Richard King speaks with Bob Cook, President of the Newcastle Industrial Heritage Association, about the long-awaited revival of Newcastle’s Maritime Museum collection. After nearly eight years in storage, the community-built collection is set to be relocated to a new facility in Mayfield—marking a major step toward bringing Newcastle’s rich maritime history back to life.

Bob shares plans for an innovative travelling exhibition that will showcase the city’s deep connection to its working harbour, industrial roots, and seafaring past. With a crowdfunding campaign now underway, the community is being called on to help fund cutting-edge, mobile display technology that will take this unique collection across the region.

The conversation highlights the cultural importance of preserving Newcastle’s identity and explores the vision for a permanent exhibition in the future, with a target launch around Australia Day next year.