THE Eildon Dams Museum are currently conducting an important fundraiser to protect the houseboat, Mimi Jane. Eildon local Dirk McKernan explained more about the project. “Well, many years ago, Mr Kennett shut down the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission, and so it was smoothing everything out to sell. Among it were these big steels that made a tunnel from the inlet tower to the power station. This tunnel is 23 feet in diameter. “I had these steels laying there and I would show people and say, that's it. And I would say it's big enough to float the Mimi Jane in. The Mimi Jane we have in the yard there. It's supposed to be the oldest houseboat on the lake, realising I'm saying houseboats and not barges or the big boats it used to have. “I said, the Mimi Jane can float through it. When one thing led to another and so many people walked away thinking he's full of bulldust, I decided that maybe I could get enough money together and put them over the Mimi Jane. As so often happens though, “There's red tape for everything.” He explained, “So what was to be a pretty simple job has turned out to be a $30,000-odd job.” Fortunately, the museum has received donations towards the cause from the Eildon Lions Club, the Eildon Opportunity Shop and Eildon Events. These have taken them a long way towards the target amount. They will also be hosting a concert at Pixies at the Billabong on October 25, and another at High Country Estate in Goughs Bayon Sunday, October 18. The event will feature an oratorio by Stephen Wallace and David Billings. People can also make a direct donation to the museum using Pay ID eildondammuseum@gmail.com Dick McKernan is currently 94 years old. He’d love to see the money raised for the project by the time he turns 95.
