Unique opportunity to uncover Albany’s maritime history

Southern Ports is inviting community members to take part in an archaeological dig at the Port of Albany Pilot Station in January.

Interested locals can register to join the University of Notre Dame Australia Archaeology Department in one of five digs over three days at the historic site.

The digs will be held between Friday 23 January and Sunday 25 January, giving participants an opportunity to uncover Albany’s maritime history as the Port of Albany enters its 200^th year of operation. 

Southern Ports Chief Executive Officer Keith Wilks said the digs are a chance for the community to visit the site and learn more about the Pilot Station ahead of works starting on the revitalisation of the precinct later in the year.

“As part of revitalising this historic site for community use, we will be telling its story and the story of the Port of Albany, so what is found during this dig will help us do that.”

Previous digs coordinated at the site by Notre Dame between the heritage-listed Pilot Crew and Coxswain Quarters have uncovered items such as a brass military button, a child’s doll and pieces of pottery. 

The Pilot Station precinct has a long history in the region, used to house Port of Albany marine pilots from as early as 1853 through to 1936, and its importance to Western Australia's first port was recognised through its inclusion on the State Register of Heritage Places in 2002. 

“The Pilot Station site was a hive of activity at different points in our history, so we are confident there are still plenty of artefacts to find,” Mr Wilks said.

Southern Ports is transforming the site with plans set to breathe new life to the heritage-listed Pilot Crew Quarters and Coxswain's Quarters buildings and surrounds, adding a playground, landscaping, bike facilities, and other amenities. Construction on the $8.3m project, funded by Royalties for Regions, is set to commence in 2026.

“This important project is part of our commitment to creating enduring value for our regions beyond trade facilitation,” Mr Wilks said.

Notre Dame Senior Lecturer of Archaeology Dr Shane Burke will lead the community dig.

"We know the historical record of the sites general use, but history does not describe all functions or small details about people's lives. The community excavation will discover artefacts that will give a richer understanding of the areas use," Dr Burke said. 

"Involving the community in these digs can really add to the sense of ownership people have for an area's history and I'm sure that will be the case here."

Places are limited on the 2.5-hour digs across the three days. Tickets can be booked https://events.humanitix.com/southern-ports-i-pilot-station-community-dig.