Annual Report 2001-2002 - Western Australian Museum - The ...
Annual Report 2001-2002 - Western Australian Museum - The ...
Annual Report 2001-2002 - Western Australian Museum - The ...
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7<br />
Letter to the Minister<br />
<strong>The</strong> Hon Sheila McHale MLA<br />
Minister responsible for the <strong>Museum</strong> Act 1969<br />
Minister<br />
In accordance with the provisions of section 66 of the Financial Administration and Audit Act<br />
1985, we have pleasure submitting for your information and presentation to Parliament the<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the <strong>Western</strong> <strong>Australian</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> for the financial year ending 30 June 2003.<br />
This year will be seen as one of the most historically significant for the <strong>Museum</strong>, in terms of<br />
delivering major projects and laying foundations for an even brighter future.<br />
<strong>The</strong> new <strong>Western</strong> <strong>Australian</strong> Maritime <strong>Museum</strong> in Fremantle and the Mid-West Gallery in the<br />
<strong>Western</strong> <strong>Australian</strong> <strong>Museum</strong>–Geraldton were the large capital projects concluded this year. Almost<br />
all <strong>Museum</strong> staff were involved in one or both of these and their successful delivery reflects the<br />
enthusiasm and skill of that diverse staff group. <strong>The</strong> new Maritime <strong>Museum</strong> attracted over<br />
203,000 visitors in the seven months since opening, taking visitation of all the WA <strong>Museum</strong><br />
sites to over 916,000 for the year, the highest number in our history.<br />
We recognise and appreciate the support of Government in proceeding with the planning for<br />
redevelopment of the <strong>Museum</strong>’s Perth site. <strong>The</strong> new annexe at Kew Street will improve collection<br />
storage immeasurably. As well, we will be able to improve the working conditions of staff and<br />
enhance public access to collections. This is a great step forward for the <strong>Museum</strong>’s operations.<br />
Throughout all of this, the <strong>Museum</strong> has maintained its research, exhibition and education<br />
programs. In particular, the school holiday program delivered through the Discovery Centre has<br />
reached new highs in visitation, with 11,536 visitors in one week period alone.<br />
Minister, the Trustees extend their thanks for your great support in our capital works programs<br />
and in taking the <strong>Museum</strong> forward in its Perth site development. We thank you for your ongoing<br />
support of our collection, research and public programs. Your participation in many of the <strong>Museum</strong><br />
activities throughout the year was much appreciated.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Trustees also thank the <strong>Museum</strong> Foundation under the Chair of John Poynton for their<br />
commitment to enhancing the <strong>Museum</strong>’s programs through securing corporate and private<br />
support. <strong>The</strong> Friends of the WA <strong>Museum</strong> are to be thanked for their contribution to the rich array<br />
of <strong>Museum</strong> activities over the past 12 months. <strong>The</strong> <strong>Museum</strong>’s advisory boards and committees<br />
have contributed generously of their time in helping our various sites in planning, program<br />
development and revenue generation.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Department of Culture and the Arts under the Director General Alastair Bryant has increased<br />
its assistance to the <strong>Museum</strong> in Human Resources, Financial Services, and Information Services.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Trustees thank the Department for that support.<br />
Trustees acknowledge the enthusiastic and dedicated work of the Executive Director Dr Gary<br />
Morgan and his staff in working with Trustees to bring several long-term projects to conclusion.<br />
<strong>The</strong>ir work continues as we collectively develop new initiatives to bring exciting and innovative<br />
programs to the community.<br />
In conclusion, I extend thanks to the other Trustees for their energy and wise<br />
counsel in guiding the <strong>Museum</strong> through a year of particular challenges and<br />
memorable achievements.<br />
DR KEN MICHAEL AM CitWA<br />
Chair, Board of Trustees<br />
<strong>Western</strong> <strong>Australian</strong> <strong>Museum</strong><br />
WESTERN AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2002</strong>–2003