In a landmark achievement for Julie Baird, the Newcastle Museum director will take the reins of one of the nation’s peak cultural bodies.

She’ll step into the president’s role of the Australian Museums and Galleries Association (AMaGA), becoming the first person from a local government-funded facility to be elected to the top job.

AMaGA encompasses a diverse range of national, state, regional and community museums, galleries, historic sites, botanic and zoological gardens, research centres, Indigenous cultural centres and Keeping Places across the country.

Ms Baird admitted she was excited and humbled by her appointment.

“To have Newcastle Museum’s status as an innovative and integral part of our city recognised at a national level is an incredible honour,” she said. 

“This provides an invaluable opportunity to lead the discussion on the issues and conditions affecting our museums and galleries… and the communities we serve.  

“Almost 50% of AMaGA’s membership is made up of small-to-medium organisations that are either run by volunteers or with very few staff. 

“The national council seeks to understand how best to support these groups to be sustainable on many levels, including financial, business, tourism and environmental sustainability and support for people. 

“I am thrilled to be the first regionally-based director to hold this position and believe this appointment acknowledges the vital role these institutions play in shaping our national cultural landscape.” 

She will continue as City of Newcastle’s director of museum, archive, libraries and learning while undertaking AMaGA’s voluntary position during the next two years. 

Museums & Galleries of NSW CEO Brett Adlington also congratulated Ms Baird on her latest assignment.

“We are delighted to learn of the appointment of Julie as president of the Australian Museums and Galleries Association,” he said.

“She brings an incredible depth of understanding of the sector, most specifically her years of experience living and working outside the capital cities.  

“We congratulate Julie as the first president of AMaGA from outside metropolitan Australia; a region that plays a vital role in supporting the careers of arts and cultural workers, while also contributing to the telling and holding of our local stories.”

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