13 November 2015
I am delighted to announce the foundation members of the Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area (KAVHA) Advisory Committee. The members were selected after careful consideration of the balance of skills and experience necessary to deliver the priorities identified for KAVHA over the next two years, and following a call for expressions of interest from the Norfolk Island community.
Kristal Buckley of Melbourne is a lecturer in cultural heritage at Deakin University and a former international Vice-President of ICOMOS, the International Council of Monuments and Sites, which is a body responsible for the conservation of monuments and sites across the world. She is also a board member for the Port Arthur Historic Site Management Committee, which represents three of the 11 historic sites, including KAVHA, together forming the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property.
David Evans of Norfolk Island is a landholder within KAVHA. His experience in working and living on the site and his connections to the community as a former Legislative Assembly member, and a member of the Council of Elders make a valuable addition to the Committee. Mr Evans is widely recognised internationally for his strong commitment to Norfolk Island culture.
Duncan Evans of Norfolk Island is a local business operator in tourism and shipping. He is also a member of the Norfolk Island Interim Advisory Council. He will contribute to developing the commercialisation of the KAVHA Site with his extensive experience and interest in commerce, tourism, marketing and economic development.
Kevin Sumption of Sydney is the Director of the Australian National Maritime Museum (ANNM) and has been an executive member on the boards for the Powerhouse Museum, Museums and Galleries NSW and Royal Museums Greenwich in London. He has extensive experience in museum curation, collection management, tourism and associated business management with a focus on digital curatorship and community outreach services.
The Committee will be chaired by Paul McInnes, the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development. Mr McInnes has extensive experience in cultural policy and cultural heritage management, including in senior leadership positions within the Australian Government.
I will be requesting members to place a high priority on developing a strategic vision for KAVHA which includes realising the economic potential of the site for the benefit the Norfolk Island community.
I look forward to the positive impact this group of highly skilled and experienced members will have on KAVHA's future.