Old Treasury Building Annual Report 2017-18

1 contents

The Year in Review...... 3 Strategic Vision...... 5 Highlights of 2017-18...... 7 Future Priorities...... 8 Exhibition Program The Exhibition Program – In-House...... 10 A 1920s Christmas...... 11 A Nation Divided...... 12 Gold Rush: 20 Objects, 20 Stories...... 15 The Exhibition Program – Incoming Early Paintings, 1840-1880...... 16 Behind the Lines 2016...... 16 Public Programs...... 18 Programs Arranged in Partnership...... 20 Education Programs...... 22 Adult Tours...... 23 Marketing...... 24 Website...... 26 Social Media...... 26 Volunteer & Guide Program...... 28 Maintaining Heritage Value...... 31 Administration and Finance...... 32 Other Income...... 32 Security and Risk Management...... 32 FInancial Outcome 2017-18...... 34 Operating Statement...... 34 Governance and Administration Committee of Management...... 37 Organisational Structure...... 37

1 LEFT: ‘Play Me, I’m Yours’ installation by Arts Centre Melbourne, filming for online film. Photo by Katie Dunning. by for online film. Photo Melbourne, filming by Arts Centre installation Yours’ Me, I’m ‘Play LEFT: Dunning. Katie by lamp. Photo iron one cast Building showing The Old Treasury COVER: Dunning. Katie by Photo Building basement. in the Old Treasury replicas the gold admire Children BACK: the year in review

A year of growth

It was another year of spectacular A 1920s Christmas: Christmas at Education programs growth for the Old Treasury the Old Treasury The busy education program also Building. Physical visits increased This nostalgic look at Christmas continued, with our 26 certified by a full 20 per cent, to reach a in the 1920s is fast becoming a teachers presenting to 6,396 record total of 91,297. Many fixture in our calendar. Visitors students. Several new programs of these visitors were tourists, love the hand-made decorations were developed during the year. attracted by very positive Trip and our volunteers have become Advisor and other online site quite the experts at making them. Festivals reviews. But the number of local Additional special events were visitors increased also, which was Gold, Gold! presented in many of Melbourne’s very pleasing. Gold Rush: 20 Stories, 20 Objects community festivals. They followed in June. This exhibition included Open House Melbourne At the same time digital presented many of the major (in which the OTB was the most- engagement expanded across themes of gold rush visited building), the National all platforms, with our combined through the stories associated Trust’s Heritage Festival, Law social media sites reaching an with just 20 objects. The objects Week, History Week, Rare Book incredible 6.8 million accounts. presented ranged from the Week and Seniors Week. Once For a tiny organisation, this is an commonplace to the unusual, again the Grand Final Parade was extraordinary achievement. and from the large to the tiny, launched from the Old Treasury but even the tiny things have big Building, with great fanfare and Museum programs – exhibitions stories to tell. excitement. Centenary of Anzac Two new exhibitions were Behind the Lines 2016 (incoming We are delighted that our overall curated and installed during the exhibition) visitor experience was awarded year. In November we opened A Political cartoons never fail to a Trip Advisor Certificate of Old Treasury Building Reserve Committee of Management Nation Divided: The Great War raise a laugh and this annual Excellence for 2017. 20 Spring Street and Conscription. This exhibition exhibition, toured by the Museum Melbourne VIC 3000 marked the centenary of the of Australian Democracy in Volunteer contribution second of the hugely divisive Canberra, found an appreciative The Old Treasury Building has +61 3 9651 2233 referendums held during the audience. It was shown in the a tiny group of paid staff and First World War on the issue Old Treasury Building from June we could not hope to present www.oldtreasurybuilding.org.au of conscription. Debates on to August and found a ready this ambitious program without this issue divided Australians audience both in the building and the assistance of the large and RESPONSIBLE BODY’S DECLARATION as never before. The exhibition online. talented group of volunteers who was presented as a contribution work with us daily. We pay tribute I am pleased to present the Old Treasury Building Reserve Committee of Management’s to the Centenary of Anzac Associated public programs to them and to our colleagues Annual Report for the year ending 30 June 2018. commemorative program, with Lectures & talks on the Reserve Committee of assistance from the Veterans An extremely busy series of Management, and thank them Branch of the Department of associated programs was for their continuing support. Premier and Cabinet. Both the presented during the year. In all We also thank our colleagues in exhibition, and its associated 73 lectures, informal talks and Public Record Office Victoria and digital content, has been very workshops were presented, most the Department of Treasury and popular with visitors and with of which were free to the public. Finance. visiting school groups. This represented a significant Professor Marian Quartly contribution on the part of our Marian Quartly, Chair Chair staff and volunteer group. Margaret Anderson, Director 30 September 2018

