Explore the Western Australian Museum

Groundbreaking Discovery: Youngest Ichthyosaur Fossil from Southern Hemisphere

florap — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:26:29 +0000

A flipper bone discovered three decades ago by the Western Australian Museum has been confirmed as the youngest recorded ichthyosaur (“fish lizard”) from the Southern Hemisphere – dating back 94 to 97 million years – and is potentially the youngest record from anywhere in the world.

Icthyosaur digit bone, Murchison House Station (c) WA Museum (27x17x13 mm - shape of a miniature brick)

Dr Mikael Siversson, Head of Earth & Planetary Sciences and co-curator of the paper describing the findings, said the significance of this discovery extends beyond the bone itself.

“We’ve now confirmed the youngest occurrence of an ichthyosaur in the Southern Hemisphere, and our study offers unprecedented insight into the final stages of these marine reptiles’ existence before their global extinction,” Dr Siversson said.

The discovery traces back to 1995 when Dr Siversson unearthed the fossil at Murchison House Station. But it was not until 2018 that Dr Siversson led a collaborative effort with the paper’s lead author Rhys Meyerkort and other researchers to uncover the fossil’s significance.

Supported by Minderoo grants, the team returned to Murchison House Station in 2018 and the Giralia Range in 2022-2024, where they collected Cretaceous shark teeth critical to pinpointing the fossil’s age with greater precision.

By comparing the teeth of the shark genus Cretoxyrhina, found in the same layer of rock as the ichthyosaur bone, with well-dated teeth collected in Kansas, USA and the Giralia Range, the researchers were able to place the Murchison House Station ichthyosaur find in the latter half of the Cenomanian stage of the Cretaceous period.

The end of the Cenomanian stage 93.9 million years ago coincided with an extreme global warming event which was previously linked to the extinction of icthyosaurs.

“We scrutinised all published records of the last surviving ichthyosaurs on a global scale. Our findings not only demonstrate that ichthyosaurs were in sharp decline over the last few million years of their existence – but that they may have perished a million years earlier than indicated by previous studies,” Dr Siversson said.

The fossil discovered in 1995 is a phalanx bone, part of an ichthyosaur’s flipper. This bone's rectangular shape marks it as part of a group of ichthyosaurs known as Brachypterygiidae.

"Ichthyosaurs were remarkable marine reptiles and looked like a long-snouted dolphin with a shark tail, perfectly adapted for hunting fish and squid-like cephalopods.

“The bones of ichthyosaurs from the Kalbarri area indicate a typical body length of around four meters although some probably approached six metres in length. Sick or injured ichthyosaurs may have sought refuge in nearshore waters, possibly explaining the accumulation of their bones in very shallow water sandstone”.

This discovery stands as a significant milestone in ichthyosaur research, not only for its contribution to our understanding of the timing of ichthyosaur extinction but also for providing an insight into the geographical distribution of the group in the final stages of its existence.

The 2018 and 2022 -2024 fieldtrips were made possible by Foundation for the WA Museum Minderoo Grants, funded from the Foundation’s Discovery Endowment Fund.

At the time of publishing the paper, Youngest fossil occurrence of ichthyosaurs from the Southern Hemisphere in Cretaceous Research, Rhys Meyerkort was a student at the University of WA. With thanks to the University, the paper can be freely accessed here.

Ngaluk Waangkiny brings powerful voices of Elders to the Museum of the Goldfields

jasmine.eales — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 04:11:25 +0000

Ngaluk Waangkiny (Us Talking), a powerful multi-media storytelling exhibition sharing the legacy of ten respected Elders, is opening at the Museum of the Goldfields, running from Friday 21 February to Monday 28 April 2025.

The Elders from Boorloo (Perth) have collaborated with Community Arts Network to share their life journeys as part of this truth-telling project. Their stories are poignant, powerful, and at times heartbreaking and harrowing – but they have been laid bare so that future generations are aware of Australia’s often hidden Black history.

Presented through photography, recorded conversations and film, Ngaluk Waangkiny offers a deeply moving insight into survival, activism and cultural strength.

The exhibition follows the life journeys of Uncle Ben Taylor Cuiermara, Aunty Theresa Walley, Uncle Farley Garlett, Aunty Doolann Leisha Eatts, Uncle Walter Eatts, Aunty Irene and Uncle Albert McNamara, Aunty Muriel Bowie, Aunty Margaret Culbong and Uncle Noel Nannup.

Museum of the Goldfields Regional Manager, Marta Perona, said the exhibition is a rare opportunity to directly hear from the Elders who have dedicated their lives to truth-telling and change.

"These Elders have lived through immense change and fought tirelessly for recognition and justice. Their voices deserve to be heard, and their lived experiences not forgotten. Ngaluk Waangkiny provides an opportunity for visitors to listen, reflect and walk away with a deeper understanding of Australia’s history."

Among the voices captured in the exhibition is that of Uncle Noel Nannup, who urges younger generations to embrace the knowledge of their Elders.

"Every time I get the opportunity now, I’m always talking to young people and saying – look, you have your old people at home, and they are your library. Go and talk to them and find out as much as you can about your family line and hang onto that."

The tour of Ngaluk Waangkiny is managed by ART ON THE MOVE and made possible thanks to the State Government’s Regional Exhibition Touring Boost. Ngaluk Waangkiny is a free exhibition and will be on display until Monday 28 April 2025.

For more information, visit https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au/goldfields/ngaluk-waangkiny

Wreck of Dutch submarine in Rottnest Ships' Graveyard identified as HMLNS K XI

florap — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 07:18:18 +0000

The Western Australian Museum has identified the wreck of a skuttled Dutch submarine in Rottnest Ships’ Graveyard to be that of HMLNS K XI, a World War II Royal Netherlands Navy class patrol submarine.

Head of Maritime Heritage at the WA Museum, Corioli Souter, said the Museum has been investigating the Rottnest Ships’ Graveyard since the 1990s, and said the K XI is one of the most significant watercrafts to have been discarded in the Graveyard, but the vessel's significance is important to mutual Dutch-Australian heritage values and to the State’s underwater cultural heritage.

“For more than three decades, the Museum has been fortunate to collaborate with a diverse range of organisations and people to investigate the Graveyard.

“We knew the wreck was there, and we are delighted to have collaborated with technical divers from Wrecksploration, along with their partners, who found the wreck,” Corioli said.

The Museum has a long-standing relationship with the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (RCE) who, through their International Programme for Maritime Heritage, financed the photogrammetry work conducted by Wrecksploration. The photogrammetry work was developed into a 3D model of the wreck and submitted to the WA Museum for identification.

“Over the decades, the use of archival sources, local knowledge, and remote sensing surveys has allowed the Museum to identify a number of significant sites in the Graveyard. In this project, we compared archival records with the 3D model created by Wrecksploration to confirm that the wreck was the K XI,” Corioli said.

The K XI was used to patrol waters in the colonial Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) between 1925-1942, following the Japanese invasion it was sent to India and Pakistan. On 9 March 1942 it rescued 13 survivors in life-rafts from the Royal Australian Navy sloop HMAS Yarra, after it had been sunk by Japanese warships.

During World War II, Fremantle Harbour was the largest submarine base in the Southern Hemisphere and was the second-most important Allied submarine base in the Pacific Theatre after Pearl Harbour, with US, British and Dutch submarines operating from Fremantle. Eleven Dutch submarines operated out of Fremantle during this time,” Corioli said.

Because the wreck of K XI is more than 75 years old and in Australian waters, it is automatically protected by the Commonwealth’s Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018 which is supported by the Commonwealth Underwater Cultural Heritage Program delivered by Department of Climate Change Energy Environment and Water (DCCEEW).

