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E-NEWSLETTER

FEBRUARY 2021

www.virtusheritage.com.au 1 Welcome by Dr Mary-Jean Sutton

Happy New !

2020 was one of our most challenging and successful . We continue to grow as a company and I am proud of our team’s many achievements and the completion of interesting community and commercial projects and conference, research presentations and publications. We thank our partners, clients, communities and collaborators for their support during 2020 and the opportunities that arose from this support. Our noticeboard features some of these achievements and news on upcoming projects for 2021.

We are excited to welcome two new team members, Clara Mundy Romero (Junior Administration Assistant) and Teleahsia Togo (Administration Assistant) to support our growing company. Teleahsia and Clare will be based in Northern NSW. Some information about Clara and Teleahsia and their perspectives on cultural heritage is featured.

We highlight heritage management projects in this newsletter, including the Coffs Harbour City Council’s Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Document, Cessnock City Council’s Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Strategy and cultural mapping and Shellharbour Council’s Bass Point Conservation Management Plan. Training programs for cultural heritage for Landcare and Hunter Local Land Services are also featured. These programs were developed in partnership with Nation Aboriginal Corporation, and Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs). Cultural sites officer training was also undertaken for Githabul Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and as always with these training programs, our team also learnt a deeper appreciation of cultural perspectives and experiences during these exchanges. We are also privileged to have undertaken some interesting partnership projects with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment for the Hunter Valley Flood Mitigation Scheme and Awabakal, and Mindaribba LALCs, which highlight the use of boat and to identify rare and significant cultural grinding groove complexes and other important cultural sites.

Thank you for taking the to read our newsletter and look forward to working together in 2021.

Acknowledgement of Country

Virtus Heritage is committed to the spirit of reconciliation and acknowledges Aboriginal and Islander peoples as the First and the Traditional Custodians of the states and territories of . We recognise the Traditional Owners of the lands we work within. We pay our respect to Elders , and emerging in maintaining the culture, country and their spiritual and historical connections to the lands and waters.

2 Contents

PROJECTS

Bass Point Cultural Heritage Management Plan Gina Scheer...... 4

Cessnock Cultural Heritage Study Elle Lillis...... 8

Lower Hunter Riverbank Boat Survey Elle Lillis...... 10

Coffs Harbour Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan Dr Emma St Pierre...... 14

Aboriginal Archaeological Due Diligence Assessments for Proposes Solar Farms Elaine Lin...... 16

Hunter Local Land Service and Landcare Cultural Heritage Training Dr Sutton & Harrison Rees Parkes...... 18.

Githabul Cultural Heritage & Site Recording Training Dr Mary-Jean Sutton...... 20

FEATURE

Interview with Afzal Khan Xan Jeffreys...... 21

NOTICEBOARD...... 22

www.virtusheritage.com.au 3 PROJECTS

Bass Point Conservation Management Plan Gina Scheer

In early 2020, Shellharbour this project, a two volume jutting into the ocean just bedrock formed during City Council (SCC) draft report was submitted south of Shellharbour village the Permian period and commissioned Virtus to SCC in early December and north of Kiama. The comprises basaltic deposits Heritage to undertake a 2020. The CMP has collated headland has one of the few with circular pockets of conservation management a wealth of information, remaining littoral rainforest explosive cavities on the rock plan (CMP) for one of their identified and confirmed areas in the Illawarra shelves around the point. important heritage places areas of significance and and an extensive marine Views and vistas from Bass – Bass Point Reserve. The has made management habitat that has resulted Point Reserve are significant CMP addresses all of the recommendations for in the Bushrangers Bay for their aesthetic, natural significance of the area, SCC, including policies area being listed as a NSW and cultural values. Views natural and cultural. The for managing change and aquatic reserve. It has a which link nearby Aboriginal project was made possible conservation. The draft large collection of significant cultural sites are historically by NSW government heritage volumes are under review and Aboriginal sites, as well as and culturally significant with funding to SCC. this project will be finalised historical European heritage additional spiritual value. The CMP process began in 2021. sites comprising shipwrecks. Bass Point Reserve warrants in February 2020 and, Bass Point Reserve is a place It is the curious landforms protection, understanding despite the constraints of with significant natural and across much of the headland and good management covid-19 restrictions on cultural heritage values. It is which have contributed for current and the original for a headland of c.72 hectares to retention of Aboriginal generations. midden sites. The volcanic

4 PROJECTS

As part of the CMP process Virtus Heritage undertook an inspection of Bass Point Reserve and met and consulted with a wide range of stakeholders before a inspection of special landforms took place. There are so many people to thank for their time, for their interest and for sharing information. In particular, the services of Illawarra Local Aboriginal and geomorphologist Dr Peter Mitchell have been most valuable.

