What archaeological projects are you working on at the moment?
As a government archaeologist, I get to have my hand in a wide range of heritage projects across Queensland. Much of my work involves the identification and assessment of archaeological places of such significance that they deserve protection from development and other unnecessary impacts through entry in the Queensland Heritage Register. I also get to work with other heritage professionals on the development of new policy, guidelines and standards for the conduct of historical archaeology in Queensland. For example, I am currently investigating ways to ensure historical archaeology is a consideration in broader planning in the Queensland context. Much of my time is also spent following up the discovery of archaeological sites during construction projects, and providing advice to consultants, owners and developers of properties on the appropriate management of archaeological issues to comply with legal requirements.

Tell us about one of your most interesting archaeological discoveries.
Archaeological discoveries have ranged from the mundane to the completely unexpected. Many of the call outs relating to construction projects consist of structural foundations, bottles and ceramics, and old disused wells are popular at the moment. One of the most interesting was my discovery of significant remains of an early sugar plantation complex in southeast Queensland. The site was very close to built up areas and residential housing, but the land tenure meant few people had access to the site since the plantation closed in the late 19th century. This helped keep the archaeological integrity of this 1860s plantation high.

Tell us about a funny/disastrous/amazing experience that you have had while doing archaeology.
Working in north Queensland is always entertaining, with some of the most beautiful scenery, friendly people, and interesting historical archaeological sites. While attempting to find our way to a remote site on the Cape, and of course getting hopelessly lost in the process, my colleague and I decided to pull into the next homestead to ask for directions. The ‘driveway’ to the house was quite long, and on arriving at the house we were confronted by a very large grey kangaroo relaxing on a two seat sofa on the front porch! No people around, though the house was wide open and radio playing loudly. Maybe the ‘roo was the owner? Needless to say we left without getting any meaningful directions.

What’s your favourite part of being an archaeologist?
The subject matter is quite interesting and there is such variety in the work that one can never hope to know it all. This variety also allows one to pursue studies in other related fields, such as the additional study I have done in the field of GIS, while maintaining relevance to the work of an archaeologist or heritage professional

Follow up reading:
Most of my work is published under the Queensland government banner, much of which will be available from a new department website (www.derm.qld.gov.au/heritage) in the near future.