About Us
Our Team
Management Team
Dr Jodie Benton
Director
Dr Jodie Benton
Director
PhD Archaeology | BA (Hons) Archaeology
Aboriginal and historic heritage | Project Management | Quality Control
Jodie is both Director and Principal Consulting Archaeologist of OzArk Environment & Heritage. She has over 35 years’ experience, having spent many years managing archaeological projects abroad and in Australia, as well as lecturing at the University of Sydney.
Jodie’s most recent work has been primarily development driven environmental impact assessment in NSW. The heritage components of this work have enabled Jodie to develop a broad network of Aboriginal community contacts, a thorough understanding of heritage protection legislation and to refine appropriate methodologies for Aboriginal and historic heritage assessments and community consultation.
Ben Churcher
Principal Archaeologist
Ben Churcher
Principal Archaeologist
BA (Hons) Dip Ed | Aboriginal and historic heritage
Project Management | Quality Control
Ben, Principal Archaeologist with OzArk Environment & Heritage, has over 40 years’ experience as an archaeologist and has been employed with OzArk since 2003. His duties include project director on large scale survey and excavation programs. Ben has written numerous comprehensive reports concerning Aboriginal and historic heritage across NSW including the assessment of scientific values for several complex State Significant projects.
Ben’s extensive work overseas includes the University of Sydney’s excavations at the site of Pella in Jordan where he holds the position of Field Director. He also has a keen interest in historical sites. Ben is also the primary reviewer of archaeological reports written by OzArk staff to ensure their high quality and consistent approach.
Sheridan Baker
General Manager
Sheridan Baker
General Manager
Business and Human Resource Management | Community Consultation | Integrated Management Systems
Sheridan is responsible for the day-to-day management of the business. managing staff and coordination of resources. Sheridan manages business operations including the ISO certified Integrated Management System, which incorporates Quality Management, Environmental Management and Work, Health and Safety. Her previous experience involves business and operation management of a range of businesses. Previously, Sheridan has worked extensively with the Aboriginal community including negotiation, remote and isolated communities and media relations.
Catherine Burrowes
Office Manager
Catherine Burrowes
Office Manager
Community Consultation | Office management | Administration
Catherine is the Office Manager for OzArk Environment & Heritage and is responsible for delivery of Aboriginal Community Consultation which Catherine has been doing for the past year. Projects she has been involved in includes, APA Group, Moomba to Wilton pipeline and Eulie Pig Farm. Catherine also provides the efficient management of the office. Her administrative support to the office, including purchasing, organisational policies and procedures, and accounting administration. Catherine has excellent administration and customer service skills.
Nikita Munro
Proposal Writer
Nikita Munro
Proposal Writer
Heritage Specialists
Dr Jodie Benton
Director
Dr Jodie Benton
Director
PhD Archaeology | BA (Hons) Archaeology
Aboriginal and historic heritage | Project Management | Quality Control
Jodie is both Director and Principal Consulting Archaeologist of OzArk Environment & Heritage. She has over 35 years’ experience, having spent many years managing archaeological projects abroad and in Australia, as well as lecturing at the University of Sydney.
Jodie’s most recent work has been primarily development driven environmental impact assessment in NSW. The heritage components of this work have enabled Jodie to develop a broad network of Aboriginal community contacts, a thorough understanding of heritage protection legislation and to refine appropriate methodologies for Aboriginal and historic heritage assessments and community consultation.
Ben Churcher
Principal Archaeologist
Ben Churcher
Principal Archaeologist
BA (Hons) Dip Ed | Aboriginal and historic heritage
Project Management | Quality Control
Ben, Principal Archaeologist with OzArk Environment & Heritage, has over 40 years’ experience as an archaeologist and has been employed with OzArk since 2003. His duties include project director on large scale survey and excavation programs. Ben has written numerous comprehensive reports concerning Aboriginal and historic heritage across NSW including the assessment of scientific values for several complex State Significant projects.
