Archaeological dig hopes to uncover relics from the birthplace of Australian agriculture
Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald (right) and Minister for Regional Development Phil Costa at the dig site.
An archaeological test excavation is underway at Belgenny Farm at Camden on Sydney’s outskirts this week, which could uncover significant relics, Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald said today.
The week-long dig is underway at the site of the ‘small miserable hut’, which is thought to be the first building the Macarthur family called home.
"John and Elizabeth Macarthur are generally regarded as Australia’s first farmers, they were pioneers of agriculture in this country and they settled on land at Camden Estate in 1810," Minister Macdonald said.
"The Macarthur’s established Merino wool production, wheat growing, dairying, horticulture, and the first commercial vineyard and winery in Australia, so this dig is incredibly important to the history of Australian agriculture.
"The excavation will help identify the original hut site, or alternatively show how this hut grew into the cottage or residence mentioned in historical reports in 1815 and 1818.
"By purchasing some of this land and caring for its historical building and surrounds, the NSW Government through the Department of Primary Industries has been able to preserve an important chapter in our agricultural history.
"Sydney-based archaeological Ted Higginbotham will lead a team of qualified archaeologists as well as school students and local community volunteers in the dig."
NSW Department of Primary Industries (formerly NSW Agriculture) acquired 1,583 hectares of Camden Estate in 1984, leaving Camden House and grounds in the hands of the Macarthur family.
From left: Brenda Woods (Trustee of Belgenny Farm) , Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald, and Lyndal Bruce (Assistant Event Co-Ordinator).
DPI established the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI) on the land and also conserved historic Belgenny Farm, which includes Australia’s most authentic Georgian farm complex. It is managed by the Belgenny Farm Trust.
"The next exciting chapter in this effort, which is being led by the Trust, is to extend the educational and community program to include the site of the ‘hut’," Mr Macdonald said.
"The Trust has commissioned the current excavation program with my full support, and the excavation permit was approved by the NSW Heritage Office earlier this year."
Minister for Regional Development and Member for Wollondilly, Phillip Costa, said the excavation is a great opportunity to uncover the area’s rich agricultural past.
"Local school students are being included to further explore the historical significance of the site, with visits planned both during and after the excavation," Mr Costa said.
"Community involvement is also being facilitated through the ‘Friends of Belgenny’ group."
Media note: Minister Macdonald will tour the site at 12.30pm today, 10 September.