The future of the Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum, one of Australia’s premier firearms museums, hangs in the balance after its forced closure by police following a break-in and the theft of handguns.
Not only has it been closed since the robbery on 25 August, but the museum is being forced to spend thousands of dollars per week on security guards in the interim.
Thieves stole 27 handguns, mostly presentation pieces including a gold-plated Walther P-38, an engraved and gold-plated Browning Hi-Power, and a nickel-plated, engraved FN Model 1903 displayed at the 1903 Melbourne International Exhibition.
Three men have been arrested and charged in relation to the heist, and 13 of the 27 stolen handguns have been recovered, but the museum cannot re-open until a number of security upgrades are implemented – and until they are, on-site security guards are needed, costing the museum about $5000 per week.
All firearms, not just the handguns, have been removed from display while it is closed.
Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum spokesman Kerry Guerin said the main reason for the re-opening delay was waiting on the approval from the museum site owner for approval of the security upgrades required by NSW Police, a process which had so far taken seven weeks, with no clear indication of when that approval might be given.
Mr Guerin said that after the upgrades required by NSW Police, there are at least another 13 other upgrades that need approval, along with a rebuilding of the facilities — notably the Hayes Handgun Gallery and the main firearms display floor.
Museum custodian Donna White expanded on this in a Facebook post, stating the museum was more than willing to purchase the site from owner Thales, and was waiting for the defence company to progress things at their end.
“Over the past seven years there has been an understanding that the Museum would purchase the site it occupies for a nominal price,” she said.
“A draft contract was received in February 2022 and legal work progressed on both sides, but progress has stalled for reasons which have not been made clear to the museum committee.”
Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum famously has one of the best collections of firearms in Australia, but also tells the story of the factory itself and the people who worked there, making not only firearms but also more than 250 other products including golf clubs, pruning shears, mining equipment, and machinery and vehicle parts.
Getting the museum re-opened is regarded as vital not only from a firearm history perspective, but for the preservation of Australia’s industrial heritage.
“Given the delays and lack of communication impeding both the security upgrades and the necessary transfer of ownership of the museum’s site, we’re not confident that the museum can continue to operate under these conditions — but we’ll fight to bring it back for everyone who values our Australian heritage,” Ms White said.
To keep up to date with and support the museum’s re-opening efforts, follow the hashtag #SaveLithgowSAFM on Facebook.
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