06/01/2025
📢 Australia’s Industrial Heritage at Risk – Action Needed!
The Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum (LSAFM), a cornerstone of Australia’s industrial legacy, is on the brink of closure. This iconic museum, housed in the original factory buildings, preserves not just history but a piece of the nation’s soul – from high-precision manufacturing to intricate hand-drawn illustrations that bring the human stories of our past to life.
Following a break-in in August 2024, critical security upgrades are urgently required to safeguard the historic fi****ms collection. Yet, delays in approvals from Thales, the building owner, have stalled progress. Meanwhile, mounting costs and a lack of income due to the museum’s closure are crippling this vital institution.
🔑 Why It Matters:
The museum is listed on the UNESCO Australian Memory of the World register.
It attracts visitors and researchers from around the globe.
It stands as a living testament to Australia’s industrial history, irreplaceable in its authenticity.
💡 The Solution:
Thales must fulfill its long-standing promise to transfer ownership of the site to the museum. This would allow volunteers to rebuild, reopen, and secure the museum's future as an autonomous, community-driven entity.
🌱 With site ownership, the museum could expand into an even greater asset for Lithgow and beyond – imagine a vibrant café, community spaces, and more opportunities to engage with this extraordinary piece of heritage.
📢 How You Can Help:
👉 Share this post to raise awareness.
👉 Contact your local representatives to advocate for government intervention.
👉 Donate or get involved to support the museum’s fight for survival.
Together, we can ensure the Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum continues to inspire and educate future generations.
For more information: https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/savelithgowsafm
