Aboriginal artefacts found during exploratory digging at Griffith Base Hospital in NSW's Riverina suggest the location could have been used a campsite.
In May, stone artefacts found at the hospital campus after an archaeological assessment was completed as part of the re-development of the hospital.
Archaelogist Jillian Comber said the artefacts could have been used for cutting and scraping food and for tool making and described them as "exceptionally significant".
"They could have made shields, canoes or a coolamon (a water/food carrying vessel) or a baby's cradle," Ms Comber said.
"They also could have incised kangaroo skins with clan designs before making cloaks for protection in the cold winter months."
The 271 artefacts are bipolar stone flakes - created by smashing pebbles with stones to create sharp edges.
The artefact were found in gravel used for landscaping but others were found elsewhere in places which may have been used for a campsite several thousand years ago.
Ms Comber said before European occupation of the area, the area had two creeks running down it making it rich in natural resources such as animals and plant life.
"Several ephemeral creek lines descending from the McPhersons Range/Scenic Hill Reserve are to be found in close proximity to the hospital site. These would have provided the Wiradjuri with fresh water, fish, yabbies etc., and birds, wallabies and other animals that came to the creeks for water," she said.
Ms Comber said the discoveries would be important to local Wiradjuri residents, as well as the broader Aboriginal community.
"The artefacts provide evidence of Aboriginal occupation representing their past, providing a direct link to their ancestors, and a continued connection to country and culture," Ms Comber said.
"The artefacts represent one of few tangible social links available in the Griffith landscape, and contain high social value for the Aboriginal community.
"Given the absence of archaeological investigation within the Griffith region, these artefacts contribute to the scientific understanding of Aboriginal occupation of the area.
"As such, the hospital site has the potential to yield further information through further scientific and archaeological research into the nature of Aboriginal occupation."
Ms Comber said the rarity of archaeological finds in Griffith may be due relative lack of urban development which precludes archaeological assessments as part of the planning process.
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She expected more there would be more artifacts found as Griffith developed further.
In a joint statement, the Murrumbidgee Local Health District, Griffith Aboriginal Land Council and NSW Health Infrastructure said an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit will be prepared asking for further archaeological excavation to salvage additional artifacts.
Meanwhile, MLHD says the hospital re-development remains on track.
Schematic design consultation is under way and the next stage of construction is slated to begin later this year.