Fossil Collection

Item details


Name of item:	Fossil Collection
Other name/s:	Palaeontological Collection
Type of item:	Movable / Collection
Group/Collection:	Collections
Category:	Other - Collections
Location:	Lat: -33.68391270940 Long: 150.73036884800
Primary address:	947-953 Londonderry Road, Londonderry, NSW 2753
Local govt. area:	Penrith
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Deerubbin

Boundary:

The SHR listing curtilage is limited to the moveable collection itself and does not include any part of the land or structure where it is currently located.

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
947-953 Londonderry Road	Londonderry	Penrith			Primary Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
Geological Survey of NSW	State Government

Statement of significance:


	The Fossil Collection is of State heritage significance for its historic, associative, research, rarity, and representative values. This collection has historical value as an invaluable record of the palaeontological and geological history of NSW since c.1887. This evolving understanding of the geology of NSW, and its timespan, has supported the progressive development and expansion of the State's mining industry since c.1887. Additionally, the collection has associative value for its strong connection with the Geological Survey of NSW, as well as the various State Palaeontologists, including Robert Etheridge Junior and William Dun. The Fossil Collection is historically linked to the Mining Museum (former) (SHR 01555), where it was located between 1909 and 1995, and is associated with the other collections created and held by the Geological Survey of NSW: the Economic Rock and Mineral Collection and Petrology Collection (SHR 00973). The Fossil Collection has research value for its ability to provide substantial ongoing contributions to the fields of palaeontology and geology as the second largest palaeontological collection and the largest collection of microfossils in the State. It contains a substantial sub-collection of type specimens that are irreplaceable, of very high scientific value, and a crucial research asset within the field of palaeontology in Australia. Additionally, the collection is vital for ongoing biostratigraphic research aimed towards improving and refining available geological mapping and stratigraphic models of the State. The Fossil Collection has rarity value as a unique and irreplaceable archive of the fossils found within NSW since c.1887. Several sub-collections within the larger collection also have rarity value as they preserve the only extant evidence of particular species, have high scientific value, or are from fossil locations that are no longer accessible or have been destroyed. This includes the type, microfossil, and Talbragar fossil sub-collections. Finally, the Fossil Collection is representative of the palaeontological record of NSW and contains representative collections of the various fossil types from all known major fossil deposits and the different fossil-containing strata found across the State.
	Date significance updated: 14 Feb 01
	Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description


