SEMINAR: Archaeology Seminar Series

Ninghan Pastoral Lease: Developing the History and Managing the Future - Stephen Wells

This research proposal examines the links between oral history, archival research and material culture and how these sources of information can be used to "tell the story" of Ninghan Pastoral Lease, and to develop a plan for its future protection. To that end, this research will focus on the European and Aboriginal history of the area dating only from the 1840s through to the present. Pre-European Aboriginal sites are currently under protection as a restricted area, and are far too sensitive to incorporate in the interpretive history or archaeology. My research objectives are to develop a strategy that can identify and link the archival accounts, oral histories, and diagnostic material remains into a single publicly-accessible narrative. A methodological analysis of the outcomes will help define the common threads and develop a product that maximises the benefits for all stakeholders. Arising from these actions, recommendations for managing the known archaeological and historical sites in the context of increasing economic sustainability and ecotourism will be developed forthe Pindiddy Aboriginal Corporation.

Well,Well,Well:The Water Management System of the Benedictines in Colonial Western Australia - Ross Bertinshaw

The ability to find and manage water and grassland was a critical element in the development of the early Western Australian pastoral industry which from the 1850s to 1890s provided more than 50% of the colony's exports. This project aims at investigating the water management strategies of the Benedictine monks who were based at New Norcia. They were one of the early pastoral giants of the Colony and in 1885 held almost a million acres of leasehold running from Gingin in the south to Dongara in the north. This water management system developed over a period of 40 years and consisted of over two hundred wells, tanks and pools. I intend using multiple datasets gathered from archaeology, archives, GIS and geohydrology together with the model of landscape learning to provide a understanding how early Western Australia pastoralists came to grips with the new environments into which they were thrust.