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Bass Point Cultural Management Plan continued Gina Scheer

Bass Point Reserve has been the people of NSW. It is SHR manage heritage. This was under SCC management Item No 10896. The extent necessary for Bass Point since the late 1960s, of the Bass Point Reserve Reserve largely due to its when local environmental heritage area is shown on 2013 State heritage listing groups lobbied for the small our map below. Bass Point and what that entails for the peninsula to remain parkland natural heritage values managers of the place, SCC. as it was thought to be at include the ancient and They have been concerned risk. The Reserve is located sensitive landforms which about increasing numbers immediately adjacent to a were attractive to Aboriginal of visitors creating more historic and currently active communities for occupation pressure on the natural basalt quarry which is now and for gathering resources environment of the Reserve operated by Hanson Quarries. prior to as well as after arrival and increasing the demand The long narrow loading jetty of Europeans. These natural for Council services such located just outside of the and cultural values continue as maintenance, universal Bass Point Reserve gates to be renewed by Dharawal access and facilities. These is an iconic feature for the people who regularly aspects of the Reserve area. The original loading come for camping, fishing, require planning consultation jetty was constructed for the gathering and visiting. and management so that quarry in 1880 and collapsed Bass Point is enjoyed by the what is special about Bass Bass Point Reserve in relation in the 1950s. Numbers of local community and more Point will be protected. to its Aboriginal Cultural historic shipwrecks add to and more visitors, including The draft CMP has drawn Heritage values has and the maritime cultural heritage surfers, fisherfolk and many together environmental and continues to be a long of Bass Point Reserve. The dive groups and divers, who cultural heritage information aspiration of the Illawarra most notable being the are keen to experience, and assessment, including Local Aboriginal Land Council Cities Services Boston, protect and in some cases maritime information. The (ILALC) and the Aboriginal which was wrecked during document the marine flora importance of Aboriginal Advisory Committee of a massive storm at Bass and fauna. cultural heritage at Bass Shellharbour City Council. Point in December 1943. The specific goal of a CMP Point has been recognised for The American vessel was is to identify, assess and many years. The protection of engaged as an oil tanker during War 2 supplying Australian and Allied forces with fuel. A rescue of all 62 crew members was successfully undertaken by the 6th Australian Machine Gun Battalion assisted by Shellharbour citizens. However, four Australian soldiers drowned in the rescue and only two bodies have been found. There are a number of memorials set up within the Reserve for commemoration, with remembrance services held regularly. In 2013 the Reserve was listed on the State Heritage Register for its importance to

6 PROJECTS

7 PROJECTS

Cessnock Cultural Heritage Study Elle Lillis

Throughout 2020 and into the New Year Virtus Heritage in collaboration with the Aboriginal community. This stage have been assisting Cessnock City Council to undertake was planned to be undertaken in a series of face-to-face Phase 2 of the Cessnock Local Government Area (LGA) meetings to discuss the project aims and outcomes, however Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Study (CHS). This phase of the due to COVID-19 restrictions such gatherings were not project includes cultural mapping of the whole LGA working appropriate. While we are all now familiar with the changes closely with the Cessnock Aboriginal community. The project that 2020 has brought into our lives, the ubiquity of video calls commenced in March 2020 and was not immune to the and online meetings, restrictions on gatherings, sanitizers, challenges presented by COVID-19 throughout last year. masks and social distancing, these changes and challenges were new and unprecedented during the early stages of this Cessnock LGA is located largely upon the Traditional Lands project. In-lieu of face-to-face meetings, Virtus Heritage and of the Wonnarua People as well as the Lands of the Awabakal Council worked together to develop mapping and information and People. The relevant Local Aboriginal Land packages to send out to stakeholders, as well as organising Councils (LALCs) within the Cessnock LGA are Mindaribba, Zoom meetings with presentations and interactive mapping. Awabakal, Biraban, Metropolitan and Wanaruah LALCs, and The resulting methodology for the project incorporated both Darkinjung LALC boundary borders the LGA. Consultation desktop mapping workshops and field surveys with Elders with Aboriginal Stakeholders, including Elders, Traditional and knowledge-holders to identify cultural heritage sites and Custodians and knowledge-holders, to develop the values within the Cessnock LGA. methodology for and undertake the cultural mapping was integral to the project. As restrictions eased, Virtus GIS specialists and archaeologists, Elle Lillis, Harry Rees Parkes, Mary-Jean The initial stages of this project included the development of Sutton and Jac Carr were able to undertake face-to-face a draft strategy for survey and cultural mapping methodology cultural mapping workshops on country with Elders and

8 PROJECTS

knowledge-holders, with COVID safety measures in place. cultural heritage survey on their property. The landholder During these workshops the Aboriginal communities identified response was overwhelmingly positive, with access granted cultural values, places and sites throughout the Cessnock to private properties throughout the LGA. Private landholders LGA, including cultural , and travel also accompanied the survey on their land if they wished, and routes, archaeological sites, resource gathering areas, story some even provided the survey team with cuppas and cake! places, significant landforms, places with both historic and Due to some very wet weather conditions towards the end of Aboriginal cultural heritage values, post contact places the year, the final scheduled field surveys were delayed until including places for teaching and learning, family homes, the new year. cemeteries and institutions. The mapping workshops also informed the strategy for field surveys for the project, as the To date the final field survey days will need to be undertaken Aboriginal community identified areas where archaeological and draft mapping and survey results are being collated and survey should occur. inventoried to be presented to the Aboriginal community for review. However, the outcomes of the project have already Aboriginal sites officers, Elders and knowledge-holders and included building relationships between Cessnock LGA Virtus staff undertook field surveys throughout the Cessnock Council, Aboriginal community and Traditional Custodians LGA in NSW National Parks, Council owned lands and private and private landholders, and increasing awareness about properties using digital recording, drone footage, pedestrian Aboriginal cultural heritage in the region. Virtus Heritage, and vehicle surveys to identify and record archaeological Council and the Aboriginal community have shown resilience, and cultural sites and values. A number of areas requested flexibility and used innovation to deliver project outcomes for archaeological survey were located on private property. during what was a difficult year for everyone. Council sent over 1200 letters to landholders with a factsheet on the project and a request to undertake an Aboriginal

