Australia’s rock art is a rich resource for understanding our early history. Research into it and its context reveals elements of our earliest human settlement and how our early people responded to fluctuating sea levels, changing climates, and migrating populations. Close study of the art allows theories about how people lived to be postulated: depicted are the weapons, ceremonial ornaments, hunting techniques, and prey. Research funded by RAA has begun to build the elements of our first story, with Kimberley rock art dating back 17,500 years and a 60,000-year climate record revealing periods of aridity and fertility. Linking changes in art styles to environmental shifts has provided meaningful insights into our human history.

Through RAA’s approach, combining Aboriginal traditional knowledge with cutting-edge multidisciplinary science, we aim to understand the interplay of time, geology, geography, and cultural traditions.

Support one of the following projects:

Rock art, archaeology, and climate change at Wulk (Red Lily Lagoon), Manilakarr Clan Estate, Western Arnhem Land: Investigating the connections between ancient rock art, environmental shifts, and human adaptation.

Kimberley STEM Outreach Program: Engaging students in remote Kimberley communities through hands-on STEM learning that integrates Western and Indigenous knowledge.

NSW Aboriginal Heritage Office Rock Art Database: Preserving and making accessible thousands of Aboriginal rock art sites along Sydney’s northern beaches, safeguarding knowledge for future generations.

Before and After the Last Ice Age: GunaiKurnai Archaeology along the Snowy: Excavating a network of sites in Gippsland, Victoria, to reveal the rich 52,000+ year Aboriginal history of GunaiKurnai Country, offering new insights into cultural resilience and environmental change.

Unlocking Environmental Archives of the Kimberley’s Past: A comprehensive study of 60,000 years of environmental and climatic history, culminating in the creation of a groundbreaking paleoenvironmental e-atlas.

Support new projects in emerging areas of research by providing seed funding that enables project proposals and innovative ideas to be developed into full projects.

Fund critical research that fills gaps in Australia’s human story.

Support multidisciplinary scientific investigations that advance global understanding of human history.

Enable two-way knowledge exchange partnerships between Aboriginal communities and researchers.

Support the translation of this research into the Australian school curriculum, public exhibitions, books, films, lectures, and educational programs, enriching every Australian’s understanding of our heritage.

Foster a stronger, more united national identity grounded in knowledge and respect as we increase our understanding of the lives and culture of the First Australians. Our research will provide the foundation for all Australians to unite with pride in Australia’s deep and enduring human story.

There are a number of ways you can donate.

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT):
Account name: Rock Art Australia Limited Donation Fund
BSB: 033-364
Account: 985120
Please send an email to hello@rockartaustralia.org.au advising us of your donation.

Cheque: Please make cheques payable to Rock Art Australia Limited Donation Fund. Please send cheques to Rock Art Australia, Level 6, 41 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000. Include your full name, address, phone number and email so we can send you a receipt.

Credit Card: You can safely donate using your credit card to complete the online form below. Please make sure you click the SUBMIT button once you have entered your personal details.

Mail: Simply download the DONATION FORM and send it to Rock Art Australia, Level 6, 41 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000.

Phone: You’re welcome to CONTACT US directly, and we can process your payment over the phone.