Discovering underwater archaeology and meeting with the Indian High Commissioner

The Governor welcomed His Excellency Mr Manpreet Vohra, High Commissioner for India, and his wife Mrs Naseem Vohra on their first official visit to Western Australia. After a short tour of Government House, the three swapped stories of shared cultural ties, including early trade and military service in Gallipoli. The conversation soon turned to more official business, exploring exciting opportunities for Australia-India relations for the future – allowing a deeper discussion following the previous day’s report launch, “An investment-led strategy for building Australia-India economic relations”.

Under the sea discoveries

Mr Jock Clough, UWA Oceans Institute and Ms Jo McDonald, Centre for Rock Art Research and Management.

Members of the University of WA (UWA) faculty and research team visited Government House today. Dr Mick O’Leary Senior Lecturer of the School of Earth Sciences and Geomorphologist from Reef Ecology & Island Futures, Professor Jo McDonald Director of the Centre for Rock Art Research and Management, Mr Jock Clough Chairman External Advisory Board for UWA Oceans Institute, Professor of Archaeology Peter Veth and researcher Dr Emma Beckett of Centre for Rock Art Research and Management met with the Governor to share their underwater geological and archaeological discovery projects off the North-West coast of Western Australia, including the first offshore underwater Indigenous archaeology project.

Professor Peter Veth on an underwater ‘dig’.

In 2021, the team began research dubbed “Dating the Dreaming”, aiming to produce data of national scientific and social significance that will assist in the understanding of the nature of Aboriginal settlement in North Western Australia and the role that rock art played in the process. This project aims to cement Australia as a world leader in rock art analysis and dating.

The Governor noted how important their work has been in better understanding the significance and breadth of Western Australian Indigenous history.

 

View all Articles