Lili Johnson is an Archaeologist who has completed a Bachelor of Archaeology from La Trobe University. Her education was focused on Indigenous and historical archaeology in Australia with a further fundamental understanding of bone and lithic analysis.

Lili’s passion from archaeology comes from her love of history, the outdoors and exploration. She loves the hands on experience and practical side of studying the past. Her focus so far has been Australian and Indigenous archaeology, but she has plans to some day expand on this knowledge.

She has experience in both manual and mechanical subsurface testing and recording, artefact analysis, and the preparation of CHMPs. Lili has worked on a wide range of archaeological sites across Victoria, and currently has plans to pursue further education in the archaeology field.

In her spare time Lili likes to explore new things, bake new recipes and explore nature.

Education and affiliations

• Bachelor of Archaeology (La Trobe University 2024)
• Member of the Australian Archaeological Association (AAA)

Maisie Read is an Archaeologist who has worked on a variety of projects across Victoria’s cultural heritage management industry. Maisie is currently undertaking her Masters of Archaeology at La Trobe University. Throughout her education, she has gained a comprehensive understanding of contemporary archaeological practice and legislation in Queensland and Victoria. Her studies focus on Indigenous and historical archaeology within Australia.

Maisie’s passion for archaeology originally started with watching episodes of Time Team after school when she was younger. It really inspired her to learn as much as she could about past civilisations and what everyday life was like for those people, and to creatively interpret excavated assemblages to bring to life the stories about past individuals or groups.

She has experience in a wide range of tasks, including manual and mechanical subsurface testing, lithic artefact identification and recording, background site research and preparation for CHMPs, as well as knowledge of human osteology.

In her personal time, Maisie loves to play Dungeons and Dragons, improv comedy and indulge in music – mostly singing. As a proud Queenslander, she also loves to travel and spend time outside in nature, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Education and affiliations

• Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Archaeology and Art History), The University of Queensland, Brisbane (2019);
• Master of Archaeology, La Trobe University, Bundoora (in progress);
• Membership of the Australian Archaeological Association Inc. (AAA).

Charli Phillipps is an Archaeologist who has completed her Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from the University of Melbourne. Charli’s studies primarily focused on European prehistory and classical archaeology, and her honours thesis focused on bodily depictions in Sardinian bronze age iconography.

Charli has been obsessed with archaeology since she was young, but her passion truly developed during fieldwork on overseas archaeological projects. Charli worked on a survey project in Sardinia during 2022, which led her to write an honours thesis on representations of gender and warriorhood in Bronze Age Sardinia. She’s also recently participated in excavations of an early Bronze Age settlement in Georgia.

Charli has experience in a wide range of tasks, including archaeological survey, manual and mechanical subsurface testing, salvage excavation, archaeological illustration, recording of lithic and ceramic artefacts, and the preparation of desktop, standard and complex CHMPs. She also has experience in public engagement and developing archaeological education programs and resources.

Outside the field, Charli loves to travel and explore new places, continue practicing Italian, watch women’s soccer and spend quality time with friends.

Education and affiliations

• Bachelor of Arts majoring in Ancient World Studies and Gender Studies, University of Melbourne (2022);
• Bachelor of Arts (Hons) majoring in Ancient World Studies, University of Melbourne (2023);
• Membership of the Australian Archaeological Association Inc. (AAA).

Uschi Artym is an Archaeologist who has completed a Bachelor of Archaeology (Honours) at Flinders University in South Australia. The focus of her honours thesis was to investigate the spatial and temporal relationships between European officers and Aboriginal troopers at the Burke River Native Mounted Police Camp in Boulia, Queensland. She is currently undertaking a PhD with the focus on residue and use-wear analysis on two knapped bottle glass assemblage from NMP camps in Boulia and Mistake Creek, Queensland.

Uschi is curious about everything, but mostly people – particularly how they formed societies, solved problems, interacted with their environment and motivated their decisions and behaviours. Her interest in archaeology stems from the opportunity to dabble in a bit of everything: geology, palaeontology, ecologies – all the ologies! Uschi believes archaeology is a great way of understanding past peoples and environments and connecting to the present.

