NEW ROLE A HISTORIC MOMENT FOR CAIRNS HERITAGE

The Cairns Historical Society and Cairns Museum enters a new era today with the first day on the job of its first Executive Officer.

Clive Skarott, President of Cairns Historical Society (CHS), welcomed Fleur Anderson to the team and said the bold move to appoint a management professional at the helm was designed to carry the organisation into the future.

Ms Anderson is a qualified scientist and educator with more than 20 years’ experience in the private and public sectors, including as Curation Coordinator of the Victorian State Botanical Collection (Royal Botanic Gardens), and Coordinator of more than 120 public program volunteers.

She was also Executive Officer, Sustainability Planning, and Team Leader of Policy and Programs at Victoria’s fast-growing City of Whittlesea.

“I am passionate about cultural and heritage collections and dedicated to community outcomes and making a difference,” Ms Anderson said.

“Cairns Historical Society plays an integral role in celebrating the collective heritage of Far North Queensland.

“The importance of this role cannot be overstated given the rapid pace of change in the modern world.

“It creates a sense of place and identity and fosters an understanding of the interplay between society, politics and culture.”

Ms Anderson’s interest in local heritage and community continues outside of work hours, alongside a passion for gardening, photography and the arts, and dancing the Tango and Salsa.

Mr Skarott said the appointment of an Executive Officer arose out of a new strategic plan approved by the CHS and management committee earlier this year.

“The executive officer will help bring all the objectives of the plan to fruition and oversee the whole process.

“Ms Anderson’s appointment will also allow Museum Manager Suzanne Gibson greater opportunity to concentrate on her curatorial role within the organisation, another area of importance recognised in the strategic plan.”

The not-for-profit organisation was founded in 1958. The CHS Research Centre holds more than 60,000 items of personal, professional and Government papers and ephemera, books, unpublished reports, newspapers, photographs, journal articles and maps.