WELCOME ...
 Collecting institutions often fall into the trap of only presenting the finished product, the flawless fait accompli. The 2009 Museums Australia conference wants to turn “How on earth did you get there?” into “That’s how we can do it.” With the four sub themes Working Together, Working Hard, Working Differently and Working New focussing on innovation and collaboration, this conference will showcase inspirational projects from around Australia and the world.
The first MA National conference to be held outside a state capital since 1999, Newcastle offers all the ease and services of a thriving city but still brings an R&R perspective to delegates. From our intriguing 200 year story has arisen a dynamic city of contrasts. Discover a port city in transition and delight in a mixture of the raw and refined. The city hums with a vibrant arts culture and an emerging food scene but some things need never change - the surf is still world class, the pace remains relaxed and the friendly locals are proud of their city.
 International keynote speakers, accessible location, 3 local redeveloped Museum projects and an art gallery redevelopment plus an innovative social program including MAPDA awards and the inaugural MA Olympics, makes this the conference not to miss.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
17th - 20th May 2009
Newcastle City Hall
Newcastle, NSW AUSTRALIA 
You are invited to Register!
 Work in Progress, Newcastle, May 2009 marks a return to Museums Australia’s annual program of national conferences. In one of my last roles as President, I am very pleased to invite you to register online or by using this brochure and to encourage you to reap the financial benefits of being an early bird.
This conference, sited in one of Australia’s oldest yet most rapidly evolving regional areas, recognises that although a high proportion of the Australian population lives outside the capital cities, the “think global, act
local” call to action is relevant to everyone and the when, how and why we are working in museums is of primary importance..
The Work in Progress program concentrates on ways not means, process not product, confronting challenges not just reporting back on successful conclusions.
The Conference Committee’s choice of topic, made long before the current global crises in the worlds of finance, environment and society, was remarkably prescient. At times like these museums and galleries are liable to fall below the public and political horizon. At times like these it is vital that those of us working in museums and galleries are acutely conscious of and focussed on contemporary conditions in all their complexity. The critical and underlying issues of the day need to be identified, collected and recorded, our relationships with our audiences must be strengthened and developed further and the relevance and future directions of our institutions reviewed, planned for and promoted.
Work in Progress will help us to do this. It will be an excellent opportunity to join old friends, meet new colleagues and be excited by ideas, changing methods, current analyses and lively stories delivered by internationally based and Australian speakers. The conference will be a great opportunity to introduce new colleagues to Museums Australia and to the diversity of activities presented by MA’s State Branches, National Networks, SIGs and Chapters.
I look forward to meeting you in Newcastle May 17-20, 2009.
Patricia Sabine
President
PS Don’t forget the financial benefits of registering early!
Organising Committee
Debbie Abraham, Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery
Julie Baird, Newcastle Regional Museum
Gavin Fry, Newcastle Regional Museum
Sue Longworth, Newcastle Regional Museum
Ron Ramsey, Newcastle Region Art Gallery
Bill Storer, Museums Australia NSW
Assisted by: Ruth Appleby, John Bramble, Laurie Crowe, Liz Gillroy, Chelsea Hunt, Sigrid McCausland, Daryn McKenny, Kit Messham-Muir, Georgia Murphy, Noelle Nelson, Dianna Newman, Alana Nixon, Rebecca Pinchin, Maria Schroder, Sister Monica Sinclair, Boris Sokoloff, Josh Tarrant, James Wilson-Miller, Marion Wilson
Logo design: Scott Kirkman, Duns Creek, NSW
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