News
27 September, 2025
Abbey’s eco achievement
THE Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology has been recognised on the state stage, taking out the 2025 Gallery and Museum Achievement Award (GAMAA) for Sustainable Practices – Organisations with Paid Staff.
Presented by Museums & Galleries Queensland (M&G QLD) at the Museum of Brisbane on September 9, the award celebrated organisations striving towards excellence in sustainable practice.
The Abbey Museum was honoured for its Art Gallery & Café Extension Project, completed in June 2024.
The major development added an art gallery, café, shop, reception, accessible parking, amenities, and a collection store — all designed with sustainability, accessibility, and community connection at the forefront.
Visitors are greeted by ‘Acknowledgement to Kabi Kabi Country’, a striking bronze sculpture designed by Kabi Kabi artist and traditional custodian Lyndon Davis with Russell Anderson and curator John Waldron.
The work honours the land’s cultural heritage and has already welcomed more than 1,800 school students.
The Gallery’s inaugural exhibition, ‘Inspired Images: The Art of Faiths’, opened earlier this year, showcasing Renaissance and Baroque works alongside First Nations and multicultural art, with interactives and audiovisual storytelling.
The accompanying catalogue, launched by Philip Bacon AO, and supported by the Gordon Darling Foundation, featured scholarly essays by Michael Strong and Julia Jackson, contextualising the 61 artworks displayed across the exhibition’s eight themes.
Museums & Galleries Queensland Executive Director Rebekah Butler praised the project, saying it “exemplifies innovation, inclusivity, and cultural stewardship”.
“It is a credit to the Abbey Museum of Art & Archaeology’s staff, volunteers and supporters,” she said.
“This year, we undertook a comprehensive review of the award categories and introduced several new ones, which led to an unexpectedly high number of nominations.
“This response is a testament to the remarkable work being done by museums and galleries of all sizes throughout Queensland.
“It is a privilege to shine a spotlight on the achievements of so many deserving individuals and organisations.”
The 2025 GAMAA judging panel commended the museum’s vision, strategic planning, and partnerships, noting it has laid strong foundations for sustainable operations and deeper engagement with visitors.
Minister for the Arts, John-Paul Langbroek, congratulated the winners.
“Queensland has more than 400 museums and galleries, all of which play an important role in sharing our stories, activating and connecting communities and attracting visitors to our regions.
