The AHO produces a reasonably regular newsletter, ‘Yarnupings’, for AHO volunteers and supporters
News, articles and opinion about the wonderful and strange world we live in.
Yarnupings October 2024
Wildflower Season! The most wonderful time of the year! Our pages are full of colourful images of wildflowers. If you haven’t been able to get out to see them, we’ve brought the flowers to you.
In this issue, Phil interviews an incredible stone mason track builder. Click link below for full interview. Karen shows us bush tucker from saltwater country and Kyle and Susan try out a delicious recipe using ingredients from our bush garden. Please enjoy the third edition of Yarnupings for 2024.
Blessed Are the Stone Workers- Full Interview.
Yarnupings July 2024
We are excited to bring you this issue of Yarnupings. It’s been a busy time at the AHO with a fantastic Yarn Up with Indigenous artist Jamie Eastwood, Volunteer Week celebrations and conferences, and Mabo Day, Sorry Day, Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week. In this issue, Phil writes about the Flat Rock Creek project and muses on development processes. Volunteer Ros has written about her wonderful trip to Boort to see the scar trees and there’s excellent education from Karen.
So grab yourself a cuppa, find a warm cozy spot and please enjoy the second edition of Yarnupings for 2024.
Yarnupings February 2024
Karen writes about fire, with some gorgeous pictures of pink flannel flowers taken in the Blue Mountains by Leanne Tobin. She also includes some Sydney language fire words. Phil writes about the challenges of conservation.
There are some lovely pictures of our volunteers , from the Christmas party and a walk to Grotto Point.
We have have activities for the Jarjums and a delicious recipe for crusted fillets.
Please enjoy the first edition on Yarnupings for 2024.
Yarnupings December 2023
It’s the Christmas edition of Yarnupings and we’re getting festive!
In this issue we see a gorgeous Picture of Serenity by Volunteer Robyn Law. We farewell Kyle and Welcome Kahla to the AHO team. The Ocean Festival is on late Nov/early Dec and the AHO Museum in Freshwater is open and showcasing ocean based artefacts. The Volunteers have had a cracker of a year and we let you know what we’ve been up to. Karen writes about Connection to Sky Country and Phil discusses Cultural Burning. Karen has put together fun activities do do over the Christmas holidays and we’ve added in a delicious Christmas dessert for you to enjoy
Please enjoy the fourth edition of Yarnupings for 2023.
Yarnupings September 2023
It is the third issue of Yarnupings and we are jam packed full of articles!
In this issue we see the return of Karen Smiths Pollination – Importance to Country, aswell as The Language Corner and every green thumb’s favourite, The Bush Binge.
Phil Hunt takes on a thought provoking journey with his article Certainty and a Sophisticated Emu. Then we have volunteer monitor Suzanne Barber’s article sharing about her trip to see the Brewarrina Fish Traps.
For the first time in a Yarnupings, you will have an opportunity to WIN an AHO gift pack! Have a look at page 14 to see how.
Please enjoy the third edition of Yarnupings for 2023.
Yarnupings July 2023
In this second issue of 2023 we start a new regular article called Leaving Our Mark. We also have a recap of Susans skills refreshers she ran during National Volunteer Week and an article from Phil about how we should Imagine From a Different Perspective.
Leaving Our Mark will get the insights from Harrison Goddard on what it is like to be a professional rugby player and how he represents his
culture on the big stage.
The Language Corner is back again and we have information from one of our volunteers Jim Boyce on all things EELS. Jim Boyce – Eels
Please enjoy the second edition of Yarnupings for 2023.
Yarnupings April 2023
We are excited to announce that our Freshwater Museum and Keeping Place is back open to the public on Wednesdays and other week days by appointment.
This issue will have the first of two new reoccurring articles. The Language Corner and The Bush Binge will have new information in them every newsletter. Both having different content and their own style. There will be something for everyone.
Karen has started with Part 1 of her Pollination—Importance to Country series. This is highlighting the impact pollinators have and just
how important they really are. We also look at the context for the Voice, and finally a chance to have a few quiet breaths.
Please enjoy the first edition of Yarnupings for 2023.
Yarnupings December 2022
Happy Festive Season, Everyone!
This issue provides thoughts and reflections of the AHO staff about the importance of Aboriginal cultural heritage, in history, in development and in appreciating this extra ordinary land and its people. Karen highlights catch-up summer viewing for you and delicious recipes for you to try.
Please enjoy the final edition of Yarnupings for 2022.
Yarnupings September 2022
This issue we look at the career of Aboriginal Heritage Office founder, David Watts. ‘How do you measure a ripple?’ looks at the positive flow on effects of the work of the AHO throughout the years.
We delve into the urban threats to the Powerful Owl and how we can play an active role in their protection. We also recount how the AHO team was privileged to be involved in the excavation of Aboriginal ancestral remains at Little Manly Beach. It’s wildflower season , so this issue is full of pretty pictures from around the Partner Council LGAs and our very own Bush Tucker Garden. We even created our own delicious recipe from our garden for you to try. Please enjoy the third edition of Yarnupings for 2022.
