President’s Report
I am pleased to present this report as the new President of AMaGA Victoria. 2024 marked a year of both continuity and renewal for the organisation. Building on a strong foundation established under the leadership of my predecessor, Andrew Hiskens, we have expanded our efforts to deliver meaningful support to the museums, galleries, and collecting organisations.
We continue to deliver core programs essential to ensuring best practice across all areas of the sector, while rolling out new initiatives that respond to current needs and future opportunities. Importantly, we have increased our focus on building a collegial and collaborative community, including through networking opportunities, the exchange of ideas and knowledge, and celebrating our members’ achievements.
This year we piloted new support programs to strengthen the capacity of our members, particularly those in regional and smaller communities. We launched of our Equipment Lending Program - a practical and accessible digitisation solution for small organisations. We continued to invest in emerging professionals through our Paid Internship Program, welcoming our first intern and laying important groundwork for the program’s future growth and refinement in years to come.
In September 2024, AMaGA Victoria contributed to the delivery of the AMaGA National Conference in Ballarat. AMaGA Victoria’s involvement included programming Day One of the conference, in partnership with the Public Galleries Association of Victoria, and coordinating and delivering the National Awards. It was especially gratifying to see the conference so successfully embedded into the cultural life of my hometown, Ballarat. I would like to acknowledge the efforts of Executive Director, Dr Ashley Robertson and the AMaGA Victoria team, our conference programming committee, and all members who contributed to making the 2024 National Conference a great success.
I encourage you to explore the Annual Report for deeper insights into the important and ambitious work undertaken by the AMaGA Victoria team throughout the year.
Image: Anthony Camm and Deanne Gilson opening Day One of the AMaGA National Conference in Ballarat. Photo: Helen Laffin.
BRANCH COMMITTEE
2024 was an election year for the Branch Committee, and with it came both change and continuity. We bid farewell to two long-serving members, Andrew Hiskens and Kim Biggs.
Andrew Hiskens, stepped down as President in 2024 after ten years of extraordinary service on the Committee, including four years of thoughtful and strategic leadership as President. On behalf of the Committee and the membership, I extend our deep gratitude to Andrew for his dedication to the organisation. Although his time with the Branch Committee has concluded, we are fortunate that Andrew now serves on the AMaGA National Council, where he continues to represent the interests of Victoria’s museums and galleries at a national level.
Kim Biggs, concluded her term as an Ordinary Member, having made a valuable contribution to both the Committee and in support of AMaGA Victoria’s programs, including through sharing her strong collection and curatorial knowledge.
We also saw some internal role transitions: Monica Cronin stepped into the role of Vice President, and Sione Francis took on the role of Secretary, both having previously served as Ordinary Members.
We welcomed Christine Healey to the Committee, who brought with her a strong background in education and a deep sector engagement. In addition, the following committee members continue in their current roles, with Siobhan Baker serving as Treasurer, and Indigo Holcombe-James and Megan Sheehy as Ordinary members.
My sincere thanks to Committee members, past and present, for their intellectual and practical contributions to AMaGA Victoria, and their enthusiastic engagement and support for its critical work
It is an honour to take on the role of President at such an exciting time for AMaGA Victoria, and during a fascinating and challenging time for museums and galleries globally. I look forward to working with the Branch Committee, National Council, staff, and sector colleagues, and members, as we continue to support, nurture, and champion the vital work of museums and galleries across Victoria.
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
Our current Strategic Plan (2021–2025) has provided a strong framework to guide our decisions and priorities through a period of significant change and sector-wide challenges. It has supported us in navigating uncertainty while remaining focused on our values of fostering leadership, relationships, and inclusion.
Over the past year, we’ve made incredible strides in delivering on those commitments, and as I write, we’ve already begun looking ahead to the next iteration of the Plan. This forward-focus will ensure we continue to meet the evolving needs of our community, strengthening the impact of the Victorian sector.
OUR THANKS
On behalf of the Branch Committee, Executive Director, and staff, I wish to thank our many friends and supporters who have contributed to AMaGA Victoria's successes and achievements over the past year. We appreciate the dedication of those who volunteered their time and expertise in advisory roles, speaking engagements, award judging, mentorship, and other invaluable contributions. A full list of our supporters can be found in the Acknowledgements section of this report.
We sincerely thank Creative Victoria for its substantial investment and guidance, which has been pivotal in strengthening our organisation and supporting the communities we serve through core funding, Victorian Collections, and other vital partnerships. We also acknowledge The Honourable Colin Brooks MP, Victoria’s Minister for Creative Industries for his steadfast support of our sector.
We are indebted to Museums Victoria for its continued support, which has been a cornerstone of our work for many decades. Its generosity in providing office space, meeting rooms, campus facilities, and access to staff expertise across Melbourne Museum, Immigration Museum, Royal Exhibition Building, and Scienceworks has been invaluable.
Finally, on behalf of the Branch Committee, I wish to thank the staff of AMaGA Victoria. Our dedicated team of sector specialists is led with talent and determination by Executive Director, Dr Ashley Robertson. From Victorian Collections to the Accreditation Programs, though to training, events, projects, and conversations big and small, our team is driven by a strong sense of vocation and a deep commitment to serving our members.
ANTHONY CAMM
President