Wadjemup Museum scoops national award

The project, which included renaming the facility Wadjemup Museum, won the 2021 award for Permanent Exhibition or Gallery Fitout for a project budget between $150,000 - $500,000.

The awards recognise excellent work nationally in the categories of exhibition, public programs and sustainability projects.

Wadjemup Museum was officially opened in December 2020 and enhances visitor experiences by further revealing the outstanding cultural, historical and contemporary features of Rottnest Island.

Perth-based Creative Spaces were the lead design, curatorial, and installation partner for the project.

The new museum promotes reconciliation and cross-cultural education through the inclusion of innovative Aboriginal curation and content including the appropriate acknowledgement of the imprisonment of the State's First Peoples on the island.

The Wadjemup Aboriginal Reference Group provided invaluable leadership on the project.

The project was funded through the Commonwealth Government's National Tourism Icons program - part of a $17.2 million funding commitment for Rottnest infrastructure upgrades to enhance the experience of visitors and ensure the long-term sustainability of the island as a destination.