Where in Wollongong and the Illawarra can we visit to learn the story of this place? The history of the First Nations people who lived here for tens of thousands of years, our colonial past, the stories of our migrants, industry and trade unions, our rich sporting. cultural and creative history. The answer, in brief, is nowhere.

Where can our visitors from interstate of overseas call in to see, hear and experience the very essence of life and living in this stunning piece of Australia? Sadly, and surprisingly there is no such place.

A small group of people who are behind hugely ambitious plans to champion a world-class museum for the Illawarra aren't so much concerned about why this museum doesn't already exist, as how we can put one in place, and in our lifetimes.

There are, in fact, two proposals to put right this significant historical and cultural oversight.

The Museum of People and Industry

Today, The Illawarra Flame explores the first exciting and visionary proposal to establish an Illawarra Museum of People and Industry (MPI). It's a 'think big' proposal. It's a concept based on the best of technology, as it should be in this City of Innovation. 

The proponents confidently believe the project has the potential to transform our city and the region, in the same way MONA has revolutionised Tasmania.

Franca Facci, chairperson of the Migration Heritage Project and convenor of the MPI working group, is one of the driving forces and believes an opportunity exists to create a magnificent new arts and heritage precinct, with the preferred site being on surplus reclaimed industrial land at Port Kembla. 

Franca has her eye on the fact that 2028 – that's just four years away – will mark a century since the establishment of the steel industry in the Illawarra. As well as telling the story of our people, Franca says the Museum of People and Industry will be "a place that will highlight the heritage of our industrial landscape".

This is once in a lifetime

The museum proposal isn't once in a generation in its ambition. It is once in a lifetime.

"It will begin with the stories of our First Australians and through ongoing engagement, research, documentation and exhibition, it will showcase our rich migrant history, highlighting how successive waves of migration have impacted on and shaped our region," Franca said.

"These stories will be underpinned and interlaced with the stories of the industrial giants who were the catalyst for the dramatic and transformational changes our region has witnessed for over 100 years.

"There is nothing else like this in Australia, and that's what makes it so exciting. Once established, the MPI will have the capacity to attract visiting exhibitions and attract blockbuster events which will draw significant visitor numbers and increase spending in hospitality, accommodation and local promotional merchandise."

A huge boost for local tourism

Franca said the Illawarra Museum of People and Industry would provide the biggest boost for tourism in the region ever, as a project that the majority of interstate and international visitors would regard as a 'must see' when coming to the region. It is also expected to be popular with locals hosting guests or simply wanting to find out more about where they live. The museum would be a definite stop for cruise ships calling in to Port Kembla and important educational tourism for visiting school groups.

Franca says the museum concept is being built on five key pillars: our Indigenous history, the migration story, capturing our region's social fabric, our industries' valuable contribution to the nation, and our spectacular natural history, being located as we are between the mountains and the sea.  

"The museum will fill the significant gap that currently exists in the researching, recording and securing of our stories," Franca said. "Without the creation of a museum current and new generations will have little opportunity to learn about the history of our city."

Bringing together the whole story

While the Illawarra has small 'part-time' museums in places like Helensburgh, Bulli, Wollongong, Port Kembla, Shellharbour and Kiama, there isn't a place where the 'whole story of the Illawarra' comes together.

"This museum won't replace any of the smaller museums. On the contrary, it would aim to support and sustain the research of those places and bring some of their displays into the larger museum as part of permanent or temporary exhibitions."

Franca and her team are under no illusion how bold their plans are, and would require significant investment.

"This is an ambitious project which cannot be funded by a single government agency or business operation," she said.

"This project is by necessity, a collaborative enterprise that pursues a shared vision. Many sources of funding will be required, supported by a robust plan and business case with short, medium and long-term goals."

While the initial pitch to Wollongong City Council didn't generate the enthusiasm Franca and her team had hoped for, they believe a change of leadership and new blood on the Council might prove more positive.

Visionary thinking is needed

Franca said visionary thinking was needed to give the MPI project a chance, and while it is still in embryonic stages, its proponents will seek the backing of local, state and federal governments, as well as private sector and philanthropic support.  

Franca says community backing will also be crucial, and because the museum will be telling the stories of the people who have built, and continue to build this city, she feels it will have overwhelming public support.

"Much smaller cities than Wollongong and regions like the Illawarra have wonderful cultural and heritage facilities. By their very nature, these places build local community pride. It's what's missing in our region. It's what we deserve.

"Everyone I speak to about it is extremely positive, including a number of academics at the University of Wollongong and UTS. We believe Wollongong deserves such a place and there's no better time to start this exciting journey than right now."

Soon, The Illawarra Flame will reveal a whole different concept for a bold regional museum. Both have considerable merit. There is clearly a growing momentum and passion to see Wollongong and the Illawarra put something in place that we can be proud of, and which shares the story of this special place between the mountains and the sea.