| Fast Facts |
| Timeframe |
2008 onwards |
Ballarat Collections Network - Memoranda of Understanding for Disaster Preparedness
A group of Ballarat based collecting organisations have formed a network to help each other better prevent and respond to natural or other types of disasters. The group is currently meeting regularly to prepare a 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 & Gold Museum
Ballarat Fine Art Gallery
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
Why
The objective of the project is 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 have had recent disasters and it is believed that a cooperative approach will assist us all to help prevent disasters and react more effectively through mutual support.
How
The group meets every couple of months until the Memorandum of Understanding is signed. Then we have agreed to meet twice a year to review our activities and to conduct relevant training and information sharing activities. Initially, meetings were held at the Ballarat Archives Centre, but we are now meeting at the member sites to increase mutual awareness of our situations 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 will be the Memorandum of Understanding, which should be completed in late 2008. The MOU will be adopted by each member organisation prior to formal sign-off. The group will then set up its procedures for future meetings and nominate office holders to manage the group.
Useful resources
Merrick Morris and Lauren Bourke of the Public Record Office Victoria
Project contact
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