Our Team

Virtus Heritage is an interdisciplinary team of qualified, experienced and well-respected Archaeology and Cultural Heritage consultants who bring decades of specialist expertise and local knowledge to our projects. We pride ourselves on the solid reputation we’ve built with government agencies, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and private sector organisations.
Meet our team and learn how their professional experience, technical skill and research can add value to your next project.

Dr Mary-Jean Sutton

Director

BA Hons. (Archaeology), University of Sydney;
PhD Archaeology, University of Queensland

Mary-Jean has 25+ years of professional experience in Aboriginal and historical heritage management and archaeology. She is widely published in academic journals and has authored over 400 consultancy projects for Aboriginal and historical heritage, including complex Aboriginal and Historical Heritage Assessments as part of the Environmental Assessment process for Major State Significant Projects in the renewables, infrastructure, Defence and residential development sectors and with government agencies.

She has been successfully awarded grants for various research and collaborative community heritage projects. She has acted as a specialist heritage advisor, preparing expert advice and reviews of cultural heritage legislation and policy for academic, commercial and research organisations. Mary-Jean is an approved provider for Section 10 reporting under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984. Mary-Jean is also experienced in preparing relevant permits and consents, historical and Aboriginal archaeologist testing and salvage investigations, due diligence, thematic histories, cultural mapping, historical archaeological investigations, and desktop reviews, peer review and expert witness testimony, management plans, inductions and training packages and consultation. She is a recognised Professional Historian, a Full member of the Australian Association of Consulting Archaeologists, Chair of the Specialist Environmental Advisory Committee – Heritage for Certification of Environmental Practitioners Scheme and has a CEnvP-Heritage, a member of the Specialist Heritage Committee for the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand and a fellow of the Australian Anthropological Society.

Kelly Kent

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping, TAFE NSW

With over 15 years of experience in Administrative Management, Kelly joined the Virtus Heritage team in 2019. Kelly is the Financial Controller, as well as overseeing systems for Quality Assurance within Virtus Heritage and for Aboriginal Consultation, HR and all financial systems.

Kelly has also facilitated and delivered training workshops to Aboriginal communities working with the team for cultural mapping projects and oral history interviews. More broadly, Kelly has worked closely with members of Local Aboriginal Land Councils and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities across the greater NSW area and undertaken ethnohistorical research across numerous Aboriginal cultural heritage projects across NSW and Queensland. Kelly is also a Champion for our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Kelly has a First Nations background and leads with compassion and an understanding of critical community issues.

Martin Wright

Senior Heritage Advisor - Team Leader South

BA Hons. (Archaeology), University of Sydney;
B. Bus. (Economics), Queensland University of Technology

Having worked as a Consultant Archaeologist since 2017, Martin has experience in applying NSW heritage legislation in field assessments, reporting, site card preparation, and Aboriginal consultation, and has worked in collaboration with Indigenous groups, stakeholders, and clients throughout NSW. Martin has developed specialist expertise in archaeomalacology (the analysis of shellfish in archaeological contexts), and his field experience spans Indigenous and prehistoric sites in Australia, Asia, and Europe.

Martin has also undertaken extensive research into shell-midden sites in Australia and Sri Lanka, and his work as a researcher for the University of Sydney focused on indigenous lithic material analysis from sites across New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria. Martin has extensive experience working with Virtus Heritage, delivering and leading Aboriginal cultural heritage assessments, investigations and management plans for coastal archaeological sites, particularly shell middens. Martin’s expertise in coastal archaeology has assisted in the development of Aboriginal cultural heritage management plans, consents, and management advice for complex coastal cultural heritage projects. Martin is a First Nations Archaeologist with a strong commitment to integrity and honesty in community engagement.

Julian Travaglia

Principal Archaeologist/Stone Artefact Analysis

BA Hons. (Archaeology), University of Queensland

Julian has worked as an archaeologist since 2006 and been involved in a variety of projects that span both Aboriginal and historical archaeology. Julian has extensive experience managing projects, producing Aboriginal due diligence and archaeological assessments including extensive research, Aboriginal community consultation, and conducting and supervising Aboriginal and historical archaeological surveys, excavations (manual and mechanical) and monitoring programs.

