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Some highlights at the National Museum in 2003-2004

  • Visitor numbers remained steady during the year, with more than 820,000 people visiting the Museum's exhibitions and programs.
  • 480,000 individual sessions were recorded on the Museum's website.
  • More than 85,000 students from 1816 schools visited the Museum on booked school tours, an increase over the previous year's numbers.
  • More than 1000 teachers attended professional development workshops at the Museum.
  • 93 per cent of visitors surveyed recorded that they were 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied' with their visit.
  • Evaluation demonstrated that 95 per cent of schools visiting the Museum were satisfied that it met their core curriculum requirements.
  • Council endorsed the Collections and Gallery Development Plan, which addresses issues raised in the Review of Exhibitionsand Public Programs (2003).
  • 16 new collections, comprising 722 objects, were accessioned.
  • The remains of 132 individuals were returned to their Aboriginal communities.
  • Permanent galleries were enhanced through an extensive program of object changeovers.
  • Eight travelling exhibitions opened across Australia.
  • 1500 objects underwent conservation treatment.
  • More than 140 public lectures, forums, seminars, conferences and workshops were presented at the Museum.
  • Ten Talkback Classroom forums involving more than 1000 students and ten public figures took place.
  • Museum research was enhanced through partnerships in 13 Australian Research Council grants.
  • An integrated collections and exhibitions information management system was installed.
  • Six live events were webcast from the Museum's Studio.
  • Revenues from non-Government sources increased by 22 per cent over the previous year.
  • There was a 50 per cent increase in both cash and in-kind sponsorship and grants revenue over the previous year.
  • The Museum's retail operations experienced a substantial increase in net return in contrast to the previous year.
  • A new strategic plan was developed for 2004-2007. Council approved the plan for implementation from July 2004.