Corioli said divers with appropriate certification can visit the site, but to remember it is a protected site and is an offence to damage, disturb, or remove any part of the wreck.

The WA Museum has prepared a full report of the wreck, including archival material and details of its discovery, which can be viewed at https://museum.wa.gov.au/maritime-archaeology-db/maritime-reports/dutch-k-xi-submarine-1925-1946-discovered-wadjemup-rottnest-island-perth

Some things are just meant to be: Three perfect pairings from around WA

ella.winterbottom — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 03:07:00 +0000

This Valentine’s Day, we’ve spreading the love! You’re sure to fall for these perfect pairings that call Western Australia home.

'Lamarckdromia beagle' wearing a sponge hat.
Image copyright WA Museum

A “fluffy” crab and its stylish accessory

Lamarckdromia beagle uses its claws to trim sea sponges and ascidians, which it wears as protective hats to camouflage against predators like octopuses. It’s like that favourite wardrobe piece you keep reaching for—but this one’s not just for show.

A trail of echidnas.
Image copyright WA Museum

A female echidna and its trail of males

Echidna courtship takes perfect pairs to a whole new level. During their breeding season, male echidnas form orderly lines behind a female, all hoping to be the last one standing. Sometimes, you’ll see up to five echidnas chugging along in search of love, until one suitor reigns supreme.

Yellow and pink diamonds.
Image copyright WA Museum

This diamond duo is the definition of a true best friend

Some say yellow and pink diamonds make the perfect pair—if you can afford them! WA is home to both: yellow diamonds from the Ellendale region in the West Kimberley and the famous pink diamonds of the Argyle mine in the East Kimberley. Come admire this dazzling duo at our Origins Gallery.

WA Museum explores hidden wonders of Kimberley Warrurru (Reefs) in new exhibition

jasmine.eales — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 01:58:19 +0000

Kimberley Warrurru (Reefs): Connecting Culture, Science and the Sea, a new exhibition on display at the Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip, showcases the incredible marine life of the Kimberley and the discoveries made through a unique collaboration between scientists, the Wunambal Gaambera Uunguu Rangers and Traditional Owners.

The Kimberley reefs are ecologically significant, yet much remains to be learned about these waters. In 2023, the Kimberley Reef Connect project set out to fill in some of the knowledge gaps.

Scientists from the Western Australian Museum and Curtin University joined Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation’s Uunguu Rangers and Traditional Owners on a 10-day expedition, surveying 22 sites in the Uunguu Wundaagu (saltwater) Indigenous Protected Area and North Kimberley Marine Reserves, including some areas that have been previously unexplored.

Their research recorded rare corals, reef fish and marine invertebrates, revealing new insights into the biodiversity and interconnectedness of these ecosystems and the ecological processes that sustain it.

The project also created opportunities beyond research. A culture camp provided the opportunity for Wunambal Gaambera elders and young people to spend time on sea country, visiting significant places some had never seen before. This was followed by an Emerging Curators Workshop, where Uunguu Rangers worked with scientists at the Western Australian Museum Collections and Research Centre.

Dr Zoe Richards, Associate Professor WA Museum and Curtin University reflected on the collaboration,

Spending time on sea country, and in the lab, strengthened connections between Traditional Owners and researchers. This exchange of knowledge is critical for both cultural and environmental preservation.

Building on this, Uunguu Ranger and Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owner Tabitha Kowan spoke about the experience,

The Kimberley Reef project provided a good opportunity for us to work with scientists from the museum, who are specialists in their fields, who can explain all the details about the animals we found on Wunambal Gaambera Wundaagu. Seeing it all come together in the exhibition and being able to share it with everyone is really valuable.

The Kimberley Warrurru (Reefs) exhibition shares information about the discoveries made during the project through photography, video and detailed interpretation, alongside displays that offer a closer look at some of the marine life observed. The exhibition also explores how Kimberley reefs have evolved over thousands of years, shaped by changing sea levels and shifting landscapes.

WA Museum Acting CEO Jason Fair emphasised the importance of bringing these stories to a wider audience,

“These reefs are home to incredible marine life and hold deep cultural significance, yet some areas are out of reach of the public. By combining science, conservation and the knowledge of Traditional Owners, this exhibition highlights why these ecosystems are so important and the urgent work that must be done to protect them.”

Kimberley Warrurru (Reefs): Connecting Culture, Science and the Sea will be on display from 15 February - 27 April 2025 and is included as part of general admission.

For more information, visit: https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au/boolabardip/kimberley-warrurru-reefs-connecting-culture-science-and-sea

Celebrating Diana Jones: A Legacy of Dedication and Achievement

robyn.ambrosius — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 08:41:05 +0000

After 48 years of unwavering service WA Museum Executive Director of Collections and Research, Diana Jones has retired and will continue her valuable research work as a WA Museum Research Associate.

Diana, or Di as she is more affectionately known, has been a trail blazer for women in science in Western Australia and around the globe.

Di's journey began in the post-WW2 era, where her childhood explorations sparked a lifelong passion for natural science. Her academic pursuits led her to an open scholarship in Biological Sciences at the University of Birmingham, UK. Despite facing challenges, including a male-dominated work culture in Western Australia, Di's determination saw her rise through the ranks at the WA Museum.

Starting as a part-time Graduate Research Assistant in 1977, Di's career flourished. She became a full-time Curator of Crustacea in 1988, head of Aquatic Zoology, and eventually the Executive Director of Collections and Research. Alongside her museum roles, Di also taught at the University of Western Australia and served as the Museum’s Senior Grievance and Sexual Harassment Officer, advocating for women's rights in the workplace.

Di's notable projects include the bilingual Baudin exhibition and the long-standing partnership with Woodside Energy Ltd. Her work on the Marine Life of the Dampier Archipelago and the Kimberley Project highlighted her vision and dedication to biodiversity research. These projects involved international collaboration and led to the discovery of thousands of new species.

Her leadership was instrumental in the successful relocation of the Museum's collections to the Collections and Research Centre at Welshpool and the opening of the Harry Butler Research Centre.

Di's expertise has been recognised globally, serving on numerous committees and advisory panels, and authoring over a hundred scientific papers.

In recognition of her contributions, Di was awarded the Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia in 2022. As she transitions to a Research Associate role, we celebrate her legacy and the profound impact she has had on the WA Museum and the field of natural science.

Di, your dedication and achievements have inspired many. Thank you for your exceptional service.

Exploring WA’s Deep Sea exhibition - an unprecedented look into hidden wonders of Australian marine parks

florap — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 06:56:12 +0000

Australia’s marine parks are home to some of the world’s most breathtaking and mysterious ecosystems. Now, a new exhibition, Exploring WA’s Deep Sea, offers an unprecedented look into their hidden wonders, on display at the WA Shipwrecks Museum until 23 March.

Exploring WA’s Deep Sea showcases the remarkable scientific discoveries from the Minderoo-UWA Deep-Sea Research Centre’s two-year project, which explored the biology, ecology, geomorphology, and oceanography of the deepest regions of Australia’s marine reserves: the Gascoyne Marine Reserve, Perth Canyon Marine Reserve, and South-west Corner Marine Reserve.

The Western Australian Museum is one of the organisations that collaborated on the project. Andrew Hosie, the Museum's Curator of Aquatic Zoology (Crustacea & Worms), explained the exhibition provides the public with a unique opportunity to experience what has traditionally been accessible only to marine scientists using advanced technology.

“Some marine parks reach depths of up to 6,000 metres. So, the exhibition is a great chance for visitors to see spectacular deep-sea animals, and landforms through rare underwater footage, Indigenous artwork, and preserved specimens, as well as some of the technology and equipment required for such deep-sea research.

