A company holding exclusive salvage rights to the Titanic wreck wants to auction more than 100 recovered artefacts, but the United States government is challenging the plan in court. The rights were granted in 1994 on condition that the collection be kept together for study and public display. In March, a Virginia court heard the proposal, and the dispute has since moved through the courts. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration argues that a sale would breach the company's obligations, while historians and archaeologists have also objected.
Archaeologists working at Juukan Gorge in the West Australian Pilbara have collected 50,000 artefacts from the site. The team, led by Michael Slack, says Aboriginal people have occupied the site for more than 50,000 years. The rock shelter was destroyed in a mining blast by Rio Tinto in 2020, prompting international condemnation. Traditional owners say the finds strengthen their connection to the place and help them heal. The PKKP plans to reconstruct the rock shelter, which is unlikely to become a tourist attraction.
Artefacts used by First Nations people about 9,000 years ago have been found beneath the sea at Murujuga in north-western Australia. The land was submerged after the items were used. Researchers worked with Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation rangers to locate and document the findings. They range from simple tools to a freshwater spring that rangers say is still sung about in song lines today. Indigenous Senior Ranger Richard Variakojis says the discovery shows how long First Nations people have used the land.
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A community bank has given $5,000 to volunteers at Fagan Park to buy and install showcases for the historical artefacts held in the homestead room. The showcases will protect fragile objects while letting visitors see them clearly. Bank staff say they back local projects that protect the area's history and improve shared spaces. The branch said it is proud to work with The Friends of Fagan Park. It added that it can reinvest profits in the town because customers keep banking with it.