2 3 strategic vision

Our Vision- The Old Treasury Building- inspiring museum and cherished heritage icon-

statement of Purpose Old Treasury Building The Building We present lively and inclusive Governance The Old Treasury Building is one programs that tell Victorian The Old Treasury Building is of ’s finest nineteenth- stories, contribute to community managed by the Old Treasury century buildings. It was connectedness and inspire a Building Reserve Committee constructed between 1858 and sense of place. of Management Inc., under 1862 to store the gold then the Crown Land Reserves Act flooding into Melbourne from We bring the Old Treasury (1978). Committee members the Victorian gold fields. Above Building to life and nurture it are appointed by the Minister ground it provided offices for for the people of Victoria and for Finance. The building is senior government officials, beyond. part of the Treasury Reserve including the Governor of Precinct and is included on the Victoria. The historic Executive Victorian Heritage Register. The Council Chamber is still used on Committee’s responsibilities a weekly basis, in a remarkable under the Act are to: sequence of continuous use. -Ensure public access to the building through a mix of cultural The ground floors and basement and promotional activities vaults now house a free public -Preserve the building’s heritage history museum, open on six value days each week. Accommodation -Use its best endeavours to in upper floors is leased to a operate on a self-funded basis. range of tenants, including a former governor and former premiers. Income derived from these tenancies funds museum operations.

5 LEFT: Detail of Old Treasury Building (Chief Secretary’s Office) drawing, date unknown. PROV VPRS 3686/P1 unit 457 TPM 1.2 VPRS PROV unknown. date drawing, Office) Secretary’s Building (Chief of Old Treasury Detail LEFT: highlights of 2017-18

Visitors Organisation - 91,297 visited in person (up 20%) - 53 volunteers contributed 3,150 hours to - 6,396 school children attended a booked assist with visitor services and programs program - 26 sessional teachers presented education - 6.8M digital visits (up 55%) programs to booked school groups - Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor for - The Memorandum of Understanding with 2017 Public Record Office Victoria was renegotiated and renewed to commence in 2018-21. Exhibitions- In house - External funding of $40,000 was secured for A Nation Divided - A 1920s Christmas (November-December) the exhibition . - A Nation Divided: The Great War and Building Conscription (From December) - Restoration of the forecourt lamps was - Gold Rush: 20 Objects, 20 Stories (From June) completed - Restoration of stone work on the building’s Exhibitions- Incoming façade was completed - Early Melbourne Paintings from the Roy Morgan Research Collection (From July) - A security feature was installed in the lift to secure access to upper floors - Behind the Lines 2016 from the Museum of Australian Democracy, Canberra (July-August) - Additional security features were installed on all floors Public Programs & events - 73 individual programs presented – formal lectures, informal talks, seminars & workshops - Making Public History Series (six seminars) presented in partnership with the History Council of Victoria and Monash University - Events were presented in 10 external community festivals - OTB was the most-visited building in the Open House Melbourne program - The Grand Final Parade launch was held at the OTB

7 LEFT: Visitors in ‘Melbourne: Foundations of a City’ during Open House Melbourne. Photo by Katie Dunning of a City’Katie in ‘Melbourne: Foundations by during Open House Melbourne. Photo Visitors LEFT: future priorities

The strategic priorities for 2018-19 include: - Install new temporary exhibition provisional title Wayward Women - Install of a new long-term exhibition in the gold vaults introducing the Victorian Gold Rush - Research and consult on new exhibition exploring Aboriginal history on the goldfields - Secure external funding for Aboriginal history exhibition and other projects - Develop an exhibition in partnership with researchers from the University of Melbourne on foundation Catholic Archbishop James Alipius Goold (for 2019-20) - Assist in securing external funding for the Goold exhibition - Progress research on a new long-term exhibition on the Yarra (for installation 2019-20) - Develop new digital material to accompany exhibitions - Continue to build digital engagement - Present active public program to support exhibitions - Review marketing strategies to maximise returns and continue to grow visitor numbers - Support partnerships with PROV, History Council of Victoria and Monash University - Complete building works as scheduled - Maintain strong development program for guides and volunteers - Manage expenditure within the OTB budget

8 RIGHT: The gold vaults in the Old Treasury Building. Photo by Katie Dunning Katie by Building. Photo in the Old Treasury vaults The gold RIGHT: exhibition program

