A moving display of personal items, including a motorbike helmet, a child’s pair of shoes, a toy unicorn and a compass, are among the objects chosen for the 2024 Australian of the Year exhibition at the Museum of the Riverina – Historic Council Chambers site.
The National Museum of Australia and the National Australia Day Council have launched this exhibition of significant belongings of the 2024 Australian of the Year state and territory recipients, including:
- ACT – Joanne Farrell, founder of Build Like a Girl and champion for women in the construction industry
- NSW – Professor Georgina Long AO and Professor Richard Scolyer AO, melanoma treatment pioneers
- Northern Territory – Blair McFarland, founder Central Australian Youth Link-Up Service
- Queensland – Marco Renai, founder Men of Business, a charity for at-risk young men
- South Australia – Tim Jarvis AM, environmental scientist and adventurer
- Tasmania – Stephanie Trethewey, rural women’s advocate
- Victoria – Janine Mohamed, Indigenous health leader
- Western Australia – Mechelle Turvey, advocate for victims of crime
Manager of the Museum of the Riverina Luke Grealy said the items reveal personal stories about the recipients’ lives, aspirations and experiences.
“We’re very excited to be able to host this fascinating exhibition celebrating the 2024 Australian of the Year recipients,” Mr Grealy said.
“Each object is personal to the recipient and is symbolic of their lives, stories, and inspirations that led them to being honoured as their state or territory’s Australian of the Year.
“Touring exhibitions from significant institutions like the National Museum of Australia are a wonderful way to increase access to art and culture for Wagga Wagga residents.”
The 2024 Australian of the Year exhibition will be on display at the Museum of the Riverina – Historic Council Chambers, Baylis Street Wagga Wagga from Saturday 2 March until Sunday 28 April 2024.
