Dinosaur Dreaming

2001 Coordinator's report

Katch Bacheller

Again, the necessity for a coordinator and right-hand person for the preparator and mining engineer was proven in Dinosaur Dreaming 2001. Though the returning volunteers clearly do not need coordination, new volunteers require orientation to the site and field house, and supervision in their first tenuous days breaking rock and identifying bone.

Additionally, this person act as the central coordinator between all parties and updates the information whiteboard as changes occur. Changes can occur every five minutes due to the capriciousness of the weather in Victoria. The opportunity to prove the importance of this position came, as there was no coordinator for the first two weeks of the dig. The coordinator clearly gave both Lesley Kool and Nick Van Klaveren the opportunity to focus on their expertise and not be continually badgered by minute details.

Opening the hole proceeded quickly as there was no need to install the lower tidal system because we were working higher on the tidal platform. The equipment needs were minimal and carry out restricted to shovels and rock. Strapping with Velcro straps again proved the most efficient and safe way to carry and transport nested shovels and flagpoles. The addition of six more WWII Swiss Army Ammunition packs was needed as three older back packs were retired after two years of arduous labour.

The volunteers were stellar. It was my privilege to again work with the many outstanding individuals who come together to support the effort of science in Australia.