Bequest funds allow curator’s tenure

MELBOURNE Museum’s Fiona Kinsey has been appointed as the new curator of the Golden Dragon Museum.

The highly respected Curator Emeritus will be responsible for enhancing current museum exhibitions and planning for future ones, including permanent, temporary and touring versions.

An Honorary Adjunct Research Fellow at La Trobe University, Ms Kinsey will also be involved in planning for the museum’s redevelopment project, especially working with other staff to ensure its collection is organised and prepared for the expected major period of change and growth.

Her new role was made possible by a game-changing donation of $300,000 from local benefactors Don and Marj McKinnon, which will support her work for the next three years.

Their bequest is the largest single gift the museum has received in recent times.

“We were interested in providing support to employ an experienced curator for the purpose of developing more opportunities to showcase this important Chinese collection,” they said.

“Our families have lived in the area for generations.

“Bendigo’s history and heritage are unique, and we’re very pleased to be able to support the ongoing growth and success of the Museum.”

Golden Dragon Museum chair Doug Lougoon said with the appointment of Ms Kinsey, the museum will move to expand and enhance its exhibitions and associated activities.

“I’m confident that this increased community engagement will see new visitors coming to the Museum and entice others to visit again and more regularly,” he said.

“My board and I are especially grateful to (the McKinnons) for their foresight and leadership.”