Media Releases

Wendy Tuckerman – Minister for Local Government

Thursday, 10 November 2022

Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman has approved an application from Albury City Council to form a public company to manage and operate the Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA).

Minister Tuckerman has determined that granting consent to create the proposed company will benefit the council and the community.

“This is a wonderful facility for the Albury community and I wish the council every success with this venture.”

“The approval is subject to conditions, including that museum staff continue to be employed under the NSW Local Government (State) Award, and that council provides a copy of the company’s annual report to the Office of Local Government each year, including details of donations supporting the museum.

Member for Albury Justin Clancy welcomed the decision, noting Albury City Council has been advocating strongly for the corporation.

“I thank Minister Tuckerman for approving this governance request from Albury City Council. It comes at a critical time for planning the next stage in the growth and cultural reach of MAMA, and offers a prospect of opening up additional funding opportunities,” Mr Clancy said.

“MAMA plays an important role in supporting and leading the creativity of our community and I look forward to the renewed enthusiasm and stimulating exhibitions which will come from this new structure.”

Albury City Council Mayor Kylie King welcomed the announcement from Mrs Tuckerman.

“We welcome the Minister’s positive endorsement of our proposed Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) governance transition to an independent MAMA Ltd, and will continue to work with the interim MAMA Board, MAMA team and our community to bring our vision for MAMA as a nationally significant art museum to reality,” Mayor King said.

Additional conditions include that the council must have an immediate right of access to information contained in any record of the company, and no changes may be made to the company’s constitution without first obtaining written consent from the Minister for Local Government.

In its request to the Minister, Albury City Council sought approval to form a company to manage and operate the Murray Art Museum Albury, to be called MAMA Limited.

This company would be created by consent under section 358 of the Local Government Act 1993.

MEDIA: Damien Bolte | Minister Tuckerman | 0498 359 624