The funding, totalling $1900, is designed to allow museum volunteers such as Barbara to take part in a placement program in order to gain experience and learn new skills.

Barbara will be undertaking her placement at Albury Library Museum, and believes the government funding is incredibly beneficial.

“It [the funding] provides accommodation and food and supports me while I’m there,” she said.

“It allows me to focus on learning and gaining new skills.

“I’m going to meet people who are interested in the same things I’m interested in, who are going to be able to give me new ideas and new opportunities that I can bring back to the museum here.”

Barbara originally began her volunteer work through the local theatre creating props and sets for productions and discovered that her skills could also be used by the museum.

“I’ve been a volunteer at the Bay Theatre for probably 15 years and my job there has always been either making props or painting scenery,” she said.

“When I started volunteering at the museum I found that these skills were interchangeable.

“What you’re doing at the museum is portraying a scene for somebody, it’s a similar skill.”

On her current work at the Clyde River and Batemans Bay Historical Society, Barbara said connecting with visitors was important.

“We’re trying to provoke a memory for someone, and it’s different for everybody,” she said.

“The purpose of a museum is to keep alive those memories.”

Bega MP Andrew Constance voiced his support for the funding, and believes more museum workers should seek government funding.

“The skills and knowledge gained through these opportunities will be applied back at home to improve collection management and community engagement at local museums and galleries, benefiting communities across NSW,” he said.

“I highly encourage small museum and galleries staff and volunteers to apply for this wonderful opportunity.”

For more information about museum funding and placement programs, visit the Museum and Galleries NSW website; www.mgnsw.gov.au.