Better protection of Australia's cultural heritage in the resources sector is at the heart of a new training centre based at Flinders University, with two Southern Cross scientists set to play a leading role.
Southern Cross University Professors Renaud Joannes-Boyau and Anja Scheffers have been named Chief Investigators in the newly established ARC Training Centre for Advancing Archaeology in the Resources Sector, a groundbreaking initiative to protect Indigenous cultural heritage in Australia's resources sector.
Recently awarded $5 million from the Australian Research Council's Industrial Transformation Research Program, the Centre is a collaboration between Flinders University, The University of Queensland and Southern Cross University.
It brings together Traditional Owners, major resource companies, archaeologists, and cultural heritage experts as well as the peak body for mining professionals, AusIMM.
Professor Renaud Joannes-Boyau said the Centre would train a new generation of professionals who could operate in the complex intersection of mining and heritage protection.
"This Centre represents an important opportunity to strengthen partnerships between Traditional Owners, archaeologists, and the resources sector. By training professionals who can navigate both cultural and industry perspectives, we can ensure future projects deliver positive outcomes for communities, heritage, and the industry alike," he said.
Professor Renaud Joannes-Boyau is internationally known for his work in geoarchaeology and dating techniques, while Professor Anja Scheffers is an expert in coastal geomorphology and paleoclimatology. Both are based at Southern Cross University's Lismore campus.
The Centre's three Traditional Owner partners – the PKKP Aboriginal Corporation, Palyku-Jartayi Aboriginal Corporation and Yandruwandha Yawarrawarrka Traditional Land Owners – have been engaging with the resources industry for several decades and will be contributing extensive knowledge and guidance to the Centre's activities, as well as the time of their Rangers, Elders and infrastructure in research projects.
The Centre will also develop flexible training opportunities, including short courses and standalone units, designed to equip both cultural heritage professionals and those in the resources sector with the skills to work collaboratively and sustainably.
Southern Cross University Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Mary Spongberg said it was both heartening and inspiring to see the Centre funded.
"It gives me genuine hope for the preservation of Australia's cultural heritage and this acknowledgement of our deep history.
"Southern Cross University is so proud to be part of this collaboration, actively setting new benchmarks for research, preservation, and engagement with our shared heritage. We look forward to working together with such an amazing collection of partners," she said.
