Latest news with #Flinders
The Advertiser
19 hours ago
- General
- The Advertiser
Archaeologists to talk rock art harm at world congress
Industrial threats to Aboriginal rock art and other ancient sites will be in focus when the World Archaeological Congress meets in Australia for the first time. Hosted by Flinders and Charles Darwin Universities, the week-long conference will welcome thousands of delegates from more than 70 countries to Darwin from Sunday. One of the stated aims of the congress is to advance global policy, "especially as it relates to the protection of heritage". The event comes just weeks after the federal government gave Woodside's North West Shelf project - which hosts Australia's biggest gas export plant - the green light to keep operating until 2070. The project on Western Australia's Burrup Peninsula is home to renowned ancient rock art at Murujuga, and the energy giant still has to accept conditions on heritage and air quality before the approval becomes official. Scientists are concerned emissions from the nearby gas plant are eroding rock surfaces and harming the famed petroglyphs at the site. In May 2020, Rio Tinto's destruction of the 46,000-year-old Juukan Gorge rock shelters in the Pilbara left traditional custodians devastated and caused global outrage, prompting the mining giant to apologise. Meanwhile, cultural heritage laws in WA and the Northern Territory have come under fire for not adequately protecting sacred and ancient sites. Eileen Cummings, a Charles Darwin University fellow and co-chair of the conference's Indigenous Elders Committee, said the protection of Aboriginal rock art and ancient sites would be discussed at the congress. "For a long time, we were worried about our sacred sites but now our people are starting to look at the sites that are archaeological, so they can get trained in that area to look after those areas," she told AAP. She hoped more young Indigenous people would train as archaeologists to better understand and protect Country. Aboriginal rangers would also benefit from learning about ancient sites so they could better protect them, Ms Cummings said. The congress brings together archaeologists, heritage professionals, anthropologists, historians, and Indigenous leaders and community members from across the globe. Flinders University archaeologist Claire Smith said the event offered a remarkable opportunity for leading thinkers to "explore and reflect on our shared past". Industrial threats to Aboriginal rock art and other ancient sites will be in focus when the World Archaeological Congress meets in Australia for the first time. Hosted by Flinders and Charles Darwin Universities, the week-long conference will welcome thousands of delegates from more than 70 countries to Darwin from Sunday. One of the stated aims of the congress is to advance global policy, "especially as it relates to the protection of heritage". The event comes just weeks after the federal government gave Woodside's North West Shelf project - which hosts Australia's biggest gas export plant - the green light to keep operating until 2070. The project on Western Australia's Burrup Peninsula is home to renowned ancient rock art at Murujuga, and the energy giant still has to accept conditions on heritage and air quality before the approval becomes official. Scientists are concerned emissions from the nearby gas plant are eroding rock surfaces and harming the famed petroglyphs at the site. In May 2020, Rio Tinto's destruction of the 46,000-year-old Juukan Gorge rock shelters in the Pilbara left traditional custodians devastated and caused global outrage, prompting the mining giant to apologise. Meanwhile, cultural heritage laws in WA and the Northern Territory have come under fire for not adequately protecting sacred and ancient sites. Eileen Cummings, a Charles Darwin University fellow and co-chair of the conference's Indigenous Elders Committee, said the protection of Aboriginal rock art and ancient sites would be discussed at the congress. "For a long time, we were worried about our sacred sites but now our people are starting to look at the sites that are archaeological, so they can get trained in that area to look after those areas," she told AAP. She hoped more young Indigenous people would train as archaeologists to better understand and protect Country. Aboriginal rangers would also benefit from learning about ancient sites so they could better protect them, Ms Cummings said. The congress brings together archaeologists, heritage professionals, anthropologists, historians, and Indigenous leaders and community members from across the globe. Flinders University archaeologist Claire Smith said the event offered a remarkable opportunity