Friends of Coal Creek

Vision:
To be a progressive, inclusive, community-based organisation that is focused on the sustained, successful development of the Coal Creek Community Park and Museum in Korumburra.

 Mission:
To retain, enhance, and develop the Coal Creek Community Park and Museum:

• So that it provides a physical representation of the early European settlement in South Gippsland between 1880 and 1930 by preserving the assets including buildings, artifacts and working exhibits.

• To promote the Park as a tourist attraction that provides interactive activities that engage the broader local community in understanding life of the early 1900’s

• Supporting the development of the educational program that helps future generations understand the life of the early settlers and their contribution.  

History:
Black coal was discovered in the area in 1872, and the region subsequently developed an important Coal industry. The coal mined was of the highest quality and provided Melbourne and in particular fuelled the railways with coal for the steam locomotives. The mine at Coal Creek operated from 1880 to 1958, when operations ceased.

Coal Creek Heritage Village is a 15-hectare open-air museum, and was established at the site in 1974 by enterprising local community groups. Now called Coal Creek Community Park and Museum, the park became an accredited museum in 2014. It is home to over 60 historical buildings and is used by many local groups and organisations.

Coal Creek was a Community, Local and State government funded project designed to preserve the cultural history of the area. The first building relocated on site was the Korumburra Courthouse, followed by Krowera Church, Jeetho School House and the Mine Manager’s Cottage.

As Gippsland's largest open air heritage village, the vast collection of original buildings and objects tell the story of the coal mining, agricultural, transportation and social history of the Southern Gippsland region.

FOCC Values:
Respectful, Factual, Open to All, Community Based, Non Political, Historically Driven, Transparent.

FOCC Aims:
1. To work collaboratively with the South Gippsland Shire Council (who have management rights), Museum Victoria (museum accreditation) and the Victorian State Government Departments (DELWP, Tourism) to secure the successful long-term management and operations of Coal Creek Park.

2. To assist in delivering a management plan for the ongoing operation of the Historic Park that incorporates the requirements of all stakeholders – government, council, community.

3. To advocate the use of the park to the local community as well as to visitors to the region of South Gippsland.

5. To raise funds for specific FOCC projects that enhance the use of the park and will assist with programs undertaken.

6. To support and assist in the maintenance of the historical artifacts that are part of the parks collection.

7. To preserve and secure the park for future generations.

For further information, contact FoCC by email: foccenquire@gmail.com