The exhibition program – in-house A 1920s Christmas The museum at the Old Treasury Wild Colonial Boys included some Public programs presented to After the success of the small Although commercial decorations As in the previous year the Building is presented on the fascinating objects kindly loaned expand on this exhibition were: Christmas decorations exhibition were available for purchase exhibit proved very popular, with ground floor and in the former by other collections. We were last year, it was decided to at this time, many families many visiting specifically to see gold vaults in the basement. very grateful to the following Introducing Wild Colonial Boys present another similar display. could not afford the expense the decorations. Several schools Exhibitions present aspects of institutions for lending us their with Gabrielle Keating This was located in the basement of shop-bought decorations, requested detailed instructions the history of Victoria relevant objects: 11 July rooms that once housed building preferring to make their own. so that their classes could attempt to the building and its context. - State Library of Victoria - caretakers, the Maynard Family. Patterns were published in local to make their own decorations. Principal themes are the history - Police Museum The Wild Colonial Boy This year’s display expanded the newspapers to provide guidance We hope they succeeded. The of gold in Victoria, its impact - Gold Museum Ballarat with Emily Cross number and range of decorations to crafty Victorian families. Christmas display is likely to on the City of Melbourne, the ( Museum) 22 August shown. Once again patterns were Marketing Officer Katie Dunning be a permanent fixture in the growth of the city itself and the - Harry Brookes Allen Museum of - sourced from contemporary once again researched these exhibition calendar. evolution of a democratic system Anatomy and Pathology at the Ned Kelly newspapers and journals to patterns, translating the intricate of government. We also interpret University of Melbourne. with Faye Dennis create decorations appropriate instructions for our willing band the building, and the career of its - And, of course, Public Record 14 October to the post-war period and the of volunteer decorators. As our talented architect J J Clark. Office Victoria. - 1920s – the period of occupancy dexterity improved, we were Introducing Wild Colonial Boys of the Maynard Family. able to re-create several of the The exhibition program tries to Special thanks also to the with Rob Edmonds more intricate and ambitious combine one or more temporary Billabong Band of the Victorian 5 December patterns. The result was a varied exhibitions, with changes to Folk Music Club for recording a and colourful display that was longer term displays to refresh version of the song ‘The Wild featured in the City of Melbourne’s exhibits, attract new audiences Colonial Boy’ for us. Christmas campaign. and ensure the preservation of artefacts. It is presented in partnership with Public Record Office Victoria (PROV).

After the focus on new long-term exhibitions in 2016-17, this year saw a return to creating temporary exhibitions. Two new temporary exhibitions were curated and installed in December and June. In the meantime the very popular Wild Colonial Boys continued to be exhibited in the temporary exhibitions gallery until May.

10 11 RIGHT: Detail of the display in ‘Christmas at the Old Treasury’. Photo by Katie Dunning Katie by Photo the Old Treasury’. at in ‘Christmas of the display Detail RIGHT: A NATION DIVIDED: THE GREAT WAR AND CONSCRIPTION

This exhibition was prepared A Propaganda War Music of the campaigns to mark the centenary of the Many community organisations Music was also an important second of two referendums held were formed to campaign on the element in the conscription during the Great War (1914-18) conscription issue, both for and campaigns and we were fortunate to determine whether Australian against. There were huge public to have the assistance of the men should be conscripted to meetings and violent street Victorian Trade Union Choir, fight overseas. Although prepared marches. Both sides contributed who recorded several of the as a ‘temporary’ display, it is to a virulent propaganda war. best-known songs to play in the likely to remain on display for Not for the first or last time, exhibition. They very charitably longer than usual, since it nicely ‘truth’ was the first casualty. recorded both pro and anti- complements the adjacent display The government campaigned conscription songs. on Melbourne as National Capital. for conscription, along with A Nation Divided was created to all of the major newspapers, Support material contribute to the Centenary of most of the churches and other Extensive digital material Anzac program with the support civic organisations. The labour was prepared to support this of a grant from the Veterans movement led the campaign exhibition and it has been a Branch of the Department of against. Although completely popular addition to the website. Premier and Cabinet. out-spent by the government There was also an active program on the propaganda front, the of associated talks and lectures. The war within the War anti-conscription campaign was The two conscription referendums supported by several extremely The exhibition was curated in- were hugely controversial, talented black and white artists, house. dividing Australians as never whose posters and cartoons were Design: Arterial Design before. Historians have described highly effective. ‘The Blood Vote’, Installation: Spel Design the debates as the most violent drawn by Claude Marquet, was Sav installation: Danni Wozniak and divisive in the nation’s history said to be the most famous poster Printing: Vival Printing and they consumed the nation of the war. Over one million copies from August 1916 until the end of were printed and distributed. Floor Talks: December 1917. Women as campaigners The Vote Against Conscription Women were especially active with Faye Dennis campaigners on the conscription 14 December issue, on both sides of the debate, - and we feature the stories of The Great War and Conscription two redoubtable women in the with Margaret Anderson display. Both were gaoled for 14 February their activities. Adela Pankhurst and Jennie Baines were tiny in stature, but extremely feisty campaigners. Prime Minister and avid campaigner for conscription Billy Hughes was only comfortable once they were securely behind bars!

