Dear AICCM members,
As we step further into 2025, I am pleased to share some exciting updates and reflections on the work that has been happening across our organisation. It has been a busy and energising start to the year, and I have truly appreciated the opportunity to connect with many of you and collaborate across various facets of our vibrant community.
Over the past few months, I have had the pleasure of holding one-on-one conversations with members of the National Council. These discussions have been invaluable in shaping our shared direction and understanding the diverse perspectives within our membership. As a result, several exciting initiatives are now underway. We are developing a refreshed publication strategy for the Bulletin, website and newsletter, to ensure we continue to inform, inspire, and reflect the breadth of conservation work across Australia. In tandem, a new marketing and communications strategy is in development, aimed at better sharing the impact and value of conservation with broader audiences nationally and internationally.
We are also undertaking a review of AICCM systems and processes to ensure they are sustainable, responsive, and aligned with members’ needs. This includes streamlining event procedures to better support the planning and delivery of our growing calendar of activities and enhancing collaboration between state and national levels.
On the research front, AICCM is proud to be an industry partner in the proposed ARC Centre of Excellence in Born Digital Cultural Heritage, led by Swinburne University. In partnership with universities, GLAM institutions and international digital preservation experts, this initiative will focus on technological solutions, access frameworks and workforce development. Our Electron SIG will lead AICCM’s contribution, helping develop best practices, educational resources and policy frameworks that will guide the conservation of born-digital cultural heritage in the years ahead. The ARC application will be submitted in March 2025, with outcomes expected later this year.
Strengthening partnerships continues to be a key focus. I have recently initiated the Global Conservation Leaders Working Group, bringing together leaders from AICCM, ICOM-CC, AIC, IIC, Icon, ICCROM, CAPC-ACRP, CAC-ACCR and NZCCM. Our first meeting in February was energising, and we have committed to meeting quarterly to share insights and explore collaborative conservation initiatives. Closer to home, we are also exploring a new membership partnership with AMaGA to expand our reach and impact.
In terms of events, the Paintings SIG successfully delivered the Modular Cleaning Program in partnership with QAGOMA in March 2025. Meanwhile, planning is well underway for the 2025 AICCM National Conference in Brisbane this November. We are excited to be partnering and collaborating with the Indigenous Art Centre Alliance (IACA), Terri Janke and Company, and Ingeous Studios on this landmark event.
I am also delighted to announce the appointment of Caroline Martin from Yalukit Marnang as AICCM’s inaugural First Nations Strategic Advisor. Caroline will play a pivotal role in co-designing our 2025 National Conference and our next 5-Year Strategic Plan with a strong First Nations focus, while also supporting the Reconciliation Committee and other committees, SIGs and members more broadly.
In this spirit, the Reconciliation Committee continues to meet regularly and is delivering our Reflect RAP deliverables. The committee is also ensuring these actions are meaningfully embedded in our future strategic plans. This reflective approach also underpins a broader review of AICCM committees and working groups, with the aim of consolidating future initiatives and setting a strong course for the 2025–2030 strategy.
I would also like to acknowledge the important work of the Professional Membership Committee, which recently met to assess new applicants and renewals. I am pleased to share that Di Knight, Jeff Fox, Jessica Walsh, Kim Vernon, Marina Horvath, Pip Morrison and Vanessa Bray have become professional members and that Agata Rostek-Robek, Alayne Alvis, Cristina Albillos, Ian MacLeod, Karina Acton, Kate Papierniak, Louise McCullagh, Maria Kubik, Stephanie Baily and Tegan Anthes have renewed their professional membership. It is heartening to see such strong engagement and commitment to professional membership, and I encourage others to also participate in this process.
Looking ahead, the AICCM National Council will meet face-to-face in early April for two days of strategic planning. A key priority will be reviewing the results of the 2025 Membership Survey and developing the new 5-Year Strategic Plan. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts in the survey; your feedback is instrumental in shaping our future direction.
This update also shares a time of transition and heartfelt gratitude at the AICCM. A special thank you goes to Dr Nicole Tse, who has served as Editor of the Bulletin since 2013. Nicole has worked tirelessly over many years to guide the publication of our peer-reviewed journal, and her contributions have been immense. I am delighted to welcome Daniel Bornstein and Cancy Chu as the incoming Co-Editors, who will continue to uphold the high standards of the Bulletin and bring fresh perspectives to its future direction.
After a decade of dedicated service, we say farewell and sincere thanks to Hilary Milsome, our long-serving bookkeeper. Hilary’s meticulous work, integrity and dedication have been instrumental to AICCM’s operations. We wish her all the best in her retirement. We warmly welcome AGI Bookkeeping, who have smoothly taken over thanks to Hilary’s thorough and timely handover process.
In a very special milestone for the organisation, we also bid farewell to our beloved Secretariat, Michelle Berry, who is retiring after 15 remarkable years of service. Michelle has been a constant source of strength and wisdom, calmly supporting presidents, committees and members, and guiding the organisation through times of growth and change. Her knowledge, kindness and presence will be deeply missed. I invite you to read the heartfelt tribute to Michelle from past and present presidents, included in this newsletter.
Finally, I am pleased to welcome Jessica O’Brien as our new interim Secretariat. With extensive experience across the arts, government and higher education, Jessica brings a wealth of expertise and is already looking forward to supporting the AICCM membership, Executive, and National Council in the months ahead.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed their time, insight and passion so far this year. I look forward to what we will continue to achieve together, and to sharing more updates in the months to come.
Best wishes,
Samantha Hamilton
President AICCM
March 2025