Museum in Inglewood evolves with innovative changes
« Back- Inglewood Heritage Centre and Australian Tobacco Museum enhanced visitor experience with virtual storytelling
- A new self-service kiosk at the entry point of the museum allows visitors to have access 7 days a week
- Free Wi-Fi and Quick Response Codes (QR Codes) have been installed for visitors to scan using their smartphone.
The Inglewood Heritage Centre and Australian Tobacco Museum now offers a modern and enriched experience to visitors who wish to take a trip back in time.
The Inglewood Historical Society recognised the need for the Museum to better connect with visitors and enhance their engagement. This required bridging the gap between education and visitor experience through the implementation of virtual storytelling, the use of audio and text resources and the installation of a new self-service kiosk at the entry point of the museum.
The project now enables visitors to independently explore the museum and review information at their own pace.
The project was proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s 2021-24 Works for Queensland (W4Q) program in association with Goondiwindi Regional Council.
The Queensland Government contributed $50,000 towards the Community Facilities Security Upgrades project, providing remote access and security at tourist attractions across Inglewood as well as Texas and Goondiwindi.
Council contributed over $17,600 to the project in Inglewood.
The Mayor of the Goondiwindi Regional Council, the Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg AM said the Inglewood Museum is a wonderful town attraction that not only offers photographs and artefacts from a bygone era, but also now highlights through modern technology the history of families and business in the region.
“The development of the Inglewood area was shaped by the tobacco and sheep industry, and it is important to showcase the experiences of pioneer families to visitors as it is a relevant aspect of our region's history,” Cr Springborg said.
Since September 2022, museum volunteers have welcomed more than 1000 visitors. However, the installation of a new self-service kiosk at the entry point will likely increase this number, as visitors will be able to access the museum even when there are no volunteers available to attend the front desk.
“Volunteers play a major role in the experience of visitors to the museum and the depth of their knowledge enriches the exchange between locals and visitors, so while the volunteers are not there virtual tours are available,” Cr Springborg said.
Free Wi-Fi and Quick Response Codes (QR Codes) have been installed throughout the museum for visitors to scan using their smartphone.
Each QR Code highlights a volunteer or local community member who shares their story and local insights.
The funding from W4Q and Council also enabled the facility to install security cameras as a deterrent against theft or damage, along with automated lighting and sensory Emergency exits.
The Inglewood Heritage Centre and Australian Tobacco Museum is open and manned by a volunteer on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am-2pm. However, the Self-serve kiosk will allow entry from 9am-5pm seven days a week.
Cost: $5
Children: Free