12 13 RIGHT: Visitors in ‘A Nation Divided: The Great War and Conscription’. Photo by Katie Dunning by Photo War and Conscription’. Divided: The Great Nation in ‘A Visitors RIGHT: Gold Rush: 20 Objects, 20 stories

The Gold Rush period in Victoria Small objects, big stories The ‘Welcome Stranger’ was rich in both objects and The objects range from the large Of course the story of the gold stories. This exhibition selected and imposing to the tiny and rush would not be complete just 20 of those objects to apparently insignificant. But the without at least one gold nugget. recreate something of the chaos smallest objects, small pieces This one is not an original, but it and excitement of those heady of glass worked as spear points, is a contemporary replica of the decades. Along the way we have one of the largest stories to largest nugget then found in the aimed to present some of the tell. These objects were worked world. The ‘Welcome Stranger’ new research into this important by local Dja Dja Wurrung people nugget weighed over 70 kilos period in Victoria’s history. using the remains of glass bottles when it was found in 1869. It – new material they quickly was so large that it was broken From the useful to the identified as a useful replacement up immediately so that it could decorative for traditional quartz. Access to be weighed. The replica is almost We included both two- the quartz quarries was swiftly as old as the original, and is an dimensional ‘objects’ – appropriated by miners seeking impressive centrepiece to the manuscripts and pictures drawn the seams of gold. We were exhibition. from collections around the state grateful to the Dja Dja Wurrung – and three-dimensional objects Clans Aboriginal Corporation Objects in the exhibition were – the tangible ‘things’ created at for their interpretation of these drawn from many collections the time. Some of these objects objects and their generosity in around the state. We thank are utilitarian. We featured a lending them for our display. the following organisations for heavy wooden gold-washing lending collection items to the cradle for example, an object that New scholarship on exhibition: was both essential and ubiquitous ‘difficult’ histories - in the early stages of alluvial gold- Aboriginal history is one of - Ballarat Cemeteries Trust finding. But we also exhibited a the important themes in the - Bright & District Historical lovely 1850s women’s dress in the exhibition. We tried to balance Society crinoline style. This was equally evidence of the devastating popular, but seems a far cry from impact of European expansion - Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal being suited to life on the rough in the areas of the goldfields, Corporation gold fields. with accounts of the ways in - Art Gallery which Aboriginal people quickly - Gold Museum (Sovereign Hill engaged with the business of Museum Association) gold-getting, as guides, as miners, - Heritage Victoria as traders and as the first police corps on the diggings. - Museum Victoria - National Library of Australia There was a strong theme of - Parliament of Victoria women’s history in the exhibition - Public Record Office Victoria also, told partly through some fascinating archaeological finds, - State Library Victoria excavated both in Melbourne and on the diggings. And several The exhibition was curated in- objects recalled the long history house. of Chinese immigration to Design by: Arterial design Victoria, and the difficulties these Installation: Spel Design Chinese miners encountered in Sav installation: Danni Wozniak the colony. Printing: Vival Printing 15 LEFT: A visitor in ‘Gold Rush: 20 Obejcts, 20 Stories’. Photo by Katie Dunning Katie by Photo Rush: 20 Obejcts, Stories’. in ‘Gold A visitor LEFT: The exhibition program – incoming

Two new temporary exhibitions were received from other museums or collections.

INCOMING EXHIBITIONS Early Melbourne Behind the Lines 2016 Paintings: 1840-1880 From the Museum of Australian From the Roy Morgan Research Democracy, Canberra Collection The best political cartoons of Rare and early pictures tracing the 2016 as selected by the museum. growth of Melbourne, from very July-August early pencil drawings of the town This exhibition showcased the art in the 1840s, to later watercolours of political cartooning, selecting and oils of the emerging city. the ‘best’ of the offerings of the From July year. Combining humour with Some of these pictures satire, these cartoons presented accompaned the Melbourne: a running commentary on the Foundations of a City exhibition: politics of the day. others were hung on the first floor and were presented via booked public tours. Our thanks to the Roy Morgan Research Collection for making these rare and beautiful pictures available to us.

