Greater Shepparton City Council has appointed a new director to the board of SAM to replace former council chief executive Peter Harriott.
The Shepparton Art Museum Limited was established as a company limited by guarantee to operate as a public museum.
Its board comprises nine company directors, including two council-nominated directors.
Since its establishment in 2016, council’s chief executive and director corporate services have been its two directors on the board.
The resignation from the board earlier this year by Mr Harriott opened up the vacancy, which council has filled by appointing its new chief executive, Fiona Le Gassick.
The appointment was confirmed unanimously by councillors at their ordinary meeting on Tuesday, February 27.
“This is a procedural motion, really. The CEO automatically sits on that foundation,” Cr Dinny Adem said.
“I welcome Fiona, not just as our CEO, but also in this capacity in the role. I’m sure you’ll be a great asset to that board.”
Cr Anthony Brophy told the meeting it was important for council to maintain its two positions on the board, even though SAM was now its own legal entity.
“It is of great importance that we actually have a say on one of the city’s biggest infrastructure investments that we’ve had in recent years,” he said.
“Although it is a separate entity now, and a lot of the public are unaware of that. It is the Shepparton Art Museum Ltd, so it is very much its own legal entity and at this stage, we will continue to have at least two legal representatives on that board — (director corporate services) Chris Teitzel as well — it is very important to have great representation because it is a big investment by our ratepayers and by our community.”
Council contributed $15.35 million to the $50 million cost of the museum, which opened in November 2021.
Other contributors were the Federal Government ($15 million), the Victorian Government ($12.5 million) and private philanthropic and community support through the SAM Foundation ($7.5 million).
Shepparton Art Museum Limited manages the building and key stakeholder relationships with Kaiela Arts, the visitor centre and commercial operations.