UWA describes its Berndt Museum as, “one of the most significant collections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural material in the world” so why are there campus concerns for its future?

Staff speculate it is set to go the way of the university press, which is being disbanded in its present form, with staff retrenched. UWA observers say Berndt staff on contract fear they will not be renewed. A UWA spokesperson tells CMM, “the university does not comment on individual HR matters.”

As to the future of the museum, a UWA statement to CMM this week quotes Vice Chancellor Dawn Freshwater; “the university is examining new ways to connect in a coordinated and contemporary way with local, regional and international communities,” including: “ensuring that the university’s extensive and anthropologically significant collections are more open and accessible to the people of Western Australia and visitors to the state.”

But that does not necessarily mean the museum remains as is – the changes at the press may set a precedent for a change.  According to a planning paper from the university’s Global Partnerships portfolio, UWAP will close in its present form, with the money saved, invested in “open and digitised access to information and knowledge” in “support of the university’s academic writing and research” (CMM November 11).

The Berndt does not have its own home now, located in the Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery on campus. Perhaps it is going to get one, Professor Freshwater refers to making, “more strategic use of campus space.” Or perhaps not.