Annual Report 2001-2002 - Western Australian Museum - The ...

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Friends of the Western Australian Museum
AIMS AND BENEFITS
The Friends of the Western Australian Museum was established in 1995 as a way for members
to enjoy the best that the Museum has to offer, and to gain a true appreciation of the state’s rich
natural and cultural heritage. To achieve this, the Friends organise a diverse range of social and
educational activities, presented in a friendly and congenial atmosphere. These events broaden
the appeal of the Museum to the community, and help to maintain and enhance the Museum’s
pre-eminent place in Western Australia’s cultural life.
A quarterly publication, Museum News, provides information on Friends activities, as well as on
exhibitions, activities and other events at all Museum sites.
The Friends of the Western Australian Museum association is a member of the Australian
Federation of Friends of Museums, which in turn is a member of the World Federation of Friends
of Museums. Membership entitles Friends of the Western Australian Museum to reciprocal
benefits, where available, at many leading Australian and overseas museums and galleries.
The Friends office is located in the Roe Street Cottage in the Museum’s courtyard at the Perth
site.
TRANSITIONS
The year 2001–02 has again been one of significant changes for the Friends.
Because of financial constraints faced by the Museum, Joanna Salomone’s secondment as
Coordinator (on the basis of three days per week) was not able to be extended beyond the end
of June 2001. As an interim measure, the Museum undertook to carry out a number of the
administrative tasks associated with the position.
The situation whereby the Museum was able to support the Coordinator’s position for only one
day per week was put to the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in September. It was agreed that
the Friends should continue on the basis of reduced activities, with the matter to be reviewed
after 12 months—that is, at the next AGM.
Towards the end of 2001 and in early 2002, several strategic planning meetings were held
between Friends Council representatives and Museum staff, to:
• confirm the objectives of the Friends
• clarify the level of support to be provided to the Friends by the Museum
• define the benefits arising from the operations of the Friends
• provide a framework for developing a program of activities based on Museum activities/
events.
At the end of January, Jennifer Nicholson took up her appointment as Coordinator, her main
tasks being to organise Friends activities and to produce the quarterly newsletter, Museum
News.
As of 1 April 2002, all memberships fall due for renewal on 1 April of each year; previously
renewals fell due 12 months from the date of joining.
ACTIVITIES
Through the Friends activities program, members have the opportunity to interact with Museum
staff, visit behind the scenes, and explore the Museum’s work in a way not normally accessible
to the general public. Social aspects of the program also serve to promote interaction between
Friends and the Museum.
This year, the range and nature of Friends activities were again varied to broaden the appeal of
membership. In July, the Friends hosted a lecture on the Western Australian Museum’s expedition
WESTERN AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM ANNUAL REPORT 2001–2002