Past and present volunteers; committee members; donors and many other community members celebrated the Kronosaurus Korner’s 20th birthday at Richmond on Saturday.
Richmond shire councilor June Kuhl said the event saw the museum packed with with great people sharing fond memories of their contributions to the facility.
“The day provided a perfect opportunity to thank everyone who has volunteered their time and energy to help make the Kronosaurus Korner the great attraction it has become,” Cr Kuhl said.
“Everyone involved in any way with the museum from its inception up to present day should be very proud of what they’ve achieved over the last 20 years,” she said.
The unveiling of the recently discovered rib bones of Austrosaurus mckillopi Australia’s first named dinosaur was a big highlight.
Museum curator Dr Tim Holland explained how the new discovery was built on findings from Richmond in 1932 when a worker in the area stumbled across a mysterious set of bones.
A full scale model skeleton of a Pterosaur and an accompanying fossil display were also showcased during the celebrations.
“The Pterosaur fossils are in amazing condition; they’re probably the best in Australia, and they are very rare,” Dr Holland said.
Senator Ian Macdonald gave the opening address on the day and reinforced the great community effort involved in getting such a wonderful facility off the ground.
Founder of the previously named Richmond Fossil Museum Rob Ievers gave an insightful account of the museums formative years and long-time museum associates Val Bennett and Len Smith were given the honour of cutting the birthday cake.
Canadian couple Gary and Barb Flewelling were presented with a plaque recognising their commitment to the museum which has seen them make the trip to Richmond solely to volunteer several months a year for the past seven years.
For photos (courtesy of Patricia Woodgate) from the museums 20th birthday celebrations turn to page 15.