for leading thinkers to "explore and reflect on our shared past". Industrial threats to Aboriginal rock art and other ancient sites will be in focus when the World Archaeological Congress meets in Australia for the first time. Hosted by Flinders and Charles Darwin Universities, the week-long conference will welcome thousands of delegates from more than 70 countries to Darwin from Sunday. One of the stated aims of the congress is to advance global policy, "especially as it relates to the protection of heritage". The event comes just weeks after the federal government gave Woodside's North West Shelf project - which hosts Australia's biggest gas export plant - the green light to keep operating until 2070. The project on Western Australia's Burrup Peninsula is home to renowned ancient rock art at Murujuga, and the energy giant still has to accept conditions on heritage and air quality before the approval becomes official. Scientists are concerned emissions from the nearby gas plant are eroding rock surfaces and harming the famed petroglyphs at the site. In May 2020, Rio Tinto's destruction of the 46,000-year-old Juukan Gorge rock shelters in the Pilbara left traditional custodians devastated and caused global outrage, prompting the mining giant to apologise. Meanwhile, cultural heritage laws in WA and the Northern Territory have come under fire for not adequately protecting sacred and ancient sites. Eileen Cummings, a Charles Darwin University fellow and co-chair of the conference's Indigenous Elders Committee, said the protection of Aboriginal rock art and ancient sites would be discussed at the congress. "For a long time, we were worried about our sacred sites but now our people are starting to look at the sites that are archaeological, so they can get trained in that area to look after those areas," she told AAP. She hoped more young Indigenous people would train as archaeologists to better understand and protect Country. Aboriginal rangers would also benefit from learning about ancient sites so they could better protect them, Ms Cummings said. The congress brings together archaeologists, heritage professionals, anthropologists, historians, and Indigenous leaders and community members from across the globe. Flinders University archaeologist Claire Smith said the event offered a remarkable opportunity for leading thinkers to "explore and reflect on our shared past". Industrial threats to Aboriginal rock art and other ancient sites will be in focus when the World Archaeological Congress meets in Australia for the first time. Hosted by Flinders and Charles Darwin Universities, the week-long conference will welcome thousands of delegates from more than 70 countries to Darwin from Sunday. One of the stated aims of the congress is to advance global policy, "especially as it relates to the protection of heritage". The event comes just weeks after the federal government gave Woodside's North West Shelf project - which hosts Australia's biggest gas export plant - the green light to keep operating until 2070. The project on Western Australia's Burrup Peninsula is home to renowned ancient rock art at Murujuga, and the energy giant still has to accept conditions on heritage and air quality before the approval becomes official. Scientists are concerned emissions from the nearby gas plant are eroding rock surfaces and harming the famed petroglyphs at the site. In May 2020, Rio Tinto's destruction of the 46,000-year-old Juukan Gorge rock shelters in the Pilbara left traditional custodians devastated and caused global outrage, prompting the mining giant to apologise. Meanwhile, cultural heritage laws in WA and the Northern Territory have come under fire for not adequately protecting sacred and ancient sites. Eileen Cummings, a Charles Darwin University fellow and co-chair of the conference's Indigenous Elders Committee, said the protection of Aboriginal rock art and ancient sites would be discussed at the congress. "For a long time, we were worried about our sacred sites but now our people are starting to look at the sites that are archaeological, so they can get trained in that area to look after those areas," she told AAP. She hoped more young Indigenous people would train as archaeologists to better understand and protect Country. Aboriginal rangers would also benefit from learning about ancient sites so they could better protect them, Ms Cummings said. The congress brings together archaeologists, heritage professionals, anthropologists, historians, and Indigenous leaders and community members from across the globe. Flinders University archaeologist Claire Smith said the event offered a remarkable opportunity for leading thinkers to "explore and reflect on our shared past".