Andrew said the Museum’s role in the project is to bring the Museum’s biodiversity expertise and assist specimen curation and identification.

“I participated in a field trip to Perth Canyon, west of Rottnest, to help deploy their traps and process the resulting specimens.

“We have received representative specimens for our collections, with more on the way, and we’re contributing to reports to Parks Australia and future publications,” Andrew said.

Behind the scenes, the WA Museum designed the exhibition layout, prepared the specimens, and crafted taxidermy displays, bringing the wonders of our ocean depths to the surface.

The Minderoo-UWA Deep-Sea Research Centre’s two-year project, Exploring the Deepest Parts of Australian Marine Parks, is a collaboration with the WA Museum, Parks Australia, and the Minderoo Foundation, featuring deep-sea artwork by Wadandi Noongar and Ait Koedhal artist Tyrown Waigana.

Don’t miss the free public floor talk at the WA Shipwrecks Museum on Sunday 16 March, 1pm – 2pm. Visit https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au/shipwrecks/exploring-was-deep-sea-floortalks

Empress Joséphine’s Garden exhibition extended!

florap — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 08:53:07 +0000

We’re thrilled to announce Empress Joséphine’s Garden has been extended until Sunday 11 May 2025.

Whether revisiting or discovering it for the first time, step into history with this immersive 360-degree experience that brings to life Empress Joséphine Bonaparte’s legacy. Explore her influence on France, botanical science, global culture, and how it ties to Western Australia, all while immersing yourself in her renowned garden at Château de Malmaison in Paris.

Empress Joséphine’s Garden - Australian flora and fauna. Image copyright WA Museum

To celebrate the exhibition extension, we have a new line-up of French inspired entertainment to further enhance your immersive experience.

Sell-out high tea is back.

Due to overwhelming popularity, we’re bringing back Joséphine’s Garden High Tea. Starting Saturday, 8 February you can indulge in a unique and exclusive afternoon with friends at a tea party with a difference. Enter the world of Empress Joséphine and her unique sanctuary at Malmaison before enjoying tiered platters of lovely petit fours, including sweet and savoury treats and the finest teas – or get in quick and book one of our special sessions for your mum this Mother’s Day!

Friday night French inspired Le Bar continues.

But that’s not all—get ready to experience some more thrilling Friday night entertainment with our fabulous Le Bar sessions! The new season kicks off on Valentine’s Day, Friday 14 February! The evenings will be infused with a distinct French flair, offering a lineup of diverse and vibrant performances. From sultry burlesque, fabulous drag, lively swing, jazz, Bridgerton-inspired music and more!

Joséphine’s Garden: Le Bar. Image copyright WA Museum

Don’t forget, entry to the WA Maritime Museum and Empress Joséphine’s Garden is free until 31 March.

Dernière chance (last chance)! Check our website for more information and bookings: visit.museum.wa.gov.au/maritime/empress-josephines-garden

This innovative exhibition was commissioned by the Western Australian Museum and curated and developed by AGB Creative, Sydney.

Your WA Museum Boola Bardip open longer this weekend

robyn.ambrosius — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 01:01:18 +0000

The WA Museum Boola Bardip will be open an additional two hours per day over the long weekend, opening at 8.30am and closing at 6pm on Saturday 25, Sunday 26 and Monday 27 January.

The public response to free general admission has been so well received, with more than 100,000 visitors in the first month, we wanted to extend the time people have to visit, allowing more people across more hours to enjoy everything the museum offers.

In addition to Otto, dinosaurs, and interactives in every gallery, we have free drop-in zones for young artists and Lego lovers and the profoundly mesmerizing Spinifex People: Art and Stories from Pila Nguru exhibition.

For those looking to be transported to one of the most spectacular and pristine landscapes in the world, we are also offering additional sessions to The Great Kimberley Wilderness virtual reality experience. This paid exhibition is highly acclaimed, receiving outstanding reviews from all who visit.

2024-25 is on track to be our busiest year since our opening, having already welcomed more than 300,000 visitors in the first seven months.

There is no limit to the number of times you can visit, if you have already been, come again. We are thrilled to see so many people enjoying our State’s flagship museum.

Blake is best in class!!

robyn.ambrosius — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 08:22:30 +0000

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.

From little sprouts, big ideas grow at Museum of the Goldfields

jasmine.eales — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 01:58:29 +0000

The Aboriginal Bush Food & Medicine Garden at the Museum of the Goldfields has sprouted new life—literally!

Thanks to a partnership between Major Partner, gold mining company Gold Fields, the Western Australian Museum and the Foundation for the WA Museum, over 70 native plants found their new home in our garden on Monday 9 December, expanding the cultural and educational gem for years to come.

For over 60,000 years, Indigenous Australians have used native plants for food, medicine and tools. The Aboriginal Bush Food & Medicine Garden, first established in 2022, preserves and shares this knowledge while strengthening an understanding of food, biodiversity and sustainability. The garden also holds an emotional connection for the local community, having been dedicated to the late Cara Haymes, a much-loved former Regional Manager of the Museum.

Gold Fields staff rolled up their sleeves to help with the planting, which included species like the Desert Cassia (senna artemisioides), a small woody shrub with silver green leaves and bright yellow flower known for its healing properties, and the Jam Wattle (acacia acuminata), a versatile plant whose seeds can be ground into flour, bark used as a painkiller and timber crafted into tools.

This planting day comes after a detailed audit by Rangers from the Goldfields Aboriginal Community Services, with invaluable help from Eastern Goldfields Regional Prison’s Section 95 Program. The team worked to clear non-native plants, paving the way for a beautiful expansion, which will also include a fire pit, yarning circle and interpretive signs designed to encourage cultural exchange and dialogue.

As part of the three-year partnership, the Museum of the Goldfields will also expand its educational programming to raise awareness of Aboriginal knowledge and cultural practices, and its integration with Western science (two-way science).

Marta Perona, Manager of the Museum of the Goldfields, shared her excitement about what the garden means for the community and visitors.

“The WA Museum has an important role in understanding the past and sharing stories of Western Australia. The bush garden is an excellent example of this. Through the garden and the museum’s associated programs and activities we will be able to build community connection and educate our visitors about historic and modern scientific and medical practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”

With its roots now firmly planted, the garden will continue to grow as a space for education, cultural exchange and environmental stewardship. Next time you visit the Museum of the Goldfields, take a moment to wander through the garden and new plant variety. As the garden expansion continues, the incredible knowledge it preserves will sow the seeds for many stories to be shared.

Spinifex People: Art and stories from Pila Nguru opens at WA Museum Boola Bardip

jasmine.eales — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 07:51:16 +0000

Vibrant colours and powerful stories now fill the walls of WA Museum Boola Bardip’s special exhibition space, following the launch of Spinifex People: Art and stories from Pila Nguru.

Opening 5 December, the exhibition features a stunning array of artworks, objects, digital projections and film. Visitors will experience the Spinifex People’s enduring connection to Country and their ancestral lands through breathtaking art that embodies the power of the landscape and the stories of their Ancestors.

Spinifex artists travelled from their remote homeland to share their story with audiences during the official launch event, marking the first time they have seen their work and history curated on such an extraordinary scale. The exhibition being the largest single display of Spinifex Art Project works ever shown.

For thousands of years, the Spinifex People lived in a land that few outsiders saw and even today, few would know about. In the first decades of the 20th century, developments around the fringes of Spinifex Country brought the outside world closer in a dramatic way. From the mid-1950s, British atomic bomb testing at Maralinga led to the removal of almost all the Spinifex People from their homelands.

