| Fast Facts |
| Timeframe |
2008 onwards |
Ballarat Collections Network - Memoranda of Understanding for Disaster Preparedness
A group of Ballarat based collecting organisations has formed a network to help each other better prevent and respond to natural or other types of disasters. The group has entered into a multi-lateral Memorandum of Understanding as a basis for working together to provide training opportunities, share information and share resources should any disaster strike.
Who
Ballarat Archives Centre (Public Record Office Victoria)
The Sovereign Hill Museums Association & Ballarat Gold Museum
Art Gallery of Ballarat
Central Highlands Regional Library Corporation
City of Ballarat
Ballarat Historical Society
Ballarat & District Genealogical Society
Ballaarat Mechanics Institute
University of Ballarat
Friends of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens
Central Highlands Historical Association
Department of Planning and Community Development – Community Museums Pilot Program
Why
The objective of the project was to create a framework whereby participating organisations agree to assist each other prepare for, and respond to, any emergencies or disasters that may arise and endanger the collections housed by the participating organisations. Some of the members had recently experienced disasters. The group believes that a cooperative approach will assist its members to help prevent disasters and react more effectively through mutual support.
How
The group met every couple of months until the Memorandum of Understanding was signed. Since then, the group has agreed to meet twice a year to review its activities and to conduct relevant training and information sharing activities. Initially, meetings were held at the Ballarat Archives Centre, but the group is now meeting at the member sites to increase mutual awareness of each member's situation and collections. The Public Record Office Victoria initiated the process of calling meetings and drafting the MOU. In addition to the meetings, the group also communicates via email.
What
The initial outcome was the Memorandum of Understanding, which was launched in August 2009. The MOU was adopted by each member organisation prior to formal sign-off. The group has subsequently set up its procedures for future meetings and has nominated office holders to manage the group.
Useful resources
Merrick Morris and Lauren Bourke of the Public Record Office Victoria
Text of the Ballarat Collections Network Memorandum of Understanding (August 2009)
'Planning for floods in a drought: Co-operative regional responses to disasters' - a presentation by Roger Trudgeon to a symposium organised by Blue Shield Australia and DISACT, held in Canberra on 6 May 2010.
Project contact
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