Official Opening of Notre Dame's Broome Campus Library

Document Type

Media Release

Publication Date

Winter 1-7-2005

Publisher Name

The University of Notre Dame, Fremantle

Publication Place

Fremantle

Abstract

The Hon Dr Brendan Nelson, Federal Minister for Education, Science & Training officially opened The University of Notre Dame Australia's Broome Campus Library this morning.

The library has been in planning since 1998 , when it was determined that the then current library needed to be upgraded to better serve the needs of the students, staff and community.

Notre Dame's Broome Campus Board of Management member Esther Bevan along with the Foundation Dean of the Campus Sister Pat Rhatigan, conceived and coordinated the plan for local Aboriginal artists to contribute to the construction of the library by producing artworks and donating the proceeds of their sale toward the construction cost.

27 artists participated in the project, as for many it was a way of contributing to something they believed would benefit their children and grandchildren.

Dr Patricia Kailis, a Governor of the University and her late husband philanthropic entrepreneur, Michael Kailis planned to auction the works in New York . Fearing that the works would be sold individually and the collection lost to the Kimberley , Dr Kailis purchased the collection and donated it back to the Broome Campus, which is now exhibited in the new library.

The Federal Government contributed around $2 million toward the library building and the development of the communication and information technology infrastructure.

Vice Chancellor Dr Peter Tannock said, "The University is extremely grateful to all those who have contributed to such a worthy cause. The library is a wonderful facility that will benefit our students, staff and the community immensely".

For media related information contact: The Media Office, University of Notre Dame, Direct line: 08 9433 0698, Mobile: 0408 959 138, Email: media@nd.edu.au

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