Ben’s extensive work overseas includes the University of Sydney’s excavations at the site of Pella in Jordan where he holds the position of Field Director. He also has a keen interest in historical sites. Ben is also the primary reviewer of archaeological reports written by OzArk staff to ensure their high quality and consistent approach.
Stephanie Rusden
Senior Archaeologist
Stephanie Rusden
Senior Archaeologist
BA Archaeology | BSc Land and Heritage Management
Aboriginal & historic heritage
Stephanie has a Bachelor of Science Land and Heritage Management from University of Wollongong and Bachelor of Arts (Archaeology) from University of New England. Over the last five years Stephanie has demonstrated experience in fieldwork, targeted research, GIS, scientific methodology training and report writing. Stephanie has developed positive working relationships with Aboriginal communities in the Hunter region and western NSW. She has experience in dealing with sensitive Aboriginal sites, intangible heritage and information gathering.
Harrison Rochford
Archaeologist
Harrison Rochford
Archaeologist
M. Phil (Arts and Social Sciencies) | B Liberal Studies (Hons) (Psychology/ Ancient History)
Aboriginal & historic heritage
Harrison is a Masters graduate and combines his research knowledge with practical experience focusing on historic heritage. He has extensive experience with in-depth research into a variety of historical periods, including ancient Greece. Harrison has worked on historic heritage assessments, Aboriginal consultation and heritage studies, Aboriginal heritage impact assessments including survey work, archaeological excavation, data management and GIS mapping. Harrison also has extensive editorial experience.
Tenae Robertson
Archaeologist
Tenae Robertson
Archaeologist
B Archaeological Practices
Aboriginal & historic heritage
Tenae has a Bachelor of Archaeological Practices from Australian National University. She has built on this degree and now has extensive experience in both test excavations and post-excavation analysis and reports, particularly with the Snowy 2.0 project. This includes artefact assemblages, compilation and displaying of data from artefact catalogues, as well as the discussion findings and final interpretations of the sites’ functions and date. Tenae has also analysed, managed and manipulated this date for interpretation into reports. She has also worked extensively with the Aboriginal community in her fieldwork.
Imogen Crome
Archaeologist
Imogen Crome
Archaeologist
Bachelor of Science (Biological Anthropology) | Bachelor of Arts (Archaeology)
Aboriginal & historic heritage
Imogen is a graduate from the Australian National University with a Bachelor of Science (Biological Anthropology) and Bachelor of Arts (Archaeology). She is interested in environmental archaeology as well as historic heritage and museum studies. Imogen has completed overseas placements in Britain and Malta and completed archaeological excavation and analysis, including cataloguing of archaeological finds. She has experience in sorting and archiving archaeological material for research projects, as well as site drawing, context drawing and wet sieving. She is experienced with a range of specialist software, including OxCal and 3DfZephyr.
Eleanore Martin
Archaeologist
Eleanore Martin
Archaeologist
Bachelor of Arts (Archaeology, hons)
Aboriginal & historic heritage
Eleanore is a graduate from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Arts (Archaeology, honors). She has an interest in both historical and Aboriginal heritage archaeology. Eleanore has experience in cleaning, identifying, illustrating and cataloguing historical archaeological material from various sites. She is also able to identify and categorise historical artefacts and technologies, lithic tools, human and animal remains and megafaunal remains. She is experienced in report writing, including site and artefact reports
Jordan Henshaw
Archaeologist
Jordan Henshaw
Archaeologist
Bachelor of Ancient History
Aboriginal & historic heritage
Jordan is a graduate from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Ancient History and is interested in all facets of archaeology. Jordan has a thorough understanding of industry standard documentation, as well as reporting procedures. Jordan is eager to develop his skill set across a broad range of projects. He is also developing his skills in research, fieldwork, mapping, field photography, artefact identification, recording, and data management.
