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New Canvas for NERAM as Board Elected
Armidale Dumaresq Council has rebuffed premature criticism and misinformation surrounding the appointment this week of a new Board of Management for the New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM).
Prior to Wednesday night’s Extraordinary Meeting, Cr Brian Chetwynd went to the media to criticize the process of electing the new Board, claiming that it had been done in haste and would result in a wholesale sell-off of valuable art works.
Armidale Dumaresq Mayor, Cr Peter Ducat, said the process of establishing a Constitution and Board of Management for NERAM had been far from hasty, as it had been on the table for discussion for more than a year – ample time for all sides of the debate to be heard.
“The Attorney General set a deadline of May 26 for the Council and the University of New England (UNE) to provide, and have actioned, certain matters that would enable their support of the application for transference of the Howard Hinton Trust to UNE,” Cr Ducat said “This is just one of those actions.
“It is disappointing that Cr Chetwynd is attempting to politicize the appointment of the new Board of NERAM, at a time when it is vital for the new Board to get off to a smooth start, devoid of controversy and with broad community support.”
Cr Ducat said the Council had for more than 12 months been discussing how best to address the almost $500,000 debt incurred by the former NERAM Board.
Council is continuing to support NERAM, and in fact we will continue to play a roll in providing significant financial contribution to its operation, as well as its relationship as Supporting Trust Manager of the land and building,” Cr Ducat said.
“As the sale of Mosman’s Bay is no longer in the equation with respect to addressing the almost $500,000 debt, and as we have undertaken the rate paying community will not be burdened with the debt, the Council are considering the sale of items from the Armidale City Collection, which is owned by the Council, as a means of satisfying this debt.
Cr Ducat said he was pleased with the make-up of the new Board and encouraged those nominees who were not selected to nominate for a position on one of the various sub-committees that would soon be established.
The newly elected Board comprises Cr Herman Beyersdorf, June Dangar, Bill Dangar, Murray Guest, Meg Larkin, Andrew Murray, Angus Nivison, Christopher Serow and Gwenda Shannon.
“We’ve covered all the skill areas necessary for the Board’s operation,” Cr Ducat said. “This included representatives from the arts, business, community, people with fundraising abilities, governance and financial experience.”
The Council’s General Manager Shane Burns said that contrary to what had been portrayed in the media, he was confident that due process had been followed in establishing the new NERAM Board and other related matters considered at Wednesday night’s meeting.
Contact details
Armidale Dumaresq Council
Tel: 02 6770 3600
council@armidale.nsw.gov.au
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