Designer/Maker:	N/A
Builder/Maker:	Robert Etheridge Jnr, William S. Dun, John W. Pickett, Ian Percival, Yong-Yi Zhen
Construction years:	1887-
Physical description:	The Fossil Collection is a moveable collection that contains a wide range of macrofossils, microfossils, and palynological samples that have been recovered from the fossiliferous geological strata of NSW. It also includes macrofossil and microfossil specimens from other parts of Australia and overseas for comparative and reference purposes. The Fossil Collection of the Geological Survey of NSW (GSNSW) acts as a repository and ongoing record of fossils found across the State from at least c.1887 to the present. It is the foundation for the regional biostratigraphy and age determination of fossil-containing stratigraphic units across NSW. It also supports the correlation and organisation of fossil-containing stratigraphic units within GSNSW's geological mapping and is an important educational tool (GSNSW 2024:6-7, 13). The collection is the second largest palaeontological collection in NSW (after that held by the Australian Museum) and represents an extensive variety of taxonomic groups, covering a wide distribution in space and time. It has a strong focus on macro- and microfossils from NSW, supplemented by specimens from other states and territories of Australia, as well as other countries. The microfossil collections are the largest in NSW and include conodonts, palynological samples (spores and pollens), and foraminifera (single-celled organisms) (GSNSW 2024:6-7). The collection is primarily representative of fossils from the Palaeozoic era and Triassic period due to the predominance of this geological stratum in NSW. In accordance with the more variable occurrences of other geological strata, the collection contains some spectacular and scientifically important fossils from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, as well as some Cenozoic fossils. This range of material allows the collection to demonstrate the regional history of geology and biodiversity across NSW from the beginning of the Palaeozoic (538.8 Ma) to the present (GSNSW 2024:7). The collection is managed and curated by the State Palaeontologist and their team of palaeontological staff. This arrangement has been the same throughout the history of the collection except for a period of 26 years from 1933-1959 when the State Palaeontologist position was unfilled. The collection primarily reflects the research of past and present State Palaeontologists, as well as the activities of current and past GSNSW geological mapping programs (GSNSW 2024:6, 8). The collection consists of four primary fossil types which are stored in different locations of the W.B. Clarke Geoscience Centre depending on their storage needs (GSNSW 2024:6, 13, 15, 19; Meszaros 2025; Zhen 2025b). All these fossil types are part of the SHR listed moveable collection: - Macrofossils (designated MMF): Comprising approximately 48,000 registered specimens including most groups of invertebrate and vertebrate fossils and trace fossils. It also includes a standard thin-section collection prepared from various macrofossil specimens like corals, stromatoporoids, and sponges, and a thick thin-section collection for conodonts and other microfossils. This collection includes both actual fossils and cast or moulds. - Microfossils (designated C): Consisting of over 3,500 conodont samples, stored in plastic well slides, that have been extracted from carbonate rock samples. - Microfossils (designated MMMC): Comprising over 6,000 registered specimens which are predominantly individual conodont elements. These extracted microfossils are either stored in microfossil well slides and shelved or mounted for electron microscope imaging on stubs and housed in cabinets. - Palynological samples (designated P): Consisting of over 8000 fossilised samples of plant pollen, spores, grains, and other plant structures which are used for biostratigraphy (age determinations) and for reconstructing past environmental and climatic conditions. In addition, there are also an estimated 25,000+ unregistered invertebrate fossil specimens awaiting sorting and cataloguing. These specimens were donated by various Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong universities (GSNSW 2024:6). The macrofossils are wrapped in paper, bagged, and labelled and stored in plastic tubs and shelved in a compactus system, while oversize slabs of fossil bearing rock are stored on heavy duty racking and/or pallets. The various mircofossils, thin sections, and SEM stubs are stored in cabinets (GSNSW 2024:19; Meszaros 2025). Strengths of the Fossil Collection include conodonts from upper Cambrian to lower Carboniferous strata, invertebrate groups (mainly graptolites, trilobites, brachiopods, corals and molluscs) from the Ordovician to Permian, palynological samples associated with coal-bearing and overlying strata from the Permian to Triassic, fishes from the Devonian, Permian, Triassic and Jurassic, and plant fossils (including a diverse suite of Glossopteris) from the Permian, Triassic, and Jurassic. The microfossil conodont samples are especially valuable for their ability to provide precise biostratigraphic dating of Palaeozoic geological strata (GSNSW 2024:7). The four primary fossil