The Australian Government today announced the appointment of five eminent Australians to its premier advisory body on heritage – the Australian Heritage Council.
The new appointees come from a broad cross section of Australian society including the arts, academia, cultural heritage management and politics.
I am delighted to announce the appointment to the Australian Heritage Council of:
• Mr Lyndon Ormond-Parker, Research Fellow, Indigenous Studies Unit, University of Melbourne
• Ms Rachel Perkins, Film Curator, Festival and Film Director, Blackfella Films
• Dr Jane Harrington, Director Conservation and Infrastructure, Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority
• Associate Professor Don Garden, President of the Federation of Australian Historical Societies
• The Hon Dr David Kemp, former Minister for the Environment, Minister for Education, Training and Youth Affairs and Member for Goldstein.
Their combined expertise, skills and experience will ensure the Australian Heritage Council continues to provide the Australian Government with expert independent advice on the identification and protection of Australia’s most outstanding national heritage places.
I would also like to thank the outgoing members of the Australian Heritage Council and highlight their contribution to Australia’s heritage.
The tenure of Dr Jackie Huggins, Dr Jak Ah Kit, Associate Professor Peter Valentine, Ms Helen Larder and Ms Kate Clark, saw the inscription of a number of iconic Australian places on the National Heritage List, such as the Great Ocean Road, the QANTAS Hangar in Longreach and Moree Baths and Swimming Pool.
I look forward to working with the new Council members, the current Chairperson Professor Carmen Lawrence, and continuing Council member Dr Jennie Whinam to build on the work of previous council members.
I have no doubt the Australian Heritage Council will continue to take a strong strategic approach to the building of Australia’s National Heritage list and the promotion and conservation of our remarkable national heritage.
(ENDS)