Collections Response and Safe Storage Unit

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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 in times of crisis.

Led by Create NSW in collaboration with International Conservation Services (ICS), International Art Services (IAS), Bunnings Australia, and Museums & Galleries of NSW, this initiative offers specialist care and recovery services to protect cultural heritage at risk due to natural disasters.

The program builds on the 2022 Northern Rivers flooding disaster, when Create NSW partnered with ICS and IAS to remove and treat flood-affected state-significant cultural items. Recognising the need for a dedicated rapid-response service, the Collections Response and Safe Storage Unit has been established to ensure immediate action can be taken to safeguard NSW’s irreplaceable cultural assets.

This initiative ensures that when a crisis occurs, NSW’s valuable cultural and heritage materials can receive immediate expert care, minimising damage and preserving them for the future.

How to Access Support

This no-cost service, funded by Create NSW, is available to cultural institutions and collecting organisations across NSW.

In cases of significant damage to public collection objects, the Collections Response and Safe Storage Unit can be made available by contacting Museums & Galleries of NSW, who will assess the situation. Assistance can be requested via:

Brett Adlington, CEO, M&G NSW

Email: bretta@mgnsw.org.au
Phone: 0439 027 149

Stay Safe During Severe Weather

During inclement weather, stay calm and follow safety protocols. If direct advice is given by the government or State Emergency Service (SES), follow that advice as swiftly as possible.

Additional Disaster Response Resources

Organisations and individuals affected by disasters can also access:

 Mental Health Support Services

  • Lifeline or 13 11 14
  • Beyond Blue or 1300 22 4636
  • Support Act or 1800 052 690 (Wellbeing Hotline). Support Act is a charity delivering crisis relief services to artists, crew and music workers that impacts their ability to work including mental health resources through their wellbeing helpline
  • Entertainment Assist Free mental health webinars for Australian entertainment industry workers.