9 www.virtusheritage.com.au PROJECTS

Lower Hunter Riverbank Boat Survey Hunter Valley Flood Mitigation Scheme Elle Lillis PROJECTS

Between September and December surveys was to identify Aboriginal sites Industry and Environment Hunter 2020 our Newcastle-based team hung at risk from erosion and bank collapse, Valley Flood Mitigation Scheme. The up their trowels and put on their life and activities undertaken by the Department engaged Virtus Heritage to jackets to undertake survey of the lower Hunter Valley Flood Mitigation Scheme undertake the project, sites officers from Hunter, Paterson and Williams Rivers, such as bank stabilisation and levee Mindaribba, Worimi and Awabakal Local Wallis Creek at Maitland, the Hunter construction. Aboriginal Land Councils to undertake River at Singleton and Aberdeen and the survey and provide cultural advice Sandy Creek at Denman. The purpose and Stok Marine to provide boats and The project was developed with of the survey was to identify Aboriginal crew. Specialist advice was provided support from the Mindaribba, Worimi grinding grooves sites in the river and to Virtus by geomorphologist Dr and Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land creek banks which are often in the inter- Peter Mitchell, and ecological and Councils, Hunter Local Land Services tidal zone and not visible or accessible environmental advice from GHD. and the Department of Planning, from the riverbanks. The aim of the

www.virtusheritage.com.au PROJECTS

Lower Hunter Riverbank Boat Survey continued Hunter Valley Flood Mitigation Scheme Elle Lillis

This project is innovative in sandstone, where Aboriginal approach, with a boat survey people have sharpened or for grinding grooves on this manufactured stone axes and scale having never been other implements on stone undertaken in this area. Due outcrops, and in some cases, to the location of most of the ground food in the sandstone survey area in the tidal zone, which formed ‘bowls’. careful planning was required Hundreds of individual to schedule access for the grinding grooves over ten new lowest possible tides. This site locations were recorded resulted in surveys occurring on the Hunter, Paterson and on very early mornings and Williams Rivers between late evenings, over weekends Oakhampton, Paterson, and occasionally in adverse Seaham and Raymond weather. Where survey Terrace. These sites are in locations were inaccessible addition to known grinding by Stok Marine boats, the groove sites previously team used kayaks or canoes recorded in the Hunter and for access. Digital recording Paterson Rivers. Prior to the was undertaken using iPads survey no previously recorded and a GoPro camera. grinding grooves sites were located in the Williams River downstream of Seaham. Aboriginal axe grinding grooves are grooves or hollows, most often found in

12 PROJECTS

While the presence of such at the low tide level their total sites in the survey area daylight exposure time is less was not unexpected, initial than one per . analyses indicate that their actual positions and Assuming that the grinding characteristics are unusual. grooves were created at a The most remarkable thing time when they were above about all of the grinding the reach of the tide and groove sites examined on the that the tidal range has not riverbanks downstream of the changed substantially, then tide limits are that they are the level needs to have located within the tidal range been at least 2m below and that less than half of its present level to ensure them are accessible from the that the groove sites were river bank. The remainder not inundated. This means can only be easily reached by that the grinding grooves boat. Most sites are located may have been formed at on the margin of deep water least 8,000 years ago (early where standing in the water ) or at virtually whilst using the grooves any time before that in the would also not be a practical total period of Aboriginal option. It is self-evident that occupation of the Hunter the grooves would not have Valley. Reporting and analysis been used whilst underwater, for this project is ongoing. and of those grooves located

13 www.virtusheritage.com.au PROJECTS

Coffs Harbour ACHMD Dr Emma St Pierre & Dr Mary-Jean Sutton

Over the past year Virtus Heritage, in partnership with GHD practice and law by caring for country which is a critical and through extensive consultation with cultural responsibility. The ACHMD and thematic also elders and Coffs Harbour and District Local Aboriginal Land demonstrates how historical within Council (CHDLALC), compiled an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage the Coffs Harbour region share their connections and history Management Document (ACHMD) for the Coffs Harbour of significant cultural heritage and places of belonging and region, on behalf of the Coffs Harbour City Council. The attachment. document included updating cultural heritage mapping, the preparation of a thematic history, and management document. The ACHMD aims to promote and develop greater awareness, The management document aimed to establish a framework understanding, and respect of the cultural heritage for the assessment and management of Aboriginal cultural significance of Gumbaynggirr country, including Aboriginal heritage in strategic planning and development activities; and history, culture and heritage values. The ACHMD also aims policies that will facilitate best practice Aboriginal cultural to promote the recognition that cultural heritage is living heritage management in all aspects of Coffs Harbor Council’s and dynamic with the past interconnected to the present service delivery. and future of Gumbaynggirr people who are the primary determinants of the significance of their cultural heritage and The ACHMD is one way in which the CHDLALC and broader owners of their cultural knowledge. Aboriginal community in Coffs Harbour are continuing cultural PROJECTS