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Teacher had sex with pupil at teen's family home
A teacher has been banned from the profession after admitting to a six-month sexual relationship with a pupil 25 years ago. Helen Flinders, 55, was working at St Joseph's School in Swindon when she kissed the student at another teacher's house following sports day, leading to regular sexual encounters at the student's house throughout 2000. The incident came to light in 2011 while Ms Flinders was employed at another school, from which she resigned a few months later. Wiltshire Police said no action was taken due to legislation at the time. More news stories for Wiltshire Listen to the latest news for Wiltshire Giving evidence at a professional conduct hearing, Ms Flinders said: "During July 2000, I went for a drink with Pupil A after sports day. "We then went to another teacher's house. I asked Pupil A for a kiss goodbye. He kissed me and it was consensual." She explained a "consensual sexual relationship" then began. The pupil said: "During the summer, my parents worked during the day and were out of the house, so they were not aware that our relationship had progressed to a sexual relationship." The pupil ended the relationship in December 2000. Ms Flinders left St Joseph's in March 2002 and started working as an art teacher at Churchfields school in September 2002. In 2011, the pupil was asked about the rumours of their relationship and confirmed it to someone whose relative worked as head of art at Churchfields School, leading to the police investigation. Ms Flinders resigned and did not return to teaching. A referral was made to the Teaching Regulation Agency in March 2022. The Abuse of Position of Trust legislation, making it an offence for anyone over 18 to have sexual intercourse with a younger person if they are in a position of trust over them, was not enacted until 8 January 2001. This was weeks after the sexual relationship ceased, so no further action was taken by the police. During the hearing, the pupil agreed the relationship was consensual, stating he never felt taken advantage of and did "not hold any bad feelings toward her". In a witness statement, Ms Flinders apologised to the pupil, adding: "I hope the process for him of reliving these events have not harmed him in any way. "I hope he can move forward in a positive light." The panel said she "seriously breached the teacher pupil boundary, abused her position of trust and failed to protect the safety and well-being of Pupil A", banning her from teaching for life. Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. TRA hearing outcome
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Teacher had sex with pupil at teen's family home
A teacher has been banned from the profession after admitting to a six-month sexual relationship with a pupil 25 years ago. Helen Flinders, 55, was working at St Joseph's School in Swindon when she kissed the student at another teacher's house following sports day, leading to regular sexual encounters at the student's house throughout 2000. The incident came to light in 2011 while Ms Flinders was employed at another school, from which she resigned a few months later. Wiltshire Police said no action was taken due to legislation at the time. More news stories for Wiltshire Listen to the latest news for Wiltshire Giving evidence at a professional conduct hearing, Ms Flinders said: "During July 2000, I went for a drink with Pupil A after sports day. "We then went to another teacher's house. I asked Pupil A for a kiss goodbye. He kissed me and it was consensual." She explained a "consensual sexual relationship" then began. The pupil said: "During the summer, my parents worked during the day and were out of the house, so they were not aware that our relationship had progressed to a sexual relationship." The pupil ended the relationship in December 2000. Ms Flinders left St Joseph's in March 2002 and started working as an art teacher at Churchfields school in September 2002. In 2011, the pupil was asked about the rumours of their relationship and confirmed it to someone whose relative worked as head of art at Churchfields School, leading to the police investigation. Ms Flinders resigned and did not return to teaching. A referral was made to the Teaching Regulation Agency in March 2022. The Abuse of Position of Trust legislation, making it an offence for anyone over 18 to have sexual intercourse with a younger person if they are in a position of trust over them, was not enacted until 8 January 2001. This was weeks after the sexual relationship ceased, so no further action was taken by the police. During the hearing, the pupil agreed the relationship was consensual, stating he never felt taken advantage of and did "not hold any bad feelings toward her". In a witness statement, Ms Flinders apologised to the pupil, adding: "I hope the process for him of reliving these events have not harmed him in any way. "I hope he can move forward in a positive light." The panel said she "seriously breached the teacher pupil boundary, abused her position of trust and failed to protect the safety and well-being of Pupil A", banning her from teaching for life. Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. TRA hearing outcome
Miami Herald
14-05-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
Metal detectorist caught trying to sell historic musket balls found in Australia
