Dr Chris Carter ‘Where the rivers run: the prehistory of south-west New South Wales’

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Thursday, 22 February 2018 - 12:30pm

Lake Mungo in south-west NSW is an archaeological treasure house containing a wealth of evidence relating to the early occupation of south-east Australia. As a result, it has become a focal point for research and archaeological investigation, and new evidence is regularly being uncovered. However, its contemporary fame and importance can create a biased view of the past, which may understate or disregard the continuum of Aboriginal occupation that existed throughout the wider region, from the deep past through to the Colonial period.

This talk will profile key evidence that has come from Lake Mungo and its immediate vicinity and will also introduce a broader perspective on Aboriginal occupation and the natural environment that supported it, using evidence from surrounding regions, including the related river systems of the Murrumbidgee, Murray and Darling rivers.

Chris has worked as a professional archaeologist since 1995, as a consultant on both prehistoric and historic projects as well as casual teaching contracts. Chris works closely with a number of Aboriginal communities particularly in relation to cultural heritage management. He continues to carry out research and is currently involved in the investigation of prehistoric sites in the Atacama region of Northern Chile – the area where he conducted research for his doctoral thesis.

Chris’ passion has been the promotion of archaeology through public awareness and education and the presentation of recreational courses and organised study tours. He has been presenting a range of courses in archaeology at the Centre for Continuing Education at the ANU and the University of Sydney since 1995 and as a result of student interest, field trips have expanded from local weekend trips to now include regular tours worldwide.