In brief

I can't believe it has finally happened, but this is my last column for Muse as my term as President ends at the AGM in September. In my opinion, that makes this the ideal time for reflection.

In some ways, I have lived through interesting times during my one year as a Councillor and the following two and a half as President - the arrival of a new Director at the Museum, the introduction of a vastly more flexible membership program with new, complex computer software to service it, the new tax system and, most significantly, a new format for Muse. In other ways, it has been business as usual - great lectures, fascinating tours and all the normal benefits for members.

I think this ability to synthesise the new with the old is one of the great strengths of TAMS (and the Museum). There may be a degree of initial upheaval involved, but the change can be absorbed and utilised for the good of the organisation and its stakeholders.

One of the main reasons TAMS works so well is the expertise and commitment of its staff. Both TAMS and the Australian Museum are fortunate to have staff who are passionate about their work and good at it. In my opinion, Sandra, Kathryn, Michelle and Wendy (when she was here) all deserve medals - I certainly couldn't have served as President without this excellent working relationship, let alone enjoyed it as much as I have.

Knowing how much effort goes into providing everything that TAMS offers its members, I heartily urge each of you to take full advantage of it all. I certainly intend to continue to do so once I'm back in the ranks.

Susan Mayo
President of The Australian Museum Society