The Western Australian Museum’s new chief executive officer Alec Coles has been awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Mr Coles was recognised for his services to museums and in particular his seven and a half years as director of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums.

As director he was responsible for the £26m (AUD$45m) development of the Great North Museum which included the redevelopment of a major museum site, its extension and the installation of new displays throughout.

The redevelopment is currently short-listed for the National Lottery Awards for Best Heritage Project.

Mr Coles is also a staunch supporter of the public value of museums and has a reputation for increasing the diversity of museum audiences.

Mr Coles said he was delighted, humbled and honoured by the award.

“This is a great honour of which I am extremely proud. I am delighted to accept the award but in all honesty this is surely recognition of the extraordinary work of all my staff and colleagues at Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums,” Mr Coles said.

Chairman of the Board of the WA Museum Tim Ungar extended his congratulations to Mr Coles on behalf of the staff and board of the Museum.

“The WA Museum is delighted to have a director of Alec’s stature working for our organisation.

“Alec is a wonderful public servant who strongly believes in the role of museums as places of cultural expression. He takes an innovative and holistic approach to developing museums as interactive and exciting experiences.

“Already in the short time he has been with our museum he has shown great leadership and has made sound progress towards WA’s new museum business case,” Mr Ungar said.

The 2010 honours for outstanding achievement and service to the community included British citizens from a range of fields including sports, education, medical research, heritage, and local arts and sports projects.

The lists of honours and awards are published in The London Gazette on June 12, 2010 http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/ and available on http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_188437

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Media contact
Renae Woodhams
Media and Communications
Western Australian Museum
Mob: 0439 948 779