Queensland Museum Network has joined an esteemed list of individuals and organisations after being named a Queensland Great at a ceremony in Brisbane last night.
The Queensland Greats Awards recognise extraordinary Queenslanders who have made a long-term contribution to, or whose achievements have significantly impacted on, the history and development of the state.
Queensland Museum Network, which is celebrating its 160thanniversary in 2022, is one of Queensland’s oldest institutions that connects with communities through a dynamic, state-wide network that includes four award-winning museums –Queensland Museum South Bank, Brisbane; Cobb+Co Museum, Toowoomba; Museum of Tropical Queensland, Townsville; and The Workshops Rail Museum, Ipswich.
Queensland Museum Network CEO Dr Jim Thompson said it’s an honour to accept this award on behalf of Queensland Museum Network and the hundreds of staff and volunteers – past and present – who have contributed to collecting, preserving and sharing the stories of our state.
“Queensland Museum Network has an important role to play in sharing Queensland stories with the world, through our ground-breaking research, acclaimed learning, public programs and our award-winning exhibitions and events,” Dr Thompson said.
“Since 1862, we have grown to be a state-wide network of museums and this award is the culmination of 160 years of dedication by thousands of staff and volunteers committed to ensuring that Queensland stories of generations past, present and future are recorded and shared as a lasting legacy.
“This Queensland Greats Award is a testament to the work of our team from the early days in 1862 to the thriving network of museums that make up Queensland Museum Network in 2022.”
From humble beginnings at the windmill on the hill at Spring Hill in Brisbane, Queensland Museum Network is now a celebrated cultural and scientific leader with a state-wide reach and priceless collection of more than 1.2 million cultural objects, natural history specimens and geological treasures and more than 14 million research items.
Professor Margaret Sheil AO, Chair of the Board of the Queensland Museum said for 160 years, Queensland Museum Network has been a stalwart of our state, telling the stories of Queensland as the custodians of the State Collection, which comprises 1.2 million cultural objects, natural history specimens and geological treasures and more than 14 million research items.
“Throughout this time the museum has developed a reputation as a celebrated cultural and scientific leader connecting communities across Queensland and beyond,” Professor Sheil said.
“Congratulations to everyone at the Queensland Museum Network, this is a very proud occasion and one that will be part of our Queensland story.”
Minister for Arts Leeanne Enoch said the Queensland Greats Award was a wonderful acknowledgment of the Museum’s outstanding achievements and remarkable journey.
“For 160 years, thousands of local and international visitors have explored the exhibitions and galleries across the Queensland Museum Network, entertaining its patrons and inspiring new generations,” Minister Enoch said.
“The Queensland Government is proud to support the Queensland Museum Network and its significant contributions across the state.
“Stories are the communal currency for our history and humanity and this award reinforces Queensland Museum’s reputation for providing rich and engaging cultural experiences, ensuring Queensland stories, culture and heritage are shared now and for future generations.
“Congratulations to everyone who has been part of the Queensland Museum Network’s long and celebrated story,” Minister Enoch said.
108 individuals, 17 institutions, 7 posthumous and 1 honorary recipient have been honoured as Queensland Greats since the awards began in 2001 and are honoured with a commemorative plaque at Roma Street Parkland.