Yarnupings_Issue1_September 2022
Yarnupings June 2022
This issue highlights and celebrates Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week. It’s been a big couple of months. Mabo Day celebrated its 30th anniversary, Reconciliation Day inspired us to ‘Be Brave, Make Change’ and founder of the AHO, David Watts has retired (Whaaaaat!!! See page 4 for details…)
Please enjoy the second issue of Yarnupings for 2022
Yarnupings March 2022
We’re so excited to be back in the swing of things. 
Phil muses over being Lost & Disconnected, what it means and asks how have we become so disconnected. Karen writes about Summer, the different seasons and the fish that run at different times of the year. She has also compiled a list of summer words in language. Phil has been monitoring sites in the Ku-ring-gai LGA and writes about doing so during a La Niña summer. We meet a new volunteer and give thanks to a retiring one. For kids, there is a book review of ‘Somebody’s Land’ by Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing, the D’harawal Calendar to print out and follow and a damper recipe to try.
Yarnupings_Issue1_March 2022-min
Yarnupings December 2021
This issue highlights our amazing volunteers who continued monitoring sites throughout this challenging year.
For those interested in learning more about archaeological sites, we have articles on stratigraphy and whelks.
Phil has been out and about on the Step Track and running into unexpected things.
Karen reflects on the wetlands in our areas. This holiday season could be a good opportunity to explore them.
We also have some Christmas craft to enjoy and some present ideas for those yet to grab a gift.
Download your copy today! Yarnupings Issue 4 Dec 2021
Yarnupings September 2021
Spring has sprung and we’re celebrating with vibrant images of the amazing wildflowers that are in bloom.
This issue celebrates our volunteers and the valuable work they do and provides some tips for taking photos of an Aboriginal site.
Phil discusses the ethics of revealing site locations and asks the question—who really owns the past?
We have some Sydney Language to learn and a mask to colour in for the kids (big kids too!) and Karen has shared her delicious banana bread recipe for you to make and enjoy at home.
Yarnupings June 2021
Please enjoy the latest edition of Yarnupings. This issue celebrates Reconciliation Week. Phil talks us through the process of graffiti removal and we showcase some beautiful rock art. Enjoy!
Get your copy of the latest AHO Newsletter, Yarnupings Issue 2 2021.
Finished this edition? There are plenty more Yarnupings newsletters in our Resources section!
Yarnupings March 2021
This issue celebrates the AHO turning 21 – From Little Things, Big Things Grow. There’s many a story to share! We introduce you to a new volunteer and rejoice in saying thanks to our many enthusiastic and dedicated volunteer team. Phil takes us through monitoring sites in Lane Cove and we farewell Samaka. There’s Deep Time Dreaming book review and a delicious recipe to try. Enjoy our bumper birthday edition!
Yarnupings December 2020
Yarnupings Issue 4 December 2020
This issue highlights two of our fabulous volunteers. Karen shares her thoughts on her year and Phil writes about the slow creeping damage that occurs to many Aboriginal sites. We have a great review of Archie Roach’s memoir ‘Tell Me Why’ (which would make a great gift idea!).
The staff at the AHO wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Yarnupings September 2020
Yarnupings Issue 3 September 2020
This issue focuses on the theme of food. There may have been an extra kilo or two sneak up on us during Covid time, so we thought we’d take a look at food from Aboriginal Australia.We write about the amazing Saltwater Women of Sydney, look at some tools used in the collection of food, ponder the way we view food and what to do if you’re out in the field and are recording food found in the archaeological record.
Yarnupings June 2020
This edition looks at the first Australian pandemic, hearth and home, educational resources, national volunteer week, book reviews, quizzes and more.
Yarnupings March 2020
This edition looks at cultural burning, volunteer of the month, AHO museum guided tours, the Schools Dig Program, 20 years of the AHO, Year of the Plant and more.
Yarnupings November 2019
Yarnupings_Issue 4_Nov_2019November we look at the Coastal Erosion Project, the real Gringai country, a visit to Noongah Country, 360 photography tours, whispers from the museum, a different perspective on Uluru, a walk in Willoughby Council and more.
Yarnupings June 2019
Yarnupings_Issue 3_June_2019A new museum exhibit, the Brewarrina Fish Traps, NAIDOC Week, David Unaipon, rainy day ideas, track of the month and unraveling mysteries of old site cards are some of the items in this edition.
Yarnupings March 2019
This is our 19th birthday issue! We look at the AHO in perspective, the mapping massacres website, track of the month and more.
Yarnupings February 2019
We welcome in the new year and have a look at our new home, Freshwater. Plus track of the month at Long Reef…
Yarnupings March 2018
Shell fish hooks, new finds in Strathfield, how Aboriginal people could be discriminated on being too Aboriginal or not Aboriginal enough, the Koori Knockout, and more.
