Visitors discovering the magic of Mary at The Story Bank

COVID restrictions and floods have not been enough to keep visitors away from The Story Bank in Maryborough, with more than 15,000 people going through the interactive museum in 2022.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said visitors to The Story Bank could discover the magic of Mary Poppins at the birthplace of her author, P.L. Travers.

“Visitor numbers were down at the start of 2022 when Maryborough experienced multiple floods, numbers rebounded in the latter half of the year with more than 2,000 visitors in July - the most visitors in a single month since The Story Bank opened.

“Each year visitor numbers have grown from just over 11,000 in 2019 to 15,236 visitors in 2022.

“Most of the visitors, at least 80%, come from outside of the region.

“The figures not only point to the facility’s popularity, but also reinforce our belief that the Story Bank would attract people to the region, especially the Maryborough CBD.

“There is no doubt that visitors to The Story Bank contribute significantly to tourism and the local economy.”

During 2022, The Story Bank also hosted 15 school groups with 677 students and 20 special interest groups with 319 attendees.

Cr Seymour said new programs would be introduced in the coming year to boost visitor numbers.

“The Story Bank staff are constantly innovating and introducing initiatives – such as Story Time for preschool-aged-children; Lawn Games in the garden during school holidays and Yarning Circle activities – to attract visitors,” he said.

“The Story Bank team have also worked hard aligning educational programs with curriculum content to better support our region’s educators.

“There is a focus on small group activities and play-based learning, so that students have an engaging and enjoyable visit whilst still taking on board key concepts about story telling.”

The Story Bank is on the corner of Richmond and Kent Streets in Maryborough in what was the former Australian Joint Stock Bank.

Council bought and restored the heritage-listed building, the birthplace of Mary Poppins author P.L. Travers, to create The Story Bank which showcases the story of her life, her family, and the influences on her writings.

The $1.5 million restoration project was undertaken with $395,000 funding from the Queensland Government and $395,000 funding from the Australian Government.

Visitors to The Story Bank can interact with displays of P.L. Travers’ life and her magical Mary Poppins stories as well as:

• View images and documents from the P.L. Travers estate;
• Delve into the Cabinet of Curiosities and the Library of Inspiration;
• Open an account and discover the art of storytelling by depositing your own creations;
• Share in stories crafted by Artisans of Story Telling in the Theatrette and Gallery, and;
• Find unique gifts and books in the retail cottage.

 For information on opening hours, admission prices and programs at The Story Bank, go to https://storybank.ourfrasercoast.com.au/