SIX ancient and culturally significant Aboriginal rock-art sites have been the focus of conservation works this month in the Grampians National Park.
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A team comprising Parks Victoria rangers and representatives of Jardwadjali and Djab Wurrung Aboriginal peoples, the Office of Aboriginal Affairs Victoria (OAAV) and a rock-art conservation specialist visited the sites to help protect the rock art.
Parks Victoria Area Chief Ranger, David Roberts said Gariwerd is a rich cultural landscape that is significant to descendants of the Jardwadjali and Djab Wurrung people, with the oldest occupied site being dated to 22, 000 years ago.
"Eighty percent of Victoria's rock-art is protected within the Grampians National Park which includes more than 100 registered rock-art sites," Mr Roberts said.
Rock-art sites throughout the park feature many different motifs that were drawn using red and white ochre, including emu and kangaroo footprints, human figures, hand stencils and prints. The conservation work at the six sites included addressing issues such as graffiti, salt decay, water run-off, rock exfoliation, nearby vegetation and scats left by spiders.
"The recent works were part of an ongoing program that involves recording, assessing and conserving these important sites. This requires a lot of careful planning and a range of expertise. The partnership between Parks Victoria, Traditional Owners, OAAV and conservation specialists is essential."
Although more than 100 rock-art sites have been recorded within the Grampians, an unknown number remain hidden. Sites are often rediscovered by rock-climbers, bushwalkers and local residents who then inform Parks Victoria rangers.
Following the bushfires in the Grampians National Park in 2013 and 2014, ten sites were rediscovered after being exposed by the fires.