Community Archaeology as collaboration and critique

This paper outlines a collaborative project which focusses on the origins of multiculturalism in colonial Australia. It is based on a case study in Burra, South Australia, the place where the Australian ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance (the Burra Charter) was first developed. The project extends an existing collaboration between Flinders University (FUSA) and a range of government and community organisations. It arises from a unique disciplinary combination of archaeological and cultural tourism within the School of Cultural Studies at FUSA.

Community needs and the development of public interpretation will form an important focus. It is hoped that the project will provide a model for best practice in integrating the heritage research needs of university, business, industry and community organisations as well as Local, State and Federal Governments. The model should have national and international applicability. The project will contribute to the quality of Australian culture through expanding public understandings of the inherent complexities of our colonial heritage and contemporary identities.