John is an archaeologist specialising in historical heritage (also known as non-Aboriginal or European heritage). He joined Niche’s consulting team in April 2020.
Since graduating with a BA in Archaeology from the University of Queensland in 2013, John – a dual Australian/British citizen – has gained almost ten years of heritage and archaeology experience in Australia, and internationally in the UK, Malawi and Turkey.
John’s experience is mostly from renewable energy, resources and linear infrastructure sectors – and includes excavations for Europe’s largest offshore windfarm, an early Bronze age burial cairn on a windswept mountain in Scotland, and sites in the Anatolian deserts of Turkey excavating an early Neolithic settlement.
“I’ve always had an interest in history, identity and culture and how these things change with place,” explains John. “Having worked as a heritage consultant in both Europe and Australia, I’ve learned that although the focus is different, the experiences and skills I have gained are universally translatable.”
At Niche, John works as part of a close-knit team based at the Sydney head office in Parramatta, with regular travel for fieldwork within NSW, and the flexibility to also choose to work from home.
“The team support at Niche is fantastic – my colleagues are always willing to help one another, and the directors and managers are very approachable and transparent about the future direction of the business.”
John’s role involves assessing, recording and analysing historical heritage or archaeological deposits, and advising clients on their legal obligations. His current projects include historical heritage management for the ARTC Inland Rail program and other large-scale linear infrastructure projects in NSW.
“I spend time out-and-about at least once a fortnight and, sometimes for up to a couple of weeks at a time,” says John. “I really enjoy seeing the heritage places for myself, and communicating and interacting with clients and stakeholders.”
Outside of work, John enjoys following Celtic FC in football (soccer) and enriching his knowledge by visiting galleries and museums.
“Our shared history connects us to our community and that’s why it so important to preserve and protect our heritage for future generations, and to be able to link our past, present and future.”
Find out more
ARTC Inland Rail Program – Narrabri to North Star heritage management
Heritage management services
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