Sophia Grubnic
Archaeologist
Sophia Grubnic
Archaeologist
Bachelor of Arts, Honours | Archaeology, Honours | Bachelor of Arts, Art history
Aboriginal & historic heritage
Sophia is a graduate from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Arts (honours, Ancient History) and University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Arts (Art History and Ancient World Studies). She has worked overseas on the well-known Pella Project in Jordan and has excellent communication skills. Sophia has completed surveys within the renewable energy zone completing both historic heritage and Aboriginal heritage assessments. She has experience within the Central West, New England and Riverina areas. She is developing her report writing skills and management of data using GIS.
Dr. Bernadette Drabsch
Heritage Consultant
Dr. Bernadette Drabsch
Heritage Consultant
PhD Design/Archaeology | Honours (Natural History Illustration) |BA Ancient History
Bernadette is a historian, illustrator, educator and heritage app creator. She has extensive experience in researching and writing and holds a strong interest in both historical and Aboriginal heritage archaeology. Bernadette combines her research knowledge with practical experience. Her PhD focused on experimental archaeology and contextualization, resulting in numerous publications and conference presentations. Recent projects have included a digitally recolored 3D scan of an Egyptian sarcophagus, on permanent display at the Chau Chak Wing Museum, University of Sydney and the innovative Central Darling Heritage Trail App, incorporating extensive community consultation and co-design methods.
Environmental Specialists
Jane Book
Senior Environmental Scientist
Jane Book
Senior Environmental Scientist
M Environmental & Business Management | B App Sci. (Hons)
Environmental assessment | REF writer
Jane has over 27 years’ experience in natural resource management including coordinating catchment management organisations, developing and coordinating regional environmental plans for local government and managing a state-wide funding program. Jane has well developed skills in facilitation, liaison, and negotiation. She has extensive experience in working with commonwealth, state, and local government. Her skills include analysis and editing of specialist reports into plain English documents, marketing and communications. Jane is OzArk’s primary Review of Environmental Factors (REF) writer.
Dr Crystal Graham
Senior Ecologist BAM-accredited Assessor
Dr Crystal Graham
Senior Ecologist BAM-accredited Assessor
PhD Biology | B(Hons) Biology
Project management and technical reporting | Biodiversity assessments
Crystal has 18 years’ experience conducting ecological fieldwork and assessments and is a BAM-accredited Assessor. She is highly experienced in conducting surveys for vertebrates: visual transect surveys, distance sampling (endangered species), acoustic surveys, spotlighting, mist netting, pitfall, cage and Elliott trapping, seining and minnow trapping, hoop trapping, noosing, camera trapping, scat and track surveys.
Crystal is also experienced in animal handling and husbandry of domestic animals and wildlife. She has completed numerous habitat assessments, vegetation sampling, soil sampling and plant identification projects. Crystal has extensive experience in project management, staff supervision and report writing. She is also highly skilled in editing and quality control.
Dr David Orchard
Ecologist BAM-accredited Assessor
Dr David Orchard
Ecologist BAM-accredited Assessor
PhD Botany | Grad Dip Science (Botany) | B Arts (Hons)
Environmental assessment | Botany
David has postgraduate qualifications in botany and is a BAM-accredited Assessor. He is experienced in field surveys for both native and introduced vegetation, as well as identification of threats to ecological values. David has also designed, established, and analysed the results of several botanical field trials and is highly experienced in collecting and propagating native vegetation.
David has written a local flora field guide, which involved a close working relationship with a diverse range of stakeholders. David is also experienced in the use of a suite of software and hardware including GIS, statistical analysis software, thermal cyclers.
Ian Griffith
Ecologist
Ian Griffith
Ecologist
BSc. (Hons) Genetics | B Conservation Biology & Ecology
Environmental assessment | Weed and land management
Ian has an honours degree in botany and evolutionary genetics. He has extensive experience in weed identification and management, native plant identification, and natural resource land management. Ian also has skills in bushland/natural area restoration as well as working closely with government agencies and community groups regarding land management techniques.
