Combining participatory design, mixed reality technologies, archaeological science and digital cultural heritage to deliver innovative solutions for the repatriation of Olkola heritage
Important artefacts belong on Country and getting them back on Country strengthens Olkola culture. Our artefacts are a long way off Country but they belong here. Uncle Mike Ross, Olkola Chairman
Getting Back On Country is a Traditional-Owner led transdisciplinary research project that furthers ongoing partnerships between the University of Melbourne and the Olkola Aboriginal Corporation.
This project will harness innovative technologies to digitise Olkola cultural heritage. It combines participatory design, mixed reality technologies (virtual reality and augmented reality), archaeological science and digital cultural heritage to deliver innovative solutions for the repatriation of Olkola heritage.
Getting Back On Country will establish a pilot process for digitising Olkola cultural archives and significant sites. Expected project outcomes include the digitisation of key cultural artefacts from archives across Australia, culminating in a mixed-media exhibition of the collection.
This project innovatively transcends disciplinary expertise to provide significant social, cultural and economic benefits for Olkola People and a collaboration process that supports Indigenous peoples across Australia.
University-based researchers
Dr Hannah Robertson, Melbourne School of Design
Associate Professor Rochus Hinkel, Melbourne School of Design
Dr Lyndon Ormond‑Parker, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health
Dr Helen Green, School of Earth Sciences
Professor Rachel Popelka-Filcoff, School of Earth Sciences
External collaborators
Olkola People, Traditional Owners
Debbie Symonds, Olkola Aboriginal Corporation
Michael Ross, Olkola Aboriginal Corporation
For information about this project, please contact:
Dr Hannah Robertson
Melbourne School of Design
Email: hannah.robertson@unimelb.edu.au