Jamie Rachcoff is an Archaeologist/Heritage Advisor with over two and a half years’ experience in the Victorian cultural heritage industry. Before becoming an archaeologist, Jamie spent a decade working in community and stakeholder engagement roles in the private sector and local government. The decision to change careers was fuelled by a longstanding passion for archaeology.

Jamie is passionate about the centering of First Nations perspectives and ensuring traditional worldviews and voices are at the forefront of archaeological practice. He is also fascinated by cultural landscapes, the physical and intangible relationships between archaeological places and their surrounding environments, and what they can tell us about past (and present) societies. He had the opportunity to explore these themes through recent research on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country, where he investigated and prospected for Aboriginal earth rings using remote sensing data.

Jamie has led and supported archaeological projects including urban and residential subdivisions, developments and renewable energy initiatives, as well as large salvages. His Master’s research developed expertise in GIS, mapping and remote sensing, and he is also skilled in the preparation of CHMPs, Preliminary Aboriginal Heritage Tests (PAHTs), cultural heritage permits and due diligence assessments, Aboriginal and historical site recording (including dry-stone walls), lithic analysis, and archaeological illustration.

In his spare time you’ll most often find Jamie binging on RuPaul’s Drag Race, producing and DJing electronic music, spending quality time with mates, reading, playing video games and cuddling his adorable rescue greyhound, Chase.

Education and affiliations

• Master of Professional Archaeology, La Trobe University, Melbourne (2023)
• Bachelor of Arts (Ancient World Studies, Media and Communications), University of Melbourne (2012)
• Certificate of Engagement, International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) Australasia (2016)
• Member, Australian Archaeological Association Inc. (AAA)
• Member, Australasian Society for Historical Archaeology (ASHA)

Publications, presentations, and articles

• Kurpiel, R., Spry, C., Rachcoff, J., Penzo-Kajewski, P., Jones, K., Freedman, D., Meredith-Williams, M., Armstrong, B., Jones, R., Wandin, A., and B. Mullins. 2022. Sunbury Rings Cultural Landscapes Project: Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) investigations at Holly Green Mound. Excavations, Surveys and Heritage Management in Victoria. 11. pp. 7-13.
• Rachcoff, J., R. Kurpiel, M. Meredith-Williams, R. Jones,  B. Mullins,  A. Wandin and C. Spry. 2023. Prospecting for earth rings on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country, Victoria using airborne LiDAR. Poster presentation to the 2023 Australian Archaeological Association Conference. Gold Coast, Queensland. 9 December 2023.

Brian Porrett is an Archaeologist/Heritage Advisor with over five years of experience working in Victoria, Western Australia, the Middle East and United States. He has a deep passion for stone artefact analysis and is captivated by the intricacies of early state-level societies.

His 2014 university thesis delved into the roles of defensive city fortifications and trade dynamics between Early Bronze Age city-state societies and the dominant empires of the Levant. This was complemented by three rewarding excavation seasons at the Tel es-Safi settlement in Israel where he developed his archaeological skills.

Brian’s wide skillset includes archaeological survey, excavation (including cemeteries), stone artefact analysis, recording both Aboriginal and historical sites, and consultation with Traditional Custodians and project stakeholders.

Outside of his professional commitments, Brian is an Ultimate Frisbee enthusiast, enjoying the thrill and camaraderie of the game. Brian also has wanderlust, always eager to explore new places and immerse himself in diverse cultures.

Education and affiliations

• Graduate Certificate in Archaeology, La Trobe University, Melbourne (2022)
• Bachelor of Arts (Archaeology), College of Wooster, United States (2014)
• Member, Australian Archaeological Association (AAA)

Publications, presentations, and articles

• Poster presentation at the Society for American Archaeology, Austin (2014)
• Poster presentation at the Central States Anthropological Society, St Louis (2013)

Sam Neville is a Field Assistant who embarked on his career in the Australian cultural heritage management industry in late 2021. He graduated from Monash University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science/ Bachelor of Arts, with majors in archaeology, history, and microbiology.

Before stepping into archaeology, Sam gained experience working in various sectors such as agriculture and analytical testing. He played significant roles in asbestos testing at ALS and took on responsibilities at GrainFlow during grain harvesting.