types are arranged into several sub-collections (all of which are included in the SHR listed moveable collection) (GSNSW 2024:8-9, 14, 16): - Type Collection: Containing approximately 500 Holotype and Paratype specimens which are representative of various fossil groups that have been documented in publications by GSNSW palaeontologists and external experts. These specimens are the single best example displaying the morphological characters that define the species (or genera) and represent the discovery and identification of new taxa. Additionally, the collection contains over 4000 other 'type' specimens, such as lectotype, paralectotype, syntype, neotype, figured, and cited (i.e. registration numbers mentioned in a publication). - Microfossil Collection: This collection mainly contains conodonts which play an important role in defining the upper Cambrian to lower Carboniferous biostratigraphic framework State-wide. - Biostratigraphic Collection: This large reference collection includes conodonts, graptolites, trilobites, brachiopods, corals, and other groups (mainly invertebrates) that are crucial in age determination of the stratigraphic units recognized in NSW. - Talbragar Fossil Collection: Comprising over 3000 fossil fish and plants specimens from the world-famous Jurassic Talbragar Fossil Fish Bed in central NSW. - Sydney Basin Collection: Comprising a large number of fossil invertebrates and plants from Permian-Triassic strata within the Sydney Basin. Many of the classic or well-known fossil sites in NSW are now either inaccessible or on reserved land. As such, the representative collections from these sites within the Fossil Collection are unique and irreplaceable (GSNSW 2024:12). The GSNSW conducts ongoing research to provide identification and interpretation of the collection, as well as expand and enhance its size and scope. This includes specimen collecting during fieldtrips, as well as collecting by geological staff during regional mapping projects. This allows the continued expansion of the collection and increasing its representativeness of the fossil record of NSW. Applied palaeontological and biostratigraphic research by GSNSW aims to unlock the array of information the collection contains, including improving specimen identification. This range of research supports the GSNSW regional mapping programs and other projects (GSNSW 2024:7-8, 10, 12). The Fossil Collection also acts as an essential reference and study resource for palaeontologists, biostratigraphers, and research students from NSW, across Australia, and from overseas. Research by visiting researchers enables accurate identifications to be made of the fossil specimens stored in the collection and the continued updating of taxonomic identifications. This research continually increases understanding about the breadth of the collection (GSNSW 2024:7-8). Associated with the collection are archives consisting of the register books, documents, catalogue cards, photographs, and other material relating to the history of the collections and collection management. The original hard copy Fossil Register dating to 1898 records the registration numbers of all the macrofossils in the collection (GSNSW 2024:8-9). These archives do not form part of the SHR listed collection.
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	The Fossil Collection and its associated data are maintained to a high professional standard by the State Palaeontologist and the Geological Survey of NSW (GSNSW 2024:7).
	Date condition updated:18 Sep 25
Modifications and dates:	1875: Fossil collecting begins with the formation of the Geological Survey of NSW. 1876: The new Geological and Mining Museum opened at Young Street, Sydney. 1881: Geological and Mining Museum moved to the Garden Palace. 1882: Majority of museum collection destroyed in the Garden Palace Fire. Collection is rebuilt in the wake of the fire. 1886: Rebuilt museum collection displayed to the public at the temporary Geological and Mining Museum within the Geological Survey Office at 233 Macquarie Street, Sydney. 1887: Robert Etheridge Jnr appointed as first State Palaeontologist. c.1887: Separate Fossil Collection established by Etheridge. 1893: Mining and Geological Museum moved to the Domain, behind Sydney Hospital. 1895: William Dun appointed as second State Palaeontologist 1898: Current Fossil Register commenced (25 January). 1909: Mining and Geological Museum moved to new accommodation at 36-64 George Street, in the Rocks (the Mining Museum (former) SHR 01555). 1933: William Dun retires, position of State Palaeontologist becomes vacant. 1936: Fossil Register falls dormant. 1959: K.G. Wood becomes State Palaeontologist, Fossil Register resumes. 1962: Wood transferred to another position, State Palaeontologist position vacant. 1965/1966: John W. Pickett becomes State Palaeontologist. 1995: Earth Exchange closed and the Fossil Collection moved to the Geological Survey Offices at Lidcombe. 1995: Pickett retires, Ian G. Percival appointed as State Palaeontologist. 2004: Fossil Collection moved to its current location at the W.B. Clarke Geoscience Centre at Londonderry. 2015: Percival retires, Yong-Yi Zhen appointed as State Palaeontologist. The Fossil Collection grows continuously as specimens are acquired and added to the collection.


