Justine Elliot (Richmond, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to congratulate Tweed Regional Gallery Director Susi Muddiman, who has been honoured with an Order of Australia Medal as part of the Australia Day 2015 honours list. Susi received the OAM for service to the museums and galleries sector in regional New South Wales. This honour caps off a remarkable achievement for Susi, recognising the great work that she did particularly in establishing the Margaret Olley Arts Centre at Murwillumbah, which opened last year.

Susi Muddiman's career spans 26 years, including roles as gallery director in Grafton and Wagga Wagga. The past three years has earned her a place on a celebrated list of the 50 most powerful people in Australian art—another great achievement. However, Susi Muddiman's prominence rose significantly with the creation of the Margaret Olley centre. This $4.12 million project is a unique and precise recreation of the home and studio of the late iconic artist Margaret Olley. The previous federal Labor government delivered $1 million towards this remarkable project, which has record numbers of visitors coming to Murwillumbah for our fantastic Tweed regional gallery.

But this really is a remarkable achievement of Susi and a recognition of the wonderful work that she does within the gallery. In fact, Susi's infectious energy and enthusiasm is an inspiration to all of us. The President of the Friends of the Tweed Regional Gallery said the group extended their 'warmest congratulations to Susi for this wonderful recognition'. Susi does truly engage with and care about every level of the gallery. Congratulations, Susi.