Rare fossil collection gets first public airing

A remarkable exhibition of fossils detailing life on Earth throughout the ages, including evidence of a coral reef at Wee Jasper, was opened today by Dr Chris Bourke MLA, Minister for Education and Training, at the Canberra Museum and Gallery.

"This amazing assortment of fossils from the ANU is a rare chance for the public to see one of the best collections of fossils in the world," Dr Bourke said.

The exhibition, Old Bones - New Insights: Rare fossils from the ANU Collection, contains many rare fossils from the region including areas around Burrinjuck and Eden, many are ‘type specimens' from which new species have been described for the very first time.

The exhibition also showcases some of the cutting edge technology being applied to the study of evolution by the ANU, such as X-ray tomography, a process through which thousands of X-ray images are taken to reveal the different layers of an object and reveal its internal structure.

These images are reproduced in some beautiful animated sequences within the exhibition.

"Most people would probably be unaware of the ground breaking work on fossils being carried out at the ANU, let alone the extent of its vast collection," Dr Bourke said.

"I am sure the exhibition will be a popular destination for Canberra families over the summer holidays, many of whom will be surprised to discover the significance of the fossil sites that surround the ACT."

Dr Bourke said members of the public were invited to join ANU's Professor Tim Senden and
Dr Gavin Young for a free ‘collectors conversation' at 12.30-1.30PM on 31 January 2012.

The exhibition is open until to Sunday 26 February 2012 at Canberra Museum and Gallery, Civic Square, Canberra City.

The Gallery is open Monday to Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday to Sunday 12-5pm.

Further information is available at http://www.museumsandgalleries.act.gov.au/ or by phoning 6207 3968.