McGregor in the Vines workshop explores local prehistory

He’s a university academic by profession and in his spare time, explores 3000-year-old archaeological sites.

USQ's own 'Indiana Jones', Professor Bryce Barker, will present an exciting, hands-on overview of what life as an archaeologist is like during the third McGregor in the Vines workshop.

Professor Barker said the two-day event, to be held in picturesque Stanthorpe on September 4 and 5, would provide a broad overview of archaeology as a discipline with a particular focus on the local, national and international region.

'This workshop is perfect for people who are interested in learning archaeological methods and techniques through hands-on experience,' he said.

'Participants will learn how to analyse the archaeological record using 3000-year-old material from an excavation carried out in the Whitsundays.

'The first day will be an interactive presentation supported by visual material from excavations in Australia and Papua New Guinea, while the second day will be an introduction to laboratory analysis, giving participants a change to sort, identify and analyse actual archaeological record.'

Professor Barker teaches anthropology and archaeology in the School of Humanities at USQ and is the author of two books on Australian archaeology, focusing on Aboriginal maritime hunter-gatherers on the central Queensland coast.

He has had articles published on a wide range of issues relating to Australian and Papua New Guinean archaeology during the past 20 years.

He is currently working on research projects in the western Gulf of Papua which includes extended periods in the field, as well as continuing research on coastal hunter-gatherers in tropical Queensland.

An expansion of the University’s popular McGregor Schools program, McGregor in the Vines gives participants the opportunity to explore their creativity during a two-day getaway.

Set in the lush vineyards and landscaped grounds of the Queensland College of Wine Tourism in Stanthorpe, the event is a collaborative effort between the College and USQ Artsworx, USQ’s School of Creative Arts, and the University’s School of Humanities and Communication.

McGregor in the Vines coordinator Christine Matthews said all McGregor in the Vines workshops were run by talented USQ lecturers who have expertise and experience in their chosen field.

'They are designed to particularly appeal to professionals, couples and retirees who want to enjoy a picturesque weekend away while at the same time expanding their knowledge,' Ms Matthews said.

Each weekend covers a full day on Saturday and a half day on Sunday, with the option to attend a two-hour wine appreciation course at the College at the conclusion of the workshop.

The College is located at 22 Caves Road, Stanthorpe in the high country of south-east Queensland. About two and a half hours south west of Brisbane and 1015m above sea level, it is blessed with fresh air, cool nights, log fires and sunny days. There are over 50 wineries in the region along with stone fruit, berry and lavender growers.

Registrations for the Archaeology Workshop close on Friday, August 28.

For more information on McGregor in the Vines and to register for the workshops, visit http://www.usq.edu.au/mcgregor/vines or telephone USQ McGregor Schools on +61 7 4631 2755.