Julian specialises in the detailed recording and analysis of Aboriginal stone tools for significant infrastructure, mining and development projects, and producing the corresponding salvage reports. Julian also has experience in historical heritage research and searches, historical heritage survey, and reporting requirements for historical heritage assessments. Julian regularly assists in ground-penetrating radar surveys and data collection including projects on unmarked Aboriginal graves in Cape York and Fingal, Queensland and war graves in Papua New Guinea.

Tas Devine

MARKETING & ADMINISTRATION COORDINATOR

Since starting as an Administrative Assistant at Virtus Heritage, her adaptability and strong passion for helping people have seen a seamless transition into the role of Marketing and Administration Coordinator. Tas oversees marketing projects to ensure that the important work of our team can be shared with the broader community while also being the Admin Team Lead.

Tas is the key developer of our newsletter, website administrator and develops design outputs for community reports. Her time is also spent providing support to our Director, Dr Mary-Jean Sutton, and working closely with Kelly on strategic business development and planning. Tas oversees our administration while also, scheduling and organising events and ensuring travel bookings are seamlessly organised to facilitate fieldwork.

Lilith Malcolm

ARCHAEOLOGIST

BA (Archaeology), University of Sydney

Lilith has worked within the Cultural Heritage industry since 2021 and has gained experience within Aboriginal and historical cultural heritage projects across NSW and QLD. Lilith has demonstrated experience across a diverse range of projects, such as producing Aboriginal Archaeological Due Diligence assessments, Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessments, and various Archaeological Assessment reports. Her work involves extensive research, Aboriginal community consultation, and conducting Aboriginal archaeological surveys and site inspections. Lilith also has experience supporting Senior and Principal Archaeologists in monitoring programs and excavations, both manual and mechanical. Lilith is skilled in various aspects of post-excavation tasks, including artefact processing, photography, cataloguing and data entry into artefact database.

Lilith believes the integration of technology and non-invasive survey methods, like Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR), is vital within cultural heritage management as its minimal destructive impact is a more respectful path to identifying, understanding, and conserving cultural heritage. Additionally, Lilith is passionate about the intersection of cultural heritage and renewable energy. Lilith has produced numerous Aboriginal archaeological assessments for projects in the renewable energy sector. Her commitment to innovative and respectful approaches underscores her dedication to preserving and understanding cultural heritage.

Garth Thompson

ARCHAEOLOGIST

BA (Archaeology and Anthropology), University of Sydney;
Masters of Archaeological and Evolutionary Science, Australian National University

Garth has experience working with communities in NSW and Victoria on research-based community projects, public sector projects, and infrastructure-based projects.

These projects have involved a variety of deliverables, including due diligence and Statement of Heritage Impact reporting, the presentation of archaeological and cultural heritage training workshops, the construction of biological profiles from human skeletal remains, and the use of geometric morphometric techniques to analyse human evolutionary morphology. Garth aligns with the Virtus Heritage values, advocating for archaeology as a medium to build relationships and promote reconciliation.

Anya Graubard

ANTHROPOLOGIST & HERITAGE CONSULTANT

B.A. Hons. Anthropology, University of Nebraska- Lincoln

Anya is an Anthropologist and Heritage Consultant at Virtus Heritage, assisting Archaeologists with Due Diligence and Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessments. As Virtus' lead Connecting with Country consultant, Anya fosters strong relationships with Aboriginal knowledge holders to deliver reports integrating architecture, design and Aboriginal cultural heritage.

Anya’s dedication to community engagement is evident through her proactive outreach to Aboriginal organisations and councils, playing a pivotal role in the success of numerous grant applications.

Tara Chilcott

Archaeologist & Heritage Consultant

MMARCH (Master of Maritime Archaeology) (2025), Flinders University GradDip (Archaeology and Heritage Management), Flinders University B.A (Journalism), University of Southern Queensland

Tara is a skilled archaeologist who has spent the past five years working as a cultural heritage consultant across projects in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Tara specialises in historical archaeology and maritime archaeology, ensuring considered outcomes for maritime, terrestrial and coastal infrastructure projects.

