Welcome to the Aboriginal Heritage Office
Did you know there are over 1000 sites of Aboriginal culture and heritage in the areas of Sydney known as North Sydney, Ku-ring-gai, Lane Cove, Willoughby, Northern Beaches and Strathfield Councils?
The Aboriginal clans who once occupied this area left important evidence of their past and way of life before colonisation.
The sites are of significance to the Aboriginal people because they are evidence of the past Aboriginal occupation of Australia and are valued as a link with their traditional culture.
There is also great scientific value in these sites. By studying the shells, stones and bones, we can learn a great deal about past environments, what plants and animals were used by people, what tools they used and how they survived.
Sites are under threat every day from development, vandalism and natural erosion. The sites can not be replaced, and once they are destroyed, they are lost forever.
The Role of the Aboriginal Heritage Office
The Aboriginal Heritage Office is a joint initiative by Lane Cove, North Sydney, Willoughby, Ku-ring-gai, Strathfield and The Northern Beaches Council in a progressive move to protect Aboriginal heritage in these areas.
Part of the work of the Aboriginal Heritage office is to monitor these Aboriginal sites on a day to day basis and long term management reports are developed to ensure their preservation and protection.
Another key role of the Aboriginal Heritage Office is to give Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people involved with these council areas an avenue of approach to discuss issues or concerns they may have.
An important part of the role is to communicate with schools and other groups and help children develop a deeper understanding of the unique culture of Aboriginal people.
In association with the local councils, talks, walks and activities are conducted to enhance appreciation of Aboriginal culture in the wider community. A selection of information leaflets on various Aboriginal heritage topics are available to download. Find out more about what the AHO offers Councils and the community. Or see our videos. There’s plenty more in our Resources section.
Have questions? Have a look at our Frequently Asked Questions page. For further information on these or any related matters, please contact us.