ANU archaeology projects recognised in ACT Heritage Awards
Rob Williams, Glenn van der Kolk and Duncan Wright on site at Springbank Island in 2015. Photo by Stuart Hay
Two projects involving ANU School of Archaeology and Anthropology staff have been recognised at the National Trust of Australia's 2016 ACT Heritage Awards for work involving maintaining and interpreting heritage values.
The projects awarded include a new heritage management plan of the Mount Stromlo Observatory precinct and the archaeological dig at the Springbank Island site in the centre of Lake Burley Griffin.
The Mount Stromlo heritage management plan, which was recognised in the category of Outstanding Project, now takes in the landscape, telescope ruins and Indigenous, archaeological and natural values of the site and was updated to reflect the changes on site after the 2003 bushfires.
"The assessment of the site's heritage values and how they have evolved after the 2003 fires and a significant recovery period is so important for ANU in understanding the future direction of the place, and how it can continue to grow and prosper while retaining its historic character," said ANU Heritage Officer Amy Jarvis.
The ANU School of Archaeology and Anthropology received the award for a Significant Contribution to Heritage Conservation for its archaeological study of Springbank Island which was carried out in April 2015.
The dig explored the site of Canberra's earliest owner-occupied homestead, the Springbank property, for evidence of Canberra's first European settlement and earlier Indigenous settlement.
Project leader Dr Duncan Wright said the award was nice closure to an extremely successful project.
"It was great for the students. We got some good results and it was very nice to get some recognition particularly with such a prestigious award," Dr Wright said.
"It was also very nice to get recognition for the fact that this was something that had really broad benefits for Australia and the state. So it's wonderful that we received it and wonderful that they see it as an outstanding evidence for heritage protection and promotion."
Dr Wright said he hoped it was the first of many projects working with local Aboriginal and non-Indigenous communities.
The School of Archaeology and Anthropology also received a $9,000 ACT Heritage grant in August for a dig in the Canberra suburb of Griffith. This dig was also designed to explore the local Aboriginal history using archaeology.