“Possibly Aboriginal camps at the south side of Coffs Creek, Coffs Harbour, 1920s” believed to be 24 Orlando St, Coffs Harbour, taken very close to the beach. (Source: Coffs Harbour Regional Museum)

Through the course of preparing the ACHMD including cultural mapping workshops and preparation of the thematic history, we have had the privilege of working with Elders and members of the Coffs Harbour Aboriginal community including the CHDLALC. A main focus of the ACHMD is to renew and forge stronger relationships with the Aboriginal community and non-Aboriginal community on matters of Aboriginal cultural Quartz pounder with heritage. flake scars from Moonee Beach PROJECTS Aboriginal Archaeological Due Diligence Assessments of Proposed Solar Farms in NSW SLR Consulting - Providence Asset Group Elaine Lin

Providence Asset Group walked numerous transects an open artefact scatter WSF- flakes in a large variety of is developing an extensive with us at the Warral and 001, was recorded along an materials. Artefacts in the program of 5MW community Narrabri properties. access track at the western highest concentrated area sized solar farms, with 23 All proposed solar farm periphery of the project area; of the scatter could not be locations secured across NSW areas surveyed had been three stone artefacts were recorded due to the presence to date. Providence’s objective impacted by clearing, intensive recorded, though all showed of more visiting wildlife – two is to avoid and minimise agriculture and other land use signs of vehicle damage and very large brown snakes mating impact on areas of cultural practices. These processes were no longer in situ. KDC in the grass. Nevertheless, a and ecological significance have heavily disturbed the and Providence Asset Group commitment has been made including sensitive landforms original and soils to have committed to completely by KDC and Providence Asset and areas likely to contain varying degrees. No Aboriginal avoiding this site, as well as re- Group to completely avoid archaeological artefacts. objects or sites were observed routing access over a different the newly recorded site and Since early 2020, Virtus at Glen Innes or Narrabri, and track to minimise damage to associated PAD, as well as Heritage has been engaged by both were deemed to have low any further Aboriginal objects to steer clear of the sensitive KDC on behalf of Providence potential for Aboriginal objects present. Due to the presence creek lines and confluence. Asset Group to prepare and sites, particularly given of an Aboriginal site and the Due to the presence of Aboriginal archaeological the lack of undisturbed soils lack of visibility across the sensitive landforms and a due diligence assessments or Potential Archaeological rest of the project area, the large Aboriginal site spanning for proposed solar farm Deposits (PADs). A small proposed Warral Solar Farm approximately 400 metres in developments in regional area of potential sensitivity area has been deemed to have length, further archaeological NSW. These proposed or possible creek terrace was low to moderate potential assessment and an AHIP projects are for solar PV farms recorded on the periphery for encountering Aboriginal application for future works which connect to the pre- of the project area in Glen objects and sites, with further has been recommended for existing grid, with four surveys Innes. KDC and Providence archaeological assessment Boggabri Solar Farm. completed for proposed solar Asset Group have committed required along with an AHIP We are currently in the process farms at Warral, Boggabri, Glen to completely avoiding this Application. of planning follow up Aboriginal Innes and Narrabri to date, and area. No further heritage The proposed solar farm site Cultural Heritage Assessments one project in West Wyalong in assessments have been at Boggabri was in a similar (ACHAs) with future AHIP its preliminary phase of recommended for these two environment to those assessed applications for both Boggabri desktop analysis. proposed solar farms prior earlier, though was bordered and Warral proposed solar All site visits were undertaken to the commencement of by an ephemeral creek line developments. Virtus Heritage by a Senior Archaeologist works, which can now proceed at the southern periphery of is pleased to be involved in from Virtus, along with with caution as per the Due the project area with another these projects and look forward representatives from relevant Diligence Code of Practice for parallel smaller overgrown to the many more solar projects Local Aboriginal Land Councils the Protection of Aboriginal creek line directly north of it. in the pipeline. It has been a (LALCs) including Tamworth Objects in NSW. Their confluence is situated pleasure to see first-hand the LALC (Warral Solar Farm), Red The proposed solar farm site within the project area and shift to renewables, and to Chief LALC (Boggabri Solar at Warral is on a property that was deemed a partially intact hear the positive responses Farm) and Narrabri LALC has been completely cleared of but highly sensitive landform. from members of regional (Narrabri Solar Farm). Site forest and heavily impacted by An area of PAD and a large communities. We would like officers from Glen Innes LALC intensive agriculture. During artefact scatter (Boggabri to thank the representatives of were unable to attend the the site inspection, it was Creekline 001) was identified the numerous Local Aboriginal inspection but were able to overgrown with numerous along the banks of the larger Land Councils who have helped assist remotely. We were also pasture species of long grass southern creek, with numerous with our assessment, and fortunate on a few occasions and exotic weeds, resulting in artefacts recorded including who have provided cultural to be accompanied by curious a lack of visibility of the ground a long quartzite retouched comments. equine colleagues, who even surface. One Aboriginal site, flake and other cores and

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Quartzite flake from artefact scatter “Boggabri Creekline 001” at proposed solar farm site in Boggabri, NSW.