For more than a decade, an Australian metal detectorist searched and collected historical items on the country's east coast, including a national park. Now, government officials have been alerted to his discoveries after he tried to sell his finds — for tens of thousands of dollars. Officers with the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation were alerted to 52 items up for sale totalling $20,000 Australian dollars, or about $12,850 U.S. dollars, according to a May 6 news release from the office of Ariana Doolan, a member of Parliament from Pumicestone. The items included musket balls, a plum bob and a square copper nail, all considered historical items, according to the release. Some of the pieces had been found in Bribie Island National Park, officials said, and the metal detectorist had not reported the finds when they were made, violating the law. The pieces were confiscated, and historians were able to take a closer look. Andrew Powell, Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation, said the pieces date back to the end of the 18th century, and more specifically, the year 1799, according to the release. 'Based on historical records, the items may have belonged to Captain Matthew Flinders,' Powell said. 'Flinders was the first British explorer to enter Moreton Bay and spent two weeks in the area on HM sloop Norfolk in July 1799.' Powell and Doolan shared the finds in a May 6 Instagram video. The hand-wrought nail would have been used in construction and boat repair, according to the release. The plum bob, or a pointed weight, was attached to a string to find vertical lines. There was a total of 48 small lead shot musket balls and one decahedron metal ball that may have been used as a ship's ballast. According to historical records, when Flinders arrived at Skirmish Point on Bribie Island, he had initially peaceful interactions with the First Nation people, Powell said. However, after a misunderstanding possibly stemming from his hat, a spear was thrown which was then met by musketfire, luckily ending in no deaths, according to Powell. Later, Flinders interacted with the First Nations people again, this time giving them his shot belt that included musket balls, according to the release. The musket balls were found together near a midden by the metal detectorist, cultural heritage coordinator Anthony Simmons said in the release, meaning a member of the First Nations could have brought the shot belt there and then discarded it. 'Based on information contained in Flinders's diaries, it is plausible that the artefacts are associated with the incidents at Point Skirmish and White Patch,' Simmons said. 'If confirmed with peer-reviewed research, the artefacts could have intrinsic value as physical evidence of those historical events.' After an investigation, the metal detectorist was not charged with a crime, and was instead warned against unlawful removal of historical items, according to the release. The artifacts will be on display at the Queensland Museum. Bribie Island is on the central-east coast of Australia, about a 50-mile drive north from Brisbane.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
$20,000 discovery on Aussie island linked to brutal event 200 years ago
An Aussie man has been busted trying to sell $20,000 worth of historical items he found inside a national park. Authorities believe the avid metal detectorist collected 25 artefacts over 10 years, including musket balls that could date back to the 18th century. Queensland's department of environment (DETSI) was alerted to the illegal sale by a member of the public after the items were listed online. They had been collected on Moreton Bay's Bribie Island, which was the location of a skirmish between Indigenous people and the British in 1799. There was 'excitement' in the room when archaeologists and government officials examined the items this month to discuss new evidence the musket balls may once have been owned by British explorer Captain Matthew Flinders, who navigated his sea-faring ship HM Sloop Norfolk to Moreton Bay in 1799. State environment minister Andrew Powell described the revelation as 'kind of unreal'. Related: Item found among human skulls sheds new light on ancient civilisation '[Flinders] encountered First Nations people at Skirmish Point on Bribie Island and although initial interactions were peaceful, there was believed to be a misunderstanding over his hat that led to a spear being thrown and muskets being fired, though there were no fatalities,' Powell said. 'According to his notes, Flinders interacted with First Nations people on July 23 at White Patch and gave them his shot belt, and the musket balls may have been left in the area.' Because the balls were found close to a midden, a cultural site where food and waste were discarded, it's believed they may have been placed there by a First Nations person. 🤠 Ancient discovery near popular Aussie camping spot sparks delight 😯 Bizarre behaviour led to extinction of giant kangaroos 😢 Discovery at bottom of ancient well near outback town The items were seized in October, 2023 and then assessed by the state's cultural heritage branch. The appearance of the objects indicates all were forged between 1799 and the mid-1800s. They included a hand-wrought nail used in the construction and repair of boats, a rusted plumb bob weight used for surveying, and a decahedron metal ball which could have been used as ballast in a ship. Details of the haul were revealed in May this year, as the state government announced they would be considered for display at the Queensland Museum. Rather than prosecute the man responsible, authorities took the unusual step of using the matter to educate Aussies about the importance of safeguarding historical items. Under the Queensland Environment Act, there is a requirement to notify authorities about finds that could have significance to the state. Cultural heritage coordinator Dr Anthony Simmons explained it's important the excavation of historical items is overseen by experts from the department. 'If you don't have a very structured recovery of the artefacts, you lose a lot of information. And that information is important in terms of the context of the artefacts,' he said. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
