National Museum of Australia, 1980-1989

Component identifier:

Series 7

Content Summary:

The Museum of Australia was established under the 1980 Museum of Australia Act. The initial planning was to be done by an Interim Council which was appointed in February 1981, with Dix as Chairman. It was replaced by the Council of the Museum of Australia in December 1983 and Dix continued to be Chairman until June 1990. In 1985 amending legislation changed the name to the National Museum of Australia. It was a frustrating period, with a lack of strong Government support for the Museum, reduced funding, and debates over the proposed site at Yarramundi Reach. In his final report (1989) Dix wrote ‘Each Council Report since 1980 has reflected Council’s concern that no firm commitment has been made to proceed with the actual construction of this great national institution’. The Museum was finally opened in 2001.

The papers relating to the Museum were in scattered files and in no particular order. They included official papers, personal correspondence, publications, newspaper cuttings and papers concerning the Friends of the National Museum. The correspondents include R.J. Ellicott and Don McMichael.

Immediate source of acquisition:

The papers were presented to the Library by Mrs Ann Dix in 2002.

Names:

Alexander Dix

Contents

Access and use