• Dealing with disaster

    Graham Gilmour, the NFSA’s first permanent director, talks about the circumstances that led to colour film in the NFSA’s care being damaged and the action taken in response.

    • Kookaburra Card and wallet, 1988. NFSA title: 789528

    Kookaburra Card

    The NFSA introduces the Kookaburra Card, a national membership and fundraising initiative based on sponsored cinema ticket discounts.

    • Take 88 poster. NFSA title: 498331

    Take 88

    The NFSA launches Take 88, a nationwide travelling exhibition, to commemorate the bicentenary of the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788.

    • The Last Film Search NFSA brochure

    The Last Film Search

    The Last Film Search unearths over 600 kilometres of nitrate film in five years.

    • Temporary work spaces in the NFSA's south gallery. NFSA title: 817083

    Growing pains

    The limitations of the 1930s heritage building force NFSA staff to find temporary accommodation within the exhibition galleries for preservation services and other activities.

    • Dressed to Thrill, 1985. NFSA title: 688917

    Dressed to Thrill

    The NFSA presents its first exhibition of props and costumes, Dressed to Thrill.

    • Time in Our Hands

    Time in Our Hands

    The NFSA Advisory Committee releases Time in Our Hands, a blueprint for the NFSA’s future.

    Graham Gilmour is appointed as the NFSA’s Acting Director.

  • Opening night

    On 3 October 1984, Prime Minister the Hon Bob Hawke officially opens the NFSA’s new headquarters in Canberra.

    Colin Pitson is appointed Interim Director of the NFSA in May 1984.

    • Henning Schou (Preservation Officer), c1980. NFSA Title: 790667

    Early 1980s

    Click ‘Read More’ to see highlights from the early 1980s including our first major film reconstruction and the launch of the Last Film Search project.

    Click ‘Read More’ to see highlights from the 1930s to the 1970s

  • Acknowledgements

    With thanks to all NFSA staff, past and present, who have contributed to this project. Special thanks also to…