Parramatta Light Rail: Items from 1700s, 1800s found at Robin Thomas Reserve
Elegant dinnerware and a convict-built cesspit have been discovered during archaeological digs as part of the Parramatta Light Rail project. The community wants the government to display the “treasure trove’’ of information.
Parramatta
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Elegant crockery and a convict-built cesspits discovered at Robin Thomas Reserve during Parramatta Light Rail construction have raised community doubts about what the historic items will be preserved but the government insists findings won’t be thrown away.
A military barracks cesspit built from bricks convicts made at Parramatta Park in the 1790s, and circa 1830s dinnerware, have been revealed during a dig at the Harris St site where one of the light rail stops will open as part of the $2.4 billion route linking Westmead to Carlingford.
Noel Dona, who is the president at Granville Waratahs Soccer Football Club, which used to use Robin Thomas Reserve as its home ground, was outraged when a worker suggested the items may be dumped. A claim the government denies.
“That’s obscene. Do you know how many things from the 1790s we have in this country?’’ he said.
“I cannot count on one hand. It doesn’t make sense to me at all. I’m only a first generation Australian but if I was a First Fleeter I would be in shock horror right now.
“Sure it’s a cesspit but the archaeologists who find these determine how they lived, what they ate. It’s a real treasure trove of information.’’
Mr Dona called for the government not just to store the discoveries but display them for the community in a tourist attraction at the northwest corner of the reserve.
“We should be proud of our heritage and showcase it,’’ he said.
Transport for NSW said the government had been transparent with the community about its archaeological digs and it was incorrect to say there were no plans to preserve items.
“Parramatta Light Rail archaeologists are examining remains including deposits and features associated with the 1790s former military barracks, early 19th-century domestic occupation, and mid 19th- to early 20th-century domestic and commercial use,’’ a spokeswoman said.
“These findings will be used to inform the upgrade of Robin Thomas Reserve.”
The government has said it stored early colonial or state-significant building materials unearthed during archaeological salvage excavations for potential reuse and interpretation.
Transport for NSW said it was committed to ensuring significant heritage finds were recorded and reported, and that heritage fabric was retained or salvaged as much as possible.
● On September 23, Parramatta Light Rail will host webinar from 6-7pm when the public will have the chance to ask archaeologists questions. Sign up here.