16 May 2008
The National Museum of Australia has received a major donation of the Johnny Warren collection, almost 500 objects related to the life of the footballer, administrator, journalist and television personality.
The objects range from a 1953 under 12's trophy, through to the FIFA Centennial Order of Merit medal which was presented by FIFA President Sepp Blatter in 2004. It was the only medal awarded to an Australian, one of only 100 worldwide.
Other highlights include Johnny Warren's Soccerroo shirt worn in the match against East Germany in the 1974 World Cup and his Medal of the Order of Australia awarded in 2002.
Johnny Warren played 42 times for the Socceroos including the 1974 World Cup. For more than 30 years he became the face of football in Australia through his tireless commitment to the development of the game.
The Johnny Warren collection was donated to the National Museum by his brothers Geoff and Ross Warren, his nephew Jamie Warren, and his partner Sibere Rodrigues.
'Without the support of donors, the National Museum could not hope to fulfil its role at the pre-eminent institution devoted to Australia's history,' said the Director of the National Museum of Australia, Craddock Morton.
'We intend to exhibit elements of the Johnny Warren collection in our permanent galleries in the neat future and we are looking at opportunities to tour the collection around the country in coming years,' said Mr Morton.
For interviews and more information please contact Dennis Grant on 02 6208 5351, 0409 916 481 or media@nma.gov.au