Page 31 - Tropic Magazine Issue 36

TROPIC • PROFILE

Historical to carry the organisation into its future.
Fleur’s experience includes more than
undertaking two decades in the private and public
sectors, with leadership roles at the
LEADERSHIP Victorian State Botanical Collection and
more recently, the sustainability sector of
A community-minded woman a local council in Melbourne’s north.
with a passion for heritage The qualified scientist and educator
collections is leading Cairns found herself working from home in
Historical Society in an exciting Cairns when COVID-19 hit and decided
to make the move permanent.
new chapter. “Being sandwiched between the
rainforest and the reef was dreamy,
From one coffee capital to another, particularly for a plant enthusiast,” WHAT’S ON AT CAIRNS
Fleur Anderson made the move from she told Tropic.
Melbourne to Cairns to take on the new “I went looking for a position that aligned MUSEUM
role of Executive Officer at the Cairns with my values of delivering outcomes SIHOT’E, NIOGE; WHEN SKIRTS
Historical Society and Cairns Museum. for community that make a difference. BECOME ARTWORKS
Her appointment last year was the result “I couldn’t believe it when the role of EO An exploration of PNG tapa art
of a new strategic plan, which required came up at the Museum. The position
a management professional at the helm combines strategic thinking, business SCHOOL HOLIDAY AUDIO TRAIL
administration, cultural and heritage For kids only, it’s an interactive
collections and delivering outcomes for museum experience
the community.”
the community’s behalf, offer a centre
of research excellence and provide a
museum and education services with
We want to share our fantastic and interesting learning
experiences,” she said.
love of FNQ history with “The Cairns Historical Society and

everybody Museum is the keeping place for the
community’s nationally significant
Fleur Anderson, cultural collection. It plays an integral role
Cairns Historical in celebrating the collective heritage of
Society EO
FNQ, and fosters a sense of place, identity
and understanding of the interplay
In delivering the strategic plan, she between society, politics, environment
certainly has her work cut out for her. and culture.”
Future-proofing the organisation’s Founded in 1958, Cairns Historical
mission includes developing the financial Society and Museum operate out of the
sustainability of the not-for-profit, old School of the Arts building on the
largely volunteer-run body. corner of Lake and Shields streets.
However, Fleur is excited by the Its Research Centre holds more than
opportunity to take the Society and 85,000 items, including government
Museum on a new journey of growth, papers, photographs and maps.
diversification and modernisation.
“In practical terms we want to continue MORE: cairnsmuseum.org.au
to care and manage the collection on

31 • tropicnow.com.au