Cross-sector partnership to train Traditional Owners for cultural heritage management careers
August 20, 2025
Media ReleaseNews & Insights
A groundbreaking new training program creating a new generation of cultural heritage professionals has been launched today with cultural heritage consultancy Niche Environment and Heritage joining forces with Flinders University, Traditional Owners and resources companies.
The ARC Training Centre for Advancing Archaeology in the Resources Sector aims to address the under-representation of Traditional Owners working in the cultural heritage management industry.
The program, based at Flinders University in collaboration with The University of Queensland and Southern Cross University will train a new generation of cultural heritage professionals, and create new approaches to safeguard Indigenous cultural heritage, while advancing sustainable, culturally-informed resource management.
Niche is a key delivery partner for the program, pledging funding and support for the training, building on significant experience providing cultural heritage management services for the resources sector.
Dr Morgan Disspain, Heritage Technical and Commercial Lead at Niche and Partner Investigator in the Centre says the program is a milestone for the heritage sector.
“It is always a privilege to work alongside Traditional Owners to help safeguard their cultural heritage and this work will become even more meaningful now that we are able to share our professional knowledge to help develop the next generation of heritage practitioners from within these communities,” she said
“The ability for Traditional Owners to actively participate in the cultural heritage management process for mining and development on their Country will not only create better project outcomes but also lead to significant community-wide engagement and benefits.”
Jamie Reeves, Founding Partner at Niche, says Niche is proud to be playing a leading role in transforming the sector.
“At Niche, our deep commitment to reconciliation runs through everything we do but it’s particularly tangible in our cultural heritage management work—so it is a real honour to be lending our experience to train new professionals and address the accessibility barriers for Indigenous participation in the cultural heritage management sector,” he said.
Each trainee will gain valuable real-world experience by undertaking a 12-month placement with partner organisations, ensuring a comprehensive environment for research and training activities and exposure to high-level industry networks.
Three Traditional Owner Partner Organisations are part of the program – the PKKP Aboriginal Corporation, Palyku-Jartayi Aboriginal Corporation and Yandruwandha Yawarrawarrka Traditional Land Owners.
Major resources companies Rio Tinto, BHP, South32 and MMG have pledged funds and in-kind support of professionals in their social performance, Indigenous engagement and cultural heritage portfolios.
The program was made possible by $5 million of funding from the ARC’s Industrial Transformation Research Program.
Media Contact
Carly Youd
Head of Brand, Marketing and Communications
Niche Environment and Heritage
Phone: 0409 675 019
Email: cyoud@niche-eh.com
