Artefacts from Parramatta Square development returned to Dharug Traditional Custodians in NSW first
July 16, 2025
News & Insights
Artefacts uncovered by Dharug Traditional Owners and Niche archaeologists during archaeological excavation works for the re-development of Parramatta Square have been returned to the local Dharug Traditional Custodians, an important step for respecting and celebrating the First Peoples cultural heritage significance of the area.
Niche and the City of Parramatta recently held an intimate event to commemorate the return of the excavated artefacts to the Dharug Keeping Place, a new cultural facility at PHIVE in Parramatta Square. The Keeping Place, the first of its kind for a council in NSW, enables Dharug cultural material and knowledge to be conserved on Country and accessible to the Dharug community for generations to come.
Representatives from Niche that worked on the Parramatta Square development project joined representatives from the City of Parramatta and a representative from the Baramadagal Clan of the Dharug Nation to view and share stories about the artefacts that are now stored at the Keeping Place.
Event to commemorate the return of the excavated artefacts to the Dharug Keeping Place
Artefacts from Parramatta Square development returned to Dharug Traditional Custodians
Niche completed archaeological assessments and test and salvage excavations with Dharug Traditional Owners from 2017 through to 2023. Artefacts identified included flakes and cores showing that Baramadagal People were making stone artefacts on the site many thousands of years ago. The results of the archaeological assessment tell us that the Parramatta Square location, with its proximity to Parramatta River, was an important meeting place for Dharug People, including during the early European colony, and continues to be so today with the Keeping Place.
Heidi Duncan, Baramadagal representative, commented on the artefact return:
“The return of these artefacts from Niche to Dharug Keeping Place is very important for Baramadagal mob and the broader Dharug Nation. They ensure the continuation of the stories, connections to country and set precedents for continued relationships, and for future generations the opportunity to visit our cultural heritage items on Country where they belong.”
Heidi Duncan, Baramadagal representative, speaking at the event
Karen Maber, City of Parramatta representative and Dharug Keeping Place Officer, commented:
“Dharug cultural material belongs on Dharug Country. Ensuring that archaeological material is safely preserved and accessible in the heart of Baramadagal Country provides a pathway to sharing, learning and healing. Having cultural material back in the hands of Dharug people ensures that the past is both honoured and brought to life through the continuation of Dharug stories.”
Karen Maber, City of Parramatta representative and Dharug Keeping Place Officer, speaking at the event
Jamie Reeves, Founding Partner at Niche, commented:
“It was a privilege to work on this project at the time, learning just how significant the area was for the Dharug People as a meeting place across so many generations. Now it is an even greater privilege to be part of returning the artefacts we uncovered to the Dharug Keeping Place. It is humbling and meaningful to see our work playing a role in community engagement and reconciliation.”
Jamie Reeves, Niche Founding Partner, and Heidi Duncan, Baramadagal representative, at the event
Niche works with developers, companies, governments and Traditional Custodian groups across the east coast of Australia to respectfully support the management of cultural heritage.
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