Far North Coast Museums & Galleries

Recently, over three days commencing Monday 22 August, I had the pleasure of visiting a range of museums and galleries based in and around the far north coast centres of Grafton, Lismore and Murwillumbah.

Organised by the far north Coast chapter of Museums Australia, specifically members Marea Buist & Geoff Foley, the trip began dramatically courtesy of Rex Airlines, when my flight from Sydney to Grafton failed to resume after a stopover in Taree.

It was 8pm on the Sunday evening and a subsequent unscheduled mini-bus nightmare had us arriving in Grafton at 2.30 Monday morning. After a brief sleep the day began (again) with a meeting at Grafton Regional Gallery. It was attended by a range of museum & gallery representatives along with the mayor and senior staff from Clarence Valley Council. I was invited to address the meeting, telling those assembled about M&G NSW and its programs and plans for the future. Questions were then fielded on a range of topics before a delightful morning tea and subsequent tour of several impressive volunteer run museums, including Schaeffer House, home to the Clarence Valley Historical Society, Alumny Creek School Museum, the Lawrence Museum and Yamba Museum.

Monday ended with a short drive to Lismore in preparation for another full day planned for the Tuesday. Following an early tour of both the Lismore Regional Museum and the Lismore Regional Gallery another community forum was organized for Lismore Workers Club, commencing at 9.30. I used this event as an opportunity to speak optimistically about the role of volunteer museums, and the essential importance placed on developing audience and programming strategies that embrace and welcome a cross section of the community. It was agreed by all present that good storytelling lies at the heart of any successful museum. This encouraged the conversation to consider effective collection strategies and the adoption of policies that allow de-accessioning.

We also discussed the ‘here and now’ topics of sustainability, the role of local government, involvement of Aboriginal people and the telling of their stories, and opportunities for ‘entrepreneurial spirit’ to support ambition and future growth. Following this enjoyable joust and exchange of ideas I was taken on a tour to Alstonville Plateau Historical Society’s Crawford House Museum (and lunch with their executive), Ballina Naval Museum, Ballina Community Gallery and Bangalow Historical Society Museum (a relocated ex brothel!).

The final day commenced with a tour of the soon to be re-developed Murwillumbah Museum and a meeting with staff and volunteers. This was followed by lunch at the Tweed River Regional Gallery with gallery staff, Tweed Shire Councillors (including the Mayor) and council staff, followed by a tour of the Archibald Prize Exhibition (organised by M&G NSW) which is attracting record numbers to this outstanding regional gallery. Before heading to Coolangatta for the flight home my final visit was to the magnificent site of the proposed Tweed Regional Museum. It overlooks the mouth of the Tweed River, atop Flagstaff Hill, with additional views out to sea and down the coast towards Byron Bay.

In summing up, it was certainly beneficial for me to have had the opportunity to meet so many dedicated volunteers and to be able to listen to their concerns and aspirations for the future. There is no doubt that the volunteer museum sector has its challenges. From my observations those same challenges are met with an equal dose of determination.

Characteristically the regional galleries visited were all placing themselves at the centre of community cultural engagement – incidentally, with many programs and exhibitions produced and planned in partnership with museums.

If I left each of them with one thought it was to ensure that their efforts are characterized by a welcoming spirit, and that they use clear and distinct storytelling and/or entrepreneurial vision, to engage the whole community.

I also emphasized the need to show a united front, to meet collectively and regularly - to share and support each others undoubted and community focused contribution.