Queensland Museum Medal
About the Queensland Museum Medal
The Queensland Museum Medal (the Medal) recognises individuals who have made a major contribution to research, collections, community projects, partnerships and engagement or other work carried out for the benefit of Queensland Museum.
Since its beginning in 1987, the Medal has been awarded to champions of industry, life-long public servants, published historians, notable scientists, community leaders, and prominent nature conservationists.
The 2025 Medal was awarded to Ms Nancy Bamaga, Professor Henrietta Marrie AM and Mr Dion Tatow. Each served for eight years on the Queensland Museum Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee. Their leadership has been pivotal in guiding Queensland Museum through a transformative journey of reconciliation, ensuring that First Nations voices are heard, respected, and deeply embedded in the organisational fabric of Queensland Museum.
Queensland Museum Medallists
2025 Ms Nancy Bamaga
2025 Professor Henrietta Marrie AM
2025 Mr Dion Tatow
2023 Mr Phillemon Mosby
2023 Mr Jeff Powell
2021 Dr Dennis Campbell
2019 Dr Robert Adlard
2018 Dr Robert Raven
2012 Professor Ronald Quinn AM
2011 Dr John Stanisic
2011 Professor Peter Andrews AO
2010 Dr John Hooper
2010 Sir David Attenborough
2009 Mr Michael Quinnell
2009 Dr Carden Wallace
2009 Ms Anne Jones
2008 Mr Vince O’Rourke AM
2008 Dr Steve Van Dyck
2007 Dr Geoff Monteith
2007 Mr Bill Kitson
2006 Mr Bill O’Brien OBE
2006 The Elliott Family
2005 Mr Bruce Campbell
2005 Mrs Rae Sheridan
2005 Mrs Nerolie Withnall
2004 Dr Robert Anderson OAM
2004 Dr Dan Robinson
2004 Dr Lester Cannon
2003 Mr Steve Irwin
2003 Ms Jeanette Covacevich
2000 Dr Alan Bartholomai
2000 Mr Keith McDonald
1999 Mr Ian Venables
1997 Mr John Lyons
1995 Dr Mary Wade
1995 Professor Don Nicklin
1995 Dr Elwyn Hegarty
1993 Dr Robert Paterson
1992 Professor Colin Dobson
1992 Mr Doug Traves OBE
1992 Mr R.I. (Sam) Harrison MBE
1991 Dr Patricia Mather AO
1990 Mr I.G. Morris CMG
1990 Mr J.C.H. Gill, AM MBE
1989 Mr Leonard J. Taylor
1989 Professor J.M. Thomson AM
1988 Dr Valerie Davis
1988 Mr Don Vernon
1988 Mr Terry Tebble
1988 Mr Jack Woods, ISO
1988 Emeritus Prof. Syd Prentice
1988 Mr F.S. Colliver, OBE
1987 Dr Michael Archer
FAQs
The Medal recognises and celebrates individuals who have made a significant and enduring contribution to Queensland Museum’s vision and purpose.
The Medal is awarded at the discretion of the Board. Traditionally, it is awarded annually to one recipient. If the calibre of nominations in any given period justifies multiple recipients, the Board may choose to award more than one medallist. Conversely, if the nominations fall short of the Medal’s prestige and reputation, the Board may decide not to bestow the award that year.
The Medal is open to all members of the community including former staff, volunteers and board members of Queensland Museum. Nominees can be individuals, family groups or teams. The Medal cannot be awarded multiple times to the same individual. Nominees do not have to be Australian citizens, however, there is an expectation that their work benefits Queensland Museum, and by extension, Queenslanders. The Medal can be awarded posthumously.
Nominations are assessed on merit attributed to three equally weighted criteria: contribution to Queensland Museum; excellence in their field; impact in the wider community. Contact information for up to three referees with a thorough knowledge of the nominees work performance and conduct are also required.
Yes. Due to the prestigious nature of the Medal the number of nominations received in any one year far exceeds the number awarded. Re-nominating individuals nominated, but unsuccessful, in previous years is encouraged. The Medal cannot be awarded multiple times to the same individual.
A working group is convened to conduct a merit-based assessment process. The working group must ensure awardees are representative of the community through age, gender and ethnic diversity. After considering the nominations, the working group recommends a list of proposed recipients to the Board, who have the authority to bestow the Medal.
The design of the Medal varies from year to year. It has included a traditional nickel-silver medal and commissions by Queensland artists and designers. All Medallists receive a framed citation.
Office of the Chief Executive Officer
Queensland Museum
Phone: (07) 3153 7838
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