Cultural mapping involves the identification, documentation and protection of heritage sites in consultation with local communities.
It’s this kind of work that makes us mediators and interpreters of complex community-wide heritage conversations.
Our recent projects in this area include comprehensive cultural mapping exercises for shires in country Victoria.
RBA was commissioned by the Department of Planning and Community Development (Traralgon Office) to undertake a review of the existing heritage-listed places in this remote location, which remains accessible only by boat.
Towong Shire, in the north-east corner of Victoria, is an area particularly rich in sites related to squatting, selection and mining, and its relative isolation has brought about a unique history.
RBA has been commissioned by the Shire of Strathbogie to identify and assess significant sites in this central Victorian shire, as many heritage sites are currently without protection.
Cultural mappers have a responsibility to consult all stakeholders and be hospitable to alternative views, recognising that mapping outcomes may inevitably privilege some and marginalise or exclude others; hence mappings may be contested and changing and can be seen as in continuous dialogue with a community and its history.
Source: Cultural Mapping Principle 7; ASEAN-COCI AusHeritage Cultural Mapping Handbook Project