REDLANDS Coast Museum has been recognised for a volunteer-led overhaul of its governance, collections and community stewardship practices.
The museum was named a Highly Commended recipient in the Sustainable Practices: Open category at the 2026 Gallery and Museum Achievement Awards, held at Ipswich Art Gallery on October 8.
Its project, Building a Sustainable Museum: A Whole-of-Organisation Transformation in Governance, Collections and Community Stewardship, involved a comprehensive review of operations led by the museum’s Governance Team.
The work resulted in 46 new policies and procedures covering governance, collections management, risk preparedness, volunteer engagement and long-term sustainability.
More than 150 volunteers, staff and community partners contributed to the initiative, which also saw the digital cataloguing of more than 25,000 collection items.
Museums & Galleries Queensland Executive Director Rebekah Butler said the project showed how strong planning and community commitment could create a lasting impact.
“The Building a Sustainable Museum: A Whole-of-Organisation Transformation project is an excellent example of how strong governance, community commitment and long-term planning can create lasting impact,” Ms Butler said.
“Through the hard work and dedication of its volunteers, staff and partners, Redlands Coast Museum has strengthened its operations, enhanced access to its collections and established a sustainable framework that will protect and share the region’s heritage for years to come.”
Now in its 22nd year, the Gallery and Museum Achievement Awards recognise excellence, innovation and leadership across Queensland’s museum and gallery sector.
This year’s awards attracted nominations across exhibitions, public programs, collections management, First Nations and community engagement, leadership, innovation and volunteer contribution.