Horses assisting in field survey at proposed solar farm site in Narrabri, NSW.

17 www.virtusheritage.com.au PROJECTS Hunter Local Land Service and Landcare Cultural Heritage Training Tocal College, Cattai Wetlands and Gundy Dr Mary-Jean Sutton & Harrison Reese-Parkes

During November 2020, to implement a COVID- Peter Townsend, Cultural Hunter) to present their Virtus Heritage assisted Safe strategy to allow these Sites Officer for Awabakal cultural perspectives and Hunter Local Land Services workshops to proceed with Local Aboriginal Land Council knowledge. Derek Vale co- and Hunter Landcare in online due diligence training (co-presented the online presented the Lower Hunter Culural Heritage Training for LLS for the Lower Hunter, training for Lower Hunter), training in Tocal Agricultural Workshops at 3 locations Upper Hunter and Manning Jodie Lawler, CEO of Purfleet College to represent in the Hunter: Tocal, Cattai areas and with face to face Taree LALC (co-presented Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Wetlands and Gundy. workshops for Landcare the online training for the Land Council for the face to Whilst challenges with later in November 2021. Manning), Laurie Perry, CEO, face training. COVID-19 restrictions, We co-presented these Wonnarua Nation Aboriginal Mary-Jean led a workshop postponed these workshops, workshops with LALCs and Corporation (co-presented for members of the Landcare Virtus and HLLS were able Traditional Owners including the online training for Upper groups, introducing the

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www.virtusheritage.com.au

groups to heritage and presented to the groups. Jac then demonstrated with were found by the group. We within Australia Jac led a stone knapping the participants, some field thank Landcare and HLLS, (NSW), outlining the types of workshop, demonstrating skills, such as orientated particularly Toby Whaleboat, sites commonly found and the technique to making photos, GPS recording and for the opportunity to how to proceed with care/ stone tools such as blades methods of site inspection, undertake these local training management of these sites. and scrapers from Tuff. Jac having spread some of sessions and for the LALCs The workshops also covered Enough tuff, hammer stones the recently made stone and Traditional Owners for HLLS’s responsibilities and PPE was provided so all tools in a marked out area, allowing us the privilege and requirements under participants could try their demonstrated with the to talk about their cultural the Due diligence code of hand at knapping, with some group survey techniques in heritage. practice (DECCW 2010), people showing a natural order to find the exposed with interactive scenarios talent for it. “artefacts”, all ten “artefacts

19 PROJECTS Githabul Cultural Heritage & Site Recording Training Border Ranges Contractors Dr Mary-Jean Sutton

Jac, Mary-Jean and Elle delivered tailored cultural heritage Jac did a stone knapping session working with the Rangers on and sites recording training over three days on Country for the attribute recognition and how to make basic tool Border Ranges Contractors. types. Jac and Elle then spent two days out on Country, Training included overview of international, national and recording sites with Githabul Rangers and Elders as well as local heritage legislation, site searches and basic mapping learning about their cultural heritage and history. We had a troubleshooting, particularly with AHIMS site searches and wonderful time during this training and are indebted to Charlie interpreting site card data and working through interpreting Ord for organising and funding these three days. the Due Diligence Code of Practice (DECC 2010) as well as applying the National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974 and 2010 ancillary provisions.

20 FEATURE Interview with Afzal Khan Business Manager, Bandjalang Aboriginal Corporation Xan Jeffreys

Virtus Heritage and Afzal Khan have been working together on some exciting projects over the years and we are grateful for the opportunity to get to know him a little more...

