BENEATH the site of Bendigo\u2019s GovHub construction site lay sixty-seven thousand artefacts dating back to the 1850s.<\/p>\n
Plates, pipes and even a pistol were among the findings of one of the largest historical excavations in regional Victoria.<\/p>\n
Senior project manager Zak Jones said the pieces were found in excellent condition for their age.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is surprising, there is a really good level of preservation,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The finds give archaeologists a glimpse into the lives of those who lived and worked at what was once the centre of the city.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can use these and analyse these to really start detailing the practices of people, how they lived, what they possessed, how they used the land,\u201d Mr Jones said.<\/p>\n
Before any artefacts could be displayed to the public, they must be analysed by Heritage Victoria and senior archaeologist Paul Pepdjonovic is looking forward to uncovering stories of the gold rush era.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s been really interesting and exciting is the realisation that we can convey meaningful stories about the past community to the present Bendigo community,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The search isn\u2019t over though, and Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards said further discoveries are yet to come.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s just the start, there\u2019s still a few more weeks to go yet to uncover even more artefacts.\u201d<\/p>\n
Construction on the new $90 million GovHub will begin after two final weeks of archaeological digging, and the project is on track for completion in late 2022.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
BENEATH the site of Bendigo\u2019s GovHub construction site lay sixty-seven thousand artefacts dating back to the 1850s. Plates, pipes and even a pistol were among the findings of one of the largest historical excavations in regional Victoria. Senior project manager Zak Jones said the pieces were found in excellent condition for their age. \u201cIt is […]<\/p>\n