Stella grew up in Armidale and her farming family background inspired her interest in environmental archaeology and water management. “When it comes to the environment and managing water, what worked in the past is often still relevant today,” says Stella. “That’s why heritage matters so much, and why I’m motivated to help my clients achieve compliance with legislation while protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage…
At Niche, our people are our most important asset, and we are committed to providing a workplace that supports our employees. Throughout the pandemic, our management team has taken action to ensure that our people are informed, connected, and empowered – and backed up with the necessary systems in place to encourage flexible working, while…
So far during 2021, we’ve welcomed seven new graduate and early career consultants to our growing team in NSW. They’ve all been busy getting to grips with our systems, developing their technical skills with support from colleagues, and building their professional knowledge and confidence. Despite very challenging times, they’re all making the most of the…
Senior environmental scientist Lennelle Barnes has joined Niche’s growing multidisciplinary consulting team in NSW. Based in the Newcastle region, Lennelle takes up the role of Senior Associate – Environmental Approvals. During her 10 year career within the environmental consulting industry, Lennelle has gained extensive experience in environmental approvals for local and State government, and private…
As outbreaks of Covid-19 once again disrupt daily life in many parts of Australia, the focus at Niche remains on the wellbeing of our team, our clients, and our communities. Open for business, while staying at home While our offices in New South Wales and Far North Queensland are closed for now, at Niche we…
Niche’s Cultural Heritage Team Leader in Queensland, Jill Reid, introduces the theme for this year’s NAIDOC Week. The NAIDOC Week theme this year calls for stronger measures to recognise, protect, and maintain all aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage. Niche has the privilege of working with different Aboriginal communities on a…
Lauren joined Niche’s consulting team in March 2021. Originally from Cairns, Lauren has five years of experience working as an ecologist and fauna spotter-catcher, including time spent in remote areas of Queensland’s Far North. While based on the Cape York Peninsula, Lauren’s fieldwork included investigations and monitoring of the region’s threatened Northern Quoll and Palm…
Queensland regional manager and historical heritage specialist Cameron Harvey discusses contemporary issues in cultural heritage and provides essential risk-reducing advice. Cultural heritage matters of local, state, national and international significance have recently resulted in significant media attention, causing political upheaval, corporate embarrassment, and often substantial community outrage. All too often we hear, “How could this…
As our business continues to innovatively adapt and respond to the changing conditions of the pandemic, our focus remains on caring for our team and their families, our clients, and our communities. Currently, in both NSW and QLD, we are fortunate to be experiencing zero-to-low levels of community transmission. So, while remaining vigilant, we’ve been…
Commentary and compilation by Lawrence Smith, NSW Regional Manager, Niche. For context, let’s first look at some background information: The EPBC Act is Australia’s primary national environmental law; it’s more than 1000 pages of complex legislation and, since first introduced in 1999, it has had over 400 pages of regulations added. This 2019-2020 is the…
The $2.7 billion redevelopment of Parramatta Square is one of the largest urban transformation projects in the country and is central to Parramatta City Council’s vision to build Australia’s next great city. The project involves more than 20,000 square metres of designed public space around six new and architecturally innovative buildings, and a refurbished Town…
Senior heritage consultant Yolanda Pavincich is based at Niche’s head office in Parramatta, with the option to work remotely from her Blue Mountains home, and regular travel for fieldwork that can take her anywhere from Sydney CBD to remote bushland locations across NSW. She joined Niche in October 2020. “Starting a new and busy job…