Now, visitors can view poignant pieces of artwork, including those which represent their displacement during the testing, and the pivotal works that contributed to the community's successful Native Title Determination in 2000.

Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman expressed, “Through this exhibition, I have developed a deep understanding of the customs, traditions and laws of the Spinifex People, but more importantly, their enduring connection to the land from which they come.

I was particularly impressed by the way the Spinifex Art Project has evolved to encompass film and digital art, engaging the next generation of artists in the ancient art of storytelling in a way that will ensure their history endures for years to come.”

Alongside the incredible artworks, the exhibition offers a range of public programs to help visitors connect with the Spinifex story:

Guided Tours
Thursdays and Sundays, 3pm-4pm, starting Sunday 8 December
Join us for an insightful tour exploring the history, culture and connection to Country revealed through the Spinifex People’s art. Bookings are essential, and cost is included with General Admission.
The Spinifex Story
Thursday 5 December, 6pm-8.30pm
Hear from Ross Chadwick and John Carty, alongside visiting Spinifex artists, in an evening exploring the Spinifex People’s journey of displacement, homecoming, and reconnection. Learn how art has supported the community in reclaiming identity and maintaining cultural ties to Country. Then, explore the exhibition, grab a drink from our pop-up bar and be moved by the enchanting voice of Kira Feeney. Bookings required.
Quiet Mornings
Wednesday 8 January and Saturday 22 March, 8.30am-11am
Experience the exhibition in a sensory-friendly environment, with reduced sound and lighting, interactive elements turned down and a designated quiet area for breaks. All ages welcome, registration required.
Meet the Museum: Digital Art and the Desert
Thursday 20 February, 5pm-6pm
Learn how remote communities creatively share their stories with Project Officer Ange Leech. Ange will discuss her work with the Milpa Collective, an initiative of the Spinifex Arts Project, and her time at Tjuntjunjara Remote Community School. During this time, she worked alongside the community to produce a Pitjantjatjara children’s book and helped bring their stories to life through stop-motion animation. Bookings required.

Learn more about Spinifex People: Art and stories from Pila Nguru on our website here: https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au/boolabardip/spinifex-people-art-and-stories-pila-nguru

WA Museum Boola Bardip hosts REMIX Summit Perth 2024

jasmine.eales — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 03:58:20 +0000

WA Museum Boola Bardip recently welcomed the return of REMIX Perth, a sold-out summit in its fifth edition, bringing over 270 creative leaders together to explore the future of culture, technology and the creative economy.

Opening with international summit founders Peter Tullin and Simon Cronshow providing a global overview of emerging trends in creative content and technology, the stage was quickly set for a day of exciting ideas. Sessions included discussions around innovative projects and real-world case studies focused on the evolution of cultural industries.

This year’s theme, Ideas for the Revolution, brought together a diverse mix of artists, technologists, policymakers and representatives from cultural institutions to explore topics like cultural tourism, artificial intelligence, NFTs, the Metaverse and new models of exhibition design.

Western Australian Museum CEO Alec Coles welcomed attendees with a reflection on how cultural institutions can drive innovation and create meaningful connections between creative industries and communities.

The Museum’s Director of Engagement, Jason Fair, joined Briege Whitehead, Founder of White Spark Pictures, to discuss a new collaborative project, The Great Kimberley Wilderness. This 35-minute virtual reality documentary celebrates the Kimberley’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage through immersive storytelling. Briege shared insights into the creative process behind the film, wghile Jason discussed how projects like this are helping the Museum connect with new audiences.

REMIX Summit Perth also provided the ideal setting to officially launch The Great Kimberley Wilderness across four Museum sites: Boola Bardip, Museum of The Great Southern, Museum of the Goldfields and Museum of Geraldton. At Boola Bardip, attendees experienced the documentary in a newly developed temporary gallery space, featuring a 60-seat VR cinema and large-scale digital projections, offering an entirely new way to explore one of Australia’s most extraordinary regions.

The partnership between WA Museum and White Spark Pictures is a model of how cultural institutions can support the creative industries. By working together through every stage of the project, from development to distribution, the collaboration has enabled the Museum to deliver high-quality local content while expanding its technical infrastructure and capabilities.

Throughout the day, delegates explored the Museum’s galleries and took part in thought-provoking sessions on the fast-moving intersection of creativity and technology. Discussions focused on how trends like immersive tech and virtual production are transforming audience experiences, reshaping creative content and redefining how it’s shared with the world.

REMIX Summit Perth 2024 left participants inspired by new possibilities and energised by the role institutions like WA Museum are playing in shaping the Creative Revolution.

Briege Whitehead speaking at REMIX Summit Perth 2024

WA AIDS Memorial Quilt on display at WA Museum Boola Bardip for World AIDS Day 2024

jasmine.eales — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 08:31:40 +0000

To mark World AIDS Day on 1 December, the WA AIDS Memorial Quilt will be displayed at WA Museum Boola Bardip as part of a special exhibition celebrating the lives and memories of those represented in its intricate panels.

The Quilt is made up of two large blocks, each handcrafted to honour individuals or groups who lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses. First unveiled in 1993, the Quilt reflects a Western Australian chapter of the global memorialisation movement beginning in 1987 by the NAMES Project in San Francisco. These panels represent deeply personal tributes, telling the stories of people who lived, loved and were loved in return.

This year’s exhibition introduces the Digital Quilt Project, a collection of interviews with friends and family members of those memorialised. Created in partnership with WAAC (formerly the WA AIDS Council), these videos share heartfelt memories and offer a deeper understanding of the community’s experience.

Helen Wilson, whose son John is memorialised on the Quilt, reflects in one interview, "Back then you couldn't tell anyone that your son had AIDS. They were so terrified by the ads on the TV of the Grim Reaper. They thought if they stood anywhere near you, they'd get it."

Helen considers the Quilt something tangible, a way to read the names and connect with the stories behind them. She also hopes it will help young people better understand the impact of the AIDS crisis in the community.

Judy Nemer, who created the first panel of the Western Australian Quilt in memory of her son Greg, reflects on his life. Greg had been studying to be a teacher before deciding to pursue nursing at Royal Perth Hospital. “[After his diagnosis] he said, ‘Mum, all of a sudden my life’s going nowhere.’ But nowhere was very far from it.’”

Judy describes the Quilt as a way of showing that families were proud of their loved ones and open about their stories. “We let the whole world know so people would eventually get more support and feel able to share who they are,” she explains.

Helen Simondson, Manager WA Museum Boola Bardip, emphasised the Quilt’s continuing relevance.

“The WA AIDS Memorial Quilt holds an important place in both Western Australian and global history. It reminds us of the thousands of Australians who died of AIDS-related illnesses and the struggles they faced.

By honouring those too often forgotten or marginalised, the Quilt sends a message that every life matters as we continue to challenge the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS today.”

Visitors can view the WA AIDS Memorial Quilt and the accompanying Digital Quilt Project in Hackett Hall at Boola Bardip from Saturday 30 November - Tuesday 3 December 2024.

For more information, visit https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au/boolabardip/wa-aids-memorial-quilts-0

The Digital Quilt Project will continue through 2025-2026, with plans to collect additional stories and interviews. If you know someone who is represented on the Quilt and would like to contribute, please contact Miranda Stephens at miranda.stephens@museum.wa.gov.au.

16 Days in WA - help end family and domestic violence.

florap — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 05:42:08 +0000

The Western Australian Museum is proud to once again support the annual 16 Days in WA – stop violence against women campaign, from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) through to 10 December (Human Rights Day).

Everyone has a role in ending family and domestic violence, and 16 Days in WA encourages the community to create change through education, motivation and advocacy.

