The Sustainable conservation program pilot program, funded through a NSW Government Community Heritage – Peak Body grant to AICCM, continues to build momentum. Developed in partnership with Bathurst Regional Council, the AICCM Emerging Conservators SIG, and the University of Melbourne’s Grimwade Centre, the program provides work experience opportunities for students and emerging conservators.
Amy Heffernan has been working closely with Bathurst Council and the Historical Society on a range of behind the scenes collection preservation projects as well as two key public focussed events, both of which draw thousands of visitors to Bathurst each year. The Sustainable Living Expo in March provided a perfect opportunity for Amy and fellow emerging conservator, Kiki Lawler, to showcase preventive conservation as a sustainable practice. A steady stream of visitors attended the Council’s marquee throughout the day, with a number providing feedback on other areas of conservation they would like to learn more about. Their ideas will form part of Council’s plans for future events.
Amy called a much bigger team together for a pilot Heritage Conservation Roadshow, part of the Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail which is now a major annual event on the Bathurst calendar. Modelled on the successful Victorian War Heritage Roadshow delivered by the Grimwade Centre in 2017, the Bathurst event was hailed a great success. A team of AICCM student members, emerging, and experienced conservators gave conservation demonstrations and practical advice to hundreds of interested visitors over the two-day event. You can read more about the Heritage Trades Trail in Kate Ritchie’s report.