Projects
Archaeological Studies – Our Past Projects
Matrix has extensive experience in conducting a wide range of archaeological and heritage studies for both public and
private sector clients.
Key projects include:
● Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMPs)
● Eureka Heritage Precinct
● 19-37 A'Beckett Street, Melbourne
● Carlton Gardens
Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMPs)
A CHMP is a report required by the Aboriginal Heritage Act
2006 and the Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2007 for certain development works in culturally sensitive landforms. CHMPs comprise a desktop assessment, and - if required - field investigations; they also include management requirements and contingency plans, which enable development to proceed following approval by the appropriate statutory authority.
Matrix has successfully completed CHMPs in both rural and urban areas throughout Victoria, in support of a range of subdivision, redevelopment, infrastructure, and civil works. Our senior staff are recognised by Aboriginal Victoria as being appropriately qualified and experienced to act as heritage advisors under the Aboriginal Heritage Act
2006.
Eureka Heritage Precinct
Matrix conducted archaeological investigations at the Eureka Heritage Precinct as part of the City of Ballarat’s redevelopment of the site, which is one of only a few nationally-significant cultural heritage sites listed for its archaeological values.
Numerous mining-era features - shafts, pits, water races, and postholes - were uncovered during the archaeological works. Many of the mine shafts and pits contained a large number of artefacts, including: bottles, tableware items, mining-related tools and equipment, footwear, and weaponry.
19-37 A’Beckett Street, Melbourne CBD
Matrix conducted the archaeological works associated with the redevelopment of 19-37 A'Beckett Street, Melbourne. The project area was consistently occupied from 1854 by a wide range of individuals, many of whom raised families at the site while running light industrial enterprises from the same location.
Our excavations revealed well-preserved architectural remains, metal-working complexes, cesspits, and occupation deposits dating to the earliest phases of European settlement. Notable finds include: off-cuts associated with industrial activities, firearm cartridges, sewing equipment, and children's toys.
Carlton Gardens
Matrix has undertaken several phases of archaeological investigations at the world heritage-listed Carlton Gardens, as part of the City of Melbourne's plan to reinstate a number of Exhibition-era (1880/1888) garden and footpath features.
We identified three different phases of historical garden design, uncovered new information regarding the fabric and alignment of the Exhibition-era footpaths, and found evidence of the RAAF’s use of the Exhibition Building as a training facility and barracks during WWII.
