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Anthropological Society of Western Australia Inc.

ASWA Member Updates


28th February 2026

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COMMITTEE UPDATES

 

After publishing the February Newsletter, we realised some of the links weren't working. This has been rectified, and you can now access a fully functioning version at: https://www.anthropologywa.org.au/news. Formatting for news posts and the bi-monthly newsletter takes a lot of time, so please send your items to Naomi Howells or Stephen Bennetts with sufficient time for the editorial team to prepare the publication.

Send us suggested newsletter content → aswa.secretary@anthropologicalsocietyofwesternaustralia.org.

 

 
EVENT UPDATES
 
ASWA's 2026 event calendar has started with a bang, with more in store...
 
The presentation given by Dr Anna Fagan and Kado Muir transfixed an audience of 80 for good reason. Anthropologists working in all areas of WA and the NT, staff from representative bodies, lawyers, State representatives and environmental scientists reported feeling inspired and prepared to implement key takeaways in their practice. In addition to identifying practical means of transcending the limitations of WA’s Aboriginal Heritage Act, Anna and Kado also focussed on key issues of Indigenous governance. Several participants have requested further workshops and discussion of this important topic. Stay tuned for Anna's follow-up piece in the April ASWA Newsletter. 
Carnival scholar and practitioner Dr Stephen Bennetts inaugurated ASWA's monthly series of talks at The Local Hotel in South Fremantle on 10 February. Through a presentation of the documentary film Carnival King of Europe and his own ethnographic observations, Stephen described the ritual functions of ancient Carnival practices of European peasant society, and how they continue, some largely unchanged, throughout many parts of Europe today. Carnival King of Europe was a five year EU-funded ethnographic project documenting nearly 200 'winter masquerades' in 15 European countries: https://www.carnivalkingofeurope.it/ Stephen showed how Carnival traditions of satire and 'turning the world upside down' have been adapted within contemporary Carnival celebrations, including the Carnevale of the People's Republic of Fremantle established in an East Fremantle backyard 15 years ago. Viva Carnevale! 
UP NEXT...
6.30 - 8.30 pm on Tuesday 17 March
The Local Hotel, 282 South Terrace, South Fremantle
We look forward to UWA Adjunct Professor Dennis Gray's presentation of his recent film on the history of the Carnarvon Aboriginal Reserve. This will be followed by a panel-led discussion. 
Stay tuned for the next monthly ASWA at the Local Hotel. And please send us any leads you have on a free venue with a screen and good food located on the north side of Derbarl Yerrigan. Once we have one, we can alternate between the venues.
 
NEWS

 

Could this be you? ASWA is looking for a Treasurer – Expressions of Interest

The Anthropological Society of Western Australia (ASWA) is inviting Expressions of Interest from members with financial or bookkeeping experience to join our Executive Committee as Treasurer. This volunteer governance role is conducted entirely online and involves stewardship of ASWA’s finances in our cloud-based accounting system (Xero), supporting good financial governance and decision making. The appointment is until the next AGM, with eligibility for re‑election (subject to performance and member endorsement at the next election). Applicants with experience in non‑profit finances, bookkeeping, and financial reporting are encouraged to apply—full details and submission instructions are available in the EOI form.

 
 
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This would be an ideal opportunity for a qualified, volunteer accountant or bookkeeper to help ASWA build its financial management capacity and to join a team of dedicated Committee members committed to the Society's objectives in support of our members. If you know someone who wants to join ASWA and apply, please get in touch.
 
 

 

Vale Dr Victoria Burbank

Members will be sad to hear of the passing of Victoria Burbank PhD, FASSA. Victoria was a Professor of Anthropology at the University of Western Australia between 1994 and 2014. Drawing upon her fieldwork in the south-eastern Arnhem Land community of Numbulwar, she published three books: Aboriginal Adolescence, Fighting Women and An Ethnography of Stress, along with academic journal articles and book chapters. Victoria's research encompassed theoretical approaches in psychological anthropology and related areas of inquiry. In retirement in Perth, she continued to draw on her expertise through public presentations, postgraduate supervision, reviewing and editing. Victoria will be missed greatly by those who knew her both professionally and personally. 

David Trigger

ONLINE RESOURCES

 

We are interested in how we add resources and functionality to ASWA's new website and Member Jungle Management system. We need your feedback on the system's design and functionality to create optimal member benefits. If there is sufficient interest and funds allow, we could consider upgrading to a Standard Plan, which will add a Jobs Board, Banner Ads for consulting firms, a Blog space, a better Custom Form Builder, a Business/Sponsor Directory or register so you can find colleagues and collaborate, a Poll and Voting Module and more Advanced Event Features. Let us know your needs.

 

ANTHROPOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA INC.
Primary contact: aswa.secretary@anthropologicalsocietyofwesternaustralia.org 

Website: www.anthropologywa.org.au

ABN: 58 755 764 883

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