On 21 April 2010 the Collections Council staff, present and past directors, representatives of collections sector peak bodies and South Australian colleagues and friends gathered to farewell the organisation.

Despite the regretful reason for bringing people together, the upbeat event was enjoyed by more than 100 people. Noel Turnbull, CCA Chair, addressed the gathering, reminding us of the Collections Council’s successes and challenges. He pointed out that the closure of the CCA was a reminder that “governments and community need to explore new national ways to fund collections at a systematically higher and more sustainable level”, paid tribute to the staff and volunteers of the Collections Council, and thanked our supporters and friends.

Mr Turnbull closed with the comment that “the collections sector is amazing – it enlightens, it entertains, it educates, it contains everything important about our national past and present. Whether CCA is here or not, the need remains for innovative collaborative, cross-sectoral policy, lobbying and promotion work to ensure all Australians and Australian governments are aware of just how amazing.”

Noel Turnbull, Chair of the Collections Council, 21 April 2010

Gathered representatives of the collections sector, colleagues and friends, 21 April 2010

The remaining Collections Council team (L to R) Lisa Preston, Vicki Humphrey, Charlotte Smith, Alexis Tindall and Margaret Birtley, 21 April 2010