The Early Bird Registration and Bursary Application date for Interesting Times: New Roles for Collections (28.9.10 - 2.10.10) has been extended until Friday 30th July. A Preliminary Program Grid is also available here

Museums Australia (Victoria) would like to congratulate the following Award winners:

• Kay Gibson, Victoria and Police Museum and Historical Services, The Museums Australia (Victoria) Award for Excellence (volunteer)

• Jason Eades, CEO, Koorie Heritage Trust, The Museums Australia (Victoria) Award for Excellence (paid staff)

• Gippsland Regional Maritime Museum for Building and equipping new archives, The Click Award for Volunteer Run Museums

• The Archival Survival Award for Small Museums (2-7 paid staff), Burrinja Cultural Centre for Exemplary Public Programs

• Shrine of Remembrance for Remembrance Box Outreach Program,Museum’s Australia (Victoria) Award for Medium Museums (8-50 paid staff)

• Museum Victoria, Wild: Amazing animals in a changing  world exhibition, Museum’s Australia (Victoria) Award for Large Museums (51+ paid staff)

• Old Gippstown, Moe, The Herald Sun People’s Choice Award for the Best Museum Experience

• Creswick Museum recognised for MAP Accreditation

Museums Australia is now calling for your publications for entry into the 2010 Museums Australia Multimedia & Publication Design Awards. Entries close at the end of July, to be judged by a panel of peers and industry experts. Winners will be announced on 29 September 2010 during the Museums Australia National Conference Interesting times: new roles for collections in Melbourne, 28 September – 2 October 2010.

Entries are invited from Museums Australia member and non-member organisations involved in the collection and display of cultural material. Large and small, regional and metropolitan natural and social history and science museums, public art galleries, artist -run initiatives, historic houses, indigenous keeping places, archives, libraries, interpretive centres, zoos, aquaria and botanical gardens; MAPDA wants your best publications.

In 2010 the MAPDA electronic categories have been expanded to reflect the growing use and relevance of this form of media. Select your best electronic and print publication designs for entry.

Further information: Museums Australia National Office