Western Australian Museum Annual Report 2003-2004

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Western Australian Museum Foundation
The Western Australian Museum Foundation, established in May 1995, seeks support from the
broad-based Western Australian community for the benefit of the Western Australian Museum’s
network of six metropolitan and regional museums.
As the not-for-profit arm of the Western Australian Museum, the Foundation’s role is to encourage
investment into the Museum in order to help realise a range of exciting capital and revenue
projects beyond the scope of Government funding. These include public programs such as
exhibitions, events and educational activities that encourage greater public awareness of the
work of the Museum, as well as research, conservation and preservation programs that highlight
the Museum’s importance to the state and its people.
The generous donations to the Foundation from both the corporate and private sectors enable
the Museum to fulfil some of its key objectives for the benefit of the community it serves.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 2003–04
The Western Australian Museum Foundation has enjoyed another active year during which
existing partnerships with major corporate sponsors were strengthened and new partnerships
were forged. Support from the private sector has been extremely generous and the Foundation
is very pleased to acknowledge our supporters below. (The full list of supporters of the Western
Australian Museum is available at Appendix A.)
The Foundation raised in excess of $730,000 in this Financial Year through gifts (cash and in
kind) and pledges, demonstrating that it continues to play a significant role in supporting the
Museum. Our corporate partners continued to honour their pledges with contributions in excess
of $570,000 redeemed in 2003–04. The Foundation would like to formally thank all of our generous
supporters for their ongoing commitment and enthusiasm without which the Museum’s diverse
program of activities could not be sustained.
Foundation members received numerous invitations during the year to attend Museum events
and functions. In addition, the Foundation hosted three corporate events. In October 2003 a
Pearl Soirée was held at Kailis Australian Pearls. Guests were privileged to observe the harvesting
of a pearl that was then auctioned in aid of the Museum. In November 2003 a gala event was
held at the WA Maritime Museum to celebrate its first birthday. In March 2004 a Somerville film
evening was held in partnership with Kailis Bros. Guests enjoyed fine dining al fresco and a
screening of Owning Mahowney.
On behalf of the Museum, the Foundation submitted nominations to both the Australia Business
Arts Foundation awards (AbaF) and the State Arts Sponsorship Scheme Awards in 2003–04.
We were delighted to be finalists in two categories in the AbaF awards and to win the City of
Sydney Open award for our partnership with Woodside Energy. We were finalists in four categories
in the State Arts Sponsorship Scheme awards and won the Best Cross-Partnering Initiative for
our partnership with Sealanes and the WA Fishing Industry Council.
The Foundation staff team was expanded in 2003–04 and significant new operational
improvements were implemented. During the year the Foundation also established a team of
dedicated volunteers to support our work in the areas of administration, database development
and research. Volunteers provided invaluable support during the past year and continue to do
so. On behalf of the Board, I would like to express our thanks to Executive Officer Cathrin
Cassarchis and her team for their work over the past year.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow Governors of the Board and Patron,
Sir Charles Court, for their ongoing commitment during the past year. In June 2004 Mr Bob
Cronin resigned his position as a Foundation Governor. On behalf of the Board I would like to
express our thanks for his valuable contribution over the past few years.
WESTERN AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM ANNUAL REPORT 2003–2004