In the cultural heritage industry, Sam has developed skills in archaeological survey, manual and mechanical subsurface testing, salvage excavation, as well as writing desktop assessments and conducting background research. With a keen interest for the field, Sam is eager to complete further studies in Indigenous archaeology and cultural heritage management in the coming years.

Outside of work, Sam loves adventure, including 4x4ing, working on his cars, heading out into the great outdoors and recreational shooting. He is passionate about footy and also enjoys a good gym session.

Education and affiliations

• Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts, Monash University, Melbourne (2020)
• Member, Australian Archaeological Association (AAA)

Tegan Herrick is a Archaeologist/Heritage Advisor with over five years of experience in both Aboriginal and historical archaeology within Victoria. During this time Tegan has contributed to positive heritage outcomes for several large infrastructure projects, including excavating sites for Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel and the Bendigo GovHub development.

Tegan is fascinated by the ‘unknown’ of the past. She loves untangling the past and making sense of it, while also appreciating the mystery of what we can never know. This passion really intensified after her Honours year, where Tegan explored the archaeological significance of certain topographical and geological features in the sacred landscapes of Minoan Crete, Greece.

Tegan is well-experienced in archaeological survey and excavation, desktop research, writing CHMPs and salvage reports, supervising fieldwork, identifying and recording Aboriginal and historical sites and artefacts, and consultation and engagement with Traditional Custodians, clients, landowners and community representatives.

When Tegan is not at work or out spending time with friends, you’ll probably find her curled up on the couch with a hot cuppa and a good jigsaw puzzle or book, or possibly watching trashy TV (specifically Greys Anatomy).

Education and affiliations

• Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Monash University, Melbourne (2020)
• Member, Australian Archaeological Association (AAA)

Talia Green is a Senior Archaeologist and Heritage Advisor with over six years of experience in the Victorian heritage industry. She has a specialised interest in forensic archaeology, bioarchaeology, and zooarchaeology.

In 2018, as part of her Honours research at the University of New England, Talia made valuable contributions to the understanding of colonial-era Sydney’s human diet. By analysing butchery patterns on sheep remains, she explored the dietary preferences and resource availability across various socio-economic classes. Talia’s expertise also extends overseas where in Cyprus she played a key role in the excavation, exhumation, analysis, and repatriation of modern human skeletal remains. She is currently a PhD candidate at the University of New England, researching the non-metric traits of crania for ancestry evaluation in a modern Greek-Cypriot population.

Talia’s experience in consulting includes the management of and contribution to residential and commercial developments, water projects, road and rail ventures, historical archaeology projects, archaeological assessments for the Commonwealth Department of Defence and heritage components for environmental effects statements (EES). Talia is proficient in a wide range of tasks, from project management and background research to archaeological surveys and salvage excavations. Her skills include identifying and recording Aboriginal and historical sites, photography, and engaging effectively with various stakeholders, including regulatory bodies and Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs).

In her free time, Talia loves long-distance running, which tests both her physical and mental limits. She loves to travel and experience new cultures, and has a passion for animals, which is evident through her love for her border collie Bones.

Education and affiliations

• PhD Candidate in Archaeology, University of New England (ongoing)
• Honours in Archaeology (Zooarchaeology), University of New England (2018)
• Bachelor of Science (Archaeology and Palaeoanthropology), University of New England (2017)
• Member, Australian Archaeological Association (AAA)

Trevor Geoghegan is a Field Assistant and Excavator Operator with over five years in the Victorian heritage industry. His dedication and experience makes him a vital asset to the team at Jem Archaeology.

Trevor’s expertise spans mechanical and manual excavation, sub-surface testing and salvage excavations, archaeological survey and soil testing.

He regularly liaises and consults with Traditional Owner and Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) representatives in the field, ensuring that our excavation approaches are collaborative and culturally respectful.

When not immersed in his work you can find him cheering on his beloved St Kilda Saints.

Emily Evans is a Senior Archaeologist/Heritage Advisor with over six years of experience working in the Victorian heritage industry and at international archaeological sites.

Since earning her Master’s in 2020, Emily has participated in more than five hundred archaeological projects, including gas pipelines with offshore components, electricity alignments, residential, commercial, and industrial developments, water and sewerage pipelines, road and rail projects and renewable energy farms.

