By Molly Magennis
Labor has pledged $4.7 million to deliver the Vietnamese Museum of Australia (VMA) in Footscray if they are successful at the upcoming federal election.
Multicultural affairs opposition minister Andrew Giles and Fraser MP Daniel Mulino made the announcement on May 7 when they attended a Mother’s Day Lunch at the Vietnamese Heritage and Cultural Centre in Sunshine North.
The proposed four storey museum is set to be developed at the rear of 220 Barkly Street, with a function centre also planned to operate in conjunction with the museum.
The VMA would be the country’s first museum dedicated to telling the story of the roughly 110,000 Vietnamese refugees who settled in Australia between 1975 and 1995.
Mr. Mulino said this investment would ensure that Vietnamese Australians have “a dedicated space to collect, preserve, and share their culture and history, and showcase their profound and enduring contributions to Australia.”
“Labor’s support for the VMA will ensure that the stories of Vietnamese refugees who escaped war and oppression are never forgotten.”
Mr Giles said Labor was committed to representing the concerns of multicultural Australia.
“This investment in the VMA project will celebrate and share the traditions of Australia’s Vietnamese community.”
The museum’s planning application is currently under assessment by Maribyrnong council officers, with the application to be presented to the City Development Delegated Committee (CDDC) on Tuesday May 24 for council’s consideration.
