Mudgegonga rock shelter facts for kids

The Mudgegonga rock shelter is a large rock overhang, which is like a big natural cave or a cliff that sticks out. It holds more than 400 ancient Aboriginal wall paintings and stencils. This special place is in north-eastern Victoria, close to the town of Mudgegonga. It shows that Aboriginal people lived in this area at least 3,500 years ago, and maybe even much earlier. Many people say it's one of the most important rock art sites in all of Victoria.

What is the Mudgegonga Rock Shelter?

The Mudgegonga rock shelter is a natural rock formation. It offered shelter to people for thousands of years. Inside, you can find many amazing artworks. These artworks were made by Aboriginal people long ago.

Ancient Artworks and Materials

The paintings at the shelter are made using natural materials. These include ochre and pipeclay. Ochre is a type of natural earth pigment. It comes in colors like red, yellow, and brown. Pipeclay is a white clay. These materials were used to create beautiful and lasting art on the rock walls.

One very special painting found here is of a potoroo. A potoroo is a small marsupial, a bit like a tiny kangaroo. This is the only known painting of a potoroo in all of Victoria. This makes the site even more unique.

Discovering the Past: Artefacts

Underneath the rock shelter, archaeologists found many artefacts. Artefacts are objects made or used by people in the past. These objects were mostly made of quartz, a common mineral.

In the 1980s, experts from La Trobe University studied these artefacts. Their work helped us learn more about the people who lived there. It showed how they used tools and lived their daily lives thousands of years ago.

Protecting the Site

The Mudgegonga rock shelter is a very important cultural site. Because of its age and the art it holds, it needs to be protected. Sometimes, plans are made to help keep the site safe. These plans are called conservation works.

Working Together for Heritage

In the past, there was a discussion about how to best protect the site. Different Aboriginal groups have a connection to the land. They want to make sure their heritage is cared for properly.

Gary Murray, who was a leader of the Dhudhuroa Native Title Group, raised concerns. A Native Title Group represents Aboriginal people who have traditional rights to land. Mr. Murray wanted to make sure that any work done at the site was respectful. He asked the government to help protect the site. He wanted to ensure that decisions about the site were made correctly. This shows how important it is for everyone to work together to protect special places like the Mudgegonga rock shelter.