Yarnupings December 2017
Yarnupings Issue 2 December 2017
Summer. We welcome Ed to the team, a visit to Broome, the ingenuity of humans past and present, a lighter side of a day in the life of the AHO, the NSW heritage reforms, crossword and quiz and the usual.
Yarnupings June 2017
A look at mapping sites, the AHO volunteer program, the 1967 referendum, in intern’s insights and a collection of fun activities.
Yarnupings December 2016
Yarnupings Issue 3 December
Strathfield Council joins the AHO partnership, a summary of what the AHO is, an example of why we do what we do, a look at a continental myth, some Indigenous commentators and media, book reviews, Christmas stories, quizzes and more.
Yarnupings October 2016
Yarnupings Issue 2 October 2016
A brief history of legislation affecting Aboriginal people, how to get less lost in the bush, education round up, book reviews, quizzes and more.
Yarnupings April 2016
Photo tips for volunteers, epistemology, Festival time, quizerama, bush food of the month and more.
Yarnupings December 2015
Volunteer snapshot, an intern’s insights, the importance of site location location location, a look at spring and we find where Gareth has been.
Yarnupings October 2015
Yarnupings Issue 3 October 2015
Tips for AHO volunteer monitors, what is a local, the seasons, God and smartphones, questions from students in Denmark and quizzes galore.
Yarnupings July 2015
We farewell Gareth our vols coordinator and general rouse-about, a look at outer and inner heritage from the perspective of the Nepal earthquakes, and a wrap on this year’s Festival.
Yarnupings December 2014
Yarnupings Issue 6 December 2014
A colourful wrap of the year’s activities, including the coastal erosion project.
Yarnupings November 2014
Yarnupings Issue 5 November 2014
A look at the idea of an unchanging land, fact or fiction, a visit to the World Parks Congress, and to Berry Island.
Yarnupings October 2014
Yarnupings Issue 4 October 2014
Nearly 15 years of the AHO, bush foods, who was Bennelong, hello from some interns and track of the month.
Yarnupings August 2014
Yarnupings Issue 3 August 2014 
A history of site recording in NSW, cookin’ up a storm, track of the month
Yarnupings June 2014
Yarnupings Issue 2 June 2014
Mabo Day, possum cloaks, a visit from the NSW Judicial Commission, the AHO moves to Manly, track of the month and more
Yarnupings March 2014
Yarnupings Issue 1 March 2014
Day of Mourning and Protest, a debate about re-grooving rock engravings, reflections from our Education Officer, shells in a midden, track of the month and more
Yarnupings November 2013
Yarnupings Issue 6 November 2013
An award for the volunteer program, a yarn up, an exotic take on Native Title, the Tranby family, in fear of the field, movie review and more
Yarnupings October 2013
Yarnupings Issue 5 October 2013
Someone finds an interesting bone, life in the defence forces, introducing the interns, quizzes, recipes and more
Yarnupings September 2013
Yarnupings Issue 4 September 2013
Flowers and bushland fire management, fire management Top End style, a look at R.H. Matthews, the AHO gets another award, recipes, vols wrap and more
Yarnupings August 2013
Yarnupings Issue 3 August 2013
The past repeating, Festival feedback, a loot at W.D. Campbell recorder of rock engravings, intern insights, winners of our design comp and more
Yarnupings June 2013
Yarnupings Issue 2 June 2013
Notes from Tasmania, intern insights, God and lawns, the AHO’s new recording device, recipes and more
Yarnupings April 2013
Yarnupings Issue 1 April 2013
A hello from an old North Sydney friend, Indigenous surfers, site predictions, and more
Yarnupings December 2012
Yarnupings Issue 9 December 2012
A look at skin, a galactic perspective, our new intern, Aboriginal war commemoration, recipes, quizzes and more
Yarnupings November 2012
Yarnupings Issue 8 November 2012
Why not to get kidney stones, discrimination and projection, insights into Aboriginal life, Gulgadya Muru and Manly Dam, track of the month and more
Yarnupings September 2012
Yarnupings Issue 7 September 2012
Volunteer site monitoring, a question about evolution, Education wrap, quizzes and more
Yarnupings August 2012
Yarnupings Issue 5 August 2012
Vandalism, a look at anthropology, Geoff’s work in the field, and more
Yarnupings July 2012
Yarnupings Issue 4 July 2013
Archaeology and prejudice, a welcome to Jimmy, insights from the interns, Aboriginal canoes and more
Yarnupings June 2012
Yarnupings Issue 3 June 2012
A visit to Byrock waterhole, archaeology and climate change, tracks and tracking, movie review and more
Yarnupings March 2010
Newsletter 2010 March – Email version 
10 year anniversary, heritage rangers around the world, inside the AHO museum, our volunteer program and more