Current use:	Palaeontological collection used for reference and research.

History

Historical notes:

STATEMENT OF COUNTRY

The specimens of the Fossil Collection have been gathered from the traditional lands of many Aboriginal groups from across NSW (and Australia). The collection is representative of segments of the physical landscape upon which Aboriginal people have lived for countless generations. In some instances, they represent examples of fossil types that held cultural significance and/or featured in the traditional stories or lore of particular Aboriginal groups. In other cases they represent examples of fossil types that were used for stone tool production by some Aboriginal groups.

FOSSIL COLLECTION HISTORY

The history of the Fossil Collection is interwoven with the original collection gathered by the Geological Survey of NSW (GSNSW) for display at the Mining and Geological Museum. Over time this collection appears to have separated into distinct focused collections including those that are today known as the Economic Rock and Mineral Collection and Fossil Collection (see Black 1985:2).

For a detailed history of the Geological Survey of NSW and the Geological and Mining Museum please see the history contained with the Economic Rock and Mineral Collection SHR Listing (SHR 02120). The below history is focused on the State Palaeontologists within the GSNSW and their creation and management of the Fossil Collection.

In 1886, the Mining and Geological Museum reopened in temporary premises at 233 Macquarie Street in Sydney and Robert Etheridge Jr was engaged as the first State Palaeontologist. He remained in this position until 1894 when he became curator of the Australian Museum. He had previously been the assistant palaeontologist at the British Museum and an assistant field geologist with the Geological Survey of Victoria between 1866 and 1869. Etheridge arrived from England to commence his duties with the Geological Survey in April 1887. His position included jointly working for the Australian Museum on a month on, month off, basis. During this period the State Palaeontologist gradually assumed a range of responsibilities including:

- identification and registration of fossils collected by Geological Survey staff and members of the public;
- identification of fossils found in various strata from different locations to determine the geological age of the deposits and stratigraphic identification;
- visiting, inspecting, and recording fossil sites;
- preparation of collections for exhibitions and teaching purposes, or gift or exchange to other institutions;
- preparation of specimens for exhibition in the Mining and Geological Museum; and
- the management of the fossils contained with the museum collection.

Between 1887 and 1889 Etheridge classified the Geological Survey's principal collection of fossils and sorted and arranged proper storage for the supplementary part of the collection (the part not on display in the museum). Etheridge's appointment and early work on sorting and classifying the fossils collected by the Geological Survey suggests that the Fossil Collection as a separate collection dates from around this time. For instance, Etheridge begins to note the fossils registered as part of his work from 1892 onwards in his annual reports (Wilkinson 1887:130-131; 1888:140; Etheridge 1888:165; 1889:188, 1890:237; 1892:270; 1893:173; 1895:150; Carne 1891:280; Walsh 1981).

During his time as State Palaeontologist Etheridge published over a hundred notes and papers on the palaeontological record of NSW, as well as other colonies. Throughout his scientific career Etheridge sustained a large academic output, producing over 355 publications as sole author, and another 60 as co-author, primarily on palaeontology. Overall, he made enormous contributions to the palaeontology of Victoria, NSW, South Australia, and Queensland, as well as the understanding of Australian stratigraphy through his classification and correlation of varied geological strata. Many animal species, both ancient and recent, have been named in his honour (Etheridge 1890:287; Walsh 1981).

William Sutherland Dun became the second State Palaeontologist of the Geological Survey in 1895 and continued in this position until his retirement in 1933. He had previously acted as assistant to Etheridge from 1891. From 1902 until his death in 1934 he held a special part-time post as lecturer in palaeontology at the University of Sydney. He also held a position as honorary palaeontologist to the Australian Museum and was a long-term councillor and president between 1913-1915 of the Linnean Society of NSW. Throughout his palaeontological career he generated a sizable publication record. Dun was recognised as an authority on Australian fossil fauna and the identity and stratigraphic range of fossils across NSW and other states. Widely respected for his dutiful and cooperative approach to research, he had an important influence on the development of Australian palaeontology and geology throughout the early 20th century (Anderson 1935:304; Branagan and Vallance 1981; Dun 1896:188-190; Etheridge 1892:268, 270; Harper 1934:73; Macarthy and Cohn 1993).

In 1898 Dun commenced a multi-year project to register the entire Fossil Collection, including those on display and those used for comparative purposes in the museum. This project was initiated due to much of the collection lacking a permanent form of registration, as well as the previous paper labels from past registration efforts becoming degraded. This project marks the commencement of the current GSNSW Fossil Register. The register contains references to an 'old register' which indicates that this was the second iteration of this catalogue. The first iteration was likely commenced by Etheridge around 1887 (Dun 1899:191; GSNSW Fossil Register 1898-1902).

