Deep in the bushland of the Holsworthy Military Area in Sydney's south lie historic cultural treasures that stretch back thousands of years.
Rock art, camp sites, engraving sites and tool-making areas all exist across a wide stretch of preserved wilderness.
Joined by local Indigenous Elders, members of the 2nd (Australian) Division paid a visit to a number of sites throughout the area, viewing a range of charcoal rock drawings and learning about the traditional land owners' connection to country.
Glenda Chalker, an Elder of the Cubbitch Barta Clan, spoke about the significance of the Indigenous history of the lands around Holsworthy.
"I think it's important that all Army members know where the sites are and appreciate it because this land is inaccessible to the public and the Army are the managers of this country," Ms Chalker said.
Established as a military training area in 1913, the bushland has been largely protected from urban development and public access, resulting in most Indigenous sites remaining in pristine condition.
"There are thousands of camp sites, engraving sites and grinding group sites in the Cubbitch Barta National Estate area," Ms Chalker said.
"In the Cumberland Plain area, we've had 11,500-year-old artefacts dated just in the soil, so there is a long-rooted Indigenous history in the area."
Leading the Army group visiting the sites, Commander 2nd (Australian) Division Major General David Thomae said the division had an important link with First Nations communities.
"The 2nd (Australian) Division has the highest proportion of Indigenous soldiers in the ADF, spread all over the country, but particularly across northern Australia," Major General Thomae said.
"Celebrating Indigenous culture, learning about connection to country and showing respect for the first inhabitants of these lands are very important values across our division and the ADF."