Her breadth of experience includes maritime and terrestrial Statement of Heritage Impacts (SoHI/MASoHI), Aboriginal Due Diligence Assessments (DD), Historical Archaeological Assessments (HAA), Management Plans and Heritage Studies. In particular, Tara has provided heritage solutions for works including shipwreck recording and management, bridge replacements and restorations, wharf and jetty works as well as sand renourishment programs. Skilled in various aspects of historical archival research and report writing, Tara has a proven track record of delivering accurate and engaging written material across a range of projects, particularly historical archaeology. She has a background in journalism and understands the importance of succinct, effective report writing for successful project outcomes. Tara will soon complete a Master of Maritime Archaeology, with her thesis investigating a nineteenth century Indian-built shipwreck in the Coral Sea.

Shaun Sewell

SENIOR GIS ANALYST

BInfTech Computer Science, Queensland University of Technology

Shaun possesses four years of experience as a GIS analyst within the heritage sector. During this period, he has acquired substantial knowledge and developed a keen understanding of the optimal methods for conveying complex spatial data, a common element in archaeological research. His expertise has fostered a profound enthusiasm for using GIS applications as an instrument for stakeholder engagement.

Shaun has a background in computer science and additionally puts these skills to use at Virtus Heritage as our in house IT specialist. In this capacity he manages all aspects of our IT systems and ensures compliance with our security policies and obligations.

Caroline Ephraums

FIELDWORK AND EDUCATION COORDINATOR & TECHNICAL ASSISTANT

BSc (Marine) University of New England, B.Ed. (Primary);
Queensland University of Technology

Caroline has three years of experience in Aboriginal consultation and administrative coordination at Virtus Heritage. Currently, Caroline is our Fieldwork and Education Coordinator and Technical Assistant. Caroline is responsible for working with Kelly and Mary-Jean to develop our fourth Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and leads the RAP committee for its delivery.

Caroline has an extensive educational background, particularly in Far North QLD which included working with educational staff to build positive relationships with Indigenous students and their communities. Caroline’s warmth and compassion shine through her project work with communities and school children. She is in charge of assisting in the field, fieldwork preparation, and providing technical assistance. Additionally, she assists with catering and organising events, and her environmental expertise supports the archaeologists with technical reports and site work.

Dr Mary-Jean Sutton

Director

BA Hons. (Archaeology), University of Sydney;
PhD Archaeology, University of Queensland

Mary-Jean has 25+ years of professional experience in Aboriginal and historical heritage management and archaeology. She is widely published in academic journals and has authored over 400 consultancy projects for Aboriginal and historical heritage, including complex Aboriginal and Historical Heritage Assessments as part of the Environmental Assessment process for Major State Significant Projects in the renewables, infrastructure, Defence and residential development sectors and with government agencies.

She has been successfully awarded grants for various research and collaborative community heritage projects. She has acted as a specialist heritage advisor, preparing expert advice and reviews of cultural heritage legislation and policy for academic, commercial and research organisations. Mary-Jean is an approved provider for Section 10 reporting under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984. Mary-Jean is also experienced in preparing relevant permits and consents, historical and Aboriginal archaeologist testing and salvage investigations, due diligence, thematic histories, cultural mapping, historical archaeological investigations, and desktop reviews, peer review and expert witness testimony, management plans, inductions and training packages and consultation. She is a recognised Professional Historian, a Full member of the Australian Association of Consulting Archaeologists, Chair of the Specialist Environmental Advisory Committee – Heritage for Certification of Environmental Practitioners Scheme and has a CEnvP-Heritage, a member of the Specialist Heritage Committee for the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand and a fellow of the Australian Anthropological Society.

Kelly Kent

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping, TAFE NSW

With over 15 years of experience in Administrative Management, Kelly joined the Virtus Heritage team in 2019. Kelly is the Financial Controller, as well as overseeing systems for Quality Assurance within Virtus Heritage and for Aboriginal Consultation, HR and all financial systems.

Kelly has also facilitated and delivered training workshops to Aboriginal communities working with the team for cultural mapping projects and oral history interviews. More broadly, Kelly has worked closely with members of Local Aboriginal Land Councils and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities across the greater NSW area and undertaken ethnohistorical research across numerous Aboriginal cultural heritage projects across NSW and Queensland. Kelly is also a Champion for our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Kelly has a First Nations background and leads with compassion and an understanding of critical community issues.

