Shells unearthed at Seal Rocks during dig linked back to early indigenous settlement
Archaeologists are examining the date and origin of shells which have been unearthed at a Seal Rocks beach. The shells – dating back possibly 6000 – are believed to be linked to an early Aboriginal coastal settlement known as a Midden.
Mid-North Coast
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Thousands of years of indigenous heritage has been unearthed at Seal Rocks during the preliminary construction of new beach amenities and facilities along Number One Beach.
MidCoast Council made the discovery of the “Midden” site containing a number of shells believed to be consistent with how early indigenous habitats were kept thousands of years prior to European settlement.
Midden sites where were where indigenous people gathered to eat, before depositing their food waste products such as shells into the earth.
They are located in coastal regions around Australia and each one of them help to provide context around how and when indigenous populations inhabited that particular area.
Upon the discovery of this site late last year, specialist consultants where engaged to undertake an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment on the area – which has been known for its strong cultural significance.
Their findings revealed that this particular site could be as old as 6000 years.
“Council is working with Heritage NSW and our consultant in locating and recording the extent of the midden site, this may include some ground testing, MidCoast Council’s Manager of Community Spaces, Recreation and Trades, Dan Aldridge said.
“We hope to complete this by December 2020.”
The site was discovered last year during a ground survey assessment which is required to be undertaken prior to construction activity taking place.
MidCoast Council were planning to upgrade the public amenities at Number One Beach, but the site was declared a heritage zone shortly before work could even commence.
It has been closed to the public since December to allow NSW Office of Heritage and MidCoast Council to continue their analysis.
The outcome of this analysis will determine how the council will manage and progress the future upgrade of the area, which includes the provision of drainage, turf landscaping, fencing, shower, access ramp and picnic tables at a reserve just near Number One Beach.
Locals and visitors to the area over spring and summer are asked to observe signage and fencing at the site while the temporary closure is in place.
