Entries by category: Ministerial media releases

Minister for the Arts, George Souris, has today announced two new appointments and one re-appointment to the Library Council of NSW (State Library), following approval by the Governor this week.

The new appointments are Jan Richards and Andrew Tink whilst Rob Thomas has been re-appointed as President of the Council.

They join a nine-person Council which includes Elsa Atkin, Graham Bradley AM, Michael Caulfield, Richard Fisher AM, Dr John Vallance and Bridget Griffen-Foley.

“The State Library is the country’s pre-eminent repository and custodian of historic Australiana books, documents, drawings and Aboriginal cultural assets.

“It is vital that this wonderful cultural facility continues in its important duty as a major national resource utilised by millions of Australians,” Mr Souris said.

See full media release attached.

Media contact: Norm Lipson 0467 734 679

NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell and Minister for the Arts George Souris today unveiled to the public an extraordinarily rare collection of 210-year-old natural history drawings, which will shortly go on display at the State Library of NSW.

The collection of 741 exquisite natural history drawings and watercolours – many previously unknown and created during the earliest years of British settlement - remained in private hands for 200 years.

“The NSW Government was determined to return these extraordinary, historically significant works to their rightful home at the State Library of NSW, the nation’s leading repository of Australia’s colonial history,” Mr O’Farrell said.

 “It is one of only two surviving comprehensive natural history collections of such substance from this period - the other major collection resides in London’s Natural History Museum.

“This collection is of enormous historical significance to NSW and the entire nation – the acquisition brings it into public ownership for future generations a collection which is at the very heart of the European settlement of this nation.”

 Minister for Arts George Souris said the unveiling was a wonderful moment in the history of Australia and NSW.

See full media release attached

Minister for the Arts George Souris has announced the NSW Government has committed $3.65 million to transform the State Library of NSW's Macquarie Street building and enhance its status as one of the great libraries of the world.

"With NSW Government support, the State Library is embarking on a major renovation project at a total cost of $4.2 million. It will be focused on creating a welcoming and accessible Library and a contemporary 21st century cultural destination for NSW residents and visitors," Mr Souris said.

"The State Library plays a vital role in our State's cultural life, as well as our education and research communities, catering for primary school students to lifelong learners, family historians, business people and professional researchers.

"The renovations will enable the Library to meet the ever-changing demands in information service delivery and provide improved access to its collections and resources in both the physical and online environments."

According to Noelle Nelson, Acting State Librarian and Chief Executive: "We're focused on building a better State Reference Library for our clients, as well as offering modern, informal spaces for people to relax, catch up with friends over coffee and use express internet."

Renovations to the State Reference Library and Macquarie Street building foyer will be conducted in stages to help reduce impact to staff, clients and exhibition visitors. The State Reference Library will be closed for renovations from 1 August and the "new look" Library will reopen on Monday 19 September 2011. Early next year, the Macquarie Street foyer will be renovated, with a new bookshop, cafe and enhanced "theatre-style" auditorium.

See full media release below.