The Hon Rod Kemp was Minister for the Arts and Sport from Friday 23 November 2001 to Tuesday 30 January 2007. This site is available for archival purposes only.

Learning centre doors open

The Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod, Kemp, today joined members of the Jewish community to unveil a major new learning centre at the Jewish Museum of Australia.

Senator Kemp and Victorian Deputy Premier, John Thwaites, officially opened the new Smorgan Family Learning Centre. The Australian Government contributed $480,000 towards the development of the new learning centre.

“ The Jewish Museum of Australia is an outstanding cultural centre and its popularity as a place of learning and understanding is well known to Victorians and visitors from around Australia but it has also been recognised internationally,” Senator Kemp said.

“Importantly, the new Learning Centre will help future generations understand the significance of and sacrifices made by Jewish people through events like the Holocaust and the establishment of the state of Israel.  

“The Museum is a major resource and asset for both the Jewish and non Jewish communities. In fact, USA Today listed this museum as one of the ten great places to experience Jewish culture.”

The new Smorgan Family Learning Centre includes a large multi-purpose area, art space for children and the construction of new classrooms to help cater for the Museum’s growing demands.

“Through an array of exhibitions and programs the Learning Centre will provide an appreciation of the breadth of Jewish life and culture, and in particular Australian-Jewish life,” Senator Kemp said.

“Some 20 years ago the founders of this Museum had a plan which has been realised and continues to grow. Those who have helped to see this Museum grow over the years are to be congratulated for their commitment along with Loti and Victor Smorgan who have contributed significant support to this new facility.”

The Museum is also a participant of the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program which offers tax incentives to encourage donations of items of cultural significance to public collections. The Museum has received 39 donations of cultural property since the program began in 1988.

Senator Kemp also acknowledged the contribution of $380,000 from the Victorian Community Support Fund to the Learning Centre.

CANBERRA
19 October 2006
Media contact: Michael Christo, Minister’s Office 03 9650 7274 or 0409 040276