What did you get up to for Can you tell us more of your Christmas and New Year? heritage and childood? I had the opportunity to take a I was born in Coraki meaning off from my business cultural Meeting of 2 waters. I was raised by obligations as the Business Manager my mother people as Bandjalang. of the Bandjalang Registered Native I grew up at Ridge and the Title Prescribed Body Corporate Box Ridge Aboriginal community. I otherwise referred to or known remembered when I was sitting with as governed by the Bandjalang my Nan Thelma James at the age Aboriginal Corporation (BAC). During of 16 years. I remembered seeing This means more opportunity and and family we were influenced by the previous 2 years of applying archaeologist and anthropologist supporting avenues for employment the rich diversity of fauna and flora my knowledge base with key being guided by elders to determine and working management plans. and beautiful landscapes of this stakeholders in working agreements evidence-based material in initiating Reconciliation and remediation are region. with governments to achieving a the Bandjalang 1 and 2 Claimant fundamentally core principals in healing components in Bandjalang baseline understanding towards a for registration. Effectively, being Where would you like to visit in customary practice. Basically, greater cultural relationship. I have presented to the Federal Court Australia that you have not yet it means coming together and only had 7 days off from work related of Australia to grant our Consent been to? Why? business during that time. Determination. creating a realm where symbiotic I have been to many countries and I am a proud Bandjalang father of 3 Since that time, I have been relationships are forged on mutual visited various places and there beautiful children, Trey 23, Aaliyah committed being active in this and common values that are creative is no other place I would want to 18, and Katana 16 years of age. process of applying our Native Title and supportive to innovation of our live. I would love to be welcomed Having time off during Christmas and Rights and interest through land value systems. by the Traditional Owners and visit New Year celebrations allowed me tenure over Bandjalang country. . Exploring my own back yard to embrace this time of to be I have participated as a Board of What was your favourite thing to of Australia is a core objective I with family and friends. Our family Director and currently achieved do with your family as a child? need to complete. I gather and upbringing acknowledged Christmas status of Business Manager. We My cultural heritage background collect inspiration from a variety as a deep meaning and way of life. currently have pending a Bandjalang stems from my father Afzal Khan of influences and sources from We embrace and celebrate this time 3 and 4 Consent Determination to be (snr) who is of Pakistani bloodline people’s practice. Variety is a as many other people do. granted in April 2021. descendant. My mother is also of spice to life and having a balanced Irish bloodline. My favourite place of combination of food, culture and Tell us more about your journey What have been some of the most growing up and being on Bandjalang healthy environments are conducive with BAC and how it all began? prominent memories you have Country provided a sacred and rare of healthy people. This inspiration My journey started an exceptionally formed during your time with enriched diversity of experiences is driven by like-minded people and long time ago. As a Traditional Owner BAC? with people as a shared journey. We we all want to achieve a sustainable and Custodian of the 3-brother Virtus Heritage and BAC have shared story’s and defined meaning balance of environmental, political, story and grandmother star lore already completed some amazing of true values by living and caring for and economic well-being through connection to story of projects in 2020 including a Cultural country. social inclusion. the Rainbow and Heritage Training workshop with the I currently, relive those memories story. This story is very evident as Department of Defence.. and think about my ancestors, elders Virtus Heritage are very based in Evans Head at Goanna Applying my knowledge base with and engage with young generation excited to be working with headland, as reserved by the key stakeholders such as Virtus today. The Australian Eastern Afzal and his team in the Reserve Trust. Heritage, in working agreements Coastline of , as future. with government aiming to achieving known by the tribal groups of the a baseline understanding towards Bundalung Nation is where I call a greater cultural relationship. home. As I grew up here with friends

21 GRANTS,NOTICEBOARD RESEARCH, PARTNERSHIPS & SAFETY International EIANZ Conference Riversymposium

Jac Carr (Senior Archaeologist, Virtus Heritage) with Afzal Khan (Business Manager, Bandjalang Aboriginal Corporation) with contributions from Charlie Ord (Director, Githabul Native Title Aboriginal Corporation) presented a paper entitled “Impacts of the 2019 Bushfires on Cultural Heritage: Assessing the Damage and Protecting Country Through Future Fire ” at the Environmental Institute of Australia and New Zealand annual conference held virtually in November 2020. The annual conference entitle “Recovering from Disaster 2020” focused on the themes of resilience and recovery from bushfires and other natural disasters. Jac and Afzal’s presentation (with contributions by Charlie Ord) focussed on cultural and archaeological perspectives on the Mary-Jean (Director, Virtus scheme is within a modified post bushfire disaster recovery surveys on Bandjalang and Heritage) with Andrew cultural landscape and Githabul traditional lands and the outcomes of these surveys. McIntyre (Department of involves maintenance of These surveys were engaged and undertaken in partnership Planning, Industry and infrastructure, from a statutory with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, their Traditional Environment, Hunter Valley perspective, exemptions Owner corporations and Virtus Heritage. Afzal articulated Flood Mitigation Scheme) within NSW regulations his corporation’s hopes for future management of country to and Tara Dever (CEO, associated the National prevent future disasters by better access to country for cultural Mindaribba LALC) presented Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974 burns and land management practices to Traditional Owners collaboratively a paper entitled could allow for a minimalist and for funding and engaging in future collaborations with NSW the “Managing the mighty approach to cultural heritage NPWS and other government agencies for increased survey of Myan: Working towards better management. However cultural sites and management of country. understandings of the cultural the scheme’s team and values of rivers of the Hunter partners are committed Valley and their management” to working together on at the 23rd International meaningful ways to respect Riversymposium. The NSW cultural values and manage Training Government Hunter Valley the scheme infrastructure, Flood Mitigation Scheme including cultural mapping, Kelly Kent our amazing projects since she joined (scheme) have been geomorphological sensitivity Office Manager has been the team around the same working with local Aboriginal mapping, oral history working tirelessly since she time as Kelly. Xan’s work Land Councils including interviews, historical joined the team back in mid has propelled her in to Mindaribba LALC and Virtus research and surveys on 2019. We sent her off for a the design world and she Heritage to develop better country to identify Aboriginal day’s training with Creative has greatly benefited from understandings to manage cultural heritage values Training Solutions up on the learning some extra skills. cultural heritage places and within the scheme and Gold Coast to further her Xan went along to Creative sites within the scheme and support development of an skills with Adobe’s desktop Training Solutions late respect cultural values. The Aboriginal Cultural Heritage publishing software, last year and completed Myan (Hunter River) is one Management Strategy. InDesign. She loved the Level 1 & 2 of their Adobe of the main river systems This presentation includes training and enjoyed getting Illustrator course. within the scheme, subject to cultural, scientific and creative. Virtus Heritage are extensive disturbance from management perspectives Xan Jeffreys our awesome committed to supporting previous European land use on these approaches, the Creative Consultant our amazing team to which is still a critical life force learnings from partnerships to has been unremittingly develop their skills interconnected to greater date and aspirations and goals plugging away at all things and interests. We have cultural landscape of deep on future management of this design within the company some exciting training antiquity and attachment to important cultural landscape alongside assisting our opportunities coming up in the Awabakal, Worimi and from project partners. Archaeologists on many 2021 so stay tuned! Wonnarua peoples. As the

