Collections WA, a new internet platform promoting treasures from museums and other institutions across the State, has gone live.
The new website brings Western Australia’s extensive collection of cultural, creative and natural material to a world-wide audience.
Developed by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries as part of a Government commitment to promote regional museums and collections, Collections WA is a shared resource that can be used by every community collecting institution across Western Australia.
It will share the stories of the State’s environment, history, culture, and identity the Department said.
Minister for Culture and the Arts, David Templeman said the platform had been trialled by a pilot group of 10 WA institutions over the past few months.
“It is now available to be used by any bona fide collecting institution,” Mr Templeman said.
“I encourage every institution with a connection to community culture to sign up. This includes groups such as Aboriginal language centres, Returned and Services League branches, historical societies and school archives.”
He said objects already uploaded included a rare letter written by a young World War I soldier who deserted the home army and snuck across the country to join the Imperial force so he could fight overseas.
“Housed at the Princess Royal Fortress Military Museum in Albany, the letter is written to the young man’s father who was also on his way to fight on the European front lines,” the Minister said.
The Collections WA website can be accessed on the Culture WA website at this PS News link.
