Donation Information

 Donation Information

The Army Museum North Queensland seeks to collect original items that relate to a North Queensland soldiers’ involvement in and experience of war from the nineteenth century to the present day. We have strong interest in all items that have stories associated with them or are closely linked to the people or events including equipment, objects, works of art, photographs, letters, diaries, and souvenirs.

Our collection area is set by a line drawn from Rockhampton to the Northern Territory border and encompassing the total area north to the tip of Cape York.

What We Do Not Collect

      • Material that cannot be connected to a North Queensland experience

      • Family histories without substantial military content

      • Uniforms of all descriptions apart from those relating to pre- Vietnam era.

      • Photocopies or digital copies of original material (unless the original is no longer in existence)

      • Newspaper clippings

      • Secondary source research material

      • Reproductions of artworks

      • Copies of items already in the Museum’s collection

      • Copies of material in other public institutions, including service records.

      • Commercially released audio-visual material

      • Medal ribbon bars

      • Miniature medals

      • Medal cases and cardboard boxes

      • Laminated material
      •  Discharge certificates, pay books, demobilisation books, attestation papers or commissioning certificates if the service person is not from North Queensland.
 

Collection areas we want to develop

    • Representation of women who have served in all conflicts,

    • Australian involvement in and experience of the Korean, Vietnam and Gulf Wars

    • Personal letters, diaries, audio- visual records, and mementoes relating to modern conflicts

    • Material relating to Indigenous military service and experience of conflict

    • Oral history interviews with current and recent serving veterans.
 

Donation checklist

    • Can you describe the item?

    • Do you know who it relates to and how did you obtain it

    • Are there any stories related to it?

    • Why do you think the Museum is the most appropriate place for your item? 

    • Can you confirm you are the legal owner*, and would be happy to transfer permanent legal ownership to the Army Museum North Queensland, (AMNQ)?

    • If you have multiple items, can you describe the number or volume of the material?

    • Can you provide a digital image of it?

*Legal owner means having ownership of the physical item. Copyright is a separate issue.

Things to consider before making a donation

Unfortunately, we are unable to accept everything that is offered to us. We have particular collecting priorities, and some areas of our collection are already well developed. If we already hold good examples of an object we are unlikely to accept more

We cannot accept material where current ownership is unknown or might be disputed

We strongly recommend you talk with your family before you offer material to the Museum. Their wishes may need to be considered before you proceed.

A donation is finalised by the donor signing a Donation Receipt Form. This is a legal document that transfers ownership of the item to the AMNQ. Once a donation is finalised, it cannot be returned.


Frequently asked questions


How do you decide what to collect?

The Museum has a comprehensive plan that indicates the Museums’ collecting aims and priorities. 

What happens to items not accepted?

Any items not accepted will be returned to the donor. The AMNQ is unable to dispose of any items on the donor’s behalf.

What happens to the material I donate?

Items accepted into AMNQ will be assessed and housed in specialist, secure storage, in accordance with the AMNQ’s collection documentation and preservation policies.

Donors and their families are welcome to visit to view donated items. We ask for a weeks’ notice of intended visits to allow for items in storage to be accessed, to ensure that items are not undergoing conservation work during visits, and to ensure that staff members are available. Please contact us to make an appointment to view items.

 The AMNQ reserves the right to return any unsolicited donations without first receiving an offer of donation form.

Can I visit the Museum and meet with someone to discuss my donation?

We cannot guarantee that Collection staff will be available to meet with visitors who arrive without an appointment. We ask all donors to give, at least, a weeks’ notice.

Our collections staff are available to meet donors Wednesday and Friday, between 9.30 am and 12.00 pm; staff are not available on weekends, public holidays.

Can I offer items as a loan?

In some exceptional cases’ we borrow items for a defined period. The case has to be presented to Army History Unit Canberra for approval.

Will my donation go on display?

We cannot guarantee that donated items will be exhibited immediately. All items are being assessed as to when a display will be undertaken.

Can I bequest my memorabilia to the Museum

You may wish to leave significant items or funds to the Army Museum North Queensland in your will. In some cases, the federal government also offers taxation benefits to your estate. 

Can the Museum provide a valuation for my items?

The AMNQ cannot provide valuations of your items.

What is copyright, and how does it affect my donation

Donors are encouraged to transfer copyright to the Museum, in items where copyright exists. This should be considered as part of the donation process. For more detailed advice, please see the Australian Copyright Council’s website for useful fact sheets.

Please fill out below if you have an item you wish to donate.