Modification History
Release |
TP Version |
Comments |
1 |
AHC10v5 |
Initial release |
Unit Descriptor
This unit covers the surveying and reporting of Aboriginal cultural sites.
Application of the Unit
This unit applies to those working in Aboriginal 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 supervision and cultural authority of Traditional Owner/s and/or Elder/s for specific Country and is also applicable to the work of repatriation workers and anthropologists. This unit applies to all Aboriginal-sites workers. Cultural beliefs and practices vary across locations and communities however and in some situations non-Aboriginal learners may not be able to access the cultural knowledge and/or materials required to achieve competency in this unit. This applies when restrictions are applied to non-Aboriginal people gaining access to cultural knowledge, material or sites. In these situations the Registered Training Organisation will have to make alternative arrangements for learners that are still consistent with the delivery and assessment requirements for this unit.
Licensing/Regulatory Information
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Pre-Requisites
AHCILM306A Follow Aboriginal cultural protocols
Employability Skills Information
This unit contains employability skills.
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Identify, communicate and consult with key stakeholders |
1.1 The identification by cultural authorities of appropriate persons within communities who hold cultural knowledge relevant to determining the cultural significance of Aboriginal places and heritage is applied 1.2 Communication and consultation methodologies that place Aboriginal cultural protocols and values at the forefront and accommodate stakeholder concerns and interests are developed and implemented 1.3 Traditional ownership of Aboriginal sites , cultural material , and objects is confirmed 1.4 Approval is obtained from relevant Traditional Owners and Cultural managers for work to be carried out and for access to the Aboriginal site for the specific persons who will conduct work 1.5 Working relationships with key stakeholders that assist in the management of culturally significant places are developed 1.6 Client needs for deliverables required in a formal Sites survey report are scoped and documented 1.7 Research on the Burra Charter process and on other existing industry guidelines to ensure proper processes are planned for is undertaken and applied to assessment processes |
2. Collect initial site data |
2.1 Site plans and maps are sourced and verified including topographical maps 2.2 Required resources are identified and acquired 2.3 A base plan of the site is prepared 2.4 Site orientation is undertaken and location, geographic and operational boundaries are defined and verified 2.5 Current land use and environmental problems and threats are identified and recorded 2.6 Covenants that could affect the site or report are identified and recorded 2.7 Climate and weather conditions are ascertained from historical data |
3. Compile a site inventory |
3.1 Site context , location and site information data is categorised and recorded accurately 3.2 Features data is categorised and recorded accurately 3.3 Cultural material, objects, properties and relevant physical characteristics are identified and recorded on site inventory 3.4 Relevant field research is undertaken 3.5 Appropriate techniques and tools and relevant archaeological practices and procedures are implemented 3.6 Structural elements are located and existing services and facilities confirmed 3.7 The presence, location and/or extent of other relevant site constraints are recorded 3.8 Limits of acceptable change in the forms of deterioration and damage to the places of cultural significance are developed to legislative and enterprise requirements |
4. Review, assess and record the site data |
4.1 Engagement of relevant expertise and consultant services are obtained when required 4.2 An assessment of cultural significance is conducted 4.3 A statement of cultural significance is documented |
5. Determine the impact of threats to the site |
5.1 Threats to culturally significant places , both external and internal to the area under consideration, are identified 5.2 A risk assessment of all threats to determine potential impact on sites and associated cultural landscape is undertaken 5.3 Risk management strategies and protection/conservation measures to control risks are developed and implemented 5.4 A risk management report that incorporates an impact analysis is developed and documented 5.5 Policy changes required to address the threats are documented to enterprise requirements |
6. Document a site survey report |
6.1 Site information is documented into a site assessment report or site survey report 6.2 Assessment report incorporates all relevant data from the site assessment in line with client needs and the requirements of relevant legislation and regulations 6.3 Specific recommendations for remedial action of site conservation and mitigation of site problems are provided and recorded as appropriate 6.4 Recommendations for appropriate risk controls of site hazards are formulated and documented 6.5 Survey and assessment data are stored and maintained as part of professional practice 6.6 Client-stakeholder is informed and advised of the content and implications of the report and a copy is presented |
Required Skills and Knowledge
Required skills include: Ability to:
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Required knowledge includes: Knowledge of:
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Evidence Guide
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package. |
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Overview of assessment |
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Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
The delivery and assessment of this unit must comply with Community protocols and be carried out in consultation with and in participation with Traditional Owners and/or Elders and custodians of that specific Country. In accordance with Aboriginal cultural protocols, cultural knowledge copyright considerations and Aboriginal lore/law restrictions, it is essential that this requirement be respected and implemented in the delivery and assessment of Cultural Units to guarantee cultural authenticity and quality control around the delivery of training and assessment for Aboriginal Sites workers. Candidates must demonstrate evidence of the ability to:
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Context of and specific resources for assessment |
Assessment events must be contextualised to meet the needs of the particular group, including:
Resources which may be useful in assessment for this unit include:
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Method of assessment |
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess competency in the surveying and reporting of Aboriginal sites. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands and the needs of particular client groups (consider the requirements of different age groups, clients with English as a second language, clients with disabilities, remote library users, etc.). |
Guidance information for assessment |
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended. AHCASW312A Maintain an Aboriginal cultural site AHCASW302A Relate Aboriginal culture to sites work AHCILM306A Follow Aboriginal cultural protocols AHCASW303A Identify and record Aboriginal sites, objects and cultural landscapes AHCASW305A Work with Aboriginal ceremonial secret sacred materials AHCASW308A Apply cultural significance to Aboriginal sites and Landscapes Assessment for this unit should comprise a combination of theory and practical application. Both aspects of assessment are best conducted on Country for this unit. |
Range Statement
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included. |
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Cultural authorities may include |
Cultural authority refers to the most appropriate senior person/s that is able to speak for particular Country, cultural objects, ceremony and/or materials in a specific place. A cultural authority could be a Traditional Owner, a Native Title Claimant, Aboriginal Culture and Heritage Body, Elder, Aboriginal Land Council, etc. A ceremonial/cultural manager in terms of Aboriginal customary law means someone who does the work either under the direct supervision of the Aboriginal Owner or does the work that is authorised by the Owner. In a ceremony for example, the ceremonial manager(s) may provide the food and do the performance (work). Traditional roles and responsibilities swap over depending on a person’s status in any given situation – ie – whose land / estate one is on for business. |
Cultural significance may include: |
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Aboriginal cultural protocols may include: |
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Aboriginal sites may include: |
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Aboriginal objects may include: |
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Key stakeholders may include: |
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Burra Charter process includes: |
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Existing industry guidelines may include: |
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Site context may include: |
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Site information data may include: |
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Features data may include: |
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Field research may include: |
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Techniques and tools may include: |
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Archaeological practices may include: |
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Relevant expertise may include |
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Culturally significant places may include |
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Unit Sector(s)
Aboriginal-sites work