Oscar to help shape State's new museum

A lifelong curiosity for the world around him resulted in a once- in-a-lifetime opportunity for Golden Bay teenager Oscar Wood, who will now play a pivotal role in setting up the new Western Australian Museum.

The 14-year-old Comet Bay College student was chosen from more than 550 applicants to provide feedback on the content and visitor experience at the new museum, which is expected to open in 2020.

Mum Nina Staniford said Oscar had loved museums since he was a small child and was delighted to be chosen to sit on the Children and Young People panel.

Ms Staniford said Oscar's favourite museum was the World Museum in his native Liverpool, England, but he had enjoyed visits to the Natural History and science museums in London.

She said he brought with him his enthusiasm for knowledge when he migrated to WA two years ago.

"Oscar likes to find out about the world around him - he likes anything to do with science and space and things that grab his attention," Ms Staniford said. "I believe the panel will meet four times a year to brainstorm ideas about what should go into the museum.

"He is delighted to be involved in something so important for WA."

WA Museum chief executive Alec Coles said the 60 West Australians chosen came from a diverse range of backgrounds.

He said panellists would make a very real contribution to how the museum looked and functioned, not just for doors open in 2020, but for generations to come.