On Monday the 3rd of May, the Burnie City Council announced it will be closing the Burnie Regional Art Gallery, Burnie Regional Museum, Creative Paper Tasmania and the Visitors Centre at Makers’ Workshop from July 1. The museum has not been reopened since it was closed due to COVID-19. The Burnie Arts and Function Centre will remain open until work on a refurbishment commences. The refurbishment will result in a unified facility housing the Burnie Regional Art Gallery and the Burnie Regional Museum, along with the Burnie Arts and Function Centre.
Burnie City Council will also be withdrawing from managing events. Across this suite of closures and restructuring, it is likely there will be around 20 jobs lost. Read more about council’s decision here
Burnie Arts Council Inc were shocked upon hearing this news. There was no consultation leading up to this decision.
On the 6th of May, Burnie Arts Council Executive Committee members met with Mayor Kons and GM Simon Overland. These are the key pieces of information received during the discussion:
*Council could not undertake consultation prior to announcing the restructure due to sensitivities relating to industrial relations issues
*Neither the BAFC, gallery or museum will close permanently. While the museum and gallery will be closed from July 1 (the museum is already), the BAFC will remain open, but may have to close for a time during 2022 to expedite the renovations.
*the search for the Executive Director of the new, unified facility, will commence soon.
*A 3-week process of consultation with affected employees has commenced. At the conclusion of this more information will be released to the public about the long-term plan
*the process of implementing the long-term plan will involve community consultation
*proposed date for re-opening late 2022-early 2023.
*Due to this restructure, it is anticipated Council’s financials will be back in the black in 2-3 years.
*Simon Overland is open to meeting with anyone who has concerns. He said ‘That’s my job’
If you feel strongly about this news - pick up your phone and call a councillor. Unless you vocalise your thoughts, they will not be heard. All of the councillors have a mobile phone number available here
