On behalf of GPT RE Ltd, AMAC Group carried out a major archaeological investigation in the heart of Parramatta. Test and full excavation took place between 2018-2020 to investigate the site's Historical Archaeology, Aboriginal Archaeology, geomorphology and palynology.
The remains of two convict era timber buildings were discovered, along with three 1860s terraces and an 1840s house. The yards for those buildings contained wells, cess pits, a stable or shed, a c.1830s rubbish pit and a dog burial. The data from that excavation has now become site records, images and plans of over 3000 recorded archaeological units and over 30,000 artefacts which will contribute to forthcoming site interpretation.
The Final Report for the historical archaeology portion of the project, link below, synthesised the stratigraphic results from test and full salvage excavation. The report is illustrated with multi-phase site plans based on photogrammetry models - a highly accurate and efficient method of site recording. The Research Design includes extensive intra and inter-site analysis of the site’s assemblage matched with archaeological data collected since the 1980s. The artefact assemblage ranges from the 1790s convict period to the late 19th century and advances the ongoing analysis of Parramatta's post-colonial settlement in a testable way. New research and analysis in the final report have made significant advances in the study of convicts, colonial pottery and the huts built for or by convicts.
Lee Wharf in Newcastle has undergone significant redevelopment in the recent past and AMAC Group were integral to managing the archaeological resource of the area. Broadly the sites included the mid-19th century 'Bishop's Settlement' of Honeysuckle Point, a portion of the railyards for the Great Northern Railway and the buried steam tug boat - the Leo. Final Archaeological Reports from those excavations have now been released to the public.
Lee Wharf Project Stage 3a, Honeysuckle Precinct, Newcastle Volume 1
Lee Wharf Project Stage 3a, Honeysuckle Precinct, Newcastle Volume 2
Lee Wharf Development: Square-about and Lot 24, Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle
Lee Wharf - Newcastle
Director Martin Carney and AMAC Group were invited to participate in the 2009 'Breaking the Shackles' Exhibition held by the Parramatta Heritage and Information Centre. Curated by Gay Hendrikson, the exhibition showcased the 18th and 19th century archaeology of Parramatta.
AMAC Group presented results from three key archaeological sites in Parramatta: Miller's Cordial Factory, Woolcott's Chemist from 41-47 George Street and The Duke of Wellington Inn at the corner of Church Street and Victoria Road. The archaeology of those sites was examined with regards to their relationship to the early beverage trade and other industries in Parramatta. Evidence for the manufacture and vending of beverages by former convict ginger beer brewers and Inn keepers at these sites was also identified. Additionally the life and work of William Burgin, jeweler, photographer and publican, and his family was viewed through archaeological remains.
AMAC Group's 'Breaking the Shackles' research document can be found here.
Several libraries host the exhibition book and AMAC Group's research:
'Breaking the Shackles' - AMAC Group and Martin Carney
'Breaking the Shackles : Historical lives in Parramatta's Archaeological Landscape'
AMAC Group has completed several projects for the New South Wales state government including Transport for NSW, NSW Department of Commerce, Hunter - New England Health, Roads and Traffic Authority and Roads and Maritime Services. Below is an example of a Baseline Assessment and Statement of Heritage Impact completed for Transport NSW, please see page 51 of the pdf.
New South Wales Government
NSW Archaeology Online is a sustainable digital archive of information about the archaeology and heritage of important cultural places in New South Wales.
NSWAOL hosts archaeological reports by AMAC Group.
University of Newcastle engaged AMAC Group to manage both the Aboriginal and Historical archaeological resource at their NeW Space education precinct in the heart of Newcastle. The project and its findings were published in several volumes:
Archaeological Assessment
Aboriginal Archaeology Final Report
And the three volume Historical Archaeology Final Report
Several AMAC Group studies are also hosted by The University of Newcastle’s Coal River Working Party. Coal River is an academic historical research group, formed in 2003 by Professor Erik Eklund, dedicated to the investigation and preservation of early Newcastle.
s140 Final Archaeological Report (June 2012) Kirkwood House, James Fletcher Hospital, 15 Church Street, Newcastle, Volume 1: for NSW Department of Commerce Newcastle & Hunter – New England Health
University of Newcastle
AMAC Group has an extensive history of working with local councils across NSW to research, assess and excavate sites of local and state significance.
Baseline Archaeological Assessment (February 2012) Maitland Technical College, High Street, Maitland: for Carste Studio on behalf Maitland City Council
Local Government