Phil Hunt, Senior Archaeologist
Phil has been an archaeologist with the Aboriginal Heritage Office since 2003. He has over 30 years experience in all aspects of Aboriginal heritage management. Phil’s role has involved a multitude of tasks such as development assessments, archaeological investigation and advice to Councils on management plans for Aboriginal sites.
He has been involved with cultural and natural heritage conservation for many years, with participation in such diverse projects as mapping areas of cultural heritage in Peru and Russia and surveying endangered snow leopards in Mongolia, as well as leading Aboriginal site surveys and preparing site management plans in many regions of Australia.
Phil presents Aboriginal Sites Awareness courses to community groups, schools and Councils and also has experience in video and documentary production. Phil’s role at the AHO is invaluable and plays an important role in Aboriginal heritage management.
Karen Smith, Education Officer
Karen has been the AHO’s Education Officer since 2011 and has shared her knowledge and experience of the local area and Aboriginal history and culture with thousands of local residents, students and schools. She leads guided walks and provides talks and presentations throughout the partner Councils in northern Sydney.
Karen is from the Buruberongal clan of the Hawkesbury (Derrubin) area. Her family has been living in the Manly area for many years.
Karen’s diary is often full trying to meet the demand for bookings for schools and community groups to provide educational talks and presentations on Aboriginal Culture & Heritage. She was awarded Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellowship for her work and commitment in the protection and education of Aboriginal culture and heritage.
Susan Whitby, Archaeologist
Susan is our Heritage Officer, an archaeologist with over 20 years experience both in the field and in museums. Working in with Aboriginal cultural heritage primarily in the Sydney area, she has worked closely with Aboriginal communities on heritage issues and through the repatriation of ancestral remains from both Australian Museums and from overseas. She looks after the AHO’s development assessments referrals and other archaeological issues.
Susan is passionate about sharing archaeology with the public and runs our Volunteer Monitoring Program and the Mock Archaeology Dig for primary and secondary schools.