An 8,000-year-old piece of Indigenous history uncovered during excavations for the Prince of Wales Hospital has been carefully preserved and is on display to the public outside Randwick's Acute Services Building.
La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Chris Ingrey said he was proud to have been involved in curation of the hearth stones display, after his father was part of the original excavations.
"During the build of the new hospital, we worked closely with Health Infrastructure and others involved in the project to ensure our people's heritage was embedded and promoted, in a way that all Australians would appreciate," Mr Ingrey said.
To ensure the hearthstones remain a lasting legacy, they are protected from the elements under a reinforced glass dome after being dehydrated for close to 12 months in a deep freeze. The seals on the base and the dome have been detailed to enable minimal moisture and air flow, to protect the stones for decades to come.
NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said the stones were discovered on the traditional lands of the Bidjigal people of the Dharawal Nation, evidence Aboriginal people were living in the area for thousands of generations.
"These stones symbolise welcoming, healing and shared knowledge and are important in recognising the strong connection to land of the Aboriginal communities who first occupied the area," Mr Harris said.
"These Aboriginal artefacts – which have been carefully preserved – honour and pay tribute to the Bidjigal people on whose lands this hospital is built.
"Earning the trust and permission to return the stones to the site in this way was extremely significant and the custodianship of these important artefacts is an absolute privilege."
The Minister said that all who visit will now be able to "gain a deeper understanding of the Aboriginal history of the area, which is extremely special for ongoing recognition".
Local MP Dr Marjorie O'Neill said the display is a "beautiful homage" to the Traditional Owners of the land.
"I'm so pleased that throughout this process these important artefacts have been treated with the utmost respect and care," she said.
The La Perouse Aboriginal Community has a proud and globally significant history as the oldest discrete Aboriginal Community in Sydney.
Recognising the significance of the community's continued connection to Country, the Randwick Campus Redevelopment team partnered with the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council and Gujaga Foundation to return the stones to the site.
Prince of Wales Hospital general manager Jennie Barry said the partnership was essential in ensuring the preservation of the stones and the enduring recognition for generations to come.
"The beautifully curated display features local Aboriginal language and tells the story of their traditional use, while also providing a space for staff, patients and hospital visitors to engage, learn, experience and reflect on the cultural heritage of the site," Ms Barry said.
