Tatura Irrigation and Wartime Camps Museum — Attraction in Tatura

Tatura Museum houses a unique collection based on 3 main themes which are: the History of Irrigation in Victoria's Goulburn Valley, the Local and Family History of Tatura and District since white settlement and the history of the seven World War 2 Prisoner of War and Internment Camps and the Garrison and Hospital which were established in this area. Tatura Museum is not the average small town museum. Our collection includes ONLY items which have a connection to Tatura. Whether it is Local, Family, Irrigation or War Time Camps history every article on display has a direct connection with Tatura and is not just part of a general historical display. The collection and our reference library are a valuable source of research material for academics, school children, relatives and former residents.

entry sign to Tatura Currently we are researching the migrant camp which was situated near Rushworth. This camp was converted from a POW camp to a Commonwealth Immigration Camp after the end of WW2 and was used as a migrant camp until 1953. We have a great deal of information about the war time internment camps but little is known about the time the camp was used as a migrant hostel. We would very much like any information, personal stories or photos with which we can piece together this important episode in our local history. If you can help please contact the museum using the details on our "Contact Us" page

Collections

Photographs, art and craft work, records, recollections and other archival material recovered from the former Prisoners of War and Internees in the Tatura Area during WW2, many of whom remained in Australia after their release. These include the collection of 54 works of Leonhard Adam completed over a 50 year period and donated by his daughter Mary-Clare Murvitz of Israel and a collection of war time sketches by Georg Rosenkranz. We have many artefacts and documents relating to the HSK Kormoran and HMAS Sydney as the Kormoran survivors were prisoners of war in Tatura. Books, records, maps, photographs and information on the history of Irrigation in Victoria's Goulburn Valley. Books, photographs, memorabilia, maps and recollections regarding the Local History of Tatura and District including major industries and...

Very interesting and educational, a real eye opener to see what happened here during WW1 and 2. Their collection is extensive and unique to Victoria having been listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. The collection comprises artefacts and memorabilia all donated by former Internees, POW’s, their families and members of the public. Some notable items included in the collection are 54 works of art by Leonhard Adam; sketches by Georg Rosenkranz, numerous hand-crafted wooden items and clothing made and worn whilst interned. There is also children’s toys made for Christmas and birthdays, metal objects (including the handmade lathe), musical instruments, theatre programmes, a collection of amazing puppets and numerous books/documents written during and after internment. So many photos throughout the museum and a very interesting introductory video on...

An amazing collection of memorabilia, including photos, paintings and artifacts from a little known period in Australian WW2 history. Make sure you see the video presentation before you walk through as this gives excellent background information. Entry cost is minimal ($5 adult) and you could easily spend a couple of hours checking it all out. There are also interesting exhibits about the local irrigation systems and local families...