memorial PLAQUE on the replica smoking room of the QGSY Lucinda by the Qld Governor Jeanette Young, PSM.
- 4 December – QMMA Information session and 50th Anniversary at QMM.
- 4 December – 50th Anniversary and Christmas lunch at QMM.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of this land, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.