“A new three-year strategic plan needs to be developed this year and we need to take the opportunity to redefine the museum’s role, make it more relevant to, and better engaged with the community and define the path to a sustainable long term future,” Mr Morrow said.

Major achievements for the year just passed included: 

• Completion of an oral history project contracted to the museum by Bega Cheese (see www.livingmemorials.com.au). The National Library of Australia has been granted permission to archive this website for access by future generations. 

• The mounting of a major Exhibition, The Great War: Tales from the Far South Coast funded by the federal Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Bega Valley Shire Council and local business and community groups. This project came in on time and under budget.

• A “whole of collection” significance assessment funded by The National Library of Australia. As well as defining the national significance of the museum’s collection the report provides a road map for the management.

• A building assessment funded by Museums and Galleries NSW which reported on problems with the fabric of the museum building and what has to be done to improve access to the museum and better preserve the collection. 

• A top to bottom review of our policies and procedures to ensure they reflect best practice in the museum industry and cover all critical operations of the society and the museum. 

• A review of the operations of the museum shop and the implementation of a new stocking and pricing policy and the introduction of EFTPOS. 

• An audit of IT systems to ensure they are secure, resilient and reflect industry best practice.

Mr Morrow said the completion of such an extensive program of activity, while keeping the museum operating as usual and growing visitor numbers and revenue, reflects great credit on the society’s management committee and the other museum volunteers involved. 

“The public response to, and support for, the Great War Exhibition shows the museum can strongly connect with the community if we have something new, interesting and relevant to say.

“I would like to thank my fellow members of the management committee, our volunteers, members, sponsors and partners for their commitment and support during what was a very busy and sometimes trying year,” Mr Morrow said.

He then said he had decided not to stand for re-election as president of the society or for election to the management committee in 2015.

Peter Rogers was elected as the new president and thanked Mr Morrow for his contribution to the Historical Society as a committee member and president.

John Richardson was elected vice-president, Kaye Jauncey secretary, Helen Jauncey treasurer and other committee members are Cheryl Moon, Sandra Florance, Peter Lacey, Claire Lupton, Doug Russell and Aly Walsh.