Flagstaff Hill’s Peter Abbott shows off the donated lead typesetting letters and cabinet.
HISTORY buffs from the dusty Mallee have come to the rescue of the fire-damaged Warrnambool Examiner newspaper at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village.
Their donation of a large collection of type in a heritage cabinet will replace the Warrnambool collection which melted in the October blaze last year which also wrecked the adjacent fire station building.
Flagstaff Hill’s manager Peter Abbott last week drove the 500 kilometres to Pinaroo to collect a truck-load of type from the Mallee Tourist and Heritage Centre which also has a significant collection in its letterpress printing display.
“It’s a fantastic gesture,” Mr Abbott said.
“One of our members had been there in recent years and after our fire we contacted the museum to see if they could help.
“There are 22 trays of type and associated pieces which will be used when our office is rebuilt.
“Construction tenders are out and we hope the new buildings are ready by Christmas.
“Our main printing press was in Melbourne for restoration at the time of the fire and will be brought back so volunteers can resume doing souvenir newspapers, lunch bags, gift bags, signs and other products.”
Meanwhile about 130 formal submissions have been received for a suggested masterplan to redevelop the village. Comments close on April 5 and will be considered by the city council before it decides a future course for the tourist attraction.
