By Olivia Williams
Under his leadership, the Trust has expanded its reach and impact, navigating an evolving landscape of digital transformation, education, and community engagement. As he reflects on his tenure, Mackie remains passionate about ensuring that history remains relevant to all generations.
Like many government-funded organisations, the History Trust faces the ongoing challenge of growing its audience while demonstrating impact. “The biggest challenges are about growing reach and demonstrating impact. This demands wise decisions with finite resources, and, most importantly, expanding efforts to increase net earned income and raise philanthropy and sponsorship,” Mackie explains.
One of the most significant shifts has been the move towards digital engagement, a necessity accelerated by the pandemic. “The pandemic fast-tracked our need to reach audiences and stakeholders beyond physical in-museum experiences.”
And out in the community, the rise of online research tools for unlocking the stories of our past—about people, places and events—will eventually make it easier to link up information and knowledge across museums and collections around the nation and across the world.
With several museums under its wing, the History Trust is committed to making history accessible and engaging for younger audiences. “Museums are hungry beasts! Since 2018, the History Trust has been accountable to the Minister for Education. This has sharpened our focus on, and investment in, the development of Australian Curriculum-relevant, South Australian history-focused, digital learning resources for students and teachers.” He notes that these efforts have significantly expanded the Trust’s reach. “We now reach many more young people and their families by making freely accessible digital-by-design offerings than in-museum school visits.”
Reflecting on his tenure, Mackie takes pride in making history and culture more relevant to more people. “I would like to think that the arts, culture and history are now ‘more relevant—to more people—more of the time.’ These were Mike Rann’s riding instructions to me back in 2003-04. Growth in audience numbers and revenue may not be ‘ends’ in themselves, but they are useful measures of our relevance and therefore evidence of the increasing value of continued taxpayer, philanthropic, community volunteer and corporate investment.”
One of the standout achievements under Mackie’s leadership was the 2019 Epic Flight Centenary program, which led to securing $6 million for the relocation of the historic Vickers Vimy aircraft. “The Epic Flight Centenary was a triumph of collective endeavour. As CEO, I had the privilege of leading the charge to secure state and commonwealth commitments of $2m matched funding. It was literally a bipartisan ‘coalition of the willing’—good people who shared a vision that the Smith Brothers, their Vickers Vimy aeroplane, and this South Australian pioneering first in global aviation history deserved a prime location at Adelaide Airport to inspire future generations of young people to aim high.”
Mackie’s career has been defined by a deep commitment to fostering cultural and historical engagement. From his early days as an independent bookseller to his role as founder of the Adelaide Festival of Ideas, he has consistently championed access to knowledge.
“As a City Councillor, in 2002, I led the move to have the Aboriginal Flag flown permanently in pride of place alongside the Australian Flag in Tarntanyangga/Victoria Square. Every day I take pride in that flag, and am now reminded that, along with my City of Adelaide Reconciliation Committee Co-Chair, the late Aunty Shirley Peisley AM, we rallied many good people to achieve this major civic recognition.”
His passion for cultural preservation extends beyond the History Trust.
Our current campaign to ‘Save the Queen’—aka Priscilla the bus—will leave a lasting legacy that promotes diversity—and the joys of ‘inclusion with attitude.’
As Mackie prepares to step away from his role, he remains committed to the sector. “A life-long low boredom threshold probably means I will draw several breaths and undoubtedly continue in my personal ‘risorgimento’. I will always be a true friend to the History Trust. There’s no shortage of heavy lifting to be done in the philanthropy space!”
His advice for his successor is clear and simple: “Don’t just be a manager—be an impassioned leader and inspire others to get with the program!”
Greg Mackie’s Adelaide favourites
- Favourite hidden gem in Adelaide: The Museum of Economic Botany at Adelaide Botanic Garden—sublime.
- Best place for a coffee or meal in the city: AGSA Eat, Parlamento, Sofia, Lounders Boatshed Cafe.
- A South Australian historical site everyone should visit at least once: Burra.
- Your go-to spot to unwind or find inspiration: ‘BrokeBank Ridge’—aka our Silverton retreat.
- A local event or festival you never miss: South Australia’s History Festival—but then I would say that, right!
More information: history.sa.gov.au
