Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council
Media Release 20/10/14
Remains to be Seen: Protecting Our Oldest Continuous Culture
More Aboriginal sites are being discovered as Sydney’s population continues to grow. This is happening as
more people are involved in bush walking, jogging, geocaching, tours of our bushland and other outdoor
activities. There is also resurgence in bush regeneration activities in areas that were once overlooked.
These activities have collectively led to the ‘unveiling’ of an increasing number of Aboriginal rock art
galleries; that were once hidden. That’s exactly what happened during NAIDOC Week 2014.
CASE STUDY 1:
Two previously unregistered Aboriginal rock art sites were found by archaeologists from
Sydney Water and the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) in locations previously
hidden from view by lantana and other weeds.
Over 20 hand stencils and other motifs were found adorning the walls of two rock
shelters. Numerous other registered Aboriginal sites have been registered close by. The
sites form part of a significant Aboriginal cultural landscape that centres around a local
freshwater creek. Eels are depicted in many of the nearby art sites and one of the new
sites. The depictions confirm the known importance of eels both in Aboriginal spiritual
beliefs and traditional diets.
The area, less than 15 km from the Sydney CBD, is being restored to its natural beauty,
by bush regeneration volunteers. The sites were registered immediately and OEH is now
working with the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council to ensure the sites are
protected and conserved for future generations.
(see images #1 to 4)
CASE STUDY 2:
What started as an on-site meeting between Sydney Water’s archaeologist and the Office of
Environment and Heritage (OEH)’s Heritage Conservation Team during NAIDOC Week has led
to the conservation of a delicate Aboriginal fish hook, weighing only 0.2 gram and made from
shell.
It is rare to find something that delicate just sitting on top of a midden.
The site features a three metre high midden deposit. The midden is part of a beachside rock
shelter with fresh water from natural springs dripping down either side of the opening. Its
location ensured an endless supply of natural foods. Its picturesque location means it is still
subject to frequent use.
It looks like the midden has been disturbed, as people climb over it, which may have exposed
the shell fish hook. The fish hook was brought to Sydney Water’s archaeologist’s attention by a
customer, Matt Hunt. Sydney Water’s archaeologist promptly notified the Office of Environment
and Heritage (OEH) to ensure its protection.
(see images #5 to 6)
Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council
All Aboriginal sites and objects have special significance to the Aboriginal community. Sites and Aboriginal
objects represent an important link to the past. These places are wonderfully resilient, like Aboriginal
culture, and demand respect and protection.
While the wider community readily respect and value Aboriginal heritage and culture; some individuals
don’t understand the importance of ensuring the survival of these sites for future generations. Irreversible
damage can be caused by graffiti, touching the artworks or riding bikes over them. It is just like damaging a
cemetery. You just don’t do it! It's a level of disrespect not tolerated in our community. These individuals
may not understand that penalties up to $1.1 million exist for harming any Aboriginal site.
Our new corporate strategy focuses on Sydney Water being “the lifestream of Sydney for generations to
come”. A key value for our staff is caring for the environment. That is exactly what happened with the
conservation outcomes secured for these sites. So, it is timely that we encourage Sydney-siders and
tourists to do likewise. If you discover new Aboriginal sites, notify the Office of Environment and Heritage,
as soon as practicable, under the National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974 (OEH’s Environment Line 131
555). Local Aboriginal Land Councils also assist, if people or groups uncover Aboriginal cultural and
heritage sites.
A quick call to OEH and Metropolitan LALC made all the difference to the long term conservation of these
sites. The Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) and OEH met Sydney Water out on-site, as
a matter of urgency, and worked together to ensure the protection of these sites. Preserving and protecting
Aboriginal cultural and heritage sites enhances the liveability of Sydney for the present and future
generations. It’s a very important outcome for the whole community.
Case Study 1: #1 (Rock Art Site 1)
Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council
Case Study 1: #2 (Art)
Case Study 1: #3 (Rock Art Site 2)
Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council
Case Study 1: #4 (Art)
Case Study 2: #5 (Fish Hook)
Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council
Case Study 2: #6 (Rock Shelter and Midden)
In closing Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) is proud to be
working with Sydney Water and OEH on these particular matters to preserve,
protect and promote local Aboriginal Culture & Heritage for benefit of all in
maintain the oldest continuous human culture on earth.