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)

Luke Macklin is an Archaeologist who recently completed a Bachelor of Archaeology at La Trobe University in Melbourne. His studies primarily focussed on lithic analysis, bone analysis, anthropology, historical artefact analysis and key archaeological skills.

Luke has worked across Victoria on a number of projects, including residential and commercial developments. He has experience with manual and mechanical salvages, subsurface testing, artefact identification and recording, and soil sampling and testing.

When not in the field, Luke’s personal hobbies include judo, jiu-jitsu, wrestling and keeping fit.

Education and affiliations

• Bachelor of Archaeology, La Trobe University, Melbourne

Aisling Beale is an Archaeologist/Heritage Advisor who has completed a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Archaeology, and a Masters of Professional Archaeology at La Trobe University. Aisling is passionate about public engagement and her postgraduate research focused on the importance of educating Victorian primary school teachers and students on Australian archaeology, and the integration of Australian archaeological content into the Victorian curriculum.

Aisling has worked on a variety of projects across Victoria and has experience in a wide range of tasks, including archaeological survey, manual and mechanical subsurface testing, recording Aboriginal and historical sites, preparing CHMPs, and historical artefact analysis. She also has experience in public engagement and developing archaeological education programs and resources.

In her spare time, Aisling loves to knit, bake delicious treats and spend time with her dogs.

Education and affiliations

• Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Archaeology, La Trobe University, Melbourne (2020)
• Master of Professional Archaeology, La Trobe University, Melbourne (2022)

Prudence Rye is an Archaeologist/Heritage Advisor with over seven years’ experience in the field. After graduating from university, her archaeological career kicked off in the United Kingdom where she worked on a multitude of Roman and Iron Age excavations. There she also had the opportunity to develop one of her biggest passions – archaeological illustration – through courses run by the Council of British Archaeology and Sussex School of Archaeology. These focussed primarily on lithic and historical illustration.

Back home, she has worked extensively in Western Australia, particularly in the excavation, skeletal analysis and repatriation of modern human remains. Prudence has managed and led heritage surveys and fieldwork in some of the country’s most remote areas, including engaging and working with Traditional Owners, mining proponents, anthropologists and other heritage consultants. She has surveyed, excavated and recorded Aboriginal sites such as artefact scatters, quarries and rock shelters. In Victoria, Prudence has worked on several largescale historical and Aboriginal archaeological projects in Melbourne, as well as commercial subdivisions, inland rail and wind farms.

Prudence has wide experience in archaeological survey and excavation of both historical and Aboriginal sites, project management, site identification, recording and photography, artefact analysis and illustration.

She’s an avid adventurer with a love for travel and the outdoors – she even hiked the Inca trail when she was just 15 years old. When Prudence is not out in the field you can find her indulging in a good book, or working with her partner on their very own tiny house!

Education and affiliations

• Graduate Diploma of Archaeology and Heritage Management, Flinders University, Adelaide (2021)
• Bachelor of Arts (Majoring in Archaeology), La Trobe University, Melbourne (2014)
• Membership of the Australian Archaeological Association (AAA)

Kenneth Strømsem is an Archaeologist/Heritage Advisor with four years of experience in the Victorian heritage management industry. Originally from Norway, his global perspective and passion for culture are evident in his work. His interest lies in learning about and working with different cultures and experiencing archaeology from an Australian perspective.

Kenneth’s Master thesis was structured on the relationship between heritage workers and various Indigenous groups in Norway and Australia, providing an in-depth knowledge of heritage legislation in both countries. He’s also worked as a supervising archaeologist for Dolm Rectory at Hitra, Norway, as well as volunteer jobs during his undergraduate years.

His skills including background research, manual excavation, artefact identification, analysis and interpretation, site survey, site photography and recording.

Outside of work, Kenneth likes to travel the world, craft new and exciting cocktails, play Warcraft and the Legend of Zelda, or enjoy the scenery while on a hike.

Education and affiliations

• Master of Archaeology, Norwegian University of Technology and Science, Norway (2020)
• Bachelor of Archaeology, La Trobe University, Melbourne (2016)
• Member, Australian Archaeological Association (AAA)

Fintan Ryan is an Archaeologist/Heritage Advisor/Excavator Operator with over six years experience in the Victorian cultural heritage management industry. He recently graduated from La Trobe University with a postgraduate qualification in Australian Aboriginal archaeology from La Trobe University.

Over the years Fintan as worked on the heritage components for a variety of residential, commercial, industrial and infrastructure projects. His experience includes leading fieldwork projects,. excavator operation, archaeological survey, manual and mechanical subsurface testing, salvage excavation, site identification and recording. A rising leader, Fintan is passionate about collaborating with Traditional Custodians and clients to deliver great archaeological outcomes.

Out of work, Fintan absolutely loves his AFL – whether it be the mighty Collingwood Football Club, or his unwavering support and passion for the local footy teams and sporting culture in his hometown.

Education and affiliations

• Bachelor of Archaeology, La Trobe University, Bundoora (2022)
• Member, Australian Archaeological Association (AAA)

Calum Ryan is a Senior Archaeologist/Heritage Advisor with experience spanning over seven years. Over this time he has worked with Traditional Custodians and clients to deliver great outcomes for archaeological projects.

His portfolio boasts leading over 300 archaeological projects, including gas pipelines with offshore components, electricity alignments, residential, industrial and commercial developments, water and sewage conduits and sustainable energy projects.

Calum is passionate about having and maintaining great relationships with Traditional Custodians out on Country. While he thoroughly loves all aspects of the job, it’s those personal interactions that he holds most dear. For Calum, every day in the field is different (and sometimes challenging), but it’s the people who make it such an amazing industry to be part of.

Calum’s expertise includes archaeological survey and excavation, stone artefact recording, analysis and interpretation, writing CHMPs and salvage reports, supervising fieldwork, identifying and recording Aboriginal sites and artefacts, as well as engaging with with Traditional Custodians, clients, landowners and community representatives.

When he’s not digging out on Country, you might find Calum at the footy cheering on the mighty Collingwood Pies, or having a game of ping pong whenever he gets the chance.

Education and affiliations

• Bachelor of Archaeology (Honours), La Trobe University, Melbourne (2018)
• Member, Australian Archaeological Association (AAA)