Emily’s passion for heritage was kindled during her international archaeological adventures. She has participated in excavations at Etruscan sites in Italy and delved deep into the past at a Late Minoan IIIc/Archaic period settlement on Crete, Greece. Her Masters research led her to analyse vertebrate faunal remains from Aboriginal shell middens in Weipa, North Queensland.

Over her career Emily has mastered archaeological survey and excavation, writing CHMPs and salvage reports, supervising fieldwork, identifying and recording Aboriginal sites and artefacts, and building invaluable relationships with with Traditional Owners, clients, landowners, and community representatives.

For Emily, archaeology is not just about unearthing the past, it’s also about storytelling. She appreciates the opportunity to work with Traditional Custodians across the state and the continuous learning that comes with it.

Outside of work Emily enjoys spending time with her special dog Earl, who despite being born deaf, is an adaptive learner, mastering hand signals and tricks under Emily’s guidance. She loves her time with family and friends, visiting the beach and cheering for her beloved Richmond Tigers.

Education and affiliations

• Master of Archaeology and Heritage Management, Flinders University, Adelaide (2020)
• Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Archaeology and Ancient History) (Honours), Monash University, Melbourne (2014)
• Member, Australian Archaeological Association (AAA)

Georgia Cowling is an Archaeologist with three years’ experience in the Victorian heritage industry. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Archaeology and Ancient History and Classical Studies from Monash University, and is currently advancing her studies with a Master of Professional Archaeology at La Trobe University, Melbourne.

Georgia is proficient in archaeological survey, manual and mechanical subsurface testing, salvage excavation, lithic recording and analysis, archaeological illustration and writing CHMPs. She’s experienced in engaging with regulatory bodies, clients, landowners, Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs), and other Aboriginal corporation and community representatives.

Outside of her archaeological pursuits, Georgia loves hiking in the great outdoors and being amongst nature. She also enjoys reading and boxing in her free time, as well as time with friends and family.

Education and affiliations

• Bachelor of Arts (Archaeology and Ancient History and Classical Studies), Monash University
• Member, Australian Archaeological Association (AAA)

Maddie Cooper-Wallis is an Archaeologist/Heritage Advisor with over a year of experience in the Victorian heritage industry. Originally from the United Kingdom, Maddie graduated with Honours in Archaeology from La Trobe University, Melbourne in 2020.

She has a keen interest and experience in the repatriation of cultural heritage, which stemmed from her Honours research on the repatriation of heritage to Indigenous groups in Australia, Nigeria and Greece, and an accompanying analysis of the relevant legislative frameworks.

Maddie loves how her job allows her to immerse herself with archaeology and help protect as much cultural heritage as possible – in the best way possible.

Maddie is well-versed in a range of tasks, including archaeological survey and excavation, soil testing, site recording, archaeological illustration and the preparation of CHMPs and due diligence assessments.

In her spare time Maddie lives her passion for learning as much as possible, which tends to involve a lot of reading and going to the theatre.

Education and affiliations

• Bachelor of Archaeology (Honours), La Trobe University, Melbourne (2020)
• Member, Australian Archaeological Association (AAA)

Rachel Colby is an Archaeologist and GIS Specialist with four years of experience in the Victorian and United States cultural heritage management industries. Rachel graduated from Appalachian State University, North Carolina in 2018 with a major in archaeology and a minor in geography/GIS.

Throughout her career Rachel has been involved in diverse projects, including road and rail utilities and residential subdivisions. Her academic journey in the States united her passions for mapping and archaeology. Her undergraduate research project combined microscopy and reflectance transformation imaging to delve deep into the manufacturing techniques of Woodland period faunal artefacts, which she presented at the 2018 Southeastern Archaeological Conference.

Rachel’s experience includes GIS analysis, mapping, due diligence assessments, archaeological survey and excavation, artefact illustration, site recording and photography. She also consults with Traditional Owners, landowners, and community representatives.

When she’s not in the field rescuing frogs from test pits, Rachel enjoys painting and sewing, baking delicious cookies, and venturing into the great outdoors.

Education and affiliations

• Bachelor of Arts (Major in Archaeology (Summa Cum Laude), Minor in Geography/GIS), Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina, USA (2018)
• Member, Lambda Alpha National Anthropology Honor Society
• Member, Southeastern Archaeological Conference (SEAC)
• Member, Australian Archaeological Association (AAA)