Aboriginal artefacts found during Inland Rail build returned to Country

More than 150 stone artefacts were found during construction of the Parkes to Narromine section of the Inland Rail during a site survey in 2019.

The artefacts, including a complete hand-axe and fragments that could be used for cutting tools.

On Monday, Peak Hill Local Aboriginal Land Council, community members and representatives from the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) Inland Rail visited sites in Peak Hill to return the artefacts.

Wiradjuri woman and Peak Hill Local Aboriginal Land Council board director, Judy Bell, said she was appreciative of the respect for her culture and heritage.

"Returning artefacts in a culturally safe way back to Country is necessary for our local cultural history and is central for us as a people," she said.

"Each object is unique and has a connection to its place of origin and tells a story that plays a vital part in a shared history."

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Peak Hill Local Aboriginal Land Council chair Frances Robinson said it was important for current and future generations that ancestral objects and cultural material are returned back to Country.

Inland Rail is being constructed and operated on the traditional lands of many Aboriginal communities.

"We will continue to consult with Aboriginal leaders at every opportunity to ensure progress on the Inland Rail program is carried out in cooperation with those Aboriginal communities," ARTC Inland Rail interim chief executive Rebecca Pickering said.