Frank Howarth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frank Howarth
AM, PSM
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| 16th Director of the Australian Museum | |
| In office February 2004 – February 2014 |
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| Nominated by | Government of New South Wales |
| Preceded by | Mike Archer |
| Succeeded by | Kim McKay |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 24 October 1951 Sydney, Australia |
| Spouse | Peter |
| Education | Newington College |
| Alma mater | Macquarie University (BA (Hons)) University of New South Wales (MScSoc) |
| Profession | Public servant |
Frank Richard Howarth, AM, PSM (born 24 October 1951) is an Australian public servant who served as the director of the Australian Museum from February 2004 to February 2014. He has been the national president and chair of the Council of Museums Galleries Australia since 2013. Howarth has been Chair of the NSW Heritage Council since 2019.
Early life and education
Howarth was born in Sydney and educated at Newington College (1963-1969), commencing as a preparatory school student in Wyvern House. As his family lived on the lower North Shore of Sydney, on the northern side of the Parramatta River, Howarth eschewed traditional GPS sport and chose to sail instead. He gained a geology degree from Macquarie University and a Master of Science and Society from the University of New South Wales.
Public service career
In 1981 Howarth joined the New South Wales public service and has held positions with the Department of Industrial Development and Decentralisation, NSW Science and Technology Council, Public Service Board, and the Roads and Traffic Authority. He was appointed director and chief executive of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney in 1996 and as director of the Australian Museum in 2004.
Private life
On 24 June 1978, Howarth attended the protest that led to the Sydney Mardi Gras and was shocked when The Sydney Morning Herald published in full the names of those arrested, leading to many people being outed to their friends and places of employment. Howarth and his long-term partner, Peter, live in an inner-city, eastern suburb of Sydney.
Honours
- Public Service Medal – 2012 Queen's Birthday Honours list for outstanding public service to the Australian Museum in Sydney
- Member of the Order of Australia – 2020 Queen's Birthday Honours, for significant service to the visual arts through the museums and galleries sector.
