Balaklava Museum - Urlwin Park and Centenary Hall

05/09/2026

We will be Closed Sunday 13th september. Due to no power that day.

06/08/2026

Tonight the AGM from 730pm normal meeting followed by the AGM. Have you paid your membership? Do you want to be a committee member? Do you want to hold a position on the committee? Do you want to have a say in what's happening at the museum? Come along tonight. 🙂

01/08/2026

Just a reminder next Thursday 6th of August. August meeting and AGM. 730pm. Urlwin Park.

22/07/2026

This week some museum members had the pleasure in chatting with Mr George Turner. We invited George to pop up from Adelaide and have a look through the Balaklava Train station. He was working here in 1955 as a young porter. The rest of this story can be found in this week's Producer.

14/07/2026

We said good bye to our friend Paul today.

Today we gather to honour the life of Harold "Paul" Godbolt—a proud Vietnam veteran, a devoted member of the RSL, and a man whose contribution to both his country and his community will not be forgotten.

Like many of his generation, Paul answered his country's call to serve Australia during the Vietnam War. His service reflected the values of courage, mateship and selfless commitment. But for Paul, answering the call did not end when he returned home. He continued to answer it every day thereafter—in service to his family, in service to his fellow veterans, in service to the Balaklava community, and in service to preserving the memory of those who served before him. Service wasn't simply something Paul did; it was who he was.

Paul was passionate about remembering those who served. Here in Balaklava, his dedication was evident in his ongoing support for commemorative efforts and his commitment to ensuring that our community had a place to gather, reflect and honour those who have worn our nation's uniform. His efforts stand as a testament to his commitment to ensuring that the service and sacrifice of Australian men and women are remembered with dignity and respect. He will be remembered for his quiet dedication, his generosity, his friendship, and his unwavering commitment to ensuring that the stories and sacrifices of others were never forgotten.

Paul was also very clear about one thing: he did not want a funeral. Knowing Paul, he probably wouldn't have wanted too much fuss made over him today either. So, out of respect for his wishes, I won't follow all the usual formalities.
Instead, I'd simply like to say this.

Thank you, Paul.

Thank you for answering your country's call when it mattered most.

Thank you for continuing to answer that call every day afterwards through your service to others.

Thank you for your friendship, your dedication, and for leaving our community stronger than you found it.

The world is undoubtedly a better place because you were in it, and those of us fortunate enough to have known you are better for having walked beside you.

To Paul's family and loved ones, please know that we share your loss. We thank you for allowing us the privilege of knowing him and for sharing him with our community.

As we farewell our mate, let us remember him with gratitude, pride and respect.

The Ode of Remembrance

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

Lest we forget.

09/07/2026

Lions Club of Balaklava & Districts are doing a fantastic job. 👏

07/07/2026

01/07/2026

Interesting history of one of our Balaklava locals. Janice Noyce.

27/06/2026

What a year we have had so far, and now we are halfway through the year. Just a reminder that from next month we will need to start thinking about paying our subs. for next year. If you haven't joined up and want to please do anytime. This year we are asking all members to fill out another membership form, just for our records, if you need one sing out or pop into the museum on a Saturday morning. And remember the AGM is on the First Thursday in August, if you wish to attend, there are a few positions avaliable.

24/06/2026

This week we had a group visit, the Mallala Probus Club. They spent the day looking at both Centenary Hall and Urlwin Park, also enjoying a good home made lunch. Vege Soup, home made pies, pasties, sausage rolls and sandwiches, also tea coffee and cake and fruit. What a lovely bunch, great people. Thankyou and we know you enjoyed the day. 😁👍