Community events, talks and activities are happening every day, including at our Museums.

At the WA Museum Boola Bardip, a panel of survivors and experts will discuss paths to recovery and share stories of resilience and hope in our next In Conversation event.

Fri 29 Nov | WA Museum Boola Bardip
Book your spot: https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au/boolabardip/conversation-family-and-domestic-violence-phasesfaces

The WA Shipwrecks Museum lawn has been painted in the campaign’s emblem, as a symbolic visual to promote an end to gender-based violence.

For more information: https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au/shipwrecks/11-2024/16-days-wa

The Museum of the Great Southern is hosting the Red Shoes Installation, a powerful tribute to Australian women who’ve lost their lives to gender-based violence.

For more information: https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au/greatsouthern/red-shoes-project-16-days-wa

Museums and Landmarks Illuminate in Orange

As part of the campaign, WA Museum sites including the Shipwrecks Museum, Museum of Geraldton and the Brig Amity will light up in orange each evening. These displays, alongside other prominent landmarks across Western Australia, represents the global campaign colour and symbolises a united stand against gender-based violence.

Available resources

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000.

For children and young people aged 5 to 25 years, the Kids Helpline provides confidential counselling and support services.

Information is also available about culturally appropriate programs that support people from Aboriginal and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds who are experiencing family and domestic violence. Find out more: Family and Domestic Violence services and resources

Behind the scenes at the WA Museum Boola Bardip

ella.winterbottom — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 03:36:29 +0000

Have you ever wondered who gets to choose the exhibitions at the Museum and if the staff get to play hide and seek after hours?

Well, we sent in our investigative team of kids to ask these and other questions to WA Museum Director of Engagement, Jason Fair.

Jason has worked at the WA Museum for 18 years. He started out managing all the things you can buy at the Museum, such as toys in the shop and food at the café. He quickly became really interested in the people who visited the Museum. Jason wanted to better understand why people came to visit and what they wanted to see. This led him to his current job.

Here are the questions our little investigators put to him.

What is your favourite part of working at the museum?

I love the diversity of my job. One minute I could be meeting with the Italian Consulate General, or the Ambassador from Peru, and the next I am supervising the installation of a new exhibition about the Moon.

How did you get to have your job?

Believe it or not, I worked for a big toy store company before coming to work at the WA Museum. I got my current job because of all the work I did to learn about and value our visitors and what they liked to see when they came to the Museum.

Do you get to play with the exhibits before everyone else?

I sure do! This is how I check to make sure all our visitors can come and have a great time interacting with our exhibitions.

Do you get to play hide and seek in the museum?

Unfortunately, no, but when the new museum was first opened, I got lost A LOT and had to find my way out! That was a bit like playing hide-and-seek.

Can you tell us a secret about the museum that most people don’t know?

I have an office that is in an old safe!

How do you come up with ideas for new exhibitions?

We plan our exhibitions many years in advance and I have a team of amazing staff who help choose and design exhibitions for our visitors to enjoy.

For example, our exhibition To the Moon came from wanting to share with our visitors the current work in space development happening in Perth and our connection with space. So, we started by borrowing a piece of Moon rock from NASA and displaying Luke Jerram’s seven metre moon replica.

With these two items and a team of great people, we were able to build an interactive and fun exhibition.

If you could bring one exhibit to life, which one would it be?

That is easy, the Night Parrot, a specimen on display in the Wild Life gallery, which is so rare it was once thought extinct. It came to the Museum after dying due to injuries when it was caught by its wing on a fence, which was very sad.

The Night Parrot is really hard to find—not only is it nocturnal (only coming out at night) but it lives in some of the harshest parts of Australia.

So, if I could bring it back to life and set it free where it came from, I would!

However, specimens like the Night Parrot help our scientists and researchers learn more about this mysterious bird, which will help us protect them in the future.

What is your favourite thing in the museum?

Ross Potter’s hand drawn young humpback whale drawn at life-size and hanging outside the Wild Life gallery at Boola Bardip.

It is my favourite because it was drawn by hand using a pencil and it is life-size! Ross created the drawing while doing some workshops at the WA Maritime Museum in Fremantle and donated it to the WA Museum’s collection. I saw Ross when he was working on it and he told me that he was inspired by a 45-minute encounter with a humpback whale off Hillarys.

How can I work in a museum when I grow up?

There are so many different opportunities at the Museum.

One of the things I like about the Museum is the variety of jobs people do and how they all work together to make the Museum a great place to visit. You could work as a scientist, a curator who researches the objects in our collection, a visitor services officer helping visitors, a retail assistant in one of our shops, you could also build the digital parts of our exhibitions or teach children who visit our museums.

There are so many ways to be part of the Museum, you can even volunteer once you turn 16!

Image copyright WA Museum

Jason was a good sport, answering our young investigators’ questions. He also shared with us some of the super exciting things coming up across summer at WA Museum Boola Bardip.

Check out the biggest and best VR experience The Great Kimberley Wilderness where you will be able to get up close and personal with some of the most untouched areas of the Kimberley region.

If virtual reality isn’t quite your thing, you can take a self-guided ‘Codebreakers’ tour. Part scavenger hunt, part escape room, this is a different way to explore Boola Bardip and possibly the closest you will get to hide-and-seek!

For those, not quite old enough to be breaking codes, we have our little learners program which is educator-led and designed especially for 2-5-year-olds.

Best of all, we have our drop-and-leave school holiday programs allowing kids to get the best out of the Museum while adults take a break. Get in quick as these tend to book out each school holidays.

WA Museum Boola Bardip is one of seven public sites operated by the Western Australian Museum. Based at the Perth Cultural Centre, WA Museum Boola Bardip is open 9.30am - 5pm every day except Good Friday and Christmas Day and reduced hours on Anzac Day (1-5pm).

This article was first published in the City of Perth 24/25 Summer Events Guide.

WA Museum Boola Bardip takes out Major Tourist Attraction for second year

robyn.ambrosius — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 01:01:47 +0000

WA Museum Boola Bardip has taken out the gold award as Major Tourist Attraction for the second year in a row at the Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards.

In addition to receiving this outstanding accolade, the museum also won silver in the Cultural Tourism category.

Since opening its doors in November 2020, the WA Museum Boola Bardip has strived to provide exceptional visitor experiences.

Following on from the Museum’s success in 2023, the WA Museum Boola Bardip welcomed nearly 400,000 visitors in 2024, including some 120,000 visitors from interstate and overseas, delivering nearly $50 million in economic impact for the State and a 96 per cent satisfaction rating amongst visitors.

The Museum has also enhanced its offering to international visitors with a range of translated materials in multiple languages including Mandarin, German, Spanish, French and Hindi.

WA Museum CEO Alec Coles said, “these awards recognise the outstanding work of our team.”

“Boola Bardip is an exceptional facility, but the visitor experience is significantly enhanced through the commitment of our exceptional team of staff and volunteers, and the creative producers with which we work.”

The WA Museum congratulates all other finalists and award winners of the 2024 WA Tourism Awards. It is a privilege for the Museum to be recognised amongst the family of such dedicated tourism businesses that work tirelessly to deliver the best tourism experience for WA visitors.

Winners from the WA Tourism Awards automatically go into the National Tourism Awards for their category.

The WA Museum Boola Bardip is open every day of the year, except Christmas Day and Good Friday, from 9.30am – 5pm. For further information about the exhibitions, events and activities on offer visit the website visit.museum.wa.gov.au/boolabardip.

