Council declines additional funding for MAMA governance transition

The decision follows a formal request by the MAMA Ltd Board seeking additional support to establish MAMA as a fully independent entity by 2026/27. MAMA has been working with AlburyCity to transition towards an independent governance model since 2018. The Board sought a revised funding model to provide the necessary financial stability during the transition period and in its early years of operation.

Albury Mayor Kevin Mack said the museum remains a valued civic institution, but the proposed model was not financially viable for Council at this time.

“Council recognises the enormous value MAMA delivers to our community and regional identity and the efforts of the MAMA Ltd Board, CEO and MAMA team, to bring the transition model forward,” he said.

“However, we must also balance that with our financial responsibilities. At this time, we do not believe it is prudent to commit to the level of funding requested by MAMA Ltd, at the expense of other projects, particularly given competing service and infrastructure priorities.”

The proposed package declined by Councillors included a new five-year funding agreement commencing 2026/27, with base funding of $2.85 million in Year 1, indexed by the rate peg in addition to in-kind transition co-ordination support and operational costs. Councillors determined the scale of funding sought could not be accommodated within Council’s current budget constraints without reducing services in other areas, amongst a range of options presented.

MAMA will continue to work within its current AlburyCity model and looks forward to delivering more world-class exhibitions and creative learning programs, while supporting the region’s artists.

MAMA will celebrate its tenth anniversary in October.