Ian is experienced in vegetation mapping using QGIS and preparing written reports based on fieldwork results. He has also delivered training to community members on correct weed control and native vegetation management strategies and techniques. Ian has also conducted remote fieldwork collecting scientific information on plant phenology.
Paris Hughes
Ecologist
Paris Hughes
Ecologist
B Sc. Honours | B Sc. Biodiversity Conservation | B Sc. Animal Behaviour
Environmental Assessment | Preclearance Surveys
Paris has completed her honours degree in animal behavior with a focus on platypus diet and recovery following the 2019-20 Summer bushfires. She has experience in wildlife research and monitoring with conducting ecological fieldwork and assessments using a diverse range of techniques. Paris has completed field experience with both marine and terrestrial mammals, birds, and reptiles, with handling experience of many species. Paris is developing her report writing and GIS skills. Paris is up to date on her COVID-19, Tetanus, and Rabies/Bat Lyssavirus vaccinations.
Jeffrey Lewis
Ecologist
Jeffrey Lewis
Ecologist
Environmental Assessment | Preclearance Surveys
B Sc. Ecology & Biodiversity
Jeff is an experienced animal handler and field-based ecologist working with a range of fauna and flora species within New South Wales, Tasmania, South Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. He is able to understand and analyse complex ecological systems and has been involved in a range of species specific research programs in multiple countries. He has extensive project management skills and is able to handle multiple priorities. Jeff has excellent communication skills and analyses and translates complex data for both written reports and face to face delivery. Jeff enjoys working in remote locations and has strong report writing and GIS skills.
Dr Jodie Benton
Director
Dr Jodie Benton
Director
PhD Archaeology | BA (Hons) Archaeology
Aboriginal and historic heritage | Project Management | Quality Control
Jodie is both Director and Principal Consulting Archaeologist of OzArk Environment & Heritage. She has over 35 years’ experience, having spent many years managing archaeological projects abroad and in Australia, as well as lecturing at the University of Sydney.
Jodie’s most recent work has been primarily development driven environmental impact assessment in NSW. The heritage components of this work have enabled Jodie to develop a broad network of Aboriginal community contacts, a thorough understanding of heritage protection legislation and to refine appropriate methodologies for Aboriginal and historic heritage assessments and community consultation.
Ben Churcher
Principal Archaeologist
Ben Churcher
Principal Archaeologist
BA (Hons) Dip Ed | Aboriginal and historic heritage
Project Management | Quality Control
Ben, Principal Archaeologist with OzArk Environment & Heritage, has over 40 years’ experience as an archaeologist and has been employed with OzArk since 2003. His duties include project director on large scale survey and excavation programs. Ben has written numerous comprehensive reports concerning Aboriginal and historic heritage across NSW including the assessment of scientific values for several complex State Significant projects.
Ben’s extensive work overseas includes the University of Sydney’s excavations at the site of Pella in Jordan where he holds the position of Field Director. He also has a keen interest in historical sites. Ben is also the primary reviewer of archaeological reports written by OzArk staff to ensure their high quality and consistent approach.
Sheridan Baker
General Manager
Sheridan Baker
General Manager
Business and Human Resource Management | Community Consultation | Integrated Management Systems
Sheridan is responsible for the day-to-day management of the business. managing staff and coordination of resources. Sheridan manages business operations including the ISO certified Integrated Management System, which incorporates Quality Management, Environmental Management and Work, Health and Safety. Her previous experience involves business and operation management of a range of businesses. Previously, Sheridan has worked extensively with the Aboriginal community including negotiation, remote and isolated communities and media relations.
Jane Book
Senior Environmental Scientist
Jane Book
Senior Environmental Scientist
M Environmental & Business Management | B App Sci. (Hons)
Environmental assessment | REF writer
Jane has over 27 years’ experience in natural resource management including coordinating catchment management organisations, developing and coordinating regional environmental plans for local government and managing a state-wide funding program. Jane has well developed skills in facilitation, liaison, and negotiation. She has extensive experience in working with commonwealth, state, and local government. Her skills include analysis and editing of specialist reports into plain English documents, marketing and communications. Jane is OzArk’s primary Review of Environmental Factors (REF) writer.