16 RIGHT: Untitled by Warren Brown. Published in the Daily Telegraph 4 July 2016 Telegraph Published in the Daily Brown. Warren by Untitled RIGHT: public program

Programs in addition to exhibition programs were arranged to complement Community events and festivals. People & Events in People & Events in Victoria 1851-1900 Melbourne 1901-1927

The world’s first feature film The Harvester Judgement with Marguerite Bell with Gabrielle Keating 22 July 2017 20 July 2017 - - Closure of Coranderrk Flinders Street Station with James Fiford with Marguerite Bell 21 September 2017 24 August 2017 - - 1860s and 1870s Melbourne Closure of Coranderrk with Sophie Shilling with James Fiford 18 October 2017 21 September 2017 - - Wednesday at One Programs in addition to Melbourne Foundations of a City 1880s and 1890s Melbourne White Australia Policy Lectures exhibition programs were with Margaret Anderson with Helen Marson with Lucy dal Pozzo arranged to complement 24 April 2018 Presented as part of National 15 November 2017 19 October 2017 Foundations of a city Community events and Festivals Trust Heritage Festival - - with Margaret Anderson Reconstructing Melbourne’s Lost - 1851: Colony of Victoria Lord Hopetoun 13 September 2017 Environments Democracy at Work established with Lynne Robertson - Tours of the Executive Council with Andrew Frost 25 January 2018 Australia’s first stamps with Dr Gary Presland 3 July 2017 Chamber 16 January 2017 - with Richard Breckon Presented for Rare Book Week 14-20 May 2018 - Alfred Deakin 7 March 2018 1860: Burke and Wills expedition with Rob Edmonds - Presented as part of Law Week leaves Royal Park 22 February 2018 Open House Melbourne - with Doug Robertson - 29-30 July 2017 WW1 Conscription and the 13 March 2018 Alfred Felton - Propaganda War - with Faye Dennis AFL Grand Final Parade with Margaret Anderson 1873: William Guilfoyle at the 22 March 2018 Commencement from the steps 15 May 2018 Botanic Gardens - of Old Treasury Presented as part of National with Faye Dennis Lt Gen Sir John Monash 29 September 2017 Trust Heritage Festival 19 April 2018 with Rob Edmonds - - - 24 April 2018 From Village to National Capital 5000 stiches: an exhibition 1883: Railway linking Melbourne - with Margaret Anderson preview and Sydney opens Helena Rubenstein 10 October 2017 One of the objects from Gold with Tim Hoffman with Doug Robertson Presented for the Seniors Rush: 20 Objects, 20 Stories 24 May 2018 15 May 2018 Festival with Margaret Anderson - - - 18 May 2018 1893: Bank failures cause severe Billy Hughes Put yourself in the picture Presented as part of financial depression with Gabrielle Keating Holiday activity for 5-12 year olds International Museums Day with Andrew Frost 12 June 2018 15-17 & 22-24 January 2018 21 June 2018

18 19 Programs arranged in partnership

History Council of Kenneth Park- Lectures kenneth Park- Walks Victoria- Making Public Histories Morocco Revealed Colonial Melbourne No 2 Seminar Program 4 July 2017 2 July 2017 - - Great Architects – Walter Burley Clubs of Melbourne Slavery and its legacies Griffin & Marion Mahoney 29 July 2017 24 July 2017 25 July 2017 - - - Colonial Melbourne No 3 The Medieval Past in Modern Art Deco Melbourne 22 October 2017 Melbourne 3 October 2017 - 3 October 2017 - Colonial Melbourne No 4 - Museums of Copenhagen 5 November 2017 1917: Melbourne at War 31 October 2017 - 5 December 2017 - Colonial Melbourne No 5 - Lost Melbourne 20 January 2018 Podcasting history 28 November 2017 - 6 March 20-18 - Colonial Melbourne No 6 - Great Architects and Great 11 February 2018 Material culture: Stories from Architecture - Objects 12 December 2017 Colonial Melbourne No 7 8 May - 4 March 2018 - Arabian Adventures- The Tale of - Wikipedia and history Three Cities: Dubai, Muscat & Colonial Melbourne No 8 12 June Abu Dhabi 5 May 2018 16 January 2018 - - East Melbourne No.1 History Council of Great Architects and their 24 June 2018 Victoria- FRIENDs of Architecture No2 the history council 13 February 2018 - Program Launch Museums of Rome 19 October 2017 27 March 2018 - Great Castles, Houses and Gardens of Ireland 8 May 2018 - Great architects and their architecture No.3 26 June

