By Rowan Forster
The head of a besieged Nar Nar Goon war museum has refused to wave the white flag, leading a final charge to have his facility re-opened.
Bernie Dingle, of the Light Horse and Field Artillery Museum, was forced by Cardinia Shire to close the business two years because it did not meet modern safety regulations.
Despite being given his marching orders, Mr Dingle has refused to surrender.
He said his “life’s work” has been left to gather dust for too long – and he is now ready to continue the battle.
Mr Dingle reportedly organised a meeting with several councillors, Cardinia Shire’s CEO and a surveyor, but it was scrapped at the last minute.
“They’ve done the dirty when they could have helped us,” he said.
“We’re not giving up but they’re showing their true colours.
‘We won’t be taking them to court at this stage, but they’ve put us in a corner and so we have to fight.’
According to the war history enthusiast, he has had an influx of community members reach out offering to help his endeavour in recent weeks.
“In the last fortnight we’ve even formed a committee, so we’ll be meeting soon to figure out our next step,” Mr Dingle said.
“There has to be some sort of compromise.”
In 2016, council ordered Mr Dingle to carry out a series of improvements which included the installation of internal fire safety doors, the removal of six 80-year-old cypress trees and part of a property fence line to make way for four large water tanks.
The total costs exceeded $90,000 – a price tag Mr Dingle could not afford.
“We’ve now got multiple fire safety exits, signage and doors that open outwards,” Mr Dingle said.
“I’ve mapped out clear walking paths and wheelchair access all the way around the museum as requested.
“It still hasn’t been enough.”
Monash National Servicemen’s Association’s Owen Carlton remains dumbfounded by the council’s decision and lack of assistance.
“This museum has functioned in this condition for some 30 years with no recorded incidents that relate to the safety of his public visitors and can see no likelihood of incidents happening in the future,” he said.
Mr Dingle’s collection, consisting of memorabilia from the Second Boer War and WWI, is thought to be the biggest in Australia.
Cardinia Shire Council said it has been in contact with Mr Dingle and hopes to work alongside him to see the museum re-opened in the future.
“We have been advised that the Light Horse Museum has finalised plans and the owner is working with a private building surveyor on a program to open the museum,” General Manager of Planning and Development Andrew Paxton said.
“Council remains committed to working with the owners of the Light Horse Museum to see this valuable collection once again accessible to the community.”
