What’s Happening?
The Australian National Maritime Museum has revealed the successful recipients of the 2025 Maritime Museums of Australia Project Support Scheme (MMAPSS), awarding more than $120,000 in grants and in-kind support to 25 maritime preservation projects nationwide.
One of the major recipients is just down the road from Rockhampton, Gladstone Maritime History Society Inc., which received funding to conduct essential maintenance on the decommissioned HMAS GLADSTONE, a Fremantle-class patrol vessel dry docked at the mouth of Auckland Creek.
The MMAPSS program is backed by the Australian Government through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts and administered by the Australian National Maritime Museum.
Why It Matters
This funding round provides critical support to Queensland’s regional maritime stories.
“These projects explore our maritime history and enable communities across the country to learn and engage on a deeper level,” said Minister for the Arts Tony Burke.
“Thanks to the dedication of countless Australians contributing to projects across a nationwide network of museums, organisations, and communities, this rich legacy will continue to be protected for future generations,” added Daryl Karp AM, Director and CEO of the Australian National Maritime Museum.
Local Impact (Central Queensland)
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Gladstone Maritime History Society Inc. This project ensures the preventative maintenance of HMAS GLADSTONE, which remains a significant naval and cultural landmark in Central Queensland. The work will preserve the vessel as a public display and educational tool for future generations.
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Queensland Maritime Museum Association (Brisbane) awarded funds to upgrade storage and rehousing of maritime artefacts and artworks, improving long-term preservation.
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Low Isles Preservation Society Inc. received a grant to attend the Museum Administrators’ Course in Sydney, supporting regional museum capability development.
By the Numbers
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$120,000+ awarded nationally
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25 recipients: 15 project grants, 3 in-kind support, 1 with both, 6 training grants
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Since 1995 MMAPSS, supported over 565+ projects and 93 training opportunities worth $2.61 million
Zoom In
Just down the road from Rockhampton, the HMAS Gladstone gives locals and visitors a closer look at Australia’s naval past. The funding will help preserve an important part of Central Queensland’s maritime story.
Zoom Out
MMAPSS 2025 also funds:
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A traditional bark canoe project by a Thaua Elder in NSW
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Restoration of HMAS CASTLEMAINE in Victoria
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Display of the 19th-century vessel MIRAGE in Tasmania
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Interpretive upgrades in the Cocos Keeling Islands
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Digitisation of WA fishing families’ stories
Plus, six organisations will join the Museum Administrators’ Course, supporting best-practice collection care.
What to Look For Next?
The next MMAPSS round is expected to open soon. Community organisations in Central Queensland are encouraged to apply.
📍 For funding details and eligibility, visit:
👉 www.sea.museum/grants