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The Historic Houses Association of Australia (HHA) is seeking a Curator for the
historic houseTulkiyan, at Gordon NSW.
The HHA is a not-for-profit public company and registered charity that promotes the
significance, appreciation and study of historic places and collections. It represents
the interests of historic house custodians and supporters for the benefit of all and is
active in educating Australians to appreciate the importance of heritage.
The HHA has an agreement with Ku-ring-gai Council to manage the NSW State
heritage-listed houseTulkiyan, at 707 Pacific Highway, Gordon. The Development
Application for Tulkiyan's operation as a house museum is pending.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a Curator to manage the development of the house
and garden as a museum site, including interpretation, displays, tours and an events
program to promote awareness of the significance of the site and history of the
locality. The Curator oversees the activities of a horticulturalist/gardener, leads a
small team of volunteers, co-ordinates their activities, liaises with Ku-ring-gai Council
staff and reports to the HHA Board.
The Curator is an independent contractor. You are required to work atTulkiyan at
least one day per week, with the flexibility to work off site at other times. You may
undertake other work that is not in conflict with the delivery of services atTulkiyan.
Your application should include the names of at least two referees and demonstrate
how you meet the following criteria:
•T ertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline such as museology, cultural heritage
management, history or fine arts and/or equivalent professional experience
•Extensive knowledge of museum practice including curating, collections
management and development of interpretation and public programs
•Experience in undertaking research, knowledge of eHive or similar collections
databases, knowledge of Microsoft Office and the ability to perform a wide range
of curatorial tasks
•Demonstrated ability in training, managing and working with staff and volunteers
in the conservation, care and interpretation of historic sites, interiors or collections
•Excellent written and verbal communication and relationship-building skills and
demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with
internal and external stakeholders
•Ability to identify and resolve problems, think creatively and laterally and
implement solutions and improve practices
•A passion for history, architecture or decorative arts and the ability to work
independently.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Reports to: HHA CEO and Board
Hours and location: The successful applicant will work 7 hours per week on-site at
Tulkiyan, Gordon NSW. These hours may increase during works associated with
establishing the house museum operation.
Remuneration: Commensurate with experience
The Historic Houses Association of Australia Ltd (HHA)
The HHA is a registered charity and volunteer organisation that supports the owners
and custodians of historic properties throughout Australia, promotes professionals
working in heritage trades and encourages education in heritage matters.
In 2014 the HHA became independent of government and managed by a voluntary
board of directors. Its work has a national focus and is continually evolving to meet
the needs of heritage custodians and supporters. It actively advocates for the
protection of historic properties and welcomes initiatives promoting our built heritage.
Tulkiyan is a two-storey Arts and Crafts style house designed by leading Sydney
architects Waterhouse & Lake in 1913. Built for the Donaldson family, who occupied
the house from 1914 to 1993,Tulkiyan remains remarkably intact and retains
furniture, furnishings, objects, ceramics, silverware, art works and household items
that reflect 80 years of occupancy by the one family and changing fashions and
lifestyles during the 20th century.
HHA andTulkiyan
The HHA has been conservingTulkiyan and its contents, under the supervision of a
curatorial consultant, since 2016. This has included recruitment and training of a
team of volunteers for the conservation cleaning of the house interiors and
collections and cataloguing of the extensive collections. The HHA has completed an
Interpretation Plan (2023) and a Conservation Plan (revised 2024). The
Development Application for operation as a house museum is pending and weexpect that associated works (an amenities building and equitable access path) will
commence in the next 6–12 months.
Ku-ring-gai Council, which ownsTulkiyan, has entered into a five-year agreement, to
31 January 2029 with a further five-year option, with the HHAfor the management,
conservation and care of Tulkiyan. The major task now is to devise a comprehensive
plan to operateTulkiyan as a house museum.
The Curator will oversee the curation of the house, its interiors, collections and
gardens, including their care, conservation and management, and be responsible for
developing the interpretation and presentation of the site in preparation for its
opening to the public. The Curator will be integral in contributing to the long-term
program for the property, undertaking research and the development of site
interpretation. They will engage with a variety of stakeholders and work with other
professionals and volunteers.
Key responsibilities of the position
•Work with the HHA CEO and Board to support the obligations of the HHA in
relation toTulkiyan and the agreement between the HHA and Ku-ring-gai
Council. This agreement focuses on the development and operation ofTulkiyan
as a house museum open to the public on an agreed number of occasions.
•Provide advice, manage and supervise the conservation and care of the house,
its interiors, collections and gardens, including overseeing maintenance works.
•Develop and maintainTulkiyan's registration, cataloguing and record-keeping
systems
•Supervise the work of the horticulturalist/gardener employed by the HHA for
Tulkiyan and liaise with them on matters relating to the conservation and care
of the gardens, grounds and plantings
•Plan, manage and supervise the activities of a team of volunteers. The Curator
supervises the volunteer cataloguing/registration team, leads the existing team
of volunteers in the conservation cleaning of the house interiors and collections,
as well as recruiting and training a team of volunteer guides to interpret the
house and garden
•Conduct scholarly research related to the site and initiate, research and
develop innovative and high-quality interpretation for the house, its collections
and garden in preparation for its opening to the public
•Plan, research and write museum-quality curatorial material including
interpretative material, website content and educational content
•Assist with events, educational and promotional activities (including webinars
and social media) that may from time to time be held atTulkiyan
•Other duties related toTulkiyan as reasonably directed by the Board.
Enquiries
For more information regarding this position contact Robert Griffin on 0409 447 217.Applications including covering letter addressing the criteria, and resume should be
forwarded to Samantha Friend, .
Closing date for applications is Friday 6thJune 2025.
Seniority level
* Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Employment type
Contract
Job function
* Job function
Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology
* Industries
Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos
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