Artefact Expands Presence in the Hunter Region

Due to an increase in new projects Artefact has strengthened its presence in the Hunter Region with the establishment of a Newcastle office and the appointment of an experienced Heritage Consultant.

Kristen Tola joins Artefact as a Heritage Consultant providing extra capacity and bringing with her considerable skills in Aboriginal and historical archaeology as well as heritage management and interpretation. Kristen is well established in the area having provided input into the recently drafted Newcastle City Council Newcastle Heritage Strategy 2020-2030 and spearheading State Heritage Register nominations for historical buildings in Newcastle.

Kristen teams up with Artefact Principal, archaeologist and Excavation Director Jenny Winnett who has been working on major heritage projects in the Hunter Valley over the past 6 years.

ON THE MOVE

“As Newcastle continues its rejuvenation from an industrial city to one with modern business hubs, improved commuter rail infrastructure and a focus on new commercial and residential development, we’re pleased to offer our clients expertise they can access locally,” says Artefact’s Managing Director Dr Sandra Wallace.

“Our expansion into the Hunter Region means developers and government agencies can readily access our wide-range of archaeology, heritage and environmental services benefiting from our more than 12 years’ experience in heritage management expertise," she adds. 

Artefact is proud to have worked on major projects in Newcastle including:

  • Belmont TAFE (TAFE NSW).
    Conservation Management Strategy, Heritage Impact Assessment.

  • Connecting with Country report for Wyong Town Centre.

  • Fennel Bay development site (Landcom).
    Historical and Aboriginal archaeological testing.

  • Hamilton to Wickham Transport Interchange (Transport for NSW).
    Historical and Aboriginal assessment, historical monitoring and salvage, Aboriginal testing and salvage.

  • Kings Hill Wastewater upgrade (Arcadis).
    Assessment and approvals (Historical and Aboriginal).

  • Newcastle Interchange and The Store (GHD Group).
    Statement of Heritage Impact, Heritage Interpretation Strategy, photographic archival recording.

  • Newcastle Light Rail.
    Heritage Interpretation Strategy and Plan.

  • Richmond Vale Rail Trail (Cessnock and Newcastle City Councils).
    Statement of Heritage Impact, Aboriginal Archaeological Survey Report.

  • Salt Ash Sand Quarry (Redisand).
    Aboriginal heritage assessment and archaeological services.

  • The Store (DOMA).
    Heritage interpretation Plan, Oral History Project.

A local welcome

Opening Event

To mark the occasion Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Kumarah Kelly and Cultural Heritage Officer Matt Syron offered a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony just outside our new offices overlooking the Hunter River. 

Joining the event were team members from Arteafct's Sydney office - many of whom have worked on projects in the Newcastle area over the past few years.


Image - Matt Syron (Senior Cultural & Heritage Officer from the Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council) conducting a Smoking Ceremony at Artefact's Newcastle Office.

"We have a proud history of working closely with Aboriginal communities whose input, knowledge and expertise is critical to the projects we work on. We thank the Awabakal, Worimi and Mindaribba peoples of the Hunter area for their trust."

Dr Sandra Wallace

Image - Artefact's Kristen Tola participating in the Smoking Ceremony with Matt Syron from the Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council.



New home

Artefact’s Hunter Region office is located at in the recently completed Steel River Eco Estate at Unit 71, 8 Spit Island Close, MAYFIELD WEST NSW 2304

Jenny Winnett and Kristen Tola will be permanently based there providing a first point of contact to our clients from the Hunter.

The office space also has additional capacity for specialised archaeology equipment and will serve as a home-away-from-home for members of our Sydney team deployed to the area for extended field trips and project requirements. 

Conveniently located in Mayfield West with views over The Hunter River the Artefact team invite you to come and say hi.  




Expertise

Leadership

Heading up the Newcastle office is Artefact Principal, archaeologist and Excavation Director Jenny Winnett.

Jenny's lived in the area for over 6 years and has been involved in a wide-range of transport infrastructure and commercial development projects. She's an expert in historic (non-Aboriginal) heritage and is nominated as an Excavation Director on permits from the NSW Heritage Division.

Jenny has extensive experience working on projects for both public and private sector clients including large scale residential subdivisions, targeted urban developments and major infrastructure projects.

 
Meet Jenny

“I have a strong commitment to ethical archaeological practice, with a focus on positive heritage outcomes, while maintaining strong client relationships and constructive outcomes for clients and government agencies."



Connections


Kristen Tola is well established in the Newcastle area having previously worked at Newcastle Museum and with Fort Scratchley Historical Society in the management of Newcastle’s premier historic site. Kristen has also spearheaded State Heritage Register nominations for historical buildings in Newcastle.

She joins Artefact as a Heritage Consultant and has worked on local transport, renewable infrastructure, and heritage projects, written heritage impact and moveable cultural heritage assessment and strategies, and has a particular interest in Aboriginal community archaeology and engagement.  



Meet Kristen

"Kristen’s dedication to preserving Newcastle’s heritage and stories is reflected in her commitment to community and her belief that respecting and protecting heritage can pave the way for a more compassionate and inclusive future."



Let's talk!

With over 12-years professional experience in Aboriginal archaeology, historical archaeology, interpretation, built environment, environmental assessments and cultural heritage management, Artefact is well-placed to take on your next project – big or small.

For a quote or more information please contact the office on 02 9518 8411 or office@artefact.net.au.

We're here to help

Artefact Newcastle Office
Unit 71, 8 Spit Island Close, MAYFIELD WEST NSW 2304

Artefact Sydney Office
Suite 56, Jones Bay Wharf 26-32 Pirrama Road, PYRMONT NSW 2009


Image - Kristen Tola, Dr Sandra Wallce and Jenny Winnett at Customs House Newcastle. 


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