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Port Macquarie Museum

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Port Macquarie Museum

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Discover the people, places and stories that have shaped Port. Our Place. Our Stories.

Port Macquarie Museum offers an authentic connection to Port Macquarie's past and is a must-visit attraction for history lovers, cultural travellers, families and curious visitors of all ages. Port Macquarie Museum is an award-winning local history museum in the heart of Port Macquarie, NSW. Discover the people, places and stories that have shaped our town through engaging exhibitions, fascinating collections and one of Port Macquarie’s most significant heritage sites. Located in Port Macquarie’s earliest surviving commercial building, dating from c1830, the Museum offers an authentic connection to the town’s past and is a must-visit attraction for history lovers, cultural travellers, families and curious visitors of all ages. Explore local stories, discover surprising objects and experience more than you expect at Port Macquarie Museum.

12/11/2026

Picture from the Past
Armistice Day Service, 1971
On 11 November 1971, members of the Port Macquarie community gathered at the War Memorial on Town Green to honour those who had served and sacrificed their lives in war.

The Port Macquarie R.S.L. Sub-branch held a brief service of remembrance, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony. Wreaths were laid by Sub-branch President Dr H. Hodgson, representatives of the R.S.L. Club, and Port Macquarie Municipal Council, represented by Mayor Ald. C. C. (Mac) Adams and Town Clerk W. G. Alcock.

Later that day, veterans of the First World War, led by their president, former Senator Harry Foll, held their own short service at the memorial before attending their annual reunion dinner at the R.S.L. Club.

Originally known as Armistice Day, 11 November commemorated the end of fighting in the First World War in 1918. After the Second World War, the day became known as Remembrance Day, broadening its significance to honour those who had died in both world wars. Today, it is a time to remember all Australians who have died or suffered in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

This photograph captures a moment of quiet reflection at Port Macquarie's War Memorial in 1971, reminding us of the community's enduring commitment to remembrance and the importance of honouring the service and sacrifice of past generations. Remembrance Day continues to connect our community with its wartime history, ensuring the sacrifices of those who served are not forgotten.
Source: Port Macquarie News, Thursday 11 November 1971, p. 4. Photograph: PMM_NEWS-1-84_076, Port Macquarie Museum collection.

11/11/2026

A huge thank you to our incredible team of volunteers who helped make our Bronze win in the Cultural Tourism category at the NSW Tourism Awards possible!

It's been a challenging year for Port Macquarie Museum, making this recognition especially rewarding. We're very proud to see the dedication, hard work and enthusiasm of our team recognised at a state level. We couldn't have done it without you!

Interested in being part of our award-winning team? We'd love to hear from you!

10/11/2026

Object Stories
For Port Macquarie children, the end of the First World War was marked with a special keepsake – a Peace Medal commemorating the return of peace after four years of conflict.

More than 600,000 medals were provided by the Australian Government for presentation to children across NSW. This silver bronze example, minted by Amor Ltd., retains its original red, white and blue striped cotton ribbon.

On 18 July 1919, 450 medals were presented to local children at a special ceremony held at Port Macquarie Public School. The Mayoress, Mrs J. H. Hill personally pinned a medal on each boy and girl in attendance. The ceremony included addresses by Mayor J. H. Hill and local Member of Parliament R. Davidson, along with a special message to Australian school children written by war correspondent C. E. W. Bean.

Although Peace Day celebrations across the British Empire were scheduled for 19 July, Port Macquarie's festivities were postponed until 16 August due to an outbreak of influenza. The children's medal presentation, however, went ahead as planned.

Preserved in the Port Macquarie Museum collection, this medal reflects the recognition of the hardships and sacrifices experienced by local children during the war and reveals how governments sought to encourage patriotism and celebrate victory and peace, even as communities continued to mourn their losses. Our Place Our Stories.

09/11/2026

Bronze for the Port Macquarie Museum at the 2026 NSW Tourism Awards! 🥉

Congratulations to Debbie Sommers and the Museum team on taking out Bronze in the Cultural Tourism category last night. It’s an amazing result, considering the Museum’s historic Store building was under conservation works for most of the year.

Congratulations also to Wildnets Adventures, who flew the flag for Port Macquarie as a finalist in the Ecotourism category.

