Maritime Heritage Association Victoria

From canoes to clippers to container ships, the sea has moulded the lives of Victorians – carrying gold, wool, wheat and coal, transporting immigrants, providing food and work, and creating prosperity.

The MHAV represents over thirty organisations and hundreds of individual members focused upon:

• Vessels: promoting the preservation of historic vessels
• Awareness: expanding the awareness of maritime heritage
• Collections: supporting document, image and artefact collections
• Experiences: celebrating livelihoods, social contexts and experiences

The aim of the MHAV is to facilitate the establishment and ongoing development of a state maritime heritage centre at Williamstown

• Victoria is the only Australian state without a major centre to preserve, explore and celebrate its vast maritime riches.
• The ex-Port of Melbourne Authority site at Williamstown is land held in trust for the people of Victoria.
• Since 2003, the derelict site has been transformed by community efforts into a public precinct for maritime events and visiting heritage vessels, now called Seaworks.
• The Seaworks site has the location, history and infrastructure to be developed into a world-class 'working port' heritage centre.
• 'Working port' centres are recognised today as international tourist drawcards, and entertainment, educational and economic drivers for their localities.
• The MHAV calls for the development and management, by a dedicated not-for-profit organization, of a world-class Victorian maritime heritage centre in Williamstown.