Museums Victoria celebrated in conservation and design awards
Across conservation labs, design studios and cultural spaces, the people of Museums Victoria are driving excellence, and this season their achievements are being celebrated nationally.
At the Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Materials (AICCM) Awards, three members of Museums Victoria’s conservation community have been recognised for their leadership and impact in the field of conservation.
Among them is Elizabeth McCartney, Manager Conservation, who has been named Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Materials Conservator of the Year. The award acknowledges Lizzie’s exceptional leadership, most notably her calm and decisive work responding to the Merri-bek collection flood, a moment that called for both technical expertise and deep care for cultural material. Her work has set an outstanding benchmark for conservation practice in Australia.
Joining her on the national stage is Alice Cannon, Manager History & Technology Collections, who received the Colin Pearson Award for Outstanding Research in the Field of Material Conservation. Alice’s recent research, including her acclaimed AICCM Bulletin article Beyond Repair: Deaccession and the Management of Plastics, has advanced sector-wide understanding of how museums can responsibly manage challenging materials. Her contributions through the Polymuse program and her editorial work continue to influence conservation thinking across the profession.
The awards also honour Dr Rosemary Goodall, Museums Victoria Honorary Associate and recently retired Materials Scientist, who received the Outstanding Service to the Conservation Profession Award. Over 14 years at Museums Victoria, Rosemary’s inquisitive and forensic approach to materials analysis and her generosity in sharing knowledge have shaped conservation practice both within the organisation and nationally.
Together, Lizzie, Alice and Rosemary embody the spirit of collaboration and curiosity that defines conservation at Museums Victoria, a commitment to care that keeps the State Collection safe for generations to come.
That same spirit of creativity and connection is also being recognised in design. Two of Museums Victoria’s imaginative visitor experiences, Tinkertown and Antopia, are finalists in the Communications Design category of the 2025 Victorian Premier’s Design Awards. Both projects transform scientific ideas into vibrant, tactile environments that inspire curiosity in visitors of all ages.
Beyond conservation and design, three members of the Museums Victoria First Peoples Experiences team are preparing to graduate in 2025: Jess Alderton (Master of Art Curatorship), Sol Musk (Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies) and Charlie Miller (Master of Biosciences, Research Thesis). Their achievements reflect a deep commitment to learning, leadership and community, continuing to shape how First Peoples’ knowledge and stories are shared across our museums. Furthermore, five talented students are also preparing to graduate from the First Peoples Cadetship program after six wonderful months of contribution, learning and development. The program creates career pathways and opportunities for First Peoples youth to learn and grow in all areas of our museums.
‘These achievements reflect the extraordinary talent, creativity and dedication across Museums Victoria,’ said Lynley Crosswell, Museums Victoria CEO & Director. ‘From conservation leadership and innovative design to academic excellence, our people continue to set new standards in museum practice and cultural engagement. I’m immensely proud of our team and their continued contribution to our important work.’
As Museums Victoria looks ahead to another year of discovery, these stories of excellence are a powerful reminder of what makes our museums thrive, people whose curiosity and care continue to inspire.
