HISTORIAN Bill O'Callaghan wants to see Wangaratta's sporting memorabilia dragged out of storage and dusted off for display.
The former city mayor outlined his idea for a sports museum and hall of fame in a recent Wangaratta Chronicle letter to the editor.
And he has also raised the concept with the Rural City of Wangaratta, as part of its investigation into the feasibility of establishing a new museum for Wangaratta.
Ruth Tai, rural city director community wellbeing, who is overseeing the investigation and met with Mr O'Callaghan, said he has some great ideas.
"Particularly as to how arrangements may be made with people who own memorabilia, and how it can be put on show but the ownership retained by the owner," she said.
"If people are agreeable, it would be fantastic to realise the wealth of history," she said.
Mr O'Callaghan said a sports museum would become a key attraction for visitors to Wangaratta, considering the rural city's proud history in a variety of sports.
"Wangaratta has very few tourist attractions," he said.
"There's the cycle track, the Barr Reserve, and we have some lovely churches.
"There are some interesting places in the town, but would they attract people?"
He said Wangaratta supported up to 50 different sports, which could all be listed in the proposed sports museum.
"We could have memorabilia collected from some who've made their name here, including Weary Dunlop, a champion boxer and rugby player, Glenn Clarke, Dean Woods, Rex Hartwig, Nick Morris, and all who've achieved at a high level," Mr O'Callaghan said.
"And of course, Wangaratta could field two teams of league footballers, which would have to come in for a mention."
Mr O'Callaghan said he would like to see the sports museum incorporated with a cultural and historical museum, and staffed by volunteers.
"It would be wonderful to have items on display so people can see them, rather than have them stashed away in a drawer," he said.
A sporting hall of fame is the second part of Mr O'Callaghan's recommendation to council.
"So many people who have done so much over the years, and I think their names should be mentioned," he said.
Ms Tai said Mr O'Callaghan's concept would be included in her report as she investigates the hopes and ideas of different groups.
"We spoke about how, if the museum doesn't go ahead, we may look at how this could go ahead anyway, and hopefully something will be achieved eventually," she said.
"There is a lot of interest and a lot of memorabilia out there, and being very much a sports-minded community, it's something worth considering."
By - SIMONE KERWIN.
PRESERVING THE PAST: Historian Bill O'Callaghan is eager to see a sports museum established in Wangaratta, to showcase items such as this cricket bat, signed by the Australian and English teams that contested the fifth Test at the MCG in 1936-'37.
PHOTO: Cheryl Browne
Last Modified on 21/05/2012 10:34