The cultural collections of Australia are central to our sense of identity and are at the core of community life. Collections represent the essence of the past, present and future memory of the country: they shape our psyche, record our development, provide insight into our national spirit, and inspire us for the future. They can be brought together under different names such as archives, galleries, libraries and knowledge centres, museums, Indigenous cultural resource centres and keeping places, historical societies, visitor centres and heritage places. Collections are composed of things that may be movable, or fixed in location. These things may be real and tangible, or may exist in digital format in a virtual realm. Botanical and zoological collections may include living things. Wherever they are, and whatever their nature, they are preserved and protected because of their identifiable significance.

The Collections Council of Australia Ltd is the peak body for the Australian collections sector. It has been established to ensure the nation-wide sustainability of collections by consulting with key stakeholders to resolve common issues and to promote the value of the sector.

The Collections Council provides the secretariat for Blue Shield Australia.

The Collections Council of Australia Ltd is supported by the Cultural Ministers Council.