Virtus Heritage

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

OFFICE MANAGER & MARKETING COORDINATOR

Cert IV Marketing and Communication

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 Office Manager.

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.

Anya Graubard

SENIOR 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.

Kate Morris

ARCHAEOLOGIST

BA/BSc (Archaeological Sciences, Hons) University of Queensland

Kate is an archaeologist with seven years’ experience who has excavated internationally and has been working in private consulting in NSW for five years. Kate’s heritage management experience includes national parks, development, energy, utilities, construction and mining sectors with a focus on Aboriginal heritage. With an excellence in fieldwork, analysis, research, and report writing skills, with further experience in oral history recording and anthropology. Kate also has an in-depth knowledge of NSW and federal heritage legislation and assessments, and a familiar knowledge of QLD heritage legislation and processes.

Kate is an internationally published author and was one of six speakers who presented at the 2021 ICOMOS Symposium. She has contributed to the creation of two Reconciliation Action Plans that have been endorsed by Reconciliation Australia. Kate is based in Newcastle and has been working closely with the traditional owners and LALCs in the Hunter Valley region for half a decade.

Antonella Skepasianos

SENIOR ARCHAEOLOGIST

B.A MRes Archaeology and Ancient History, University of Wollongong 

Antonella Skepasianos is an experienced Heritage Consultant and Project Manager with over six years of expertise in specialist heritage services. Holds a Master of Research from the University of Wollongong, specialising in forensic archaeology, geophysical imagery, and historical heritage.

Proficient in archaeological assessments, heritage management planning, and statutory compliance across sectors, including construction, infrastructure, and land development. Demonstrates strong capabilities in surveying, GIS and graphics software, pre-fieldwork logistics, excavation, and post-fieldwork reporting. Experience spans NSW and Florence, Italy, highlighting expertise in managing complex projects, stakeholder engagement, risk management, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Committed to preserving cultural heritage and achieving sustainable outcomes.

Jody Hawes

BOOKKEEPER AND ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT

Certificate IV Accounting and Bookkeeping, Certificate IV Business Sales, Certified BAS Agent

Jody is bookkeeper and administration support assistant at Virtus Heritage. Jody brings a fresh perspective, strong adaptability, and eagerness to learn. She will be providing administration, customer service, and accounting support to the team. Prior to joining Virtus Heritage, she gained experience at a local accounting firm, where she developed a solid foundation in bookkeeping.

Jody is an experienced professional with a strong background in administration and bookkeeping, dedicated to ensuring efficient operations and accurate financial management. A proactive problem-solver, Jody excels at supporting teams and clients by ensuring smooth workflow and maintaining accurate records. Passionate about streamlining processes, she is skilled at multitasking, managing time effectively, and handling confidential financial information with integrity. Jody is enthusiastic about collaborating with her colleagues and contributing to the success of the company.

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

OFFICE MANAGER & MARKETING COORDINATOR

Cert IV Marketing and Communication

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 Office Manager.

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.

Anya Graubard

SENIOR 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.

Kate Morris

ARCHAEOLOGIST

BA/BSc (Archaeological Sciences, Hons) University of Queensland

Kate is an archaeologist with seven years’ experience who has excavated internationally and has been working in private consulting in NSW for five years. Kate’s heritage management experience includes national parks, development, energy, utilities, construction and mining sectors with a focus on Aboriginal heritage. With an excellence in fieldwork, analysis, research, and report writing skills, with further experience in oral history recording and anthropology. Kate also has an in-depth knowledge of NSW and federal heritage legislation and assessments, and a familiar knowledge of QLD heritage legislation and processes.

Kate is an internationally published author and was one of six speakers who presented at the 2021 ICOMOS Symposium. She has contributed to the creation of two Reconciliation Action Plans that have been endorsed by Reconciliation Australia. Kate is based in Newcastle and has been working closely with the traditional owners and LALCs in the Hunter Valley region for half a decade.

Antonella Skepasianos

SENIOR ARCHAEOLOGIST

B.A MRes Archaeology and Ancient History, University of Wollongong 

Antonella Skepasianos is an experienced Heritage Consultant and Project Manager with over six years of expertise in specialist heritage services. Holds a Master of Research from the University of Wollongong, specialising in forensic archaeology, geophysical imagery, and historical heritage.

Proficient in archaeological assessments, heritage management planning, and statutory compliance across sectors, including construction, infrastructure, and land development. Demonstrates strong capabilities in surveying, GIS and graphics software, pre-fieldwork logistics, excavation, and post-fieldwork reporting. Experience spans NSW and Florence, Italy, highlighting expertise in managing complex projects, stakeholder engagement, risk management, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Committed to preserving cultural heritage and achieving sustainable outcomes.

Jody Hawes

BOOKKEEPER AND ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT

Certificate IV Accounting and Bookkeeping, Certificate IV Business Sales, Certified BAS Agent

Jody is bookkeeper and administration support assistant at Virtus Heritage. Jody brings a fresh perspective, strong adaptability, and eagerness to learn. She will be providing administration, customer service, and accounting support to the team. Prior to joining Virtus Heritage, she gained experience at a local accounting firm, where she developed a solid foundation in bookkeeping.

Jody is an experienced professional with a strong background in administration and bookkeeping, dedicated to ensuring efficient operations and accurate financial management. A proactive problem-solver, Jody excels at supporting teams and clients by ensuring smooth workflow and maintaining accurate records. Passionate about streamlining processes, she is skilled at multitasking, managing time effectively, and handling confidential financial information with integrity. Jody is enthusiastic about collaborating with her colleagues and contributing to the success of the company.

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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Follow our team as they explore fascinating places, from soil to sea, across Australia and beyond.