Dawn Casey, the former director of the National Museum of Australia (NMA), has been appointed director of Western Australian Museum in Perth (WAM).

Casey joins WAM in the midst of the development of the museum’s Collections and Research Centre at Welshpool. The facility will house the museum’s artefacts and cultural treasures.

The plans are part of WAM’s relocation following concerns of asbestos at the museum.

Casey said: “It’s not just about the new building, but rather about the potential of what can be achieved with a wonderful collection such as the WAM’s.

“The museum boasts a collection of natural history which covers Australia and is internationally significant.”

Becoming the first indigenous head of a major cultural institution in Western Australia, Casey brings more than 27 years experience to the WAM, including almost five years as the director of the NMA.

She also developed strategies for the construction of the National Museum, built in December 1996 to mark the Centenary of Federation.