Victoria Archaeological Survey facts for kids
The Victoria Archaeological Survey (VAS) was an important government group in Victoria, Australia. It helped find and protect old places and items, especially those related to Aboriginal heritage. It also looked after historical sites and things found underwater (maritime archaeology).
The story of the VAS began in 1972. The Victorian government created the Archaeological and Aboriginal Relics Office. This office was set up under a new law called the Archaeological and Aboriginal Relics Preservation Act 1972. One of its first big jobs was to make a list of all the important archaeological sites in Victoria. This list is still used today as the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register.
When it first started, the office had a small team. This included a State Archaeologist, other archaeologists, a geologist, and people to help in the field and with office work.
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How the VAS Grew and Changed
In 1975, the Relics Office moved to a new government department called the Ministry for Conservation. At this time, its name changed to the Victoria Archaeological Survey (VAS). The old title "Protector of Relics" was removed because it sounded too much like an older, less positive role.
The VAS moved departments again in 1983, this time to the Ministry for Planning and Environment. For a short time in 1990, the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs was in charge of state archaeology. But soon after, this responsibility moved to the Minister for Conservation and Environment.
The VAS also started looking after maritime archaeology (old shipwrecks and underwater sites) and historic archaeology (sites from more recent history). This happened after a court decided that "archaeological relics" could also include historic items.
Leading the Way in Archaeology
Peter Coutts was the first director of the VAS. Under his leadership, the VAS produced more than 60 publications. These included many reports from large surveys and excavations.
One of the most exciting things the VAS did was create 'Summer Schools in Archaeology'. These schools allowed students and anyone interested to join real archaeological surveys and digs. They were held from the mid-1970s until about 1980.
These summer schools worked on many interesting projects, such as:
- Surveys and digs at Aboriginal sites in Yambuk (1976-77).
- Work at Kulki-Kulki near Swan Hill (1977).
- Projects at the famous Keilor (1977-78).
- Surveys in Hattah Kulkyn National Park, Nyah Forest, and Mallacoota.
- Excavations at the first European settlement site at Corinella.
Later Changes and New Laws
In February 1992, the VAS moved again. It went back under the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and changed its name once more. It became the Heritage Services Branch of Aboriginal Affairs Victoria.
In 1993, the different types of archaeology were split up. Maritime archaeology and historical archaeology became the responsibility of the Department of Planning. This separation was made official in the Heritage Act 1995. This law included rules for protecting these different types of archaeological places.
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