Message From The Chair

I am delighted to introduce the Western Australian Museum’s Annual Report for 2013–14 in what has been a year of unprecedented change and progress. In the past 12 months, the project to develop a New Museum for Western Australia has consolidated, moving beyond Project Definition into the delivery phase with a clearly defined path to doors open in 2020. It is a privilege to be part of such a dedicated team of Trustees, staff, stakeholders and partner organisations working towards building such a bright future for the WA Museum, ensuring it remains relevant to new generations by creating a place that will be at the heart of their communities.

As an organisation the Museum has been preparing for this change by refocusing its work not only towards, but looking beyond, 2020. The extremely significant Government commitment of $428.3 million provides the infrastructure and the ability to create a great facility for Western Australia. But it will be the sustained commitment of the organisation and its supporters to deliver unparalleled access to the extraordinary stories of our State, and other amazing exhibitions, that will produce the world class museum experience every visitor deserves.

Such fundamental change is challenging, especially in an increasingly pressured budget environment. However, the Museum has been tireless in its pursuit of organisational improvement and effective business management.

I am delighted to be in my third year as Chair of the Board of Trustees and continue to be impressed by the vibrancy of the Museum’s public programs, the rigor of its research, the breadth of its collections, the diversity of its exhibition program and the meaningful way it engages with its community. I am especially pleased with the entrepreneurial success of the Museum’s own Dinosaur Discovery exhibition, developed in partnership with Goldie Marketing. The Museum exists for the benefit of all West Australians and it is delivering true public value across its range of operations.

I would like to thank my Board colleagues and our staff for their continued commitment to the Museum and look forward to an exciting year ahead. I thank the Museum’s Chief Executive Officer Alec Coles for his outstanding leadership during this period of extraordinary change and opportunity. I also thank the Museum’s many sponsors, benefactors and partners for their generosity and support, now and into the future.

In closing, I would like to acknowledge the unwavering support of the Minister for Culture and the Arts, the Hon John Day MLA, for the Museum and all we aspire to achieve; my sincere thanks on behalf of all of us at the WA Museum.

Emeritus Professor Alan Robson AO CitWA
Chair, Board of Trustees
Western Australian Museum