The History of the Finch Maritime Museum
In the mid 1960’s Frederick Bradley (Frank) Finch O.A.M opened his home to the public to allow them to view his budding Maritime Collection. What had started out as a display of his personal memorabilia from ships he had served on and items of interest from places he had visited, grew to become an important record of Australia’s Maritime History. Further,
it became an important collection with respect of the change brought about through the industrial struggles of the Maritime Unions and the social and political changes which spread across the broad spectrum of Australia. Such a collection is unique and deserves to be seen and appreciated. The Finch Family have a strong connection with the Australian waterfront. Frank’s grandson Matt was the 5th generation of his family to go to sea on the coast. His father went to sea and worked until his retirement on the waterfront in Sydney as a wharfie. Frank was a Life Member of the SUA going to sea at 15 years of age during the Second World War. Frank served in the US Army Small Ships and later in Life became the President of the US Army Small Ships Association. He was a veteran of Australia and, also a member of the US Legion of Honour. A copy of his War Service Medals have been donated to the Australian War Memorial where they have been selected and honoured by being put on display in Canberra. The President of the Finch Maritime Museum, Wayne Finch has been a member of both the SUA and MUA for over 50 years and is also a Life Member. Four of Frank’s sons went to sea on the Australian coast with Dennis and Desmond still serving and are current members of the MUA. The Collection
Is home to exhibits and memorabilia from both World Wars but principally the Second World War. It has collections from the Royal Australian Navy, German Navy, and the US Army Small Ships. The US Army Small Ships, also known as MacArthur’s Navy, were Australian ships manned by Australians and serviced Papua New Guinea and the Pacific islands during the Second World War. The Collection is home for the last pieces of ships that have served our nation and most importantly, the life stories of around 80 Australian Merchant Seamen. Men such as Pat Geraghty, Taffy Sweetensen, Laurie Steen, Terry Tindale, Jimmy Steele, Bert Nolan, Roger Wilson, Mick Doleman, and the list goes on. Ship’s bells, working gear, name boards, masts, a complete radio shack, china, silver ware, linen for ships and shipping companies long gone but still hold a special place in our industry, our Union, and our nation. Our Goal
To protect this amazing legacy and Frank’s dying wish that the Museum be kept in Kyogle and kept together. Frank received the Order of Australia Medal 4 years ago for preserving Australia’s Maritime History. We need to purchase a building to house this wonderful legacy. We have an opportunity to buy a building in the main street of Kyogle at a heavily discounted price from Ritchie’s IGA. To do that, we need to raise around $1 Million to purchase the building and set it up properly as a going concern. Location
Kyogle, though a small country town in northern New South Wales is situated in the hinterland from Byron Bay with all the associated tourist opportunities. The building itself could house more than one business and rental income could be derived from this which would increase the viability of the venture. We have the support of Local Council and our State member of Parliament Janelle Saffin. Kyogle is starting to boom with new people moving into the town along with new businesses. What started as life in a single car garage has grown to become something special, unique, and deserving of assistance to see it be preserved. We respectfully ask for your support in any way possible up to and including a financial donation to make this happen. Our Status
We currently hold a Not-for-Profit Charity status but as the Museum is not yet open for the public, we cannot gain approval for the Donors Gift Deductibility Status. Once that is granted, any donations made above $2.00 may be claimed as a tax deduction. To Donate transfer money to Unity Bank Account
BSB 882 000
Membership number 68589
Account number 100 139 297
Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to working with you. Yours truly
Wayne Finch – President. (Life Member M U A 6002299)
Board Members:
John Higgins
Daniel O’Brien
Ann Gray
Rowan Cahill
Mick Carr
Joe McErlean
John Gibson
Geof Finch
Sr Mary Leahy
