The Keeping Place project was initiated by Meaghan Cummins to address risks around the security of Woppaburra sea country heritage at the KIEEC. In addition, this project aimed to establish an inventory of the collection and determine recommendations for improvement.
The QLD Museum was identified as a potential partner through their museum development officer network by Hayley Young (FBA) and the Woppaburra TUMRA Committee subsequently entered into an agreement with them.
Several significant Woppaburra objects are housed at the Central Queensland University (CQU) for safe storage. It was assessed by KIEEC that these objects were being exposed to mould, light, and humidity that could damage the objects.
Woppaburra TUMRA worked with the Queensland Museum (QM), Museum Development Officer (MDO) to collate a record and an overall assessment of Woppaburra collections held within museums, libraries, archives and galleries throughout Australia.
QM MDO also organised a conservator to assess, cleanse and rehouse the significant objects within the CQU collection along with Elders Aunty Frances Gela and Aunty Della Gibson.
The TUMRA chair Meaghan Cummins also travelled to KIEEC with QM MDO and a KIEEC staff member to assist with design of cultural heritage information and signage for the centre’s interpretive space. The completed report will be made available to Woppaburra Mob through your Family Representatives.
