Unearthed (Exhibition)
May
16
to May 24
NSW

Unearthed (Exhibition)

Between 1983 and 1991, archaeologists excavated one of the most contested blocks of land in Sydney – the site of Australia’s first Government House. Unearthed displays a fascinating selection of objects excavated from the site, explores the tangible and intangible histories embodied in the finds, and presents the people and stories behind the archaeological digs.

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Ballarat Heritage Festival
May
21
to May 24
Vic

Ballarat Heritage Festival

  • Ballarat VIC 3350 Australia (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Ballarat Heritage Festival is a community cultural festival held annually in Ballarat as a major tourist attraction. It celebrates the city’s history, drawing on Ballarat’s reputation as a historic Australian city. This festival, just one hour west of Melbourne, is all about mixing old and new, retro vibes paired with innovative thinking, celebrating country and culture, a region that’s proud and historic while forever evolving as a modern city.

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A Virtual Tour of Point Puer
May
28
12:30 PM12:30

A Virtual Tour of Point Puer

Join us for a virtual tour of Point Puer, the British Empire’s first purpose-built boys prison. This talk first explores how archaeological research and historical records have been combined to create a detailed digital recreation of the site as it may have appeared in the 1840s. We will then step inside the 3D model and explore the prison in virtual form, to gain a deeper sense of what life may have been like for the young boys imprisoned at Point Puer.

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Theatre in the Greek and Roman World
May
23
6:30 PM18:30
Vic

Theatre in the Greek and Roman World

  • Forum Theatre (Room 151), Arts West Building (Bldg 148) (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The ancient theatre of Nea Paphos was constructed in c. 300 BCE, and was used for more than six and a half centuries as a venue for performance and spectacles. This talk will look at recent research in ancient theatre studies, particularly in terms of architecture, performance and reception by ancient audiences. Can we use the work at Paphos as a case study in better understanding the role of theatre in the Classical city?

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ARCAS Conversations: Spotlight on Archaeobotany
May
23
5:00 PM17:00

ARCAS Conversations: Spotlight on Archaeobotany

Dream of growing up to be Dr. Ellie Sattler of Jurassic Park fame? Curious about how ancient plants can help us understand past peoples, places, and practices? Join us for a relaxed archaeobotany webinar featuring three researchers chatting about what they do, why it matters, and how tiny seeds and charred plant bits can tell surprisingly big stories.

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Author Talk: Found a Fossil
May
23
2:00 PM14:00
NSW

Author Talk: Found a Fossil

  • Australian National Maritime Museum (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

What would you do if you discovered a fossil? Join archaeologist Sally Hurst and explore the stories behind fossils and heritage objects, and the importance of preserving them. Sally’s new book Found a Fossil bridges the gap between curiosity and action, providing an accessible guide to uncovering Australia’s rich prehistoric and cultural heritage.

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Australia's Deep Time Story: From Foundational Knowledge to Experiential Teaching
May
23
10:00 AM10:00
Vic

Australia's Deep Time Story: From Foundational Knowledge to Experiential Teaching

Australia has a long and complex deep time history, spanning more than 65,000 years. This professional learning day will equip Victorian teachers with foundational knowledge in archaeology and palaeoecology, directly aligned to the Australian and Victorian Curricula. Through expert sessions and hands-on excavation experience at La Trobe University, teachers will leave with the content knowledge and practical strategies to teach deep time history with confidence.

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Looking Backwards – Looking Forwards (Public Talks)
May
23
10:00 AM10:00
Tas

Looking Backwards – Looking Forwards (Public Talks)

Discover the hidden stories beneath our feet at this half-day of free public talks organised to mark major milestones in Tasmanian heritage legislation. Join archaeologists, curators and heritage specialists for a fascinating look at everything from Hobart’s urban excavations to the preservation of Mawson’s Huts in Antarctica.

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The Show Must Go On! Excerpts from Greek and Roman Theatre
May
22
6:30 PM18:30
Vic

The Show Must Go On! Excerpts from Greek and Roman Theatre

Step into the world of ancient drama as timeless stories from Greek and Roman theatre are brought to life in this unique collaborative performance event. The Show Must Go On! celebrates the enduring power of classical storytelling through a dynamic series of curated excerpts from some of antiquity’s most iconic plays.

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Digging Deeper: Using Simulated Excavations to Transform Learning
May
22
4:00 PM16:00

Digging Deeper: Using Simulated Excavations to Transform Learning

Simulated archaeological excavations are effective teaching tools across educational levels, using a hands-on approach that positions students as active knowledge-makers. This presentation discusses frameworks for using simulated excavations across an Australian context, examining examples from small-scale desktop activities to life-sized simulations designed to train future professionals.

