Annual Report 2009-10 Full Version
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Australian Museum 2009–2010 Report Annual Australian Museum Annual Report 2009–2010 Australian Museum Annual Report 2009–2010 ii Australian Museum Annual Report 2009–10 Publisher © Australian Museum Trust 2010 6 College Street Sydney NSW 2010 ISSN 1039-4141 Editorial Project management: Wendy Rapee Editing and typesetting: Brendan Atkins Proofreading: Lindsay Taaffe Design and production: Australian Museum Design Studio Contact Australian Museum 6 College Street Sydney NSW 2010 Open daily 9.30 am – 5.00 pm t 02 9320 6000 f 02 9320 6050 e [email protected] w www.australianmuseum.net.au Availability This annual report has been designed for accessible online use and distribution. A limited number of copies have been printed for statutory purposes. This report is available at www.australianmuseum.net.au/Annual-Reports. Further information on the research and education programs and services of the Australian Museum can be found at www.australianmuseum.net.au. Cover photograph Tiwi women from Bathurst Island hold traditional hand- printed fabric at the Australian Museum. Photo Stuart Humphreys. All photographs © Australian Museum iii The Hon. Virginia Judge, MP Minister for the Arts Minister, In accordance with the provisions of the Annual Reports (Statutory Bodies) Act 1984 and the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983 we have pleasure in submitting this report of the activities of the Australian Museum Trust for the financial year ended 30 June 2010 for presentation to Parliament. On behalf of the Australian Museum Trust, Sam Mostyn Frank Howarth President of the Trust Secretary of the Trust iv Australian Museum Annual Report 2009–10 Minister The Hon. Virginia Judge, MP and Minister for the Arts Governance The Museum is governed by a Trust established under the Australian Museum Trust Act 1975. The Trust currently has 11 members, one of whom must have knowledge of, or experience in, science, one of whom must have knowledge of, or experience in, education and one of whom must have knowledge of, or experience in, Australian Indigenous culture. Trustees are appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of the Minister for a term of up to three years. Trustees may serve for no more than three terms. Vacancies may be filled by the Governor on the recommendation of the Minister. The President of the Trust is appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of the Minister. The Director of the Australian Museum is Secretary to the Trust and is responsible for the common seal. Trustees receive no remuneration but may be reimbursed for expenses. All of the Museum’s annual reports since 1998–99 are available at www.australianmuseum.net.au/Annual-Reports. Further information on the research and education programs and services of the Australian Museum can be found at www.australianmuseum.net.au. Admission charges General Museum entry Adult $12 Child (5–15 years) $6 Concession $8 Family (one adult, two children) $18 Family (two adults, two children) $30, each additional child $3 Children under five years, Australian Government DVA Gold Cardholders, Australian Government ‘Blue’ Pensioner Concession Cardholders and Australian Museum Members free. Additional charges may apply to special exhibitions and activities. v CONTENTS Part 1 The year in review 1 Part 4 Appendices 70 President’s report 2 Appendix A Organisation chart 71 Highlights 2009–10 4 Appendix B Trustee profiles and activities 72 Director’s report 6 Appendix C Executive profiles and management Performance 2009–10 7 activities 75 About the Museum 9 Appendix D Internal audit and risk management 80 Appendix E Credit card certification 81 Part 2 Performance reports 14 Appendix F Guarantee of service 82 1 Integrating exhibitions, outreach and online Appendix G Key acquisitions and donations to interactions 15 the collection 83 2 Expanding access to collections and Appendix H Publications 84 research 21 Appendix I Grants 94 3 Promoting the value of the Museum’s Appendix J Recognising staff achievements 98 research and science 24 Appendix K Fellowships and postgraduate 4 Leveraging achievements and developing awards 101 partnerships 28 Appendix L Overseas travel 103 5 Revitalising physical spaces to highlight the Museum’s collections and research 31 Appendix M Benefactors and sponsors 106 6 Creating a culture of integration and Appendix N Energy management 108 collaboration within the Museum 32 Appendix O Waste reduction and recycling 109 7 Committing to continuous improvement 34 Appendix P Heritage management 110 8 Broadening the Museum’s revenue base 36 Appendix Q Disability Action Plan 111 Appendix R Multicultural Policies and Services Part 3 Financial statements 38 Program 112 Financial commentary 39 Appendix S Code of Conduct 