Uschi has experience in the cataloguing and analysis of historical artefacts, knapped glass, high and low powered microscopy techniques, academic report writing and research. She has now expanded her skills into the Victorian cultural heritage sector and is familiar with mechanical sieving, manual excavation techniques, lithic artefact identification and cataloguing and stratigraphic illustration.

Outside archaeology, Uschi is a passionate amateur boxer – previously as a competitor but now an international referee and judge. Boxing has provided Uschi many wonderful opportunities to travel both in Australia and internationally, and many important connections along the way. When she’s not in the boxing ring, she enjoys the great outdoors – gardening, exploring her local area or a walk culminating in a delicious coffee!

Education and affiliations

• Bachelor of Archaeology, Flinders University, Adelaide (2017);
• Bachelor of Archaeology (Honours), Flinders University, Adelaide (2019);
• Member of Australian Archaeological Society (AAA); and
• Member of the Golden Key International Honour society.

Jonas Manley is an Archaeologist and Excavator Operator who has recently completed a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Archaeology and Classics from the Australian National University. Jonas’ bachelor studies primarily focused on Australian Aboriginal archaeology, European prehistory and south-east Asian archaeology.

Jonas first got into archaeology from movies and documentaries, but now he’s strongly driven by the hope that the work he does is helping communities reconnect with and rediscover their past.

Jonas has experience in a wide variety of tasks, including manual and mechanical excavation, excavator operation in the context of complex assessments and salvage excavations, Aboriginal site recording, and desktop research.

Outside work Jonas likes to play AFL and support the GWS Giants, playing pool, travelling, as well as gold prospecting across Victoria.

Education and affiliations

• Bachelor of Arts majoring in Archaeology and Classics, Australian National University, Canberra; and
• Member of the Australian Archaeological Association (AAA).

Hesper Andrew is an Archaeologist with five years of experience working predominantly in Victoria, with some projects in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Since completing a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in History and Archaeology from La Trobe University in 2021, Hesper has participated in a range of archaeological projects, including cultural heritage management plans, historical excavations, rock art assessments and cultural values assessments. As such, she has gained skills in excavation methods, field survey, artefact analysis and management, field recording, report writing, GIS, oral history recording, and photography.

Hesper is passionate about working with Indigenous communities, implementing traditional knowledge systems and connection to country to our understanding of the archaeological record, and to promote positive community outcomes. This passion was nurtured during the Boorapek rock art survey with Barenji Gadjin, which aimed to record rock art across the Dyurrite landscape and advocate for community management of the cultural landscape. Further, she has worked within a Registered Aboriginal Party, the Taungurung Land and Water Council, facilitating statutory requirements, community projects and helped develop systems and policies for heritage management.

For Hesper, archaeology is important to not only understand the past, but to connect through our shared humanity. She is honoured to have the opportunity to work with Traditional Owners and Custodians across the state, and to foster relationships and continuous learning. She is currently undertaking a graduate diploma in Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Management at Flinders University.

Outside work, Hesper enjoys spending time with friends, family and her two cats. She loves crafts, reading and going for a walk along the Yarra.

Education and affiliations

• Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in History and Archaeology, La Trobe University (2021);
• Graduate Diploma in Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Management (ongoing); and
• Member of the Australian Archaeological Association (AAA).

Michelle Kay is an Archaeologist/Heritage Advisor with over a year of experience working in the Victorian heritage industry. She has completed undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in archaeology at various Australian universities and has experience in excavation, laboratory analysis, collections management, and research across Australian historical and Aboriginal contexts as well as Egyptian and Roman archaeology.

Her postgraduate research focused on tattooing practices of ancient Egypt and Nubia and connections to ethnic identities. Michelle recently completed a Graduate Certificate of Archaeology at La Trobe University, Bundoora and is currently pursuing a master’s degree to further develop her skills in Australian Aboriginal archaeology.

Over her career so far, Michelle has developed skills in archaeological survey and excavation, report writing, and lithic and shell analysis. Bringing together expertise from both natural science and humanities fields allows her to delve into site interpretation and storytelling from multiple perspectives.