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Archaeology in Difficult Times: Relevance, Responsibility, and Public Debate
May
22
3:30 PM15:30

Archaeology in Difficult Times: Relevance, Responsibility, and Public Debate

In this time of gathering uncertainty, questions are being posed about the relevance of archaeology to contemporary Australian life. In this lecture Professor Michael Westaway considers how archaeology can contribute to contemporary understanding and decision-making. The lecture highlights community-focused research undertaken with several Indigenous communities, including the Mithaka, Dunghutti, Ngampaa, Kaurareg, and Aba Wurriya.

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Looking Backwards – Looking Forwards (Symposium)
May
22
8:30 AM08:30

Looking Backwards – Looking Forwards (Symposium)

At a major anniversary of the introduction of Tasmanian cultural heritage legislation, the Symposium provides an opportunity to explore how heritage is understood, valued and managed today. Please come and join the discussion, and help encourage the development of best practice cultural heritage legislation for Lutruwita/Tasmania.

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The Perachora Peninsula Archaeological Project
May
21
6:30 PM18:30
NSW

The Perachora Peninsula Archaeological Project

  • The Vere Gordon Childe Centre, University of Sydney (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

In 1930, an excavation began that would reveal one of the earliest and wealthiest sanctuaries of ancient Greece – the Sanctuary of Hera Akraia at Perachora. The Perachora Peninsula Archaeological Project is now investigating the landscape surrounding this sanctuary, focusing on the site located just above it. Our project is using methodologies that were not available to researchers in the past, allowing for a more holistic picture of the settlement.

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Women in Archaeology
May
21
1:00 PM13:00
NSW

Women in Archaeology

A celebration of women working in archaeology, cultural and environmental heritage management. Join us for a Q & A event to find out about some of the ways women are helping to shape and guide changes in the archaeology, cultural heritage, and planning spaces in NSW.

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Less is More? Sustainability and Significance in Archaeological Collections
May
21
12:30 PM12:30

Less is More? Sustainability and Significance in Archaeological Collections

The extensive assemblage of archaeological material that is held by the Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority (PAHSMA) poses a huge management challenge for the organisation. Join Sylvana Szydzik and Michael Smith to discover how a more integrated approach is helping with accessibility and with recognising the significance of the collection.

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The Transformation of Two Theban Tombs: TT233 and TT149 in Byzantine (Coptic) Times
May
20
5:30 PM17:30

The Transformation of Two Theban Tombs: TT233 and TT149 in Byzantine (Coptic) Times

The Theban necropolis is home to New Kingdom tombs that provide vital insights into the lives of the officials who were buried there, and the times in which they lived. Intriguingly, the tombs were later reused as dwellings by Coptic Christians as part of the monastic settlement on Dra Abu el-Naga. Join Professor Boyo Ockinga, online or in person, to find out more!

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Collaborating to Strengthen Cultural Heritage Protection and Responsible Mining in Australia
May
20
4:00 PM16:00

Collaborating to Strengthen Cultural Heritage Protection and Responsible Mining in Australia

As global demand for Australia’s critical and strategic minerals increases, so does the pressure on the relationship between the mining industry and Traditional Owners. How can the mining industry change the way it engages with archaeology and Indigenous cultural heritage to improve outcomes for everyone? The new ARC Training Centre for Archaeology in the Resources Sector is designed specifically to address this question. Join Prof Liam M Brady to find out more.

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Queensland Archaeology Across Time
May
20
1:00 PM13:00
Qld

Queensland Archaeology Across Time

Join us for a thought-provoking talk from renowned archaeologist Professor Bryce Barker as he delves into the material remains of Queensland’s complex history. From his work investigating how people populated Australia to the challenging and evocative archaeology of the Native Mounted Police camps, Professor Barker’s work bridges the gap between the deep past and our shared modern heritage.

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Revealing the Hidden
May
19
6:30 PM18:30
Vic

Revealing the Hidden

Join us for a panel event that brings the hidden history of Melbourne to the surface. Drawing on two recent conference papers, this session explores the delicate balance between excavation and conservation through the lens of local archaeological discoveries.

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The Archaeology of Recycling
May
19
1:00 PM13:00
NSW

The Archaeology of Recycling

Explore the hidden history of the circular economy with Candace Richards, in a talk examining methods of reuse and recycling practiced by ancient peoples. Bridging the gap between museum artefacts and modern global challenges, Candace shows how archaeological insights offer solutions to contemporary sustainability efforts.

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Explore Archaeology at Flinders
May
19
10:00 AM10:00
SA

Explore Archaeology at Flinders

Have you ever wondered what humans were doing in the past? Come and learn all about archaeology at the Flinders University Archaeology Day, where you can hear from our staff and students about some of the exciting research we are doing, discover how to become a professional archaeologist and the careers this degree can lead to, and even get your hands dirty with some practical activities!

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