Physical evidence of Aboriginal occupation and history can be seen across the landscape of New South Wales in many diverse natural forms such as rock art and stone tools. Aboriginal culture is connected to Country, including waterways, animals and plants. These sites and elements of the landscape are associated with Dreaming stories and cultural learning. They include, but are not limited to:
- shell middens
- stone artefact scatters
- isolated artefacts
- grinding grooves
- rock art and engravings
- rock shelters
- scarred trees
- stone arrangements
- stone and ochre quarries
- fish traps
- water holes
- burials.
What to do if an Aboriginal site or object has been harmed
If you suspect an Aboriginal site or object has been harmed contact the Environment Line by phone 131 555 or email info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Our program
We work in partnership with Aboriginal communities to undertake on-ground works for conserving Aboriginal cultural heritage.
On-ground conservation works are intended to repair:
- deterioration caused by ageing, weathering or other natural processes
- damage caused by vandalism or inappropriate land uses.
We use various practices and techniques to conserve the different types of sites and objects.
Aboriginal objects, significant sites and declared Aboriginal Places are managed and protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.