20 21 RIGHT: Helen Marson presenting a talk in ‘Melbourne: Foundations of a City’. Photo by Katie Dunning by Photo of a City’. Foundations talk in ‘Melbourne: a presenting Helen Marson RIGHT: education programs adult tours

The Old Treasury Building is a unique resource for teachers and students. A magnificent gold rush building General tours of the building Monthly tours featuring the Specialist tours were presented it reflects the growth of ‘Marvellous Melbourne’ and the changing life of the city. and its exhibits were offered early Melbourne drawings and in conjunction with Australia Programs were shaped around the following topics linked to current curricula: Melbourne & Victoria, Gold, by appointment for community paintings from the Roy Morgan Day, Law Week, History Week Governance, Families , Archives and Design. groups and organisations. These Research Collections were also and other events. A new tour, tours included access to the offered and attracted a steady ‘Twilight at the Old Treasury’, Schools represent 7 per cent of our audience at the Old Treasury Building. This year some 6396 students Executive Council Chamber and audience. was also offered to groups at a participated in a booked school program. The museum employed 26 certified teachers as sessional staff to the historic gold vaults. premium price. It included a glass deliver these programs. of champagne and nibbles before a tour of the building.

Professional development for teachers and Professional development for museum presenters museum presenters was offered in association with: was offered through the following programs: - Civics and Citizenship Education Network - Introduction to Museums workshop with Margaret - Deakin University, Cultural Heritage Management Birtley (11 July 2017) - Geography Teachers Association of Victoria - From Robe to Chines Fortunes at the Immigration Museum (22 September 2017) - History Teachers Association of Victoria - Victorian Electoral Commission: Mock elections - Melbourne City Experience Teacher Professional and citizenship with James Fiford (22 November Learning 2017) - Museums Australia Education Network Victoria - Exhibition briefing about A Nation Divided: WW1 - Victorian Law Foundation Education Forum and conscription with Margaret Anderson (7 December 2017) - Let’s begin again – schools program 2018 (30 January 2018) - Exhibition briefing about Gold Rush: 20 objects, 20 stories (16 May 2018)

22 RIGHT: Doug Robertson leading a tour during Law Week. Photo by Katie Dunning Katie by Photo Week. during Law leading a tour Doug Robertson RIGHT: marketing

The strategic aim of the overall marketing strategy was to strengthen brand awareness of the building, the museum and its programs, to build the on-site audience and to increase the museum’s digital reach. It was very successful this year with a 20 per cent growth in on-site visitor numbers and a 50 per cent growth in digital engagement. Specific initiatives included the following:

Open House Melbourne Summer school Once again the Old Treasury holiday program Building opened for both days of For the summer school holidays the Open House weekend at the the Old Treasury Building end of July. Altogether some 3,628 presented a small children’s people visited over the weekend. program ‘Put yourself in the This was significantly less than picture’. The program invited the number who attended in the children to add themselves to previous year, but the OTB was one of the pictures presented in still the most-visited building in the Wild Colonial Boys exhibition the program. Attendances in this and to colour the picture. It was event have fallen over recent included in the City of Melbourne years. Summer campaign. Inclusion entitled us to a listing on the A 1920s Christmas: ‘What’s On’ website (which Christmas at the Old received 14,000 visits daily), the Treasury Summer website (with 196,000 This display is fast becoming a page views), listing on the staple at the Old Treasury and campaign’s digital map and two this year was bigger and better tweets on the @WhatsOnMelb than the last. Working from the account, sent to 308,000 theme of period-appropriate followers. The program attracted homemade decorations, the Old a small but steady audience over Treasury’s volunteers and staff the holiday period. made an impressive number of colourful crepe-paper flowers Schools marketing to instructions published in Finding effective mechanisms to the 1920s. The result was an promote school programs to the exuberant and colourful display. complex school market continued The display was included in the to be a challenge this year. City of Melbourne’s Christmas However in addition to emailing Campaign. This included a listing all government schools with the in their Christmas brochure program, the Marketing Officer (distribution 400,000), inclusion attended two History Teachers on their website under ‘Family Association conferences, and activities for Christmas’, an entry received very positive feedback on the map listing ‘Festive events on the program. and attractions’, a blog post ‘Free Christmas fun in the city’, posted on 6 November and a social media post. The estimated reach for this campaign was 1.12M people or accounts.

