Finding into death of Unknown remains comprising bones

IN THE CORONERS COURT OF VICTORIA AT MELBOURNE

Court Reference: COR 2012 002319

FINDING INTO DEATH WITH INQUEST

Form 37 Rule 60(1)

Section 67 of the Coroners Act 2008

Inquest into the Death of: UNKNOWN REMAINS COMPRISING BONES FOUND AT

PORT FAIRY Delivered On: 5 December 2013 Delivered At: Melbourne Hearing Dates: 5 December 2013 Findings of: K. M. W. PARKINSON, CORONER

Police Coronial Support Unit

Leading Senior Constable Kelly Ramsey

Page | of 3 Version 2 as at 25 November 2009

I, Coroner K. M. W. Parkinson having investigated the death of

UNKNOWN REMAINS COMPRISING HUMAN VERTEBRAE LOCATED AT PORT FAIRY

AND having held an inquest in relation to this death on 5 December 2013 at Melbourne

FIND that the identity of the deceased is unknown THAT the death occurred at an unknown date

AT an unknown location

FROM: An Unknown cause

In the following circumstances:

1. On 18 June 2012 Ms Mary Turnbull of Hawthorn attended at Camberwell Police station and produced remains comprising a human vertebrae which she had located in her father’s

possessions after his recent death.

2. Ms Turnbull reported that the remains were part of a skeleton which had originally been located in the 1970s at Port Fairy, Victoria by her grandfather Mr Fred Walker during the course of an excavation at his residence at 65 Gipps Street, Port Fairy. Mr Walker had been

advised that the skeletal remains had been identified as aboriginal.

3. An examination was undertaken by Forensic Anthropologist Dr Christopher Briggs who reported that the bone is a human vertebrae from the mid thoracic vertebral column and may be female with an approximate age at death of 18 to 20 years. Dr Briggs was unable to

determine time since death or to provide any certain view as to ancestry.

4. Based on the anecdotal history limited as it is, I am satisfied that the remains were likely those of an aboriginal person and separated from the skeletal remains located at the Port

Fairy site.

5. Itis likely that the remains are of historical and archaeological significance and not of

forensic significance.

6. Iam satisfied that no further investigation is required.

Page 2 of 3 Version 2 as at 25 November 2009

7. A copy of this finding is directed to be placed on the file and provided to the Investigating

Member of Victoria Police.

8. Pursuant to s19 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 I order that the remains be released to Dr Mark Eccleston Manager of Heritage Operations Office of Aboriginal Affairs Victoria for disposal pursuant to s20 of that Act.

Signature:

K. M. W. PARKINSON CORONER Date: 5 December 2013

Page 3 of 3 Version 2 as at 25. November 2009