Catherine Burrowes
Office Manager
Catherine Burrowes
Office Manager
Community Consultation | Office management | Administration
Catherine is the Office Manager for OzArk Environment & Heritage and is responsible for delivery of Aboriginal Community Consultation which Catherine has been doing for the past year. Projects she has been involved in includes, APA Group, Moomba to Wilton pipeline and Eulie Pig Farm. Catherine also provides the efficient management of the office. Her administrative support to the office, including purchasing, organisational policies and procedures, and accounting administration. Catherine has excellent administration and customer service skills.
Nikita Munro
Proposal Writer
Nikita Munro
Proposal Writer
Stephanie Rusden
Senior Archaeologist
Stephanie Rusden
Senior Archaeologist
BA Archaeology | BSc Land and Heritage Management
Aboriginal & historic heritage
Stephanie has a Bachelor of Science Land and Heritage Management from University of Wollongong and Bachelor of Arts (Archaeology) from University of New England. Over the last five years Stephanie has demonstrated experience in fieldwork, targeted research, GIS, scientific methodology training and report writing. Stephanie has developed positive working relationships with Aboriginal communities in the Hunter region and western NSW. She has experience in dealing with sensitive Aboriginal sites, intangible heritage and information gathering.
Harrison Rochford
Archaeologist
Harrison Rochford
Archaeologist
M. Phil (Arts and Social Sciencies) | B Liberal Studies (Hons) (Psychology/ Ancient History)
Aboriginal & historic heritage
Harrison is a Masters graduate and combines his research knowledge with practical experience focusing on historic heritage. He has extensive experience with in-depth research into a variety of historical periods, including ancient Greece. Harrison has worked on historic heritage assessments, Aboriginal consultation and heritage studies, Aboriginal heritage impact assessments including survey work, archaeological excavation, data management and GIS mapping. Harrison also has extensive editorial experience.
Tenae Robertson
Archaeologist
Tenae Robertson
Archaeologist
B Archaeological Practices
Aboriginal & historic heritage
Tenae has a Bachelor of Archaeological Practices from Australian National University. She has built on this degree and now has extensive experience in both test excavations and post-excavation analysis and reports, particularly with the Snowy 2.0 project. This includes artefact assemblages, compilation and displaying of data from artefact catalogues, as well as the discussion findings and final interpretations of the sites’ functions and date. Tenae has also analysed, managed and manipulated this date for interpretation into reports. She has also worked extensively with the Aboriginal community in her fieldwork.
Imogen Crome
Archaeologist
Imogen Crome
Archaeologist
Bachelor of Science (Biological Anthropology) | Bachelor of Arts (Archaeology)
Aboriginal & historic heritage
Imogen is a graduate from the Australian National University with a Bachelor of Science (Biological Anthropology) and Bachelor of Arts (Archaeology). She is interested in environmental archaeology as well as historic heritage and museum studies. Imogen has completed overseas placements in Britain and Malta and completed archaeological excavation and analysis, including cataloguing of archaeological finds. She has experience in sorting and archiving archaeological material for research projects, as well as site drawing, context drawing and wet sieving. She is experienced with a range of specialist software, including OxCal and 3DfZephyr.