During Dun's tenure, the Mining and Geological Museum was relocated to new purpose-built accommodation at 36-64 George Street, in The Rocks (the Mining Museum (former) SHR 01555) in 1909. Here, the collection continued to grow until WWI curtailed many activities of the Geological Survey. Registration of new fossils briefly recommenced in 1920 before the State Government drastically reduced funding for the museum, which inhibited further growth of the collection. As a result, only a small batch of specimens were added in 1928 before Dun's retirement in 1933 and the Fossil Collection register falling dormant in 1936. Around the time of Dun's retirement, the NSW Government also held an inquiry into the mineral collections of the Mining Museum and Australian Museum, which resulted in each collection being given a specific purpose: mining and industrial geology for the Mining Museum collection and 'pure geology' and scientific research for the Australian Museum collection. In the resulting exchange of relevant specimens between the museums, the Fossil Collection lost most of its palaeontological 'type' specimens (Tropman & Tropman 1996:25; GSNSW Fossil Register 1907-1968).

The Fossil Collection continued to lay dormant at the Geological and Mining Museum until the late 1950s when the museum was revamped and modernised to serve an educational function following the introduction of geology to the high school curriculum. As part of this process the position of State Palaeonotoligist was reestablished when K. G. Wood was transferred from the survey field staff to work temporarily as palaeontologist at the museum in May 1959. He was then officially appointed to the position of palaeontologist on 1 August 1960. Over the following two years Wood resumed many of the previous duties carried out by former State Palaeontologists including recommencing the Fossil Register on 30 November 1959. In the latter part of 1962, Wood was transferred to the field staff to assume the position of Coal Geologist (Booker 1960:88; 1961:85; GSNSW Fossil Register 1907-1968; Tropman & Tropman 1996:25-26; Whitworth 1960:88; 1961:85; 1962:90, 1963:90).

John W. Pickett became the next State Palaeontologist in 1965/1966. Over the next few years he reorganised the palaeontological displays in the Mining Museum. Under Pickett, palaeontological research and active collecting recommenced and burgeoned over the following decades within the Geological Survey (Whitworth 1966:99; 1967:99; GSNSW Fossil Register 1907-1968; Zhen 2025A).

By the 1980s the geological collections of the Geological and Mining Museum had been split into seven principal collections: mineralogical, palaeontological, petrological, historic mining equipment, photographic, 16 mm film, and historic books and documents. By this time the Fossil (Paleontological) Collection was intended to contain representative collections of fossils from NSW and some Australian and overseas locations, as well as comparative specimens of inherent geological and cultural value. While the Fossil Collection contained the museums principal collection of fossils, other collections such as the mineralogical (ERMC) contained fossil samples that were of interest from a mineral perspective (Black 1985:2-3).

During the turbulent period associated with the refurbishment and failure of the Earth Exchange, Pickett retired as State Palaeontologist in 1995 and was replaced by Ian G. Percival. Soon afterwards the museum collections (including the Fossil Collection) were moved into storage at the Geological Survey offices at Lidcombe following the closure of the Earth Exchange in late 1995. During his tenure Percival continued the trend of active palaeontological research, publication, and collecting begun by his predecessors. He also oversaw the movement of the Fossil Collection in 2004 to its current location at the W.B. Clarke Geoscience Centre at Londonderry (GSNSW 2019:7; Tropman & Tropman 1996:26-28; Zhen, 2025A).

Following Percival's retirement in 2015, the position of State Palaeontologist has been held by Yong-Yi Zhen (Zhen 2025A).

