Published Thursday, 19 April, 2007 at 10:59 AM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
WORK TO PRESERVE AUSTRALIAN HERITAGE: PREMIER BEATTIE
The Queensland Government will evaluate exhibits at the Australian Workers Heritage Centre in Barcaldine to ensure their preservation for future generations, Premier Peter Beattie announced today.
“Barcaldine has a special place in our modern history as the site of the 1891 Great Shearers’ Strike when shearers gathered under the famous Tree of Knowledge and formed the Australian Labour Party – the oldest party in Australia,” Mr Beattie said.
“The town is the heartland of the union movement so it’s crucial to identify and preserve the centre’s significant displays and exhibition material so future generations can learn about the outstanding contributions and sacrifices workers made in building Queensland and the nation,” he said.
The State Government will appoint a consultant to conduct the independent review which will assess the centre’s assets and historic items and recommend the most effective ways to display and present them.
“In the future this may include travelling exhibitions or providing memorabilia and displays for other towns and galleries,” Mr Beattie said.
The consultant will additionally assess future management options and funding streams for the centre.
Australian Workers Heritage Centre Chief Executive Officer Bob Gleeson said the review would support the development of a sustainable management plan and ensure the integrity and safe keeping of the broad range of displays and unique assets.
“It is imperative that this significant Barcaldine facility – which is owned by the people of Australia – continues into the future,” Mr Gleeson said.
“As one of the founders of the centre, I want to see it continue to engage with the people of Australia and visitors, and continue to raise awareness of the struggles and achievements of our workers in building our nation and developing the fabric of our society,” he said.
“I am confident all Queenslanders will join with our centre in expressing appreciation to the Beattie Government for providing the funding for the evaluation which will produce a comprehensive report and appropriate recommendations.”
April 19, 2007
Media Contact: Premier’s Office – 3224 4500
“Barcaldine has a special place in our modern history as the site of the 1891 Great Shearers’ Strike when shearers gathered under the famous Tree of Knowledge and formed the Australian Labour Party – the oldest party in Australia,” Mr Beattie said.
“The town is the heartland of the union movement so it’s crucial to identify and preserve the centre’s significant displays and exhibition material so future generations can learn about the outstanding contributions and sacrifices workers made in building Queensland and the nation,” he said.
The State Government will appoint a consultant to conduct the independent review which will assess the centre’s assets and historic items and recommend the most effective ways to display and present them.
“In the future this may include travelling exhibitions or providing memorabilia and displays for other towns and galleries,” Mr Beattie said.
The consultant will additionally assess future management options and funding streams for the centre.
Australian Workers Heritage Centre Chief Executive Officer Bob Gleeson said the review would support the development of a sustainable management plan and ensure the integrity and safe keeping of the broad range of displays and unique assets.
“It is imperative that this significant Barcaldine facility – which is owned by the people of Australia – continues into the future,” Mr Gleeson said.
“As one of the founders of the centre, I want to see it continue to engage with the people of Australia and visitors, and continue to raise awareness of the struggles and achievements of our workers in building our nation and developing the fabric of our society,” he said.
“I am confident all Queenslanders will join with our centre in expressing appreciation to the Beattie Government for providing the funding for the evaluation which will produce a comprehensive report and appropriate recommendations.”
April 19, 2007
Media Contact: Premier’s Office – 3224 4500