22 NOTICEBOARD Welcoming Martin Wright

Martin has worked as an archaeological contexts), and At the University of , archaeologist since 2017, has worked with materials Martin worked with large undertaking indigenous from New South Wales, collections of indigenous investigations within New , , the lithic material from New South Wales and working , and Sri South Wales, Queensland, as a research assistant and Lanka. Martin’s Honours and Victoria. As part of laboratory manager with the thesis used shell midden this work, he identified the Department of Archaeology material from far north types of artefacts and the at the . Queensland to investigate raw materials from which Martin’s research interests how the concept of economic they were composed, and have also led him to excavate intensification can be used to for selected specimens, he in Macedonia, Spain, and Sri identify population pressure. undertook photogrammetry Lanka. Martin will expand these to produce 3D models. Martin is a specialist in ideas in his PhD research into archaeomalacology (the Holocene midden sites across analysis of shellfish in southern Sri Lanka. Welcoming Teleahsia Togo

Teleahsia is one of our working alongside Kelly in Vanuatu. Teleahsia is a part recently joined Virtus administration and will also of one of the biggest South Heritage members. She has be working alongside Xan in Sea Islander families here on spent the last 3 years working our Creative team. the Tweed. She is passionate within a local Aboriginal Teleahsia is a proud local about her family’s history, organisation teaching Bundjalung and South as her own family link in with and sharing local cultural Sea Islander women with many other local Aboriginal knowledge throughout the links to Ambae, Santo and families. Teleahsia also has Northern NSW and Southern Paama Islands, Vanuatu. Her a strong connection to local Gold Coast areas mainly great grandmother being of community and is passionate delivering school based Bundjalung descent though about working with educational programs she was raised in Southport, community in a supportive aiming to introduce local QLD. Her great grandfather role alongside our team Aboriginal knowledge within being of South Sea Island members. our youths. Teleahsia will be descent from Paama Island,

Welcoming Clara Mundy Romero

“Hello, my name is Clara and I’ve recently started working at Virtus Heritage as a Junior Administrative Assistant in Pottsville NSW. I’m working 22 a , Monday - Wednesday and will be receiving training for Microsoft Word and other software. I’m always determined to complete the work that is given to me and I’m enjoying talking to the other staff members who are training and helping me with jobs. I don’t have any prior work experience of any kind, so this type of position is a good learning experience for me. I am a lot younger than most, so my experience and talent in this field are developing and will surely rise with more training. Studying a Cert 3 in Career Advancement at TAFE NSW has helped me gained some insight as to what it’s like to be actively working and socializing. My personality is usually quiet and timid so I often feel shy. I am aiming to develop my confidence and skills so I can complete my work to the best of my ability.”

23 NOTICEBOARD Technology & Gadgets

We have some exciting additions to our team in the form of some fun and exciting gadgets & tech! These new members of the team are already nutting out some amazing work and assisting us to grow with the and benefit from what they offer.

Drone GoPro Ipads Google Meets Virtus Heritage has acquired The recent purchase of a Our team utilizes GPS Due to the challenges of a new DJI Mavic Pro to use GoPro Hero 8? Has been technology in the field, using social distancing Covid-19 in the field. Elle, Jac and welcomed by those in the Ipads to incorporate site has raised, Virtus Heritage Harry have used the drone field, making documentation photos, GPS location and site started incorporating online to take aerial images of of site visits and field information into one file. The conferencing technology sites and their surrounding activities extremely easy. Jac use of Ipads in the field has such as Microsoft Teams and area, which can be used to has use the GoPro to time- made site recording more Google Meets to join routine create detailed site mapping lapse his kayak survey down efficient and accurate. and impromptu meetings and remote assessments of the Hunter River, and Elle has between staff, clients and the landforms. filmed some amazing sunrise community. Meeting online footage from the Paterson rather than face-to-face river boat surveys. The has created a safe working advantage of a water-proof environment for staff as and durable camera in the well as reducing risk to the field has come in very handy communities we work with. in the past .

