BY ALEXANDRA REES
Archaeological excavation have launched at Newcastle's Cathedral Park this week, ahead of a planned revitalization.
The site behind Christ Church Cathedral is the resting place for more than 3,000 European settlers, as well as an Aboriginal camping ground prior to settlement.
It's considered a real possibility the excavation could unearth objects of Indigenous history including burial cuts and tombstone fragments.
Newcastle Council Regulatory Planning and Assessment Manager Michelle Bisson says the heritage of the site is absolutely essential to both protect and conserve.
"The site is being managed to work through the Aboriginal and historical archeological test excavations with regard to the history of the site," she said.
"It was one of our oldest cemeteries and prior to that it was an Aboriginal camp ground for thousands of years."
Council has been carrying out a number of improvement projects, as part of a masterplan to transform Cathedral Park into a showpiece destination for the city.
Ms Bisson says she's looking forward to the final product.
"It's an iconic part of Newcastle," she said.
"It will be amazing when it's finished for people to be able to appreciate the site and the extensive heritage Newcastle has."
