Australian Museum appoints first young person to its board
Melissa Sina Applin brings unique blend of Pasifika heritage, archaeology, museum education and performing arts expertise to landmark governance role.
Thursday 30 October 2025, Sydney: The Australian Museum (AM) has announced the appointment of Melissa Sina Applin to the AM Trust, in line with the NSW Government’s legislation for each of the state’s six major cultural institutions to include a board member aged 18-28. Ms Applin will also be the first Pasifika Trustee in the AM’s history.
Having previously worked at the Australian Museum as a Pasifika Museum Education Presenter, Melissa Sina Applin is currently completing a Bachelor of Archaeology at Macquarie University and has experience in community and independent theatre, as a performer, designer, director and choreographer.
The Australian Museum (AM) has announced the appointment of Melissa Sina Applin to the AM Trust.
Image: Louise Reily© Australian Museum
AM Trust President, Brian Hartzer, said the appointment marked an important moment for the AM.
"Strong governance requires diverse perspectives around the table, and Melissa brings a combination of lived experience and professional expertise that will genuinely strengthen our board's decision-making. Having intergenerational perspectives in strategic discussions about digital engagement, accessibility, community partnerships and cultural knowledge sharing is essential and we're excited to learn from her," Brian Hartzer said.
Launched last year, the NSW Government’s Creative Communities Policy identified the critical need to amplify young people's voices in cultural leadership to support a new generation of arts and cultural leaders.
Australian Museum Director and CEO, Kim McKay AO, said Melissa’s appointment will underpin work in expanding cultural access and opportunities for young people and also help prepare the AM for its milestone bicentennial in 2027.
"Melissa's appointment is incredibly timely as the AM prepares for the 200th anniversary in 2027. Her work in bridging Pacific cultural heritage with contemporary performance, alongside her archaeological training, reflects the museum's commitment to both scientific rigor and cultural engagement. Melissa will challenge us to think differently about how we connect with young Australians and ensure the museum remains engaging and relevant for generations."
© Australian Museum
Ms Applin's appointment reflects her commitment to expanding cultural access and opportunities for young people. As President of Macquarie Musical Society at University and member of the Australian Theatre for Young People's Youth Advisory Board, she has demonstrated capacity for organisational leadership across diverse contexts.
"I'm excited to bring a youth perspective to conversations about access, representation and the museum's future. It’s also an honour to join the Australian Museum board at such a transformative time because through my previous work with education at the AM and, from my own visits as a child, I understand how powerful and important it is for cultural institutions to connect to and be authentically representative of diverse communities," Melissa Sina Applin said.
Melissa Sina Applin’s advocacy for Pacific voices in Australian arts is particularly notable. As founder of Measina Theatre, a company prioritising Australian and Pacific stories, and through her work with Matavai Pacific Cultural Arts, she brings vital perspective on cultural representation and community engagement.
In 2024, the NSW Government passed legislation requiring each of NSW's six major cultural institutions to include a board member aged 18-28. The Expression of Interest application process for Young People on Boards was led by the Department for Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport, with more than 100 applicants preferencing the Australian Museum Trust. Shortlisted candidates underwent a competitive recruitment process. The Australian Museum thanks all of the young person applicants for their interest and participation.
Download the media release
About Melissa Sina Applin
Melissa Applin is an emerging arts and culture professional with a strong foundation in archaeology, museum education, youth leadership, and performing arts. Currently completing a Bachelor of Archaeology at Macquarie University, she has worked as a Pasifika Museum Education Presenter at the Australian Museum and has held roles at Macquarie University in outreach and student services. She has worked on a variety of community and independent theatre companies as a performer, freelance designer, director and choreographer. Her leadership experience includes serving as President of the Macquarie Musical Society and contributing to youth-focused and community initiatives in the performing arts, including Matavai Pacific Cultural Arts and the Australian Theatre for Young People’s Youth Advisory Board. In 2025, she deepened her engagement with community and culture as a contestant in the Miss Samoa NSW Pageant, earning the title of First Runner-Up. She is a founder of ‘Measina Theatre’, a theatre company prioritising Australian and Pacific voices in the performing arts.
About the Australian Museum
The Australian Museum (AM) was founded in 1827 and is the nation's first museum. It is internationally recognised as a natural science and culture institution focused on Australia and the Pacific. The AM's mission is to ignite wonder, inspire debate and drive change. The AM's vision is to be a leading voice for the richness of life, the Earth and culture in Australia and the Pacific. The AM commits to transforming the conversation around climate change, the environment and wildlife conservation; to being a strong advocate for First Nations cultures; and to continuing to develop world-leading science, collections, exhibitions and education programs. With 22 million objects and specimens and the Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI), the AM is not only a dynamic source of reliable scientific information on some of the most pressing environmental and social challenges facing our region, but also an important site of cultural exchange and learning.
