The community-run museum has enough artefacts and exhibits to interest anyone with a mind for the history of this region – and you can even operate some of the old train equipment.

This week an exhibition illustrating the Illawarra during the Vietnam war years takes pride of place, with the previous main attraction, on the history of surfing and surf lifesaving, shrinking to a smaller but still accessible position.

It’s a look at the region during those wild years when the world was changing fast – times that still produce strong feelings on all sides of the divides.

From the marches against conscription to the fresh faces of young national servicemen in the jungles of South Vietnam, the exhibition does not take sides but concentrates on showing the perspective of those involved.

For curator Kerrie Anne Christian, the war in Vietnam was a “backdrop” to her young life.

“I think there’s still a lot of very raw feelings about the war,” she said.

“And social media has found a way to bring people together – veterans, not just conscientious objectors.”

The exhibition includes a tribute to the family of Vietnam Victoria Cross recipient Kevin “Dasher” Wheatley (deceased), whose family moved from Campbelltown to Coledale after the war.

The museum is open from 1-4pm on Sunday and other times by appointment.