Storms and strong winds have uncovered Aboriginal cultural sites at Boral Limited's Stockton Quarry, located in a buffer zone between its operational pit and the neighbouring Worimi Conservation Lands.
The quarry has supplied sand to construction, landscaping and building industries across the Hunter, Port Stephens and parts of Sydney for nearly 30 years.
The exposed sites include stone artefacts, shell middens, artefact scatters and bone fragments.
With more than 200,000 people visiting the area each year, immediate action was taken to protect the sites.
Chair of the Worimi Conservation Lands Board of Management, Jamie Tarrant, said the land on which Boral operates forms part of a broader cultural story.
"The WCL Board along with the Worimi Traditional Owners want to ensure that the Board's vision of protect, respect and connect with country ensures that the protection of culture is always at the forefront of what we do," he said.
"Recent storms and closure only amplify our need to work together to protect and manage this culturally significant country."
Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Mr Andrew Smith said collaboration is key to protecting Aboriginal heritage.
"By working together and collaborating 'as one' - Wakulda - only then can we truly appreciate the invaluable local knowledge and history, necessary to provide protection of the first culture and the original heritage of the land on which Boral operates, Worimi Barray."
Boral's Stockton Quarry team worked with the Worimi Traditional Custodians, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and other stakeholders to record, photograph and repatriate the sites.
Quarry Manager Mr Rod Johnson said the team is focused on safeguarding the area through a careful and structured approach.
"Strict controls are in place to limit machinery movement and monitor for further exposure after storms or high winds," Mr Johnson said.
"This isn't just about what we dig from the ground.
"It's about what we honour in the ground and we're proud to play a role in protecting that history."
More than 300 metres of bunting and posts have been installed, daily inspections are being carried out, and regular toolbox talks are keeping staff and contractors informed.
Last year, Boral launched its Innovate Bula Reconciliation Action Plan 2024–2026, which includes commitments to building stronger relationships with local Aboriginal communities.
"Our vision for reconciliation is for all our people to respect and embrace the proud heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures, and actively promote opportunities and respectful relationships to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities to achieve an equitable future," Boral states in their RAP plan.
