Media Release M&GSQ ASCR - Museums & Galleries …

1 Museum & Gallery Services Queensland Ltd. acknowledges the assistance of the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and is supported by the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy, an initiative of the Australian, State and Territory Governments, and by the Commonwealth through the Australia Council its arts funding and advisory body. ABN 32 109 874 811 Media Release 5/12/2012 M&GSQ is the peak professional body for the public museum and gallery sector in Queensland, representing a network of more than 400 organisations across the State.

2 PRAISE FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE AND HERITAGE TOURISM Mayor of Bundaberg, Councillor Mal Forman, joined Museum and Gallery Services Queensland (M&GSQ) at the Bundaberg Regional Council on Friday 30 November, in congratulating Australian Sugar Cane Railway on a great year of achievement. The Australian Sugar Cane Railway is a standout heritage tourism attraction and visitor experience in Bundaberg s Botanic Gardens. M&GSQ s Executive Director, Rebekah Butler, said today, The Australian Sugar Cane Railway is to be commended for its achievements during its year-long participation in M&GSQ s Standards Program.

3 The ASCR team provides a shining example of the contribution volunteer run Museums and heritage tourism attractions make to the identity and well being of their communities. David Mewes, Curator Workshops Rail Museum, and Christina Ianna, Conservator, both expert Industry Reviewers with a passion for railway heritage, played a vital role in providing pro bono professional advice and assistance throughout M&GSQ s year-long Standards Program. The Reviewers commended the skilled members of the Bundaberg Steam Tramway Preservation Society Inc who carry out the maintenance and award winning restoration of the locomotives and the volunteers who provide train rides along two kilometres of the narrow gauge track every Sunday, during school holidays and by arrangement.

4 They noted the well-developed management practices for the accreditation and operation of a passenger-carrying railway in a public space. One significant achievement is the Certificate Course in Steam Locomotive Operations Training Manual compiled by Allan Beidermann and Ross Driver to be delivered in partnership with the Australian Safety Training Alliance. M&GSQ s Standards Program supports collecting Museums and Galleries to build skills and capacity, plan for a sustainable future, identify strategic priorities for improvement, develop an action plan and ensure the safeguarding and accessibility of these collections for their communities.

5 The museum s profile is attached. For Media enquiries and images please contact: Ann Baillie, Manager - Training & Professional Development, M&GSQ Phone: 07 3215 0845 Freecall: 1800 680 433 (within Queensland) Mobile: 0419 729 533 Email: Museum & Gallery Services Queensland Ltd. acknowledges the assistance of the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and is supported by the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy, an initiative of the Australian, State and Territory Governments, and by the Commonwealth through the Australia Council its arts funding and advisory body.

6 ABN 32 109 874 811 IMAGE CAPTION Image 1 Mayor of Bundaberg Mal Forman presents a Certificate of Recognition to the Australian Sugar Cane Railway represented by Ross Driver with North Burnett Mayor Don Waugh looking on. Acknowledgement Photo Paul Beutel Media Release END