Member Profile, Michael Williams

MICHAEL WILLIAMS

Michael Williams is a cultural heritage officer and archaeologist. He completed a BA majoring in history and archaeology, a Graduate Diploma in Maritime Archaeology, and a Masters in Heritage Management. Michael moved to Barcaldine to become a full-time Cultural Heritage Officer for George Bourne and Associates in Barcaldine, Queensland. His role is to identify and protect Indigenous and historical cultural heritage values for local and state government civil engineering projects.

How did you become involved in public works?

As a sub-contracting archaeologist in NSW, I decided to become more involved in the public and private works cultural heritage compliance sector. So after completing a Masters in Heritage Management, I was lucky enough to identify a vacancy in Barcaldine at GBA for a Cultural Heritage Officer position via news from my old lecturer at Flinders University.

What projects have you been involved with which have contributed to your career progression into this area?

Management and delivery of cultural heritage and environmental consultation for local and state government authorities and businesses throughout Queensland, including correspondence, surveys and reports.

I also produce information for local and state heritage registers, facilitate CH Agreements, manage GIS data, software, equipment, and provide graduate CH/ENV staff mentorship. Recent projects include the Nogoa River Recreational Walking Trail, Flood Damage road maintenance works, and various road widening and rehabilitation works.

What have been your career highlights to date?

Becoming an Associate at GBA and being involved in archaeological excavations and cultural heritage projects both in Australia and overseas. Meeting and developing rapport with experts in the cultural heritage and archaeological sector in Australia and building relationships with local and state government authorities and traditional owners groups.

Two Dog Dreaming.

What do you enjoy most about working in this sector?

Getting the chance to learn more about Australia’s Indigenous and historical heritage and history while assisting the development of civil projects made to improve local and state populations wellbeing. Also, having a fantastic group of people to work and share a laugh with every day at GBA.

What inspired you to join IPWEAQ and what services are of most value to you?

Meeting people in the engineering sector and finding ways in which Cultural Heritage and Native Title compliance can best be applied and taught. Initially, I only joined to learn about IPWEAQ’s new Cultural Heritage & Native Title compliance iMPACT tool. However, I met some great people at the 2019 IPWEAQ Conference. I discovered that the best way to make a difference is to meet the people who run the engineering industry and then try to make Cultural Heritage and Native Title compliance as applicable and understandable as possible.

What advice would you give to others about our sector and how to become involved?

Communicate and learn about cultural heritage values and how to protect them. Become familiar with the people that drive the sector, and meet people with similar interests and goals. Strength in numbers!

What challenges have you faced particularly in this sector and how did/do you overcome them?

At first, it wasn’t easy to get consistent work and feel professionally fulfilled. I learnt that it takes good results and trust between you and your clients before work can come at a consistent rate, and it takes hard work to find professional fulfillment. For example, the better quality of work I’ve done and the better relationships I’ve built with clients, the more projects show up. I’ve realised that extra-curricular activities such as attending conferences and having conversations with academics and professionals can improve my overall outlook on the profession.

Any other advice for other professionals who might consider a career in public works?

Follow your passion and become involved in whatever company you work for and whatever community you find yourself in.

Winton field trip - smoko.

Tanzania - Kilwa.