Martin Wright

Senior Heritage Advisor - Team Leader South

BA Hons. (Archaeology), University of Sydney;
B. Bus. (Economics), Queensland University of Technology

Having worked as a Consultant Archaeologist since 2017, Martin has experience in applying NSW heritage legislation in field assessments, reporting, site card preparation, and Aboriginal consultation, and has worked in collaboration with Indigenous groups, stakeholders, and clients throughout NSW. Martin has developed specialist expertise in archaeomalacology (the analysis of shellfish in archaeological contexts), and his field experience spans Indigenous and prehistoric sites in Australia, Asia, and Europe.

Martin has also undertaken extensive research into shell-midden sites in Australia and Sri Lanka, and his work as a researcher for the University of Sydney focused on indigenous lithic material analysis from sites across New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria. Martin has extensive experience working with Virtus Heritage, delivering and leading Aboriginal cultural heritage assessments, investigations and management plans for coastal archaeological sites, particularly shell middens. Martin’s expertise in coastal archaeology has assisted in the development of Aboriginal cultural heritage management plans, consents, and management advice for complex coastal cultural heritage projects. Martin is a First Nations Archaeologist with a strong commitment to integrity and honesty in community engagement.

Julian Travaglia

Principal Archaeologist/Stone Artefact Analysis

BA Hons. (Archaeology), University of Queensland

Julian has worked as an archaeologist since 2006 and been involved in a variety of projects that span both Aboriginal and historical archaeology. Julian has extensive experience managing projects, producing Aboriginal due diligence and archaeological assessments including extensive research, Aboriginal community consultation, and conducting and supervising Aboriginal and historical archaeological surveys, excavations (manual and mechanical) and monitoring programs.

Julian specialises in the detailed recording and analysis of Aboriginal stone tools for significant infrastructure, mining and development projects, and producing the corresponding salvage reports. Julian also has experience in historical heritage research and searches, historical heritage survey, and reporting requirements for historical heritage assessments. Julian regularly assists in ground-penetrating radar surveys and data collection including projects on unmarked Aboriginal graves in Cape York and Fingal, Queensland and war graves in Papua New Guinea.

Tas Devine

MARKETING & ADMINISTRATION COORDINATOR

Since starting as an Administrative Assistant at Virtus Heritage, her adaptability and strong passion for helping people have seen a seamless transition into the role of Marketing and Administration Coordinator. Tas oversees marketing projects to ensure that the important work of our team can be shared with the broader community while also being the Admin Team Lead.

Tas is the key developer of our newsletter, website administrator and develops design outputs for community reports. Her time is also spent providing support to our Director, Dr Mary-Jean Sutton, and working closely with Kelly on strategic business development and planning. Tas oversees our administration while also, scheduling and organising events and ensuring travel bookings are seamlessly organised to facilitate fieldwork.

Lilith Malcolm

ARCHAEOLOGIST

BA (Archaeology), University of Sydney

Lilith has worked within the Cultural Heritage industry since 2021 and has gained experience within Aboriginal and historical cultural heritage projects across NSW and QLD. Lilith has demonstrated experience across a diverse range of projects, such as producing Aboriginal Archaeological Due Diligence assessments, Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessments, and various Archaeological Assessment reports. Her work involves extensive research, Aboriginal community consultation, and conducting Aboriginal archaeological surveys and site inspections. Lilith also has experience supporting Senior and Principal Archaeologists in monitoring programs and excavations, both manual and mechanical. Lilith is skilled in various aspects of post-excavation tasks, including artefact processing, photography, cataloguing and data entry into artefact database.

Lilith believes the integration of technology and non-invasive survey methods, like Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR), is vital within cultural heritage management as its minimal destructive impact is a more respectful path to identifying, understanding, and conserving cultural heritage. Additionally, Lilith is passionate about the intersection of cultural heritage and renewable energy. Lilith has produced numerous Aboriginal archaeological assessments for projects in the renewable energy sector. Her commitment to innovative and respectful approaches underscores her dedication to preserving and understanding cultural heritage.

