Altruism Recognised

Gossip
Wednesday, 11 November, 2009

Mr. David Moore OAM and ABV CEO Mr. Michael Lynch proudly presented volunteers Suzanna Edwards & Peter Stanbury with the 2009 ABV Altruism Award. The Altruism Award recognises the efforts of the Volunteer who has best embodied the core value of altruism during the past 12 months. Suzanna & Peter successfully completed their assignment with The National Museum of Cambodia in museum operations and Khmer artefact conservation in Cambodia.

The museum was in desperate need of training in preserving, restoring and displaying valuable artefacts not destroyed during the Khmer Rouge years. The cultural relics and artefacts represented the Khmer culture and history, thus making this a very important restoration. For this reason, Suzanna and Peter passionately volunteered their time and expertise in assisting and advising the museum in restoring the artefacts for future generations. Tragically, Suzanna’s son passed away very unexpectedly while they were halfway through the assignment. Despite this tragic loss, Suzanna and Peter returned to Cambodia to complete the assignment a few months later. Suzanna and Peter’s commitment and determination to put others needs above their own is truly commendable. Upon completion, Suzanna and Peter continued to support the museum from Australia by assisting with funding grants and by making recommendations to continue support for the museum through ABV assignments. In 2009 the museum put in a request for Suzanna and Peter to return for further conservation training.

Suzanna and Peter are not only highly skilled and experienced conservators, but their attitude, cultural sensitivity and dedication to their work is highly admirable.

Read more about teir wonderful work in the upcoming issue of Perspectives.

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