News and Events

2005 Media Releases

La Trobe archaeology features in Canberra report – and book launch

The work of La Trobe University's Professor of Archaeology, Tim Murray, features as one of seven national case studies in a new report to be presented to Federal Education Minister, Brendan Nelson, next week.

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

Its presentation to Minister Nelson will take place at 10 am, Monday, 30 May, at Parliament House in Canberra.

Another feature of the event will be the launch of a new book edited by Professor Murray. Titled ‘Archaeology from Australia’, it 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 that 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, the Middle East and Africa,’ he says. ‘They are making 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 that 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 some examples of archaeological research that has crossed 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 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 University. It is this link between ‘pure’ and ‘applied’ archaeology which features 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, the book also provides a bridge between the discipline and non-specialist audiences.

For interviews or further information about the book, please contact Professor Murray, Tel: 03 9479 2418.

Details about the launch of the CHASS report are available from Toss Gascoigne, Tel: 02 6249 1995.