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Cultural: Geological evidence of the history of the Earth-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Science-Activities associated with systematic observations, experiments and processes for the explanation of observable phenomena	Researching paleobotany-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Science-Activities associated with systematic observations, experiments and processes for the explanation of observable phenomena	Researching palaeontology-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Science-Activities associated with systematic observations, experiments and processes for the explanation of observable phenomena	Researching geology-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	The Fossil Collection is of historic significance as an ongoing record of the fossil types found in NSW since at least c.1887. This collection has long been a vital archive and reference resource within the Geological Survey of NSW. The collection is the second largest palaeontological collection in NSW and contains the largest collection of microfossils in the State. It serves as a record of the research activities and interests of the various State Palaeontologists since 1887 and can demonstrate the trends that have occurred in the discipline of palaeontology within NSW and Australia over this period. The Fossil Collection is crucial to the age determination of fossil-containing stratigraphic units throughout the State and is an essential evidence base and reference resource for the Geological Survey of NSW's geological mapping and stratigraphic models of NSW. Since the late 19th century the biostratigraphic evidence provided by the collection has assisted the understanding and interpretation of the geological history of NSW. This evolving understanding of the geology of NSW, and its timespan, has supported the progressive development and expansion of the State's mining industry over this period.
SHR Criteria b) [Associative significance]	The Fossil Collection is of associative significance for its strong connection with its owner, the Geological Survey of NSW. The Geological Survey of NSW is an institution with a scientific mission dating back to its establishment as one of the first geological surveys globally in 1875. It continues to play a pivotal role in advancing geological and palaeontological science in NSW and Australia. Its ongoing research and geological mapping and dating is responsible for the current understanding of the geology and palaeontology of NSW. Its work has actively supported and assisted the mining industry and the mineral exploration of the State, concurrently driving the economic development of NSW. The collection is strongly associated with all the State Palaeontologists who have occupied this position since 1887. It has been actively shaped by their research and the contributions they have made to the palaeontology of NSW and Australia. The State Palaeontologists who have made historically important contributions to the advancement and development of palaeontology in NSW include Robert Etheridge Junior and William Dun.
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	The Fossil Collection has research potential for its ability to provide substantial ongoing contributions to the fields of palaeontology and geology in NSW and Australia. As the second largest palaeontological collection and the largest collection of microfossils in the State the collection serves as a critical research resource for palaeontologists and geoscientists studying the paleontological and geological record of NSW and Australia. It contains fossils from almost every known occurrence of fossil-containing strata in NSW, as well as representative collections from each known major fossil site, making it an exceptional resource for the study of the State's fossil record. As the collection is examined by palaeontologists with different specialisations the overall understanding of its depth and breadth is expanded. This continued updating of taxonomic identifications increases and redefines its research potential over time. The collection contains a substantial sub-collection of type specimens that represent the discovery and identification of new taxa. As the official and permanent physical reference for a published species these specimens are the primary basis for over a hundred years of publication by the various State Palaeontologists and other researchers. These specimens are irreplaceable, of very high scientific value, and a crucial research asset within the field of palaeontology in Australia. The collection is critically important to the age determination of the stratigraphic units recognised across NSW. As such, it is vital for ongoing biostratigraphic research aimed towards improving and refining available geological mapping and stratigraphic models of the State, advancing knowledge of the geological history of NSW and Australia.
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	The Fossil Collection is considered rare as a unique and irreplaceable archive of fossils found within NSW from c.1887 to the present. It is the second largest palaeontological collection in NSW after that held by the Australian Museum and contains the largest microfossil collection in the State. Several sub-collections (including the type, microfossil and Talbragar collections) within the larger collection are considered rare in the State context as they preserve the only extant evidence of particular species, have high scientific value, or are from fossil locations that are no longer accessible or have been destroyed.
SHR Criteria g) [Representativeness]	The Fossil Collection is representative of the palaeontological record of NSW. It contains representative collections of the various fossil types from all known major fossil deposits and the different fossil-containing strata found across the State. These valuable representative collections comprise an extensive variety of taxonomic groups, covering a wide distribution in space and time. This allows the collection to demonstrate the wide range of biodiversity found with the palaeontological record of NSW from the beginning of the Palaeozoic, 538.8 million years ago, to the present.
Integrity/Intactness:	The Fossil Collection is highly intact and has good integrity.
Assessment criteria:	Items are assessed against the State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard Exemptions	HERITAGE ACT 1977 ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT STANDARD EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL I, Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales and under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977: revoke the order made on 2 June 2022 and published in the Government Gazette Number 262 of 17 June 2022; and grant an exemption from section 57(1) of the Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out the class of activities described in clause 2 Schedule A in such circumstances specified by the relevant standards in clause 2 Schedule A and General Conditions in clause 3 Schedule A. This Order takes effect on the date it is published in the NSW Government Gazette. Dated this 29th day of October 2025 The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC Minister for Heritage For more information on standard exemptions click on the link below.	Nov 7 2025

Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register		00971	02 Apr 99	27	1546

Study details

Title	Year	Number	Author	Inspected by	Guidelines used
Heritage & Conservation Register for Department of Mineral Resources	1994		(not stated)		No

