Cultural Heritage team in Victoria expands with new appointment

July 10, 2026

Media Centre, News & Insights

Niche has strengthened its Cultural Heritage team in Victoria with the appointment of Tom Lally as Heritage Principal.

The team based in Melbourne and Geelong advises clients on heritage issues affecting sites at all stages of a project lifecycle in accordance with the requirements of Victoria’s Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.

Tom brings significant experience to the team from 13 years as a heritage consultant in Australia, the UK and Canada. His expertise includes leading Aboriginal and historical archaeological surveys and excavations, preparing Cultural Heritage Management Plans and conducting artefact analyses for a diverse range of infrastructure, mining, energy and development projects.

“I am delighted to join Niche and lead our heritage work in Victoria. The cultural and historical heritage in this state is diverse and valuable, and I am proud to work with proponents and communities to help respectfully manage and conserve it.”

“Joining Niche presents an exciting opportunity to work with the great team here in Victoria and be part of growing our impact in the state,” said Tom.

Niche Heritage Manager, Justin Shiner, believes there is a significant opportunity for leadership in the cultural heritage space in Victoria.

“With development booming across the state, the role of heritage practitioners like Niche has never been more important. It’s critical that we collaborate with Registered Aboriginal Parties and proponents to protect heritage, manage project risks and create positive outcomes for communities.”

“Our growing team in Victoria will focus on working with more clients that are invested in proactive and meaningful heritage management and leveraging our expertise to deliver optimal outcomes for all parties,” said Justin.

Niche’s heritage team in Victoria offer services including:

Indigenous & Historic Archaeology
Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMPs)
Preliminary Aboriginal Heritage Tests (PAHTs)
Archaeological survey, subsurface testing, and salvage excavations
Consultation and education for stakeholders, including Cultural Heritage Inductions
Letters of Advice
Artefact Analysis
Due Diligence Assessments
Cultural Values Assessments
Planning and approval advice and support
Compliance and auditing in relation to relevant legislation, regulations, and approval conditions

Niche has been delivering heritage management services across the east coast of Australia since 2009, specialising in the resources, infrastructure, energy and land development sectors.