On Thursday 21st November, museums, galleries, and Aboriginal cultural organisations from across New South Wales gathered at Paddington Town Hall to celebrate the announcement of the 2024 IMAGinE Awards. This prestigious annual event recognises the exceptional achievements of cultural institutions and individuals, with this year’s winners showcasing outstanding excellence in exhibitions, community engagement, and accessibility initiatives.
Hawkesbury Regional Museum won the award for 11 Stories From the River Dyarubbin in the Engagement category.
11 Stories From the River Dyarubbin was a community engagement project resulting in 11 audio walks that share the river’s stories to enhance its care and understanding. Dharug narrators guide the listener through stories from 80+ contributors, underscored with original music, and made available through a collaborative exhibition and website.
The IMAGinE Awards provide an essential platform to celebrate the resilience, creativity, and dedication of museums, galleries, and Aboriginal cultural centres.
Judges were especially impressed by the strong focus on community engagement, inclusivity, and accessibility—particularly among smaller and regional organisations achieving meaningful outcomes with limited resources.
Brett Adlington, CEO of Museums & Galleries of NSW, said “The IMAGinE Awards continue to celebrate and champion the extraordinary efforts of our cultural sector. The work recognised this year reflects an inspiring commitment to creativity, inclusivity, and community impact, strengthening the cultural landscape of New South Wales and enriching the lives of our communities.”
