Finding human remains is something that can often occur when buildings are torn down and rebuilt - the construction site is a favorite place to hide a body in numerous literary murders. However, it is not often that the remains are found to be hundreds of years old, and contain so many surprises as the site uncovered at the site of the soon-to-be constructed "Travellers Hollow" backpacker hostel.
Early this week, construction workers digging new foundations for the hostel were surprised when excavation revealed human bones. Neville Palma, who was directing the digging, said "For the first few moments, we all thought the same thing - that someone had been murdered.". However, police investigators quickly established that the three bodies were somewhat out of the jurisdiction - its believed that they might have died sometime around the year 1700.
Mary Summers, chief investor in the Traveller's Hollow was quick to call a cease to further excavation. "Obviously this site is important, and the last thing we want to do is damage the unique heritage opportunity this provides." Construction near the find have been delayed indefinitely, but Ms Summers is not fazed. "I'm sure we can work through this to the benefit of all concerned.".
However, it is not just the human remains which have caused such a stir. Amongst the bones and artifacts already found on the site were the bones of a Marsupial Wolf, or Thylacine. Previously thought extinct on the mainland for 7,000 years, Thylacines are widely believed to have died out in 1935, the last female of the species passing away in a cage in a Tasmanian zoo. The find seems set to turn popular belief regarding the species upside down. Believed to be solitary creatures found only in the highlands of Tasmania, the bones were found with those of the aboriginals on what would have been a wide, grassy plain.
Karl Mayer, an amateur Australian biologist and thylacine enthusiast was understandably excited by the find. "If these remains are confirmed as belonging to a Thylacine a mere 500 years ago, it would help legitimise the many sightings of the creatures that are reported each year." Current theory states that the spread of the dingo helped wipe out its less adaptable competitor. "Although a few sightings are made each year in Tasmania and in the Victorian highlands, we've never been able to get proof - the few fuzzy photos that have been taken so often turn out to be mangy foxes".
The site is currently being supervised by Professor Darren Clark (PhD in Aboriginal Anthropology) of Melbourne University. "I can understand the interest in these remains that has been generated, but their location and age mean that the situation is rather fragile. We'd like to ask that the general public and enthusiasts sit back and wait for the official research." Professor Clark refused to confirm possible evidence of other Megafauna such as the giant wombat from the site.
Jerry Malnin, chair of the Wurundgeri Tribal Association was unavailable for comment this morning, but an unnamed source at the Association remarked that, as a burial site, Koori interests must take first priority over the academic and commercial interests in the find.
"We would like to work with the interests of the aboriginal groups in this matter" said Ms Summers. "We're aware of the cultural value of the site, and we want to make sure to take that value into consideration when determining the outcome of any excavation. In a perfect world, we'd like to ensure that Professor Clark has all the time he needs to conduct his research, but we need to balance that against the needs of the men and women who are part of the construction team, and against the needs of our investors." Ms Summers said that she would be meeting with representatives of the Wurundgeri Association and Aboriginal Affairs Victoria tomorrow.