Dear members,
It has been a huge few months for AICCM and, as we roll into the second half of the year, I want to take a moment to share the work we have been doing behind the scenes, the energy and insight shaping our direction, and how your voices are leading the future of conservation in Australia.
Indigenous Art Centre Alliance (IACA) conference: Partnering on First Nations-led conservation
In late April, I was invited to present at the Framing the Future conference hosted by the Indigenous Art Centre Alliance (IACA) on Yidinji Country in Cairns. Alongside Kelly Leahey from the State Library of Queensland, we delivered a session on ‘Conservation Practices in Art Centres’, offering practical advice on packing, environmental care, disaster readiness, and engaging respectfully with Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP).
The conference brought together a rich network of artists, art centre staff, cultural workers, academics, policy makers and more. I left feeling energised and humbled by the insight, leadership and generosity shared across three days of presentations, from ICIP and youth programs to tools addressing fake art and sector-wide survey data. It was a powerful reminder of the strength and knowledge held within First Nations communities and the critical importance of collaboration.
AICCM is formalising a partnership with IACA grounded in mutual respect, shared learning and deep listening. I encourage all members, whether based in institutions or private practice, to build relationships with First Nations communities. Many community members have expressed a desire to connect with conservators, to share knowledge and work together. Through our 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, we are committed to embedding this request into every aspect of our work.
Images: Dr Samantha Hamilton and Kelly Leahey presenting at the IACA Conference in April 2025. Images taken by Skye Lockyer, copyright IACA.
Image: Artist Lex Namponan, Dr Samantha Hamilton and Gabriel Waterman from Wik & Kugu Arts & Craft Aboriginal Corporation discussing First Nations-led conservation practices. Image taken by Skye Lockyer, copyright IACA.
Image: IACA conference participants. Image taken by Skye Lockyer, copyright IACA.
Launching the AICCM 2025–2030 Strategic Plan
I am delighted to share that our new AICCM 2025–2030 Strategic Plan is now live on the AICCM website. Shaped by 198 responses to our March 2025 Membership Survey, robust discussion at our face-to-face National Council meeting in Melbourne, and conversations with community members and partners, the plan outlines a transformational, values-driven roadmap that will steer our collective efforts for the next five years.
Image: AICCM National Council Members at the face-to-face meeting in Melbourne in April 2025. Image taken by Dr Samantha Hamilton.
Image: AICCM 2025–2030 Strategic Plan. Design by ingeous studios.
The plan articulates five clear strategic goals underpinned by an impact framework and measures of success:
- Organisational resilience & strategic leadership
- Member empowerment & network development
- Public engagement, partnerships & advocacy
- First Nations leadership, equity, diversity, inclusion & accessibility
- Disaster resilience & sustainability.
This plan is now being activated through our FY26 Business Plan and budget, and some key deliverables include:
Organisational resilience & strategic leadership
- Upgrading AICCM’s IT systems for accessibility, security and growth
- Developing a long-term investment strategy to support financial sustainability
Member empowerment & network development
- Launching a five-year professional development plan responsive to sector needs
- Expanding webinars, workshops and peer-led events across Australia
Public engagement, partnerships & advocacy
- Creating advocacy toolkits to help members champion conservation in their contexts
- Formalising partnerships with global conservation bodies for knowledge exchange
First Nations leadership, equity, diversity, inclusion & accessibility
- Deepening partnerships with First Nations and multicultural communities through co-designed programs
- Reviewing the AICCM Code of Ethics and Practice to ensure relevance and inclusion
Disaster resilience & sustainability
- Developing a national Disaster Preparedness and Response Framework tailored to the sector
- Producing practical resources to support sustainable practices.
None of this can happen without you. This plan is built on your insights, your needs and your hopes for a more connected, inclusive and sustainable future for conservation in Australia. Whether you have five minutes to complete a survey, a few hours to help run an event, or ideas to share from your own practice, we need your input and collaboration. Please contribute to your SIG, participate in an event, advocate for conservation within your organisation, partner with a community member, nominate a colleague, or simply reach out. Every action, no matter how small, helps deliver this plan, not just for AICCM, but for the future of our profession. Thank you in advance for your help.
2025 AICCM National Conference – Kurilpa, South Brisbane
More than Materials: Collaborative Approaches in Cultural Heritage Conservation
Join us this November on the unceded lands of the Turrbal and Yuggera/Jagera peoples for a dynamic three-day hybrid event that weaves together the scientific, material, ethical and relational dimensions of conservation. From 12 to 14 November at the State Library of Queensland, More than Materials: Collaborative Approaches in Cultural Heritage Conservation will reflect the richness and complexity of our profession, moving beyond objects to foreground relationships, communities, systems and shared values.
Co-developed with First Nations collaborators, including IACA and Caroline Martin (Yalukit Marnang Consultancy), the conference will centre First Nations voices, respectful dialogue and cultural responsibility. Alongside this, we will showcase a wide range of material knowledge and technical innovation, advancing conservation practice from every angle.
Expect rich presentations, PowerPoint posters, panel discussions, tours and vibrant events, all grounded in connections between people, place and practice. This is an invitation to come together: to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships and shape a more culturally aware, inclusive future for conservation. Whether you are presenting, learning, reconnecting or attending for the first time, there is a place for you. I can’t wait to see you there, and online.
Reconciliation in action
Heartfelt thanks to the AICCM Reconciliation Committee for launching our newly updated reconciliation resources in time for Reconciliation Week. Highlights include:
- The updated Reconciliation Statement 2025
- Guidance on Welcome and Acknowledgement of Country practices
- Key links to First Nations-led resources.
Their powerful NAIDOC Week social media campaign also invited us all to reflect, learn and grow. This work reflects our deepening commitment to cultural safety, and I encourage every member to explore the resources and consider what reconciliation means in your own context.
AICCM Awards – nominate today
Nominations are now open for the 2025 AICCM Awards, to be presented at the National Conference. Categories include:
- AICCM Medal
- Conservator of the Year
- Student Conservator of the Year
- Outstanding Conservation Treatment or Project
- Outstanding Volunteer
- Outstanding Service to the Profession
- Colin Pearson Outstanding Research Award
- Patricia Robertson Fund Mid-Career Scholarship.
Now is the time to recognise your peers, the colleagues who go above and beyond, who inspire you, who raise standards and share generously. Submit your nominations to the secretariat before 15 September 2025. Full criteria and forms are available on the AICCM website: AICCM Awards.
Thank you once again for your ongoing contribution to our strong and growing community. From big-picture strategy to meaningful partnerships and everyday support, AICCM continues to reflect who we are, and where we want to go. Please get involved so we keep building our profession together.
Best wishes,
Dr Samantha Hamilton
President, AICCM