It was great to catch up with Camden Haven local Cicely Sylow, who sits on the Caravan and Camping Industry Association NSW board and was one of this year’s judges.

Congratulations to all the finalists and winners from across NSW.

Stay up to date by signing up to my eNewsletter and completing the Community Survey on my website.

09/11/2026

Service and Sacrifice, a new exhibition, explores the experiences of the men, women and families of Port Macquarie and the Hastings region whose lives have been shaped by war and conflict over generations.
At its heart are the stories of local people, their service, courage, loss, resilience and sacrifice, and the ways their experiences continue to be remembered within our community today. Our Place, Our Stories.

08/11/2026

War Memorial

05/11/2026

Picture from the Past
Hotel Macquarie, 1971
Big changes were on the horizon for Port Macquarie's waterfront in November 1971, following the sale of the town's best-known hotels.The Hotel Macquarie and neighbouring Royal Hotel-Motel, occupying almost three acres overlooking Town Green and the Hastings River, had been purchased by Mainline Corporation Ltd, a multi-million dollar company operating motor inns throughout Australia under the Noah's Motor Inns name.

Ambitious plans were announced to transform the site into a major tourist and commercial complex, incorporating motel and residential accommodation, a bottle shop, shops and business premises.

At the time, the two hotels operated five bars, a bottle shop, accommodation for 65 guests and a swimming pool. Their new manager, Tom Abberton, predicted the redevelopment would create a dynamic tourist attraction in the heart of Port Macquarie.

This photograph shows the Hotel Macquarie at the corner of Clarence and Horton Streets, a familiar landmark in the town's commercial centre. Local business people welcomed the sale announcement, viewing the investment as a promising sign of Port Macquarie's growing reputation as a tourist destination. The announcement reflected the optimism and confidence in tourism that was transforming Port Macquarie during the early 1970s.
Source: Port Macquarie News, Thursday 4 November 1971, p. 1. Photograph: PMM_NEWS_1-83_013, Port Macquarie Museum collection.

05/11/2026

Thanks to the team from Letz Get Lit 2444 for their support and work in transforming our Museum garden space and The Forest Courtyard into an incredible outdoor alfresco reception and dining venue for our Port Museum Friends Halloween Soiree fundraiser organised by PA YourWay and supported by a wonderful band of helpers, sponsors, donors and volunteers. A truly amazing effort and a truly amazing evening! Thank you!!
Letz Get Lit 2444 PA YourWay The Stunned Mullet Robert Dwyer MP Positive Energy Adventures & Retreats Mantra The Observatory PA YourWay Sunset Framing & Gallery Stick Bar Cousins Tim Maddren Got Ya Back Productions Bruce Thompson, Bourne Street Blooms, Dave & Bron Sound and Lighting, and everyone else!

03/11/2026

Object Stories
Stitched with patriotism, faith and hope, this remarkable handworked sampler tells a poignant story of the First World War and a conflict that lasted far longer than many had anticipated.

Worked in coloured wool on canvas, the sampler features an Australian flag, cleverly stitched to appear as though it is fluttering in the breeze. The flag is accompanied by the words 'Christ for me' and 'Victory', while below are religious messages, decorative motifs and a representation of the Australian coat of arms.

The most revealing detail is the inscription recording the years of the war. Beginning with 1914 and 1915, the maker continued adding each successive year until 1918, almost running out of space. This simple detail provides a moving reminder of the war's unexpected duration and the uncertainty experienced by those waiting for its end.

The reference to 'This European War' is equally telling, reflecting how Australians understood a conflict being fought far from home, yet one that profoundly affected their lives. Although its maker remains unknown, this unusual sampler offers a personal expression of patriotism, religious faith and enduring hope for victory and peace.

Preserved in the Port Macquarie Museum collection, the sampler was professionally conserved in July 2023 with the support of the Australian Government's Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program, ensuring this evocative piece of wartime history survives for future generations. Our place, our stories.

Address

22 Clarence Street
Port Macquarie, NSW
2444

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 4pm
Tuesday	10am - 4pm
Wednesday	10am - 4pm
Thursday	10am - 4pm
Friday	10am - 4pm
Saturday	10am - 4pm

Website

http://www.portmuseum.org.au/

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