You could say that Michelle’s interest in the past was piqued through her religious viewing of Time Team at 4.30pm at the tender age of eight. Fast forward to the 2020s and now she’s a fully-fledged archaeologist and archaeology tutor.

When she’s not hanging out in a test pit, Michelle is often found bushwalking, sewing and reading the latest fantasy offering.

Education and affiliations

• Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts majoring in Chemistry and Ancient Cultures, Monash University (2019);
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) specialising in Ancient World Studies, University of Melbourne (2021);
• Master of Research (Arts) in Ancient History, Macquarie University (2022);
• Graduate Certificate of Archaeology, La Trobe University (2024); and
• Membership of the Australian Archaeological Association Inc. (AAA).

Conor Mackie is an Archaeologist with a Bachelor of Arts, double majoring in Archaeology and Geography at the Australian Catholic University. Conor has been in the industry for two years and has worked on numerous Aboriginal and historical sites, as well as working overseas on sites in both Europe and the Middle East.

Conor has a wide range of experience in tasks such as manual and mechanical excavations, artefact analysis, site recording, surveying and the preparation of CHMPs.

Conor’s passion for archaeology stems from having an interest in history, but he wasn’t keen on spending too much time surrounded by old books! Instead, archaeology allows Conor to interact directly with history by getting his hands dirty.

Outside work, Conor loves to go scuba diving and travel whenever he has the opportunity.

Education and affiliations

• Bachelor of Arts (Archaeology and Geography), Australian Catholic University (2025); and
• Member of the Australian Archaeological Association (AAA).

Meg Haas is a Senior Archaeologist/Heritage Advisor with over eight years’ experience in the Victorian cultural heritage management industry. She is well-versed in Victorian heritage legislation and has expertise in the production, review and evaluation of CHMPs and in clear communication and consultation with clients and other stakeholders. Meg’s work has been based primarily in Victoria, through during her studies she also worked on projects in South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia.

Meg has always been interested in history, and in particular learning about individuals and their own personal stories. For Meg, archaeology provides a tangible link to those stories and people and is a powerful reminder of our connection to the past – she thinks it’s always special to hold an artefact and imagine the last time someone may have held or used it, whether it was hundreds or even thousands of years ago. On a personal level, Meg always tries to understand how she fits into the context and landscape of the places she lives, works and visits, and working in archaeology gives her the opportunity to answer these questions through a past lens.

Meg has experience in a variety of tasks including project management, supervision of fieldwork programs, archaeological survey and excavation, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal historical site identification and registration, historical research, and report writing for both Aboriginal and historical archaeological projects, and learning and development. Aside from her experience as a consultant archaeologist and Heritage Advisor, Meg worked for over two years at a Melbourne-based RAP organisation where she was engaged in the review and evaluation of CHMPs. During her time at the RAP she worked closely with Traditional Owners to achieve the best outcomes for the protection of cultural heritage places within the RAP area.

Outside work, Meg loves to explore her passions for anything crafty – knitting, crochet, sewing, and weaving!

Education and affiliations

• Bachelor of Arts majoring in Ancient History and History, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, (2014);
• Graduate Diploma of Archaeology and Heritage Management, Flinders University, Adelaide (2015); and
• Master of Professional Archaeology, La Trobe University, Melbourne (2017).

Terri Williams is an Archaeologist who has completed a Bachelor of Archaeology at La Trobe University. Terri’s studies primarily focused on Australian Aboriginal archaeology, undertaking lithic analysis and animal bone analysis, while also exploring historical artefact management and analysis of ceramic, glass, shell and brick analysis.

She has worked on several projects across Victoria and has experience in a wide range of tasks, including archaeological survey, manual and mechanical excavation of Aboriginal and historical sites, recording Aboriginal and historical sites, and historical artefact analysis.

In her spare time, Terri loves to read a good book, pole dance and spend quality time with her dog Wonk.

Education and affiliations

• Bachelor of Archaeology, La Trobe University, Melbourne (2023)
• Certificate III in Business (2020)