Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 6:25 PM AWST

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Survey and report on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural sites

Survey and report on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural sites

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCCSW501
State Code
OFB89
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
24/01/2023
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
09/06/2023
Field of Education
090311 - Indigenous Studies
Original Release Date
09/06/2023
Nominal Hours
160
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to survey and report on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural sites. This unit applies to those working in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Communities and on Country in cultural landscapes and with cultural sites and objects. The unit applies to working with lore/law men and women either as an autonomous sites worker or under the appropriate supervision and Cultural Authority of Traditional Owners or Elders for specific Country; it is also applicable to the work of repatriation workers and anthropologists. On Country refers to the land, sea and waterways. An explanation of the differences between lore and law and why both are important is available in the Implementation Guide.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify, communicate and consult with key stakeholders
  • 1.1 Work with Cultural Authorities to identify appropriate persons within Communities who hold cultural knowledge
  • 1.2 Develop and implement communication and consultation systems that place cultural protocols and values at the forefront
  • 1.3 Confirm traditional ownership of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural sites, material and objects with supervisor
  • 1.4 Engage with stakeholders to address concerns and interests
  • 1.5 Ensure approvals and permissions are obtained from relevant Traditional Owners for cultural sites access and work to be undertaken
  • 1.6 Complete required submissions for conducting cultural sites surveys
  • 1.7 Scope and document client needs for deliverables in a formal sites survey report
  • 1.8 Manage planning and assessment processes, according to the Burra Charter process and other existing industry guidelines and legislation
2. Manage collection of initial sites data
  • 2.1 Identify and acquire required resources
  • 2.2 Source and verify sites plans and maps, including topographical maps
  • 2.3 Prepare a base plan of the sites
  • 2.4 Undertake sites orientation and define and verify location, geographic and operational boundaries
  • 2.5 Identify and record current land use and environmental problems and threats
  • 2.6 Identify and record covenants that could affect the sites or report
  • 2.7 Ascertain climate and weather conditions from historical data
3. Compile a sites inventory
  • 3.1 Categorise and record sites context, location and sites information data
  • 3.2 Categorise and record features data
  • 3.3 Identify and record cultural material, objects, properties and relevant physical characteristics on sites inventory according to archaeological or scientific protocols
  • 3.4 Undertake relevant field research in accordance with safe work policies and procedures
  • 3.5 Implement appropriate techniques and tools and relevant archaeological practices and procedures
  • 3.6 Locate structural elements and confirm existing services and facilities
  • 3.7 Record the presence, location and/or extent of other relevant sites constraints
  • 3.8 Develop limits of acceptable change in the forms of deterioration and damage to the places of cultural significance to legislative and organisational requirements
4. Review, assess and record sites data
  • 4.1 Engage relevant expertise and consultant services when required
  • 4.2 Conduct an assessment of cultural significance
  • 4.3 Document a statement of cultural significance
5. Determine the impact of threats to the sites
  • 5.1 Identify threats to culturally significant places, both external and internal to the area under consideration
  • 5.2 Undertake a risk assessment of all threats to determine potential impact on sites and associated cultural landscape
  • 5.3 Develop and implement risk management strategies and protection/conservation measures to control risks
  • 5.4 Develop and document a risk management report that incorporates an impact analysis
  • 5.5 Document policy changes required to address the threats
6. Document a sites survey report
  • 6.1 Document sites information into a sites assessment report or sites survey report
  • 6.2 Incorporate all relevant data from the sites assessment into assessment report in line with client needs and the requirements of relevant legislation and regulations
  • 6.3 Provide and record specific recommendations for remedial action of sites conservation and mitigation of sites problems
  • 6.4 Formulate and document recommendations for appropriate risk controls of sites hazards
  • 6.5 Store and maintain survey and assessment data as part of professional practice
  • 6.6 Inform and advise client-stakeholder of the content and implications of the report, and present a copy
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BAP69 AHCASW501 Survey and report on Aboriginal cultural sites Unit of competency