MAGNT ushers in New Board

Aboriginal Art Directory | 20.06.14

News source: Press Release

With the legislation now passed which establishes the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) as a statutory authority, a new board has been appointed as it prepares to enter a new and exciting era. From 1 July, the board will have stronger powers to attract private sector support.

“The new board of the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory is world-class and pioneering – just what we need as our museums enter this exciting new chapter,” said Minister for Arts and Museums Matt Conlan.

“With Allan Myers continuing on as Chairperson, the new board is a fantastic mix of esteemed individuals with a wealth of knowledge across the arts, science and business sectors.

“I’m particularly pleased our regions are also represented on the new board with the founder of the Merrepen Arts Centre, Ms Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann, among the new members. The Territory is home to the most incredible Indigenous art and culture and I’m sure Ms Ungunmerr-Baumann will help our museums further their international reputation.

“Our museums and art galleries are vital in attracting tourists to the Territory and our new legislation establishing the MAGNT as a Statutory Authority, funded by the Northern Territory Government, will allow us to showcase our arts and build a more prosperous economy.

“I’d like to thank the outgoing board members for their tireless work and determination.”

MAGNT director, Pierre Arpin, said the transition to a more independent statutory authority will allow MAGNT to attract philanthropic donations and corporate sponsorship.

“The new MAGNT Board will be better placed to acquire more art works and scientific material of interest and value to Territorians and the visiting public,” Mr Arpin said.

“This change will enhance and strengthen MAGNT’s potential in becoming one of the most visited, popular and respected cultural institutions in Northern Australia and Pacific region.”

New MAGNT Board chairperson, Allan Myers AO QC, said the new-look MAGNT would pave the way for a more inclusive and community connected cultural institution.

“The new MAGNT Board will work hard to ensure every opportunity to make MAGNT more appealing and engaged with the community will be explored,” he said.

List of MAGNT Board Members

Mr Allan Myers AO QC (Chair) Senior barrister and solicitor and current Chair of the National Gallery of Australia. Lives in Melbourne.

Professor Helen Garnett President of the Museum and Art Gallery of the NT Foundation. Dr Garnett was Vice Chancellor of Charles Darwin University in the Northern Territory from 2003 -2008. Emeritus Professor of the University of Wollongong and of Charles Darwin University, a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Dr Garnett is currently the Chair of Delta Electricity, a non-executive Director of Carbon Energy Limited, Director of the Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics, Director of the Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation. Lives in Darwin.

Mr Ian Kew Director of CSG Limited, CEO of NT Airports and CEO of Airport Development Group Pty Limited. Lives in Darwin.

Dr Peter Whitehead Dr Whitehead is a research scientist. His contributions to conservation management have been recognized in appointments to the Boards of Kakadu, Nitmiluk and Garig National Parks, as Commissioner of the NT Parks and Wildlife Commission and membership of the NT Heritage Advisory Council. Lives in Darwin.

Mr Ervin Vidor AM Executive Chairman of Toga Group of Companies. Property developer with significant holdings in Australia, New Zealand and Europe. Lives in Sydney.

Mr Mark Rowberry Mark Rowberry is a Certified Practicing Accountant who has been a commercial & tax adviser to businesses for more than 25 years. He has previously has held Partnership roles with major accounting and consulting firms Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu & Horwath Australia. He is now Managing Director and principal advisor with 360 Business Advisory, a firm he established and which specialises in tax & commercial advisory work for family owned & managed enterprises. He works predominantly from Darwin & Adelaide but services clients all over Australia. Over the years has held various voluntary Board positions within the not for profit sector, including Automobile Association of the Northern Territory (AANT), Urban Development Institute of the Northern Territory (UDIA) and Youth Hostels Association of the Northern Territory (YHA).

Mr Michael Sitzler As company principal, Michael has been directly involved in construction for over 30 years. Michael is Managing Director of Sitzler Bros Pty Ltd and also Director of Sitzler Pty Ltd. Michael directs the leadership and management of all Sitzler’s projects. He has extensive hands-on experience in land and property investment, building and civil engineering, construction management, project management and business development. He has managed the successful delivery of Sitzler’s property development activities throughout the Northern Territory including residential subdivisions, commercial precincts, retail plazas, apartment buildings and industrial support facilities. Michael holds a Bachelor of Building from the University of Melbourne, is a member of the Australian Institute of Building and Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Mr John (Geoffrey) Stirk BA LLB John Stirk is a practising lawyer in Alice Springs. He has been a Territory resident for 30 years and has resided in Central Australia for 24 years. He has an interest and experience in governance and restructuring of organisations at all levels of government and works in legislative reviews, with a particular interest in indigenous organisations. Mr Stirk has held positions as the President of the Northern Territory Law Society and a member of the Law Council of Australia for terms of two and four years respectively. He and his family have been involved with Riding for the Disabled Association activities over the last decade. He is currently the national Chair of Riding for the Disabled Australia.

Ms Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann Ms Miriam-Rose Baumann is the Territory's first Indigenous school teacher, and Principal of St Francis Xavier School at Daly River. Ms Baumann is a respected elder in her community of Nauiyu where she founded the Merrepen Arts Centre and has served multiple times on the local council. She is also an artist, and is a major influence in the spiritual life of Daly River embracing both her Catholic faith and traditional Aboriginal beliefs. Lives in Daly River.

Pierre Arpin continues in his role as Directory of the MAGNT.

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