Time and Time Again: Rephotographing the Goldfields

jasmine.eales — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 05:11:31 +0000

Opening at the Museum of the Goldfields in Kalgoorlie-Boulder on Saturday 30 November 2024, and running until Sunday 9 February 2025, is a collaborative exhibition by Fremantle-based American/Australian photographer Brett Leigh Dicks.

Time and Time Again: Rephotographing the Goldfields pairs historic photographs of Kalgoorlie and its surrounds, sourced from the Western Australian Museum’s Dwyer and MacKay Collection, with contemporary images of the same locations captured by Dicks a century later.

As a 2023 ART ON THE MOVE Activating Collections Artist in Residence at the Museum of the Goldfields, Dicks spent a year researching and meticulously pinpointing the sites of the original photographs, before recreating the scenes. His work presents a visual comparison between the Kalgoorlie of the early 20th century and today.

“Most of the photographs were created over a hundred years ago and since they were created for commercial purposes, many of the images lacked precise locations,” Dicks explained.

“This meant analysing as much identifying information as I could and then turning to Google Street View to scour the area for recognizable landmarks. Once a location was identified it was then a matter of determining the viewpoint and angle and when and how to best match the lighting parameters in the origin photograph.”

Funded by the Regional Exhibition Touring Boost, the Activating Collections Program encourages artists to work with heritage collections to create new work about local histories. Dicks’ project offers a unique glimpse into the evolving landscapes of the Goldfields, from iconic sites like The Palace Hotel and Boulder Town Hall to intimate street scenes, residential homes, and abandoned mining claims.

According to Dicks, it also offers an insight or two into the work ethic of his predecessors.

“Aside from how incredibly prolific the two photographers were, one of the things that quickly became apparent was Dwyer wasn’t much of a morning person,” the photographer said with a laugh.

“A lot of his photographs were created in the afternoon light whereas MacKay was often out and about in the morning. But the most revealing aspect of the project has been just how important heritage is within the Goldfields. Even after a hundred years a lot of the buildings depicted within those original photographs are still standing. Not only is that a remarkable achievement, it’s a testament to the local community and the value it places on local history.”

In addition to the photographs, Dicks has curated a series of ekphrastic poetry responses to some of the portraits from the Dwyer and MacKay Collection, drawing on personal stories and contributions from local residents. These poems, which capture the voices and memories of the Goldfields community, will be displayed alongside the portraits, adding a deeper layer to the narrative.

Visitors can also engage in a series of associated events, including a floor talk by Dicks on the rephotography movement and a hands-on workshop where participants will have the chance to recreate iconic Goldfields photographs themselves.

“The Goldfields region has such incredible history, and Time and Time Again captures that story in such a unique way," said Marta Perona, Regional Manager at the Museum of the Goldfields.

“Brett’s work offers a visual dialogue between past and present, encouraging appreciation for the extraordinary heritage preserved within our community. It's an opportunity for visitors to see our landscape through a new lens, bridging generations and revealing just how much, or how little, has changed over the last century.”

Time and Time Again is a free exhibition and on from Wednesday 30 November – Sunday 9 February at the Museum of the Goldfields.

Find out more: https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au/goldfields/time-and-time-again-rephotographing-goldfields

What does the VOC mean to you?

kat.cincotta — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 03:04:29 +0000

What role does the VOC (or the ‘Dutch’) still play in modern society?

Help answer this question by completing an online survey.

The results will be analysed to identify potential trends and patterns in contemporary perceptions of the VOC. The survey is part of an internship project under the Australian Research Council (ARC) linkage project "Mobilising Dutch East India Company collections for new global stories" (LP210300960). The internship project is exploring the historical and societal role of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) in modern-day Australia.

Originating from Brouwer's 1611 discovery of a faster route via the Roaring Forties winds, numerous VOC ships sailed along Australia's west coast, but the dangers of this route led to multiple shipwrecks. Notable ships that wrecked included Batavia (1628) and Zeewijk (1725), with some survivors awaiting rescue on the Australian coast. This project aims to investigate how VOC-era remnants are perceived by communities in Geraldton and Fremantle and how they influence daily life, focusing on both tangible artifacts and intangible memories. This project delves into sociological themes like "hauntology" and collective memory, as well as Australia’s cultural connections with Asia and Europe from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Earlier this year, the project team, led by Prof. Dr. M.R. Manders and two Leiden University students, undertook two weeks of fieldwork in Geraldton and Fremantle. Their work included in-depth interviews with local people, landscape observations, some archival research and city walks to document VOC heritage (such as signage, products and media references). These activities aimed to uncover both physical remnants, such as architectural features, and contemporary interpretations of the VOC’s legacy.

The WA Museum is a partner organisation on the ARC Linkage Project "Mobilising Dutch East India Company collections for new global stories" (LP210300960).

Gwoonwardu Mia’s first art exhibition celebrates Gascoyne artists

jasmine.eales — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 02:33:49 +0000

Gwoonwardu Mia has launched its first-ever art exhibition, Creation and Culture, showcasing the incredible talent of Gascoyne Aboriginal artists.

Running from 11 October - 1 November, this free exhibition features works from 11 artists across a range of mediums, including acrylics, ceramics, wood carvings, resin, weaving, and photography. It offers a unique insight into the region's rich cultural heritage and contemporary creativity.

On opening night, attendees had the opportunity to meet the artists, hear about their cultural influences and purchase unique artworks to take home. It was a special moment for the community to engage directly with the creators and gain a deeper understanding of the meaning behind each piece.

Guests also enjoyed canapés around the firepit, prepared by Chef Mark Attard and the talented hospitality students from Jardilunji Mia cafe.

The exhibition was made possible with the support of partners including the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, Tourism Western Australia’s JINA Plan, Real Futures Pty Ltd and Central Regional TAFE.

The end of an orbit and a new Moon set to rise

ella.winterbottom — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 08:28:30 +0000

Attracting more than 107,000 visitors from across WA, interstate, and overseas is just one of the many successes we are celebrating from our latest homegrown exhibition, To the Moon, which closed on 7 October.

With humanity on the brink of returning to the Moon after over 50 years, To the Moon illuminated what we know and what’s yet to come, all while retracing our poetic yearnings for the Moon.

Curated by Helen Simondson, the Manager of the WA Museum Boola Bardip, the multiform exhibition danced between scientific knowledge and creative interpretations of the Moon throughout the ages. It even featured a commissioned piece that brought together both art and science—The Art of Lunar Dust by WA digital artist Steve Berrick.

Other exhibition highlights included a Moon rock on loan from NASA, Field Carr’s commissioned multiscreen artwork Memento Moon and UK artist Luke Jerram’s touring installation Museum of the Moon, which was shown indoors for the first time in Western Australia.

Like the ever-changing appearance of the Moon, the exhibition space reimagined itself in the many programs and events we hosted, welcoming a wave of new audiences from day to night.

Friday nights came alive in the Lunar Lounge pop-up, and the excitement carried on during the day too. Little space explorers had the opportunity to launch into the wonders of space during school visits, early learning programs and school holiday adventures. They even got to meet their astronaut idol, Katherine Bennell-Pegg, at 'Ask an Astronaut'— a sold-out event made just for budding young space explorers.

Our exhibition not only sparked your imagination but also inspired the creativity of organisations across the world. Coldplay fans gathered for an exclusive preview of the band's newest album Moon Magic, WA’s first space strategy was unveiled and Chung Wah Association joined forces with us to celebrate the Moon Festival.

We even saw couples profess their love to the Moon and back, with a wedding and a proposal beneath the glowing Moon.

The WA Museum remains dedicated to accessibility, ensuring an enjoyable and comfortable experience for every visitor. For the first time, we engaged the Centre for Accessibility Australia to enhance our inclusive storytelling efforts, resulting the launch of additional resources to help visitors navigate To the Moon with ease.

