The Ration Shed Museum

Tell us about your business (i.e. introduce your business, share a bit about its history and what it stands for?

Established in 2006 by Cherbourg community Elders, the Ration Shed Museum emerged from a conviction that Queensland's Indigenous history deserved to be acknowledged, documented, exhibited, celebrated and passed down to future generations. This history encompasses profound historical lessons, intricate human narratives, family and clan histories, and the struggles and triumphs of Indigenous people in Queensland.

Since opening its doors, the Ration Shed has become a powerful venue for sharing complex and often challenging histories through human stories, images, and creative interpretations.  This approach has helped foster a collective memory not only for Cherbourg residents but also for Indigenous communities and the broader public.

At this unique museum, original structures, vintage photographs and recorded oral histories seamlessly blend with contemporary creative expressions and cultural practices. This amalgamation of traditional and modern storytelling reflects the broader trend of First Nations identity and artistic endeavours within global culture.

The Ration Shed is operated as a not-for-profit venture under the guidance of The Cherbourg Historical, Cultural and Community Precinct Group. Governed by a board of Cherbourg community members, the museum aims to share the community's rich history with local youth and the wider world. Beyond storytelling, it focuses on creating local employment opportunities and fostering economic growth within the community. All profits generated are reinvested into expanding the Precinct Project and supporting future community initiatives.

What inspired you to start this business?

The idea for establishing a historical precinct emerged during Cherbourg's centenary celebrations in 2004. While gathering items for a commemorative display, sisters Sandra Morgan and Lesley Williams made a remarkable discovery: the old Ration Shed, built in 1927, still stood intact at the edge of the football oval. This find sparked a realisation that the story of the Ration Shed and life in Cherbourg under ‘The Act’ needed to be told.

Could you describe the products or services your business offers? Are there any unique cultural elements or traditions that influence your business/product/service/offerings?

Our exhibits are based on First Nations history and truth-telling. We offer Elder-guided tours, exhibitions, venue hire, art and pottery workshops, and school group activities catered to all age groups. We also have a community Elders space and can host community events.

Our exhibits include:

• Life under the Aboriginal Protection Act (in the Ration Shed building)

• Boys from Barambah – our people in the Anzacs (Office building)

• Domo – life in the Dormitories (Boys’ Dormitory building)

• Cherbourg in the 1930s – by Caroline Tennant-Kelly (Boys’ Dormitory building)

• Barambah-Cherbourg arts and crafts (Boys’ Dormitory building)

• Play the Ball – sport in Cherbourg (Boys’ Dormitory building)

• Strong Women Shadow Boxes (Boys’ Dormitory building)

• Barambah Pottery 1970s and 80s (Pottery House)

• Many Threads – Women’s stories (Domestic Science building)

You can browse and purchase local art and pottery, our publications and videos, clothing, many fine mementos and original Aboriginal products in the Ration Shed Rocko Langton Gallery Shop, located in the Office Building. 

Over the years we have made a significant effort to ensure the precinct is a child-friendly and accessible environment.

Can you share any notable achievements or milestones your business has reached?

The Ration Shed Museum has just celebrated its 20th Anniversary, which is an amazing milestone, the event held on 4 October was attended by 120 people from supporting community and partners.

We have achieved enormous growth in the past 18 months by doubling our tour numbers, relaunching our website with an online gallery shop and having a major exhibition in process for 2025.

The exhibition will focus on an interpretation of the Girls Dormitory and will inform healing and truth-telling for community and visitors to the region.

A further milestone is the Consolidating Our Future project. This project aims to support the ongoing management of the Ration Shed Museum through 2025 and 2026, by providing support for business development and growth that aligns with our Vision and Strategic Plan.

This project focuses on increased employment and professional development opportunities with a flow on effect for First Nations artists and craftworkers who work with our IAC. Our goal is to manage the expansion of the Art Centre and the growth of artwork production to broader domestic and international markets. Through essential management, including our recently launched online gallery, we aim to further strengthen the Indigenous Visual Art industry.

What are your aspirations and future plans for your business?

The Ration Shed Museum houses the only known dormitory left standing in Queensland. This building will be transformed into an international-standard exhibition space. It will have the capability to host rotating exhibitions, with plans for a major sports exhibition to coincide with the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, building on our existing popular sporting heroes’ exhibition on permanent display.

The renovated space will debut with an exhibition about the Girls Dormitory, a building that stood until 1998 when it was destroyed by fire. This exhibit is timely, as the women who lived there are now ready to share their experiences and be heard as a pathway to healing and understanding the past to inform the future. Their stories will shed light on the dormitory's significant social impact and the era it represents.

Do you have any advice you would like to share with others you are thinking to start their own business or pursue their passions?

Do your research, think about who your audience is, what do you want to say, who can you inform and how can you find out what audiences are available to you?

In our location, we consult community to inform truth-telling and present an authentic view to inform visitors.

What does Indigenous Business Month mean to you?

Indigenous Business Month means recognising First Nations culture and business opportunities to maintain an understanding and awareness of the potential to build capacity and provide support to First Nations communities. The Ration Shed Museum is a not-for- profit incorporated association.

We provide tours, workshops and sell products through our gallery shop, that are authentic and made by local artists. IBM provides an opportunity to highlight our place in the market as a pathway to success for cultural awareness, employment opportunities and truth-telling.

How do you celebrate Indigenous Business Month?

The Ration Shed team will participate in 'Making Our Mark: A Conversation with Indigenous Business Cherbourg' on 15 October. We'll host a stall to share information about the Ration Shed's role in the community and its significance as a tourist attraction, museum, and Keeping Place in the South Burnett region. Our goal is also to promote employment opportunities for First Nations community members as tour guides, administrative and reception staff, as well as artists and craft workers.

How can others support Indigenous Business Month?

Other organisations can support Indigenous Business Month by networking, promoting, visiting, and supporting Indigenous businesses. The recent trade show by Supply Nation gave us the opportunity to get to know many Indigenous businesses within Queensland.

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