The Power of Giving

An evening of insight and impact - discover how generous philanthropic support drives transformative projects and meet the people behind the work as they share updates on their scientific research and cultural projects.

  • Date:
    Thursday 18 June: 6pm - 8pm
  • Cost:
    Free, registration required
  • Location:
    UG, Theatre
Conservator Kerry Etherington cleans a large taxidermied bump-head sunfish specimen in Hintze Hall.
Kerry Etherington from the Collection, Care & Conservation team is carefully restoring this Bump-head Sunfish (Mola alexandrini) specimen in Hintze Hall in 2026. Collected at Manly Beach in 1882, this specimen has been part of the Australian Museum collection for over 140 years. One of the heaviest bony fish on Earth, it can weigh more than 2,000 kilograms. Like many other specimens in the Ichthyology Collection, this specimen AM I.2742 is used by researchers and decision makers globally to help us better understand our planets fish biodiversity. Image: Louise Reily
© Australian Museum

Age: Recommended 18+

  • 5.45pm: Doors open with light refreshments
  • 6.30pm: Presentation and panel discussion
  • 8pm: Event ends

Join us at the Australian Museum Foundation's (AMF) for our free annual free event, The Power of Giving.

Held each year, the event brings our community together to explore the impact of philanthropy across the Australian Museum. During this special evening, discover how philanthropy, science and conservation come together to help protect Australia's natural world. 

Hear directly from our scientists and conservationists as they share the real work happening right now - from field research in the Coral Sea to conservation care of a historic Bump-head Sunfish - and the role our supporters play in making such work possible. 

Held in the Theatre, the evening will feature presentations and a panel discussion by Australian Museum Director, Gillian Fullilove, followed by an audience Q&A. 

Refreshments and light catering supplied.

Book now

Sheldon Teare

A man wearing glasses and blue gloves examines bones closely in a museum conservation laboratory.

Sheldon Teare, Senior Natural Sciences Conservator at the Australian Museum.

Image: Natalia Mroz
© Australian Museum

Sheldon is Senior Natural Sciences Conservator for the Life and Geosciences collections at the Australian Museum. He is responsible for providing expert advice and Conservation treatments across 10 collection areas totalling 20 million specimens. Sheldon hasspecialised in the care of Natural Sciences collections for 10 years and is a strong advocate for ensuring Natural Science collections receive the same status and care as other collections.

Dr Yi-Kai Tea

A person holds a camera and looks out to sea from the deck of a research vessel under a blue sky.

Dr Yi-Kai Tea, Curator Ichthyology & Group Manager at the Australian Museum.

Image: Yi-Kai Tea
© Yi-Kai Tea

Dr Yi-Kai Tea is the Group Manager and Curator, Ichthyology, at the Australian Museum and was recently the Australian Museum’s Chadwick Biodiversity Fellow. Throughout his career, he has described over twenty new species. Kai's current project is focused on the curation of the 1997 Southern Surveyor Coral Sea larval fish sea - an expedition not likely to be repeated. 

Heather Bleechmore

A woman with dark hair and a fringe smiles at the camera wearing a colourful top and long earrings.
Heather Bleechmore, Manager, Collection Care and Conservation, Australian Museum. Image: Grace Burzese
© Australian Museum

Heather Bleechmore manages the preservation and conservation of the Museum's extensive and diverse cultural, scientific, and archival collections of over 21 million items. Heather is currently overseeing the Conservation Fellowship - a first-of-it's-kind learning pathway for the future generation of collection conservators.

Gillian Fullilove

A woman with short curly dark hair and a white streak smiles at the camera against a grey background
Gillian Fullilove, Australian Museum Foundation Director. Image: Supplied
© Gillian Fullilove

Gillian Fullilove has been a Director of the Australian Museum Foundation since 2023, and has held senior roles across numerous non-profit organisations and universities, namely as Executive Director of Rhodes Scholarships in Australia. 

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