A Moon mission wouldn’t be complete without a keepsake. While To the Moon has blasted off, the WA Museum will be welcoming a new piece to its collection to remember the exhibition by.

We’re thrilled to have acquired our own Museum of the Moon installation, which spans five metres in diameter and showcases the Moon as seen from the southern hemisphere. Visitors can look forward to enjoying it year-round at the WA Museum Boola Bardip in 2025.

Until the next mission, thank you to everyone who joined us for To the Moon at the WA Museum Boola Bardip.

We couldn’t have brought you To the Moon without the incredible support of our exhibition partners, including: International Space Centre, AROSE, International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research, the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, the Australian Space Agency, the US Consulate in Perth, NASA, Luke Jerram, Mossenson Galleries, the Art Gallery of WA, Kevin Robertson, the Forrest Research Foundation, and the Foundation for the WA Museum.

The exhibition was made all the more successful with contributions from visitors, organisations and artists, and we are incredibly grateful for everyone’s support.

Uncovering the hidden heroes of WA’s coral reefs

jasmine.eales — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 03:55:03 +0000

Coral reefs are some of the most diverse and vital ecosystems on Earth, but there's more going on beneath the surface than meets the eye.

At the heart of their survival are the tiny “hidden heroes” we know as Symbiodiniaceae. Sharing a symbiotic relationship with the coral that houses them, these microscopic single-celled organisms provide vital energy to their hosts through photosynthesis. Without them, coral reefs as we know them would simply not exist.

The Western Australian Museum’s aquatic zoology team is excited to be leading a new international research project to uncover these hidden partnerships. With support from an Australian Biological Resources Study National Taxonomy Grant Research Programme (ABRS-NTGRP) grant, the Museum will explore and classify diverse symbiont species in Western Australian waters.

To gain deeper insights, data from eastern Australian corals will be compared with specimens gathered from unexplored regions along the Western Australian coast. This includes marginal and subtropical areas like those found in the Kimberley, which stand out for their resilience to the global threat of coral bleaching.

Leading the project is WA Museum Head of Aquatic Zoology, Dr. Lisa Kirkendale in collaboration with marine symbiosis expert Dr. Eugenia Sampayo and Marine Invertebrate Zoology Curator and Associate Professor at Curtin University, Dr. Zoe Richards. With an international team from Australia, the United States, and Germany, including Professor Todd LaJeunesse and Professor Christian Voolstra, this collaboration brings together some of the best minds in marine science to unravel the mysteries of coral-symbiont relationships.

The Museum’s extensive collection of preserved marine specimens, including hard and soft corals, anemones and molluscs, will provide a strong foundation to allow for this three-year research project to hit the ground running. The project aims to build a genetic “key” to better identify Symbiodiniaceae species, unlocking insights into their diversity and the roles they play across different marine hosts. By mapping species and connections across different habitats, the research will provide a clearer picture of the tiny organisms helping reefs thrive.

An equally important aspect of this project is training the next generation of marine biologists, offering hands-on experience to eight early-career researchers from around the world. As these researchers work on uncovering coral-symbiont connections, they will also gain invaluable skills and contribute to a global understanding of marine diversity and resilience.

By deepening our understanding of these “hidden heroes”, the Museum’s work will help to protect our coral reefs, oceans and marine life for generations to come.

Tridacna Noae (Noah's giant clam). Image copyright WA Museum

WA Museum’s 2025 education program inspires curiosity across the curriculum

robyn.ambrosius — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 04:15:15 +0000

The Western Australian Museum is excited to announce its 2025 education program as part of Children’s Week.

Building on the success of the 2024 education program, the 2025 education program has been expanded at the Museum’s flagship site, Boola Bardip, with the addition of further STEM-focused workshops and Years 6 – 8 programs linked to the HASS curriculum.

The additional STEM-focused workshops include Wonderful Water for lower primary and, Lunar Design and Discovery for secondary students. While the addition of the Routes and Restrictions facilitated education program for Years 6 – 8 links to the Humanities and Social Sciences part of the curriculum covering how people moved and migrated across Western Australia.

These build on the five new Boola Bardip education programs launched in 2024 that also align to the WA Curriculum including Welcome to Walyalup, Aboriginal Resistance and Resilience, Immigration Stories, Then and Now, and Introducing Robotics.

In addition to our flagship site, the WA Museum offers education programs and school visits at all seven public sites across the state, proving popular with students and teachers alike. In 23/24 financial year, the WA Museum welcomed close to 1,000 schools and 50,000 students across its seven public locations and engaged with nearly 9,000 teachers.

This success highlights the Museum’s role as a vital educational resource in the community, dedicated to making learning accessible and enjoyable for all. As part of our dedication to inclusivity, we also striving to ensure that all programs are accessible to children of all backgrounds and abilities.

In the Goldfields and Great Southern, the Museum loans out handling kits to schools that may not be able to visit one of our sites. This commitment reflects the belief that every child deserves the chance to learn and grow in an enriching environment.

As teachers begin to think about planning for 2025, the WA Museum is encouraging teachers to take a closer look at what is on offer at all seven public WA Museum sites.

We offer a diverse range of activities designed specifically for young audiences, including hands-on workshops, guided tours, and themed exhibits that encourage inquiry-based learning.

We also provide children with safe, inclusive, and interactive learning environments, inspiring them to ask questions, explore their interests, and understand the world around them.

Of course, we are about more than just education programs. When it comes to children and young people, we are committed to continuously evolving our offering to meet their interests and enjoyments. Plans for the upcoming year include new exhibits, enticing temporary exhibitions and a wide variety of workshops, school holiday programs and events all designed to engage, educate and entertain young visitors.

By inspiring curiosity and a love of learning, the Museum is playing a crucial role in preparing young minds for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

For more information about the WA Museum’s educational programs and upcoming events, https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au/boolabardip/all-education-programs

WA Maritime Museum crowned top tourism attraction 2024 at Fremantle Business Awards

ella.winterbottom — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 08:36:55 +0000

We are proud that the WA Maritime Museum has been crowned Champion Tourist Attraction for 2024 at the Fremantle Business Awards, organised by the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce.

The award recognises the Museum’s considerable contribution to the Fremantle business and tourism economy. It is the culmination of a successful year in which the Museum not only hosted the JAMES CAMERON: CHALLENGING THE DEEP exhibition, but also welcomed James Cameron, himself, to Fremantle for an In Conversation event, hosted at the Fremantle Passenger Terminal.

In September 2023, the Museum marked the 40th Anniversary of Australia II winning the America’s Cup. The Museum developed the exhibition, Australia II: 40 Years On, and hosted a weekend of celebrations for everyone to relive the victory that stopped a nation!

Then, in October 2023 refurbishment of the Museum’s HMAS Ovens submarine was completed, bringing the former Royal Australian Navy Oberon Class submarine back to something like its former glory.

The Ovens is a much-loved attraction at the WA Maritime Museum with volunteer ex-submariners providing visitors with memorable tours of the vessel that played a significant part in Australia’s naval armoury.

“Winning this award is a testament to the dedication of our extraordinary team,” said WA Museum CEO, Alec Coles OBE.

“The WA Maritime Museum continues to set the standard for visitor experiences, and a huge thank you to our staff and volunteers and, of course, to everyone who supported us by voting.”

The Award comes on the back of the WA Maritime Museum being placed in the top ten per cent of attractions worldwide in 2024 based on Tripadvisor Travellers Choice, for the second year in a row!

For more information about the WA Maritime Museum and its upcoming exhibitions and events, visit www.museum.wa.gov.au/maritime.

