The National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 allows the transfer of Aboriginal objects to an Aboriginal person or an organisation representing Aboriginal people through care agreements.
We assess applications for the transfer of Aboriginal objects for safekeeping.
A care agreement enables Aboriginal communities to care for Aboriginal objects that have been excavated, disturbed or moved. It is an agreement between 2 parties – the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and the person or organisation asking for Aboriginal objects to be transferred to them. The care agreement document sets out the obligations of both parties. The transferred Aboriginal object(s) are not owned, they are handed over for long-term safekeeping.
If you apply to be a custodian of Aboriginal objects that are subject to an Aboriginal heritage impact permit, or an application for one, discuss the management of the objects directly with the Aboriginal parties registered for that Aboriginal heritage impact permit.
The National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 also allows the Australian Museum to have custody of certain Aboriginal objects. Refer to the Australian Museum’s Australian Archaeology webpage for more information.
How to apply
1. Complete the Application for the transfer of Aboriginal objects for safekeeping form (DOC 70KB).
2. Collate your essential documents
- application form
- evidence of Aboriginal community consultation
- location and details of long-term storage arrangement
- inventory of objects proposed to be transferred.
3. Lodge your application form and supporting documents by email: heritagemailbox@environment.nsw.gov.au.
You can submit files that exceed email limits using Dropbox. Share the Dropbox link with: heritagemailbox@environment.nsw.gov.au.
Hard copies of documents are not required.
There is no fee for this application.