In line with the Australian Government's ongoing commitment to preserving Norfolk Island's rich heritage, Cosmos Archaeology has been commissioned to undertake an inspection of the HMS Sirius wreck site.
The remains of the HMS Sirius, flagship of the First Fleet, are of significant archeological potential for research into the early migration of Europeans to Australia. The remains of the Sirius and associated artefacts represent a “time capsule” of the late 18th century period.
The site inspection is an opportunity to assess the current condition of the wreck site and its heritage value and is the first stage of developing a Heritage Management Plan (HMP) for the site. The HMP will guide future management of the site and will assist in meeting the Department's statutory heritage management requirements under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999.
The site inspection and subsequent HMP builds on the previous work that has been undertaken by the Norfolk Island Museum in conjunction with Graeme Henderson. Opportunities for community input on the HMP will be available once a draft is developed.
If you would like to find out more about the project, please contact Martin Purslow, Commonwealth Heritage Manager at martinpurlsow@infrastructure.gov.au
Eric Hutchinson
Chair, KAVHA Advisory Committee
18 November 2020