Disaster

This is where you can find the step-by-step guide to preparing a disaster action plan, and other information on recovering from fire, flood and other man-made and natural disasters.

In cases of major damage to public collection objects, the Collections Response and Safe Storage Unit can be made available by contacting Museums & Galleries of NSW who will make an assessment on the situation. Assistance can be requested via:
Brett Adlington, CEO, M&G NSW
Email: bretta@mgnsw.org.au
Phone: 0439 027 149

How to Develop a Disaster Plan

This is a 'how-to' guide by M&G that describes the steps involved with developing a disaster plan.

Bushfire

Much of NSW is bushfire prone. And that means if you have a collection, whether it be a moveable one or a historic site you’ll need to be prepared.

Shopping list: flood recovery

List of supplies for onsite flood disaster management.

Not all is lost in a fire

Step-by-step approach for salvaging objects after a fire.

First Aid to Cultural Heritage in Times of Crisis

This two-part publication will help you to plan and implement coordinated cultural rescue and risk reduction operations.

Flood and Water Damage

A collection of resources that deal with the process of salvaging water damaged collections for museums and galleries.

Museums and Disaster Risk Reduction

Disasters – crises, emergencies, damaging situations – come in many shapes and sizes. Reducing their occurrence and their impact is a key part of good management and securing a future that is better than the present. Disaster Risk Reduction is not just about surviving disasters, but working to reduce the likelihood of disasters happening in

Action for Climate Empowerment: a guide for galleries, libraries, archives and museums

This short guide has been developed to help galleries, libraries, archives and museums – wherever they are – to move fast to support the all-of-society aspects of the Framework Convention on Climate Change, Paris Agreement, and the new Glasgow Work Programme on Action for Climate Empowerment. Developed by Curating Tomorrow, Henry McGhie.

Tips for Conservators Entering a Disaster Zone

Important lessons learnt by Julie McCarthy, a conservation professional, while working on the ground recovering cultural material following the catastrophic Lismore Flood in 2022. 

2025 Disaster Preparedness Calendar

AICCM has developed a 2025 Disaster Preparedness Calendar to help cultural organisations act in a timely manner and be prepared for the hazards prominent in their region.

All Is Not Lost: The Collection Recovery Book

This publication is for museums, historical societies and anyone who has objects affected by a disaster. It provides basic advice on how to salvage treasured objects after a disaster has occurred.

NSW Cultural Sector Disaster Support Network

This Facebook group has been developed by Museums & Galleries of NSW as a point of connection for the NSW cultural sector during disasters.

Collections Response and Safe Storage Unit

The Collections Response and Safe Storage Unit has been launched as a public-private partnership to provide urgent disaster response and conservation support for art, cultural, and heritage collections across New South Wales.