24 25 Website Social Media The new website began slowly The Old Treasury’s presence to build some traction over this on social media continued to period. It takes time for Google rise. Our Twitter accounts out- and other search engines to index performed Facebook, with an new sites. Visitor statistics were increase in followers of 38 per only available from 23 August, as cent (compared with 19 per cent the architecture was not in place to on Facebook). However this may record visits before that. However have more to do with Facebook’s it showed a small overall increase increasingly severe EdgeRank in unique page views of 3 per algorithm, which effectively limits cent from 23 August to 30 June. the number of followers who see However the increase was clearly content. building in the last two months of the year, indicating more effective The Twitter reach increased by 45 indexing. In the May/June period per cent. This included posts by site visits increased by 13 per others who did not link directly to cent, suggesting that the positive an OTB account, but to external impact of the new site will be content, such as the website. This more evident in the future. In reflected an active engagement those months more people also with this site, but also the impact entered the site directly, rather of national and sometimes than via a third party, and more global Twitter events. One such visits landed first on selected event, #MuseumWeek, was a pages, rather than the home particular success. Museums page. all over the world articipated in this Twitterthon, with different Additional content pages linked themes each day. Themes to new programs performed well, this year included #difference, after a lull for indexing. The most #women and #heritage – all very popular page was ‘Propaganda relevant to OTB programs. We and the Conscription Debate’, received 156 retweets during viewed by 903 people in May/ the week – more than 2.6 times June, with an average of 7:15 higher engagement than in the minutes spent per visit. Additional same program last year. Our functionality was also built into tweet with the greatest reach was the website. This included school seen by 380,000 accounts. Total and tour booking pages, which social media reach for 2017-18 performed well. Most bookings was almost 7 million accounts – now come through the website, an increase of 17.5 per cent. rather than via email.

26 volunteer & guide program

The Old Treasury Building Long term service was again The following presentations has grown substantially in recognised with 5 year service were provided to guides and programs offered and visitors badges. These were presented volunteers: attracted over the past few to Emily Cross (Volunteer & years. Maintaining a high guiding) and Gail Thornthwaite Workshops level of visitor service, and (volunteer). Introduction to Museums visitor satisfaction through with guest Margaret Birtley this growth period, would 11 July 2017 have been impossible without the significant contribution Decorating the Caretaker’s made by our volunteers and Apartment guides. Volunteers welcomed 1 & 3 November 2017 visitors, provided introductory information and assisted with Briefings routine administrative tasks. A Nation Divided They also presented regular with Margaret Anderson gallery floor talks. They are 7 December 2017 an exceptionally talented and committed group of people, Gold Rush: 20 Objects, 20 Stories whose contribution is highly 16 May 2018 valued. At 30 June there were 53 volunteers. Visits during the year Limelight Studios and Salvation Education groups were managed Army Heritage Centre by an additional group of 26 15 August 2017 highly skilled guides, all of whom were trained teachers. They From Robe to Chinese Fortunes conducted school groups in a at the Immigration Museum range of programs offered to 22 September 2017 children at all stages of primary and secondary school. NGV Triennial at NGV International The Old Treasury Building is 21 February 2018 very committed to ensuring that volunteering is an enjoyable and The MCG and National Sports rewarding experience and offers Museum an annual program of social 17 April 2018 engagement and professional development for all guides and volunteers. A recognition program also ensured that volunteers and guides felt valued for their contribution at all times.

28 29 RIGHT: Volunteers socialise and create decorations for the ‘Christmas in the Old Treasury’ display. Photo by Katie Dunning Katie by Photo Treasury’ display. in the Old for the ‘Christmas decorations socialise and create Volunteers RIGHT: MAINTAINING HERITAGE VALUE

Maintenance of the Old Projects completed this year Treasury Building is managed in included the restoration of the conjunction with the Treasury external lamps on the steps Reserve Precinct. A five-year and amelioration of damaged capital works and maintenance stonework on areas of the façade. schedule was developed in 2015- A contract was also let to remove 16 and implementation began rubble found in ceiling cavities last year. during earlier work. However the actual removal of the rubble did not commence.

Other work completed during the year included the installation of additional security in the lift to limit access to upper floors and the provision of duress buttons on each floor of the building.

LED lighting to illuminate the façade of the building was installed to reduce cost and allow coloured illumination.

