Bulletin

Issue: July 2005

News

La Trobe features in Canberra report – and book launch

The work of Professor of Archaeology, Tim Murray, featured as one of seven national case studies in a recent report presented to Federal Education Minister, Brendan Nelson.

Highlighting the commercialisation of research in the humanities, arts and social sciences, the report was prepared by the peak research body, the Council for the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CHASS).

Another feature of the event, held in Parliament House, Canberra, was the launch of a new book edited by Professor Murray, titled Archaeology from Australia. The book is a snapshot of research at the beginning of the 21st century and brings together authors from classical, historic and prehistoric archaeology.

Professor Murray says during the 1960s the tremendous growth of interest in the archaeology of Indigenous Australia not only revolutionised our understanding of our own prehistory, but also had an impact on the interest in, and development of, the whole discipline of archaeology.

Australian archaeologists work in Europe, the South Pacific, Melanesia, South East Asia, South America, the Middle East and Africa. They make substantial contributions to world archaeology.

‘At the same time, the discipline of archaeology has also broadened into cultural resources and heritage management areas, and into contact, urban and historical archaeology.’

Professor Murray says this is a world where there is no longer any ‘pure’ research. For much of the past twenty years the bulk of archaeological activity in Australia has been funded privately by development projects, including mining and urban growth.

‘In this book I have included examples of archaeological research that crosses the boundary between heritage archaeology and pure research – such as the excavations of Casselden Place, known as “Little Lon”, in Little Londsdale St, Melbourne.’

He says this project ranks among the four major urban archaeological digs in the world today. Along with a dig in Camp St, Ballarat, it forms the basis of a University partnership with Sydney heritage consultancy, Godden Mackay Logan Pty Ltd, to undertake work for government agencies and the private sector.

Significantly, this partnership has been incorporated into the teaching and research programs of the Archaeology Program at La Trobe. It is this link between ‘pure’ and ‘applied’ archaeology which featured in the CHASS report to Minister Nelson.

‘This work,’ says Professor Murray, ‘helps expand the University’s teaching and research by developing an income stream, gives staff a better understanding of the needs of industry and provides students with exposure to industry practices and people.’

Commenting on Professor Murray’s book, the President of the Australian Archaeological Association, Dr Judith Field, says in an era where effective and clear communication is of paramount importance, Archaeology from Australia also provides a bridge between the discipline and non-specialist audiences.

The Acting Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Professor David de Vaus, says he was pleased La Trobe was chosen as an example for the report to the Minister.

In the Graduate Careers Council national course experience survey, La Trobe humanities and social science courses always rank highly – among the top in the country. And, he adds, employment levels among La Trobe graduates compare favourably with national levels of graduates with similar training in the humanities and social sciences.

The Faculty also has a strong tradition of publishing. ‘This is particularly evident in the number of significant books by Faculty staff, and many of our staff frequently serve as public commentators in the media,’ says Professor de Vaus.

back contents next