Martin Davies Award Maitland Aboriginal Nomination Heritage Study

Virtus Heritage was children to tell a story about nominated for the Martin the historical of the Davies Award for the Best Jewboy Gang shooting at the Public Archaeology Initiative St Aubins Arms and also to for Australian Society for educate school children in an Historical Archaeology innovative way about the St (see link - http://www.asha. Aubins Arms and early 19th org.au/about-the-awards. century domestic and hotel html) for developing a story life in Scone. Gwynneth’s book with Newcastle artist, beautiful illustrations and the Gwynneth Jones (based in story provided was presented Creator Incubator, Newcastle during National Archaeology https://www.facebook.com/ Week in 2018. For copies of GwynneJonesIllustrator/) on the school children’s book the results of archaeological and the tool kit we developed In January we signed a from the NSW Government, salvage of a nineteenth for this project, please get contract with Maitland City particularly Heritage NSW. century bottle dump near the in touch with Mary-Jean at Council to undertake their We’ll be meeting with Council, St Aubins Arms, Scone, NSW mj.sutton@virtusheritage. MAITLAND ABORIGINAL with community and interest- for the RMS Scone Bypass com.au. Creator Incubator AND RURAL HERITAGE ed groups and kick things off Project. Virtus Heritage were are making art, jewellery, STUDY. in February in earnest with engaged by GHD on behalf of sculptures and street art with This is the first study combin- mapping meetings, library RMS to conduct the salvage the non diagnostic ceramics ing historical and Aboriginal and working group meetings working with Dan Tuck. The and glass from the bottle heritage and we are proud to and a preliminary view of the results of the salvage were dump and we are looking be starting this in 2021. It’s rather large area. interpreted into a story forward to share this work in been made possible by grants book targeted for school the near future.

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Dept. of Defence Indigenous Heritage Panel

Virtus Heritage is pleased to announce our pre-qualification as a provider of Indigenous Heritage services to the Australian Department of Defence as part of the 2020-2025 (DIP.EHE).

We are excited to be prequalified as a provider of maintaining operational and strategic capabilities. With Indigenous Heritage for the Defence Infrastructure Panel our award winning capabilities in ground-penetrating radar – Environment, Heritage and Estate Engineering Services and experience in management of unmarked graves, war to the Australian Department of Defence. It is always a graves, cemeteries and identifying sub-surface cultural privilege to work with Traditional Owners and Indigenous features, as well as archaeology, history, anthropology families on country. We look forward to opportunities and cultural heritage, we are well placed to assist with under this Panel Agreement to assist Defence with Indigenous Heritage services. assessing, managing and conserving cultural heritage while

Virtus Heritage Internal Conference

All members of the Virtus Team gathered together for the first time since we have grown for a 3 day conference where we discussed business development, analysis and our visions for the future and where we want to focus our time moving forward amongst much more. Uncle Victor Slockee came along on the morning of day 1 to facilitate a . On day 2 we all piled in to some kayaks and adventured through Simpson Creek (see photo). On day 3 we were up with the birds for a sunrise ceremony to grieve and say goodbye to our beloved Bernadette Allen who passed away very unexpectedly in September 2020.

Reconciliation Action Plan Update We are looking forward to the release of our latest RAP document in the near future which will be available on our website.

New Caravan! Mary-Jean bought a caravan so she can spend her time on the road in a tiny home away from home. We expect to see this gorgeous gal on the road near you soon! Suggestions for cute caravan names welcome ;)

www.virtusheritage.com.au 2519 NOTICEBOARD Aboriginal of Flooding in the Hunter

Over the past two years, Mary-Jean assisted the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s Hunter Valley Flood Mitigation Scheme with the facilitation of consultation and research for oral history interviews by Aboriginal peoples of the Hunter Valley on their memories of flooding. This link document’s the Department’s completed and edited footage. https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/water/floodplains/hunter-valley-flood-mitigation-scheme as noted on the Department’s website:

The Department recorded memories of flooding from Elders and Indigenous families in the Hunter Valley to better understand the future climate change impacts flooding may have in the locality, and to record flood knowledge from Elders. This video capture stories from the Aboriginal community about previous flood events and impacts to their community.

https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/water/ floodplains/hunter-valley-flood-mitigation-scheme

Sandstone ‘beach’ on the Hunter River at Redonberry (Redbourneberry) Hill, remembered as a place where families washed and did their washing, it was their source of water and fishing spot (Dr. Mary-Jean Sutton) 2019)

We thank the Department, particularly Andrew McIntyre and Claire Turrell and for the opportunity to be involved in this project. We acknowledge the Mindaribba, Awabakal and Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Councils, Wonnarua Nation Aboriginal Corporation, the Anderson, Perry, Miller, Smith and Lilley families who were part of this project as well as their Elders, past, present and emerging. It was a privilege and honour to listen to the stories of Elders and assist with documenting their stories.

Black & white photograph courtesy of the Singleton Historical Society Redbourneberry bridge, Singleton during the 1955 flood.

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email: [email protected] phone: 02 6676 4354

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