Heritage services for Catherine McAuley Catholic College
Client: Catholic Diocese Maitland-Newcastle
Location: Medowie, NSW
Date: 2018-current
Services provided
- Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment
- Aboriginal community consultation
- Archaeological survey
- Archaeological test excavations
- Archaeological salvage excavations and associated reporting (in progress)
- Artefact analysis
- Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan
- Care and control agreement for display of artefacts
- Project management
Background
Biosis was commissioned on behalf of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle to undertake an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment (ACHA) and Historical Heritage Assessment (HHA), including a field investigation and test excavations for the Catherine McAuley Catholic College State Significant Development. Biosis was subsequently engaged to undertake archaeological salvage works for the project. Biosis is also completed an ACHA, test excavations, salvage excavations, and artefact analysis for the Catherine McAuley Catholic College SSD intersection upgrade works.
The ACHA identified an archaeological site of moderate to high scientific significance during test excavations. Further salvage excavations revealed the site had high scientific and cultural significance with almost 30,000 artefacts identified. Biosis worked closely with the Diocese and Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) to ensure the site was salvaged according to the wishes of the RAPs and the conditions of the development consent.
Outcome
Biosis also facilitated meetings between RAPs and the Diocese to ensure all parties were well informed and positive community outcomes were achieved. Biosis, Worimi RAPs and the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle are working together to formulate an interpretation strategy and educational space where students are able to view a selection of artefacts recovered during the salvage. Biosis has developed strong working relationships with the Aboriginal community and the Diocese to ensure positive outcomes for the project.
