Blake Cooper, our Human Resources Manager, was yesterday awarded the prestigious title of Human Resources Management Practitioner of the Year 2024 by the Institute of Public Administration Australia.

This is an outstanding achievement, and recognition of, not only the innovative programs and initiatives Blake has implemented, but also his pragmatic and reasoned approach to HR management.

Some of his key achievements since his appointment in 2022, including his industry-leading results in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment and designing, developing and launching the WA Museum’s Learning Management System and Professional Development Framework. These initiatives are in addition to the advice, support and leadership Blake provides across the organisation on a diverse range of Human Resources matters.

Of particular note, is the work Blake has done in collaboration with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander team to establish the WA Museum’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Register. The Register is designed to break down barriers to employment, embrace inclusive recruitment practices and ensure culturally appropriate wording and best practice, culturally inclusive processes, empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The Employment Register functions as a vital hub for Indigenous job seekers, offering them a more accessible way to employment opportunities within WA Museum. Through a blend of outreach initiatives and meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities, Blake actively championed the Register, ensuring its reach extended to those most in need of its resources and support.

The impact of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Register has been transformative.

Over the past two years, the WA Museum has achieved a remarkable increase in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation, rising from 4.2% to 7.5% of the total staff. This performance is particularly noteworthy when compared to the average of 2.8% across the public sector.

Notably, this surge in representation has extended into regional areas which were previously lacking an Indigenous presence. This was most noticeable at the Museum of Geraldton, where Blake’s efforts fostered a renewed engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities in the region and increased the employment of local Aboriginal people to 13.63% of the Museum’s workforce.

This achievement underscores Blake’s dedication to diversity within the organisation, making the WA Museum an employer of choice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. By fostering an environment where Indigenous voices are not only heard but celebrated, Blake is paving the way for a more inclusive and representative future across all WA Museum sites.

WA Museum CEO Alec Coles, congratulated Blake, confirming it was a well-deserved win and a great Christmas present, for him, and everyone at the Museum.

“I am pleased to repeat what I have said on many occasions: Blake is simply the best HR practitioner that I have had the pleasure to work with in WA,” he said.

“Blake’s dedication to continuous improvement, learning and professional development for the entire organisation has immeasurably improved our HR practices, whilst enhancing our organisational culture.”

Blake joins his manager, Ravi Proheea, who was named Chief Financial Officer of the Year at the same awards in 2021, and our Records Management Team who won the award for records management last year. A reflection on the quality of the team of people working at the Western Australian Museum.