Newcastle Museum Director, Julie Baird was elected President of the Australian Museums and Galleries Association (AMaGA). The appointment marked the first time a leader from a Local Government funded museum and the first regionally based Director outside a state or federal capital city was named to the role.
City of Newcastle’s Executive Director of Creative and Community Services, Alissa Jones said the appointment reflected Julie’s long-standing expertise across Australian galleries, libraries, archives and museums.
“Julie’s appointment is a fitting recognition of her visionary and strategic leadership, shaped by more than 35 years of experience in cultural institutions, museums and collections across Australia and internationally,” Alissa said.
“Her ability to develop bold strategic visions, foster innovative partnerships and lead diverse teams has resulted in successful and award-winning exhibitions, programs, and community engagement.”
Julie previously served as Vice President of AMaGA from 2021 to 2025 and has been a member of the Create NSW Artform Assessment Board Museums and History since 2019, for which she was appointed Chair in 2023. Julie will continue as City of Newcastle’s Director of Museum, Archive, Libraries and Learning while undertaking AMaGA’s voluntary national role for the next two years.
Julie said she was honoured by the appointment and the opportunity to represent the sector.
“To have Newcastle Museum’s achievements and status as an innovative and integral part of our city and museum industry acknowledged at a national level by my appointment is an incredible honour,” Julie said.
“This provides an invaluable opportunity to lead the national discussion on the issues and conditions affecting our museums and galleries, and the communities we serve.”
Julie said almost half of AMaGA’s membership comprised small to medium organisations run by volunteers or very small teams.
“The national council seeks to understand how best to support these organisations to be sustainable on many levels, including financial, business, tourism and environmental sustainability and support for people,” Julie said.
“I am thrilled to be the first regionally based Director, and the first from a Local Government-funded museum, to hold this role, and believe this appointment recognises the vital role these institutions play in shaping our national cultural landscape.”
Museums & Galleries of NSW Chief Executive Officer, Brett Adlington congratulated Julie on the appointment.
“Museums & Galleries of NSW are delighted to learn of the appointment of Julie Baird as President of AMaGA National Council,” Brett said.
“Julie 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.”
AMaGA is the peak body for a broad range of museums, galleries and cultural institutions, including national, state, regional and community museums, historic sites, botanic and zoological gardens, research centres, Indigenous cultural centres, and Keeping Places across Australia.
IMAGE | City of Newcastle’s Director Museum Archive Libraries and Learning, Julie Baird, at the Newcastle Museum.