31 LEFT: Craftsman works on the lamp restoration. Photo by Katie Dunning by Photo restoration. on the lamp works Craftsman LEFT: aDMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

The Committee of Management Other income Security and risk is required under its enabling Additional income was derived management regulations to pursue financial from tours, education programs A security presence in the front self-sufficiency. Its main source and hiring space within the entrance assisted in managing of income in any year is rental building for events or film access to the building. Additional from the range of tenancies in the locations. security measures were installed building. All rentals are based on to limit access to upper floors and Valuer-General valuations. Filming & Photography: to increase staff personal security. - Collider Films – Wedding on The following departments or front steps Work, health and safety training organisations occupied tenancies was on-going for all staff, and in the Old Treasury Building in - J W Thompson - Breakaway regular fire-safety drills involving 2017-18: Menswear Winter 2018 all tenants were held at random - Department of Premier Catalogue intervals. and Cabinet on behalf of the - Hub Productions – OPPO Governor in Council and other television commercial tenants. (Renewal of lease - The Rafael Effect – studio pending waiting agreement.) photography - Department of Justice (Victorian - The Marketing Precinct - Postie Marriage Registry). (Lease Fashions Autumn Collection 2018 renewed) - Itchy & Scratch Pictures - OPPO - Office of the Victorian television commercial Government Architect - Leadership Victoria, a not-for- Room Hire: profit organisation fostering - East Melbourne Group leadership. - Kenneth Park Lectures - Stork Theatre - History Council of Victoria – Launch of History Council of Victoria Friends - Monash University – Making Public History Seminars -Museum Australia Education Network Victoria – ‘You are not alone’

Illuminating OTB: - Celebrate India – Diwali Festival - ‘Take Action – Go Orange’ activism campaign of Victoria against violence

32 RIGHT: Mark conducts the wedding of Natasha & Melissa Belmond, first same-sex marriage ceremony in the Victorian Marriage Registry. Photo by Katie Dunning Katie by Photo Registry. Marriage in the Victorian ceremony marriage same-sex & Melissa Belmond, first of Natasha the wedding Mark conducts RIGHT: aDMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

The financial outcome for 2017- 18 saw a positive increase in total equity to $287,457. Expenditure during the year was less than budgeted due principally to two factors – the absence of one staff member on maternity leave and success in attracting external OPERATING STATEMENT exhibition funding for one of the two scheduled exhibitions. Income Tenant Income $581,645 The Committee of Management Tenant and Other Income $142,525 determined that retained Total Income $724,170 exhibition funds should be redirected to the redevelopment Cost of Sales $420 of displays in the gold vaults. This will take place during 2018-19. Gross Surplus $723,750

Expenses Employee Expenses $449,318 Exhibitions and Tours $78,950 General Expenses $93,059 Total Expenses $621,327

Net Surplus/Deficit $102,423

BALANCE SHEET Assets Cash and Equivalents $328,594 Debtors $3398 Non Current Assets $8254 Total Assets $340,246

Liabilities $52,789 NET ASSETS $287,457

Equity Retained Earnings $185,034 Current Year Earnings $102,423 TOTAL EQUITY $287,457

34 RIGHT: The board of the Old Treasury Building. Photo by Katie Dunning Katie by Building. Photo of the Old Treasury The board RIGHT: Governance and administration

Committee of Management STAFF The following staff training was The Committee of Management Casual employment contracts undertaken by staff members met on two occasions in this were offered to front-of-house during the year: period, following the appointment staff and sessional guides. -Volunteering Victoria - National of two new members. Four staff commenced in July Standards for Volunteer 2017 and 23 guides commenced Involvement Workshop. Members were: in February 2018. - Professor Marian Quartly (Chair -Myob - Single Touch Payroll from 21 May) -St Johns First Aid - Annual CPR/ - Steven Schinck Defibrillator - Associate Professor Don Garden -Connecting Up - Instagram for (from 9 November) Non-Profit - Sean Sammon (from 9 November) -Victorian Ombudsman Education Services – Dealing with Committee meetings were held Challenging Behaviour on 13 December and 5 March.

Organisational Structure

OTB Reserve Committee of Management Professor Marian Quartly (Chair from 21 May) Steve Schinck Associate Professor Don Garden (from 9 November) Sean Sammon (from 9 November)

Margaret Anderson OTB General Manager (FT) Public Record Office Victoria

Sally Bodinnar (FT) Katie Dunning (PT) Ian Watts (PT) Curator (PT) Operations Manager Marketing & Digital Public Programs

Sessional guides Volunteers

37 LEFT: Filming an adverisement outside the Old Treasury Building. Photo by Katie Dunning Katie by Building. Photo outside the Old Treasury Filming an adverisement LEFT: Old Treasury Building Museum 20 Spring Street Melbourne @OldTreasuryMelb (03) 9651 2233 /OldTreasuryBuildingMuseum [email protected]