Australian Museum wins two awards at 2024 Australian Museum and Galleries Awards

  • Author(s)
    Clare Patience
  • Published
    19 September 2024
  • Read time
    2 minutes

Ballarat, Victoria, 18 September, 2024: Announced at the Australian Museums and Galleries Association’s (AMAGA) National Conference, The Australian Museum (AM) was the winner of two major exhibition prizes at the 2024 AMaGA Awards.

The AM’s exhibitions, Her Name is Nanny Nellie and Wansolmoana were both winners across the Community Connection Awards categories, receiving recognition for “setting new standards for sensitive collections” and “introducing a groundbreaking approach to Pasifika collections”.

AMAGA Community Connection Award, Her Name is Nanny Nellie.
AMAGA Community Connection Award, Her Name is Nanny Nellie. Image: -
© Australian Museum

“We are incredibly proud of the AM’s First Nations team, led by Wailwan woman and Director Laura McBride, whose team carefully navigated the complex consultation, development and delivery of these extraordinary exhibitions. We are thrilled that this work has been recognised and celebrated by our peers across the museum and gallery sector,” Kim McKay, Director and CEO of the AM said.

“We also acknowledge the generosity of the communities who share their stories, wisdom and insights with us. We are privileged to learn from their important contributions, and the Australian Museum and our audiences are richer for these important relationships and ideas,” she said.

AMAGA Community Connection Award, Wansolmoana.
AMAGA Community Connection Award, Wansolmoana. Image: Russell Briggs
© Australian Museum

Held on Wadawurrung Country, in Ballarat, Victoria, the AMAGA national conference also provided an opportunity for Australian Museum leaders, including Director of Museum Experience and Engagement, to contribute to cross-sector discussions and information sharing by participating in panel discussions, presentations and networking across the week with industry peers.

Aunty Irene stands next to the sculpture of Nanny Nellie, at the unveiling of the temporary display, Her Name is Nanny Nellie in July 2023.
Aunty Irene stands next to the sculpture of Nanny Nellie, at the unveiling of the temporary display, Her Name is Nanny Nellie in July 2023. Image: James Alcock
© Australian Museum
Vaka (Canoe) 'Tai Tokelau' made entirely from the Kanava tree in Tokelau featured in Wansolmoana, Australian Museum's Pasifika Gallery.
Vaka (Canoe) 'Tai Tokelau' made entirely from the Kanava tree in Tokelau featured in Wansolmoana, Australian Museum's Pasifika Gallery. Image: Abram Powell
© Australian Museum
Media conference for new Pacific Gallery, Wansolmoana
Opening of the Pasifika Gallery, Wansolmoana. Image: Mel Koutchavalis
© Austrailian Museum

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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. As custodian of more than 22 million objects and specimens, the AM is uniquely positioned to provide a greater understanding of the region through its scientific research, exhibitions, and public and education programs. Through the Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI), the AM also plays a leading role in conserving Australia’s biodiversity through understanding the environmental impacts of climate change, potential security threats and invasive species.

Media Enquiries:

Clare Patience, Head of Communications
T 0408 846 224
E Clare.Patience@Australian.Museum

Claire Vince, Media and Communications Adviser
T 0468 726 910
E Claire.Vince@Australian.Museum