Garth Thompson

ARCHAEOLOGIST

BA (Archaeology and Anthropology), University of Sydney;
Masters of Archaeological and Evolutionary Science, Australian National University

Garth has experience working with communities in NSW and Victoria on research-based community projects, public sector projects, and infrastructure-based projects.

These projects have involved a variety of deliverables, including due diligence and Statement of Heritage Impact reporting, the presentation of archaeological and cultural heritage training workshops, the construction of biological profiles from human skeletal remains, and the use of geometric morphometric techniques to analyse human evolutionary morphology. Garth aligns with the Virtus Heritage values, advocating for archaeology as a medium to build relationships and promote reconciliation.

Anya Graubard

ANTHROPOLOGIST & HERITAGE CONSULTANT

B.A. Hons. Anthropology, University of Nebraska- Lincoln

Anya is an Anthropologist and Heritage Consultant at Virtus Heritage, assisting Archaeologists with Due Diligence and Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessments. As Virtus' lead Connecting with Country consultant, Anya fosters strong relationships with Aboriginal knowledge holders to deliver reports integrating architecture, design and Aboriginal cultural heritage.

Anya’s dedication to community engagement is evident through her proactive outreach to Aboriginal organisations and councils, playing a pivotal role in the success of numerous grant applications.

Tara Chilcott

Archaeologist & Heritage Consultant

MMARCH (Master of Maritime Archaeology) (2025), Flinders University GradDip (Archaeology and Heritage Management), Flinders University B.A (Journalism), University of Southern Queensland

Tara is a skilled archaeologist who has spent the past five years working as a cultural heritage consultant across projects in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Tara specialises in historical archaeology and maritime archaeology, ensuring considered outcomes for maritime, terrestrial and coastal infrastructure projects.

Her breadth of experience includes maritime and terrestrial Statement of Heritage Impacts (SoHI/MASoHI), Aboriginal Due Diligence Assessments (DD), Historical Archaeological Assessments (HAA), Management Plans and Heritage Studies. In particular, Tara has provided heritage solutions for works including shipwreck recording and management, bridge replacements and restorations, wharf and jetty works as well as sand renourishment programs. Skilled in various aspects of historical archival research and report writing, Tara has a proven track record of delivering accurate and engaging written material across a range of projects, particularly historical archaeology. She has a background in journalism and understands the importance of succinct, effective report writing for successful project outcomes. Tara will soon complete a Master of Maritime Archaeology, with her thesis investigating a nineteenth century Indian-built shipwreck in the Coral Sea.

Shaun Sewell

SENIOR GIS ANALYST

BInfTech Computer Science, Queensland University of Technology

Shaun possesses four years of experience as a GIS analyst within the heritage sector. During this period, he has acquired substantial knowledge and developed a keen understanding of the optimal methods for conveying complex spatial data, a common element in archaeological research. His expertise has fostered a profound enthusiasm for using GIS applications as an instrument for stakeholder engagement.

Shaun has a background in computer science and additionally puts these skills to use at Virtus Heritage as our in house IT specialist. In this capacity he manages all aspects of our IT systems and ensures compliance with our security policies and obligations.

Caroline Ephraums

FIELDWORK AND EDUCATION COORDINATOR & TECHNICAL ASSISTANT

BSc (Marine) University of New England, B.Ed. (Primary);
Queensland University of Technology

Caroline has three years of experience in Aboriginal consultation and administrative coordination at Virtus Heritage. Currently, Caroline is our Fieldwork and Education Coordinator and Technical Assistant. Caroline is responsible for working with Kelly and Mary-Jean to develop our fourth Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and leads the RAP committee for its delivery.

Caroline has an extensive educational background, particularly in Far North QLD which included working with educational staff to build positive relationships with Indigenous students and their communities. Caroline’s warmth and compassion shine through her project work with communities and school children. She is in charge of assisting in the field, fieldwork preparation, and providing technical assistance. Additionally, she assists with catering and organising events, and her environmental expertise supports the archaeologists with technical reports and site work.

Contact Us

If you’d like to work with us or need guidance on how our archaeology and cultural heritage services can support a project you have in mind, let’s start a conversation.

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