Geordie Ball is a Junior Archaeologist currently completing his Bachelor of Archaeology at La Trobe University. He has over a year of fieldwork experience focusing on Aboriginal heritage sites and artefact salvage digs. He has also excavated in a paleoanthropological context at the fossil hominin site of Drimolen in South Africa, as well as paleontological digs on the Bass Coast.

Geordie has experience with the practical application of archaeological excavation, field skills such as artefact cataloguing and analysis, stratigraphic recording, site recording and mechanical excavation site setup and pack down. Geordie hopes to pursue an honours in palaeoanthropological dental macrowear studies on South African fossil specimens.

Geordie loves to play/DM Dungeons and Dragons with friends in his spare time, and take care of his pet snake Loki.

Education and affiliations

• Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Archaeology, La Trobe University, Melbourne (current)
• Membership of the Australian Archaeological Association (AAA)

Jiordi-ann Bothwell is an Archaeologist/Heritage Advisor who holds a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Archaeology and History with honours from La Trobe University. Through her honours studies, Jiordi-ann explored the complex and deep relationship between Buddhism and monarchy in ancient Sri Lankan society. Her thesis was accompanied by a month-long excavation in Polonnaruwa, where she supervised excavation of building footings relating to a monastic site.

Jiordi-ann was inspired to take up a career in archaeology by her parents, who are history aficionados and love the classic 90s hit, The Mummy.

In Australia, Jiordi-ann has experience in Australian Indigenous and historical archaeology, building knowledge in a wide range of tasks, including archaeological survey, manual and mechanical excavation of Aboriginal and historical sites, historical artefact analysis, site recording and archaeological illustration.

In her spare time, Jiordi-ann loves reading, music, watching movies, travelling and a good cocktail.

Education and affiliations

• Bachelor of Arts majoring in Archaeology and History, La Trobe University, Melbourne
• Bachelor of Arts (Hons) majoring in Archaeology, La Trobe University, Melbourne
• Membership of the Australian Archaeological Association Inc. (AAA)

Conor Hughes is an Archaeologist who holds a Bachelor of Archaeology and is currently studying his masters at La Trobe University. Conor’s education included a mix of Australian historical, Indigenous and world archaeology. His postgraduate research focuses on the lithic industry of the early Neolithic of the Southern Levant.

Conor’s interest in history and archaeology stemmed from his childhood – particularly the many episodes of Time Team watched after school that inspired him to follow his dream career.

Through his degree, Conor has gained experience in lithic analysis, bone analysis, excavation skills, research and report writing. Conor’s practical experience in Victoria includes manual and mechanical excavation, artefact recovery, soil testing and pit recording.

Outside the field, Conor enjoys travelling, camping, good food and spending time with his loved ones.

Education and affiliations

• Bachelor of Archaeology, La Trobe University (2024)
• Membership of the Australian Archaeological Association Inc. (AAA)

Kate Tidswell is an Archaeologist with over four years’ experience in the Victorian cultural heritage management industry. Kate completed a Bachelor of Arts at Monash University in 2023 with a major in Archaeology and Ancient History. As part of her degree, Kate also completed a minor study in Anthropology.

Kate is interested in the intersection of archaeology and lived experience, and how the lives of both individuals and communities are reflected, communicated, and experienced through landscape and material culture. In 2023 she attended a field school at Carsulae, an ancient Roman and medieval town in Umbria, Italy as a student field archaeologist – a joint excavation by Associazione per lo Studio del Territorio, la Ricerca e l’Archeologia (ASTRA) and Monash University. Kate is interested in undertaking further study to refine the artefact analysis categories and process to better reflect and utilise traditional knowledges surrounding lithic tools, particularly those that don’t fit within defined categories.

Kate was initially drawn to archaeology through history books as a kid, spending a lot of time learning about Ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt. Her passion for archaeology emerged as she wanted to work with tangible history in a hands on way. Now, through her work in Victoria, she explores how the production and use of stone tools frames the knowledges, experiences, and practices of the lives of many.

Kate’s practical experience is primarily centred on Aboriginal cultural heritage, including lithic analysis, mechanical and manual excavation, and CHMPs. In addition, Kate has experience in excavating and managing Historical Archaeology sites in collaboration with Heritage Victoria, as well as within Medieval and Roman contexts.

Outside of work Kate loves to spend time crafting (particularly knitting and sewing), spending time with her friends and cat, and reading.

Education and affiliations

• Bachelor of Arts (Archaeology and Ancient History), Monash University, Clayton (2023)
• Membership of the Australian Archaeological Association Inc. (AAA)

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).