In November 2007, members of a number of collecting and cultural bodies in Ballarat identified a need for a network within the region to help each of these groups work together to protect their collections and provide a response in the event of disaster.

In response the Ballarat Collections Network was formed and has developed into a dynamic vehicle for historical, cultural and heritage groups within the City of Ballarat to:

• care for and manage the cultural heritage of the City;
• share knowledge, advice and expertise, and;
• seek professional development and training opportunities for members in disaster recovery and planning.

The network’s major initiative has been the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the parties to support institutions in the case of a disaster affecting any of the signatories.

The MOU is thought to be the first of its kind in regional Australia, and the project is featured in the Collections Council of Australia’s Collaborative Projects Showcase.

The members of the network are:

Public Record Office Victoria
Sovereign Hill Museums Association and Ballarat Gold Museum
Ballarat Historical Society
Art Gallery of Ballarat
Friends of the Ballarat Botanic Gardens
University of Ballarat
Central Highlands Regional Library Corporation
Ballaarat Mechanics Institute
Ballarat and District Genealogical Society
The Eureka Centre
City of Ballarat
Central Highlands Historical Association
Department of Planning and Community Development – Community Museums Pilot Program

For more information about the Ballarat Collections Network contact Lauren Bourke at PROV on (03) 9348 5642 or email lauren.bourke@prov.vic.gov.au

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