ARCHAELOGICAL OPEN DAY AT YOUNG HIGH SCHOOL
Monday, 6 December 2021
Students and community members are invited to a heritage open day to see the archaeological investigations that have taken place on the Young Library project. The heritage day will take place on Wednesday, 8 December.
Work on the new library was paused in February when an old rubbish pit and an intact glass bottle were uncovered during archaeological salvage works on the site. After consultation with Heritage NSW, the Department of Industry, Planning and Environment (DPIE) has now given permission to restart the salvage works which recommenced in September.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said that whilst the important salvage work interrupted the new library works, the rest of the project has progressed.
“This is a great opportunity for the community to see the new facilities that have been completed at the high school as well as artefacts which will be displayed for the community to view.”
“I know that the community is very interested in the recovery of any artefacts at the site, and we are now welcoming the community to an open day at Young High School,” Ms Cooke said.
The salvage works have recovered and processed over 4000 historical artefacts so far, with most dating from the 19th century including fragments of glass and ceramics, buttons from police uniforms, pen nibs, a piece of an animal rib bone (likely from a sheep) with a hand-carved floral design, and firearms-related artefacts (including projectiles fired). Some of these are believed to be associated with the Lambing Flat riots.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said this joint use library will provide the community with modern learning facility which the community will be able to access.
“This is such an exciting project for the Young area that will provide much needed community and educational facilities and benefit the local community for years to come,” Ms Mitchell said.
“I’m delighted the NSW Government is investing in regional education.”
The project will deliver a joint use library, which is funded under a partnership between Hilltops Council and the NSW Department of Education.
Find out more at an open day at Young High School and register here: http://edu.nsw.link/CYA62G