Stories of Australian nurses at war opening soon at the Museum of the Great Southern

jasmine.eales — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 08:12:39 +0000

The Australian Nurses at War exhibition will open at the Museum of the Great Southern on Saturday 19 October.

This reflective exhibition honours the courageous women who confronted the horrors of war firsthand. Many army nurses gave their health and well-being in service to Australia. Some sacrificed their lives.

Museum of the Great Southern Regional Manager, Catherine Salmaggi, highlighted the often-overlooked role of these nurses, who worked tirelessly to care for the sick and wounded under some of the most difficult conditions.

“For over a century, Australian nurses have faced the harshest realities of war with bravery and compassion,” Ms. Salmaggi said. “The way they looked after others, even when faced with incredible challenges, really shows just how brave and selfless these nurses were.”

Visitors to the exhibition are invited to explore the powerful stories of these remarkable women and reflect on the enduring legacy they’ve left behind.

The involvement of Australian women as nurses in war began in 1899 with the formation of the New South Wales Army Nursing Service Reserve. Around sixty nurses served in the Boer War from the Australian colonies. Since then, Australian nurses have served in every conflict to which Australia has committed troops. This exhibition covers the Boer War, World War One, World War Two, the Korean War and Vietnam War.

Australian Nurses at War was developed with assistance from Enid Home, a nurse who was married to Major Arthur Home of the 13th Australian General Hospital. Enid Home was fundamental in the start of the exhibition created to honour the serving nurses and she assisted in sourcing photos of World War Two nurses.

Australian Nurses at War is a free exhibition and on from Saturday 19 October - Sunday 8 December 2024.

For more information, visit: https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au/greatsouthern/2024-10/australian-nurses-war

Yamaji Yanajingmanha Barna/Uthudu brings art centres together at the Museum of Geraldton

jasmine.eales — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 03:52:16 +0000

The Museum of Geraldton is honoured to host a first-time collaborative exhibition between two Aboriginal art centres from the Mid West: Yamaji Art (Geraldton) and Ku'Arlu Mangga (Northampton).

Yamaji Yanajingmanha Barna/Uthudu (Yamaji Coming Together on Country), explores cultural revival and contemporary expressions of long-standing traditions, practices, and personal histories.

The exhibition features intricate body adornments and traditional kangaroo skin cloaks created by Yamaji Art, alongside Ku’Arlu Mangga’s more contemporary storytelling mediums of printmaking and large-scale message sticks. Together, these works explore the intersection of heritage and modern creativity, celebrating the deep connection to Country and community.

Emerging curator Lily-mae Kerley, along with artists from Yamaji Art and Ku'Arlu Mangga, worked closely with the Museum of Geraldton staff to bring the exhibition to life. The opening event on Wednesday 2 October welcomed over 40 enthusiastic attendees, kicking off a cultural celebration.

Yamaji Yanajingmanha Barna/Uthudu is featured as part of the Indian Ocean Craft Triennial (IOTA) 2025 and will be on display until 15 December 2024.

---
Photo: Yamaji Yanajingmanha Barna Uthudu by James Thompson

Taking it back to WA's very first national record label

ella.winterbottom — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 01:36:54 +0000

Back in 1962, WA music industry pioneer Martin Clarke launched Clarion Records, changing the face of WA’s recording industry.

Focused on local acts, Clarion brought us releases from The Valentines with a young Bon Scott before he found fame with AC/DC, Johnny Young, Robbie Snowden, The Birds and more.

Clarke used a lathe – which converts an audio signal into grooves on an acetate blank with an embossing stylus – to produce master discs which he used as templates to produce records on a commercial scale.

The Presto 6N lathe and acetate blanks were synonymous with Clarke and Clarion’s early productions, giving Clarke substantial control over the final sound of his records.

Lathes and acetates from this period are rare and highly sought after, but an incredible collection of a Presto 6N lathe and acetate blanks used by Clarion Records calls the WA Museum home, providing a tangible snapshot into the technologies and techniques used by Clarke to produce West Australian artists in the 1950s to the 1970s.

The collection also includes a growing number of items related to WA's popular music scene, especially those associated with recording and production.

The Martin Clarke and Clarion Records collection is a fantastic addition, particularly for its role in documenting the development of pop music in Western Australia.

You can explore more of the Museum's collection in the live music display at Boola Bardip’s Reflections Gallery.

WA Museum Boola Bardip 2024 Tourism Awards Finalist

robyn.ambrosius — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 08:48:25 +0000

The WA Museum’s flagship site, Boola Bardip, has been named as a finalist in the 2024 Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards.

Following the Museum’s outstanding success in 2023 winning both the Major Tourist Attraction and Cultural Tourism categories, the WA Museum has nominated again for both categories.

Since reopening to the public in November 2020, the WA Museum Boola Bardip has fearlessly shared diverse narratives, promoting cultural understanding and creating an inclusive and accessible visitor experience.

Boola Bardip was designed with a global tourism audience in mind and brings to life unique stories of WA, its people, its dramatic landscapes and its extraordinary biodiversity. Launched nationally and internationally, it is an extraordinary building in an extraordinary state.

WA Museum CEO, Alec Coles said it was great recognition for the WA Museum Boola Bardip to be a finalist for the second year in a row.

“We are so proud of what Boola Bardip represents and contributes to tourism in Western Australia. To be recognised as a finalist again, is testament to the Museum’s commitment to providing an exceptional visitor experience. It is something to which all our staff are dedicated, and I applaud them”

"Congratulations to all the tourism businesses who have been announced as finalists. Every one of these is a credit to Western Australia. They exemplify what makes WA such a special place.”

We made it to the finals - vote now to help us win!

florap — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 05:15:08 +0000

Thanks to all who voted for the WA Maritime Museum in Fremantle/ Walyalup in this year’s Fremantle Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. We made it to the finals in both the Tourist Attraction and Hall of Fame categories.

Now, we need your help to make us a winner in both categories! It’s quick and easy - just click on these links:

Tourist Attraction: https://forms.gle/6jotkJTvL83Yskd1A

Hall of Fame: https://forms.gle/N4UT9Z116PDhYrHX7

Voting closes 12noon Friday 4 October.

Museum in a Container a hit at the Chapman Valley Show!

jasmine.eales — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 04:36:46 +0000

On 31 August, Museum in a Container and its latest exhibition Camels and Cameleers headed to the Chapman Valley Show, captivating visitors with stories from WA's past.

After travelling 500km from Welshpool, the container rolled into the Nanson Showgrounds in the scenic Chapman Valley. Attendees were invited to explore the diverse and often overlooked history of cameleers and camels in the development of WA's goldfields.

With immersive displays, visitors discovered how camels, once vital to building country towns, were later replaced by trains and locomotives. Over time, these impressive animals became a pest species in Australia's interior, competing with many endemic species. The exhibition beautifully brought their rich history to life through a collection of authentic objects, taxidermy specimens, engaging film and hands-on interactive experiences.

Museum in a Container at the Chapman Show
Image by Elliot Brown of Mullermind Creative

More than 7,500 people visited the exhibition throughout the day. Attendees lined up to snap selfies with Naqa the camel, challenge their friends on the giant board game that recreated the building of the Goldfields pipeline, and get stuck into some creative camel-themed crafts.

A huge thank you to the hardworking teams from across Welshpool, Perth, Fremantle and Geraldton for making this event an incredible success! Museum in a Container will next pop up on the Geraldton Foreshore during the school holidays from 21 September, before returning to Welshpool on 7 October.

WA Museum staff with Naqa the Camel
IImage by Elliot Brown of Mullermind Creative