News

Date posted: 12 May 2021

The Board of the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Harvey as Director of this much loved, iconic South Australian institution.

Michael brings 20 years of experience in the museum, cultural and science sector to the role, with a particular focus on museums of science and natural history.

Most recently, Michael worked as Assistant Director and Chief Experience Officer at the Australian National Maritime Museum, a role that blended history and maritime archaeology, Navy and defence, ocean science and sustainability, and First Nations and migration programs.

Chair of the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium Judy Potter said it is excellent to have someone with Michael’s broad international experience take the reins at the Botanic Gardens.

“Michael has global experience spanning education and public programming, exhibition development, strategic planning and cultural leadership and we are excited about what he will bring to the role,” Judy said.

“Michael has demonstrated great leadership across a number of high profile organisations including the British Council, the Australian Museum and the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney, and at the Natural History Museum in London.”

Chief Executive of the Department for Environment and Water John Schutz said the Botanic Gardens of South Australia are truly special places, including Adelaide, Mount Lofty and Wittunga Botanic Gardens.

“The appointment of Michael Harvey as the new Director creates an exciting opportunity to not just build on the foundation of the past, but explore new and contemporary ways to engage the community and activate these iconic sites,” John said.

“Michael’s passion for exploring, building and communicating the important relationship between science, culture and people really stood out during the recruitment process.

“I warmly welcome Michael to the team.”

Michael said he felt incredibly honoured to be offered a leadership role at such a well-respected institution.

“I look forward to building on the work of Director Lucy Sutherland, the Board, and all the teams at the diverse Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium sites,” Michael said.

“At a time when we are all re-evaluating our relationships with the natural world, institutions such as the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium have a fundamental role in building deeper connections with nature’s beauty and complexity.

“Along with my family, I am excited to be coming to a city and a community that is so renowned for natural and built heritage and a deep cultural vibrancy.”

MEDIA CONTACT

Dave Primer

Senior Media Advisor

Department for Environment and Water

Phone (08) 8463 4445

Mobile 0448 169 428

Email david.primer@sa.gov.au

www.environment.sa.gov.au