Australian Museum’s Amanda Farrar awarded Public Service Medal

Author(s)

Farley Fitzgerald
Published

13 June 2022
Read time

2 minutes

13 June 2022, Sydney: Amanda Farrar, Director, Public Affairs and Development at the Australian Museum (AM), has been recognised with the Public Service Medal (PSM) for outstanding public service to arts and culture in New South Wales. The award was announced today in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2022.

During Mrs Farrar’s twelve years in the public service, six of those at the AM and six working as advisor to former NSW Premier Mike Baird, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication and determination.

“I am honoured to work for the NSW Public Service and see communities learn, grow and thrive,” Mrs Farrar said.

“Providing access to the Australian Museum’s extraordinary collections, incredible scientific research and First Nations voices is a true privilege. Every day, I experience the wonder in the eyes of our next generation as they learn about our world,” she said.

“I’ve been blessed to work with some extraordinary people within the public service and I’d like to thank all my colleagues. A Public Service Medal is a great honour and I look forward to continuing this rewarding work in the future,” she said.

Early Birds Autism and Sensory Friendly Mornings 16 January 2021 — January School Holiday Program 2021 - Early Birds Autism and Sensory Friendly Morning 16 January. Visitors can explore the Museum in a reduced sensory, relaxed and supportive atmosphere. The Australian Museum worked with Autism Spectrum Australia to make this an accessible event. This program is funded by a grant from the Australian Museum Foundation. Image: Anna Kučera
© Australian Museum

Ms Kim McKay AO, Director and CEO, Australian Museum, said Amanda has made a significant contribution to the AM in environmental sustainability, advocating for accessibility and inclusion including championing the AM’s Reconciliation Action Plan, and fundraising strategies.

“We are very fortunate to have Amanda on the Executive Leadership Team of the Australian Museum and we are delighted to celebrate her award within the Australian Honours System recognising her outstanding service,” Ms McKay said.

“Amanda has led with drive and commitment, patience, pragmatism and intelligence. Her efforts have ensured the Australian Museum remains a hallmark cultural institution for generations to come,” she said.

Mrs Farrar’s leadership skills have previously been recognised through the Public Service Commission’s Leadership Academy senior executive program (2021) and the Council of Australian Museum Director’s Executive Mentoring program (2018). Prior to joining the AM, Amanda was a senior advisor to former NSW Premier, Hon. Mike Baird and the former Managing Director of National Geographic Channel Australia/New Zealand. Mrs Farrar lives with her husband and three children on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

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.