Incredible artefacts on display

THE Inverloch Community Hub hosted the Amazon 1863 Project exhibition on Saturday, August 20 to bring awareness and raise funds to preserve significant artefacts from the Amazon shipwreck. 

In collaboration with Heritage Victoria, Danielle Wilkinson joined the afternoon to give a short lecture on the importance of conserving an artefact before it degrades. 

Amazon 1863 Project secretary Karyn Bugeja said an artefact from the Amazon shipwreck was found lying on the beach in August 2019 – a piece of the trail board which was fixed to the bow of the ship - from then on, the committee amalgamated to raise awareness of its significance.

“The significant piece with a depth of character through its design has now been removed by Heritage Victoria and is safe and awaiting conservation,” said Karyn. 

Danielle said it is imperative for the community to understand the importance of leaving an artefact in its discovered position, if an artefact is found by a member of the public, they can contact the

Amazon 1863 Project who will contact Heritage Victoria to document the finding.

“At Heritage Victoria we are trying to do some forward planning on how to manage the wreck site and artefacts, a lot of the community have collected artefacts from the site, so this event was to encourage the community to show us what artefacts they have discovered,’ said Danielle. 

“There are obligations under the Heritage Act for the public to notify Heritage Victoria on what they have found so the information can be accurately catalogued; this is so we as scientists can continue our historic research or sampling to preserve these items into the future.”

Danielle explained that if a member of the public notifies Heritage Victoria with an item they have discovered, they can in some instances then be made the legal guardian or custodian of those artefacts. 

Karyn Bugeja said the erosion on the Surf Beach in Inverloch has been devastating over the past two years, with up to 50m of the sand dune lost, and therefore the Amazon shipwreck that has been hidden and protected under the dunes for possibly two or three decades, is now exposed. 

“The exhibition is to inform the community of the significance of the wooden shipwreck on Victoria’s coast, please do not stand on, poke or prod – under the Heritage Act 2017 (Vic) all shipwrecks are protected whether they are located on land or under water.” 
“The Amazon encountered a fierce storm, a hurricane that blew her into the east to Inverloch where she hit flat rocks. We must protect Inverloch’s Amazon for future generations to appreciate,” said Karyn. 

The artefacts that were showcased at the Inverloch exhibition have been conserved by Heritage Victoria and the material is now stable for generations. 

The Amazon 1863 Project are working towards a place of property for the historical artefacts, and future exhibitions will be held in Inverloch to continue raise awareness of the historic shipwreck. 

For more information on how to catalogue an artefact at home or become a member of the Amazon 1863 Project visit www.amazon1863.org.au