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Written	C. Anderson	1935	Obituary: William Sutherland Dun	View detail
Written	Charles S. Wilkinson	1887	Geological Survey of NSW: Report on Progress for 1886 by Geological Surveyor-in-charge
Written	Charles W. Wilkinson	1888	Geological Survey of NSW: Report on Progress for 1887 by the Geological Surveyor in charge
Written	D. F. Branagan and T. G. Vallance	1981	William Sutherland Dun (1868-1934)	View detail
Written	F. W. Booker	1961	Annual Report of th Geological Suvey Branch for the year ended 31st December, 1960
Written	F. W. Booker	1960	Annual Report of the Government Geologist for the year ended 31st December, 1959
Written	G. P. Walsh	1981	Robert Etheridge (1846-1920)	View detail
Written	Gavan McCarthy and Helen Con	1993	Dun, William Sutherland (1868 - 1934)	View detail
Written	Geological Survey of NSW	2024	Fossil Collection: Policy and Procedures (June 2024)
Written	Geological Survey of NSW	2019	Economic Rock and Mineral Collection: Procedures Manual (November 2019)
Written	Geological Survey of NSW	2017	Looking back: the Geological Survey of New South Wales 1970-2017
Written	Geological Survey of NSW	-4	Fossil Register 1898-1902
Written	Geological Survey of NSW	-61	Fossil Register 1907-1968
Written	H. F. Whitworth	1967	Annual Report of Mr H. F. Whitworth, Curator, Mining Museum, for the year ended 31st December 1966
Written	H. F. Whitworth	1966	Annual Report of Mr H. F. Whitworth, Curator, Mining Museum, for the year ended 31st December, 1965
Written	H. F. Whitworth	1963	Annual Report of Mr H. F. Whitworth, Curator, Mining Museum, for the year ended 31st December, 1962
Written	H. F. Whitworth	1962	Annual Report of Mr H. F. Whitworth, Curator, Mining Museum, for the year ended 31st December, 1961
Written	H. F. Whitworth	1961	Annual Report of Mr H. F. Whitworth, Curator, Mining Museum, for the year ended, 31st December, 1960
Written	H. F. Whitworth	1960	Annual Report of Mr H. F. Whitworth, Curator, Mining Museum, for the year ended 31st December, 1959
Written	J. E. Carne	1891	Progress Report for 1890 by J. E. Carne, F.G.S, Curator and Mineralogist
Written	L. F. Harper	1934	Annual Report of the Geological Survey Branch
Written	Meszaros, Paul	2025	Personnal Communication - 9 January 2025
Written	Phillip Black	1985	Geological and Mining Museum: Storage and Retrieval System for the "Economic Rock and Miscellaneous Specimens Collection": Incorporating Policy Procedures for Acquisition, Loan and Exchange
Written	R Etheridge Jnr	1893	Annual Report of the Palaeontologist for the year 1892
Written	R. Etheridge Jnr	1895	Annual Report of the Palaeontologist for the Year 1894
Written	R. Etheridge Jnr	1892	Progress Report for 1891, by Robert Etheridge, jun., Palaeontologist
Written	R. Etheridge Jnr	1890	Annual Report of the Palaeontologist for the year 1889
Written	R. Etheridge Jnr	1889	Annual Report of the Palaeontologist, 1888
Written	R. Etheridge Jnr	1888	Report of the Palaeontologist for a portion of the year 1887
Written	Tropman & Tropman Architects	1996	Conservation Assessment Report of the Former Mining Museum & Chemical Laboratory, 36-64 George Street, The Rocks, Sydney
Written	William S. Dun	1899	Annual Report of the Assistant Palaeontologist and Librarian for the year 1898
Written	William S. Dun	1896	Annual Report of the Assistant Palaeontologist and Librarian for the Year 1895
Written	Zhen, Yong-Yi	2025	Personal Communication - 11 September 2025 [2025A]
Written	Zhen, Yong-Yi	2025	Personal Communication - Review of Draft HOD Report - 26 September 2025 [2025B]

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.

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Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5014132
File number:	S95/00340/1; EF14/5165

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