114 Financial statements 44 Appendix T Staff, EEO and OHS statistics 115 Appendix U Privacy and personal information 119 Appendix V Freedom of information 120 Appendix W Honorary appointments 2009–10 123 Appendix X Museum volunteers 2009–10 124 Appendix Y Use of consultants 127 Index 128 vi Australian Museum Annual Report 2009–10 [blank page] Our year in review 1 2 Australian Museum Annual Report 2009–2010 President’s report Thriving in partnership In looking back on the previous RECOGNITION A WIDENING GAP year, it is pleasing to see how In a year when many scientists have been The Australian Museum has achieved well the Museum has performed under attack in the debates about climate these successes despite the decline, in real change, the many partnerships involved in terms, of NSW Government funding over in its ability to collaborate, the Eureka Prizes are more valuable than the last five years. In an environment of not only with other cultural ever. The Eureka Prizes represent one of constant budget constraints and efficiency and scientific institutions, the few opportunities this country has to challenges, staff have worked hard to but with the education sector, recognise the ‘unsung heroes’ of science control costs and develop new revenue who play such a vital role in documenting raising opportunities such as behind-the- private enterprise, other parts our relationship with the natural world scenes tours. While the Museum of government and the wider and the perils that it faces. is fortunate to have the opportunity to attract funds through its commercial community. Australian Museum scientists and activities, Foundations, supporters and researchers have been active participants partners, the widening gap between State These partnerships are vital to the future in partnerships with Bush Blitz biodiversity Government funding and the Museum’s of the Museum. Firstly though, I want to surveys, the Atlas of Living Australia, and costs of operation will be perhaps acknowledge the enormous contributions the Virtual Museum of the Pacific with the most significant challenge faced of Brian Sherman, who retired in the University of Wollongong. All of these by the institution in the years ahead. December after nine years as President projects make the Museum’s research of the Australian Museum Trust. For me and collections information more widely THANK YOU it has been both a pleasure and a privilege available to the public, and along with to serve on the Trust over the last seven the Eureka Prizes help us understand Finally, I would like to thank the years, and I am thrilled to take up his what it is we need to protect and what wonderful and hard-working team legacy. I am also pleased to acknowledge we stand to lose from the natural and at the Australian Museum in all their the contributions of retiring Trustees cultural world. various roles across the many parts of the Julie Walton and Cate Blanchett, and to organisation. They continue to bring their welcome our new Trustees Paul Connor INTERACTION passion, enthusiasm and ideas to this and Professor Amanda Lawson. important institution, and ensure that the In 2010 we enjoyed the first full year Museum remains relevant and engaged of operation of our new website SYDNEY AND BEYOND in the exploration of science, nature and its capacity to create a two-way and culture. On behalf of the Trust Highlights of the Museum’s touring communication between the Museum I would also like to extend special thanks exhibition program this year include and our online public. This website is to Assistant Director Janet Carding for the Art of the Pharaohs, a collaborative effort hosting online conversations on topics outstanding leadership she has provided with national museums of Singapore as diverse as cassowaries, climate change since joining the Museum in 2004. and Korea, and the Menagerie exhibition and ‘Mr Blobby’ (a specimen of fish We wish her all the best in her exciting with Sydney’s Object Gallery. Another which has achieved great notoriety). new role as Director of the Royal Ontario great example, and an indication of the The Museum has been a leading Museum in Toronto. I also extend my Museum’s interest in future partnerships participant in the debate about the thanks to my fellow Trustees, who in western Sydney, is Body Pacifica at the future shape of museums, and is actively continue to make significant contributions Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre. This exploring how new technologies can to secure the long-term future and celebration of Pacific material culture help create partnerships with the success of the Australian Museum. and art is a partnership between the communities we serve. Casula Powerhouse, the Museum and the Sam Mostyn National Rugby League. New initiatives President for 2010 in our Science Communication Australian