By ANEEKA SIMONIS
THE Nar Nar Goon war museum dedicated to honouring the millions of animals who served in overseas combat has admitted that it has risked not being able to provide for its own horses.
The Light Horse and Field Artillery Museum said it had been financially crippled since being closed by Cardinia Shire Council in November over fire safety concerns.
Owner Bernie Dingle said that no income from the museum has made life tough in more ways than one but that the great tragedy has been the struggle to feed and care for his horses.
However Officer based Hy Gain Feeds has agreed to feed the 13 horses until the museum re-opens on a new site and the Dingle family is back on its feet.
Hy Gain Feeds Victorian manager Annette Ward said the museum made an important contribution to the often overlooked sacrifices made by animals in war.
“We wanted to acknowledge the horses that served in past wars, the bonds that were made between their riders and the soldiers and ensure that they are remembered for decades to come,” she said.
The news came as a huge relief to Mr Dingle who said every dollar coming in is being put straight to the estimated $80,000 cost of works required to reopen the war museum.
“Without Hy Gain Feeds, we wouldn’t be able to feed them. It’s been a hard season with barely any rain. I had to buy water twice,” he said.
“We have had no-one here for six months. Since we were closed, every little bit of money that comes in is immediately gone.”
The war historian’s horses had participated in the Anzac Day march through the city for the past 23 years but missed out on the latest event through lack of funds.
A brick appeal fundraiser has been launched to rally together the money needed to reopen the museum.
Bricks inscribed with personal tributes to war heroes are now available for purchase, starting at $40.
The museum intends to install the pavers into a walkway or courtyard at the current Nar Nar Goon site in a bid to part sponsor the re-opening of the remembrance site.
It will be a short-term solution, with the collection set to permanently relocate once enough funds have been raised.
The bricks will move with them to the new memorial site.
Mr Dingle predicted the museum will re-open in June depending on fundraising efforts.
Hy Gain Feeds has vowed to provide for the horses until the re-opening.
