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Heritage registers

OEH maintains information systems to manage cultural heritage information assisting the department and stakeholders such as private landholders, community groups, local councils and state government agencies to locate, identify, conserve and interpret Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal heritage values, sites and objects. These systems are the Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System (AHIMS) and the Historic Heritage Information Management System (HHIMS).

Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System (AHIMS)

AHIMS contains details of Aboriginal objects, places and other heritage values across NSW. AHIMS also contains archaeological reports and site records that are unique and, in many cases, irreplaceable. AHIMS has operated since the 1970s, and as at June 2011 contained detailed information on 67,000 recorded sites and 10,700 archaeological and other Aboriginal heritage reports.

AHIMS is used by government, industry and heritage professionals who need the information for land-use planning, regulation and conservation management. It is also used by Aboriginal communities to help them manage, conserve and protect local sites and heritage. Some of the many reasons people and organisations require information from AHIMS is for natural resource management, cultural heritage assessments, archaeological surveys, development proposals, property purchases and oral history projects.

You can search AHIMS for details of Aboriginal objects, places and other heritage values across NSW or or call the AHIMS Administrator on (02) 9585 6513 or (02) 9585 6345 for further information.

Historic Heritage Information Management System (HHIMS)

HHIMShelps the OEH meet its statutory obligations under the NSW Heritage Act 1977 and a subset of HHIMS data fulfils the role of OEH's ‘Heritage and Conservation Register’ under section 170 of the Act.

The system also supports a large reference collection of over 2,000 reports and other literature from the 1960s onwards relating to the management of many of the sites listed on HHIMS.

HHIMS records information related to the interpretation and management of historic heritage on OEH-managed lands only.

HHIMS aids in the protection and management of these sites by maintaining and providing information concerning the nature, current status and location of sites. HHIMS information facilitates inquiries, supports site protection, enables better management and research and provides the secure protection of sensitive cultural and historical information.

As at June 2011, there were over 11,100 site records in HHIMS from around the state, including information on the 50 State Heritage listed sites managed by OEH.

Search HHIMS or contact the HHIMS Register at HHIMS@environment.nsw.gov.au for more information.