Appointments to National Cultural Heritage Committee

The Albanese Labor Government has today announced the appointments of Dr Geraldine Mate, Ms Zoe Rimmer and Dr Stephen Gilchrist as members of the National Cultural Heritage Committee, each for three-year terms.

The National Cultural Heritage Committee is responsible for advising the government on important matters regarding our cultural heritage.

It plays a critical role in the protection of Australian and foreign cultural heritage, by ensuring items of cultural significance remain in their rightful homes.

Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the appointments will lead to better outcomes for Australia’s cultural heritage.

“Cultural heritage matters.

“Ensuring items are returned to where they belong – whether they’re Australian items held overseas, or items we have here – is important Government work.

“Geraldine, Zoe and Stephen all have impressive expertise that I know will be an asset to the committee.”

Biographies:

Dr Geraldine Mate is the Principal Curator, History, Industry and Technology at the Queensland Museum with a speciality in industrial cultural heritage and archaeology. She has held senior positions with the Museum Queensland Network, James Cook University and the University of Southern Queensland.

Ms Zoe Rimmer is a Pakana woman and an Indigenous Fellow at the School of Humanities in the College of the Arts, Law and Education at the University of Tasmania. An author and documentary film maker, she is currently a member of the Indigenous Reference Group of the National Gallery of Australia and Deputy Chair of the Aboriginal Heritage Council, Tasmania.

Dr Stephen Gilchrist belongs to the Yamatji people. He is a curator and author specialising in Australian Indigenous art. He is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Indigenous Studies at the University of Western Australia and has worked with Indigenous Australian art collections in galleries both at home and abroad.