Tracks of Time

A key part of Newcastle’s Urban Renewal and Transport Strategy involved the construction of a new station and transport interchange.

To ensure compliance with heritage regulations Artefact was engaged to conduct a comprehensive archaeological assessment and excavation, focusing on both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal heritage considerations.

Image: Photo courtesy of Newcastle Transport. 

OUR
SOLUTION

Our process involved site surveys, Aboriginal heritage assessments, Community and stakeholder engagement, archaeological test and salvage excavations, and lithics analysis.

We found preserved evidence of Aboriginal occupation of the area and an assemblage of over 1,000 artefacts including spear heads, cutting tools, flakes, cores and knapping waste which showed frequent and intensive use by Aboriginal people of the area over thousands of years.

The items were documented, photographed, catalogued and analysed and then, following consultation, handed back to Aboriginal traditional owners for reburial and repatriation.


SUCCESS

Importantly, the project included extensive consultation with the Aboriginal community, ensuring that their knowledge and perspectives were incorporated into the assessment and interpretation of the findings.

Benefits to the client included: compliance with regulatory requirements; mitigation of potential risks associated with disturbing culturally significant sites; better planning and integration of heritage management into the overall project design; and enhanced knowledge of Aboriginal occupation and activities in the area.

Wickham Transport Interchange was successfully completed after a number of years of major construction work with interpretive signage near the site now providing public information about the project and archaeological history of the site.

“It was a rewarding challenge to balance a modern infrastructure development with the discovery and conservation of significant Aboriginal artefacts while contributing to Newcastle’s future.”

Jenny Winnett, Artefact Technical Director


Image: Some of the Aboriginal artefacts found during the archaeological excavation work. 

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