Eleanore Martin
Archaeologist
Eleanore Martin
Archaeologist
Bachelor of Arts (Archaeology, hons)
Aboriginal & historic heritage
Eleanore is a graduate from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Arts (Archaeology, honors). She has an interest in both historical and Aboriginal heritage archaeology. Eleanore has experience in cleaning, identifying, illustrating and cataloguing historical archaeological material from various sites. She is also able to identify and categorise historical artefacts and technologies, lithic tools, human and animal remains and megafaunal remains. She is experienced in report writing, including site and artefact reports
Jordan Henshaw
Archaeologist
Jordan Henshaw
Archaeologist
Bachelor of Ancient History
Aboriginal & historic heritage
Jordan is a graduate from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Ancient History and is interested in all facets of archaeology. Jordan has a thorough understanding of industry standard documentation, as well as reporting procedures. Jordan is eager to develop his skill set across a broad range of projects. He is also developing his skills in research, fieldwork, mapping, field photography, artefact identification, recording, and data management.
Sophia Grubnic
Archaeologist
Sophia Grubnic
Archaeologist
Bachelor of Arts, Honours | Archaeology, Honours | Bachelor of Arts, Art history
Aboriginal & historic heritage
Sophia is a graduate from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Arts (honours, Ancient History) and University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Arts (Art History and Ancient World Studies). She has worked overseas on the well-known Pella Project in Jordan and has excellent communication skills. Sophia has completed surveys within the renewable energy zone completing both historic heritage and Aboriginal heritage assessments. She has experience within the Central West, New England and Riverina areas. She is developing her report writing skills and management of data using GIS.
Dr. Bernadette Drabsch
Heritage Consultant
Dr. Bernadette Drabsch
Heritage Consultant
PhD Design/Archaeology | Honours (Natural History Illustration) |BA Ancient History
Bernadette is a historian, illustrator, educator and heritage app creator. She has extensive experience in researching and writing and holds a strong interest in both historical and Aboriginal heritage archaeology. Bernadette combines her research knowledge with practical experience. Her PhD focused on experimental archaeology and contextualization, resulting in numerous publications and conference presentations. Recent projects have included a digitally recolored 3D scan of an Egyptian sarcophagus, on permanent display at the Chau Chak Wing Museum, University of Sydney and the innovative Central Darling Heritage Trail App, incorporating extensive community consultation and co-design methods.
Dr Crystal Graham
Senior Ecologist BAM-accredited Assessor
Dr Crystal Graham
Senior Ecologist BAM-accredited Assessor
PhD Biology | B(Hons) Biology
Project management and technical reporting | Biodiversity assessments
Crystal has 18 years’ experience conducting ecological fieldwork and assessments and is a BAM-accredited Assessor. She is highly experienced in conducting surveys for vertebrates: visual transect surveys, distance sampling (endangered species), acoustic surveys, spotlighting, mist netting, pitfall, cage and Elliott trapping, seining and minnow trapping, hoop trapping, noosing, camera trapping, scat and track surveys.
Crystal is also experienced in animal handling and husbandry of domestic animals and wildlife. She has completed numerous habitat assessments, vegetation sampling, soil sampling and plant identification projects. Crystal has extensive experience in project management, staff supervision and report writing. She is also highly skilled in editing and quality control.
Dr David Orchard
Ecologist BAM-accredited Assessor
Dr David Orchard
Ecologist BAM-accredited Assessor
PhD Botany | Grad Dip Science (Botany) | B Arts (Hons)
Environmental assessment | Botany
David has postgraduate qualifications in botany and is a BAM-accredited Assessor. He is experienced in field surveys for both native and introduced vegetation, as well as identification of threats to ecological values. David has also designed, established, and analysed the results of several botanical field trials and is highly experienced in collecting and propagating native vegetation.
David has written a local flora field guide, which involved a close working relationship with a diverse range of stakeholders. David is also experienced in the use of a suite of software and hardware including GIS, statistical analysis software, thermal cyclers.
Ian Griffith
Ecologist
Ian Griffith
Ecologist
BSc. (Hons) Genetics | B Conservation Biology & Ecology
Environmental assessment | Weed and land management
Ian has an honours degree in botany and evolutionary genetics. He has extensive experience in weed identification and management, native plant identification, and natural resource land management. Ian also has skills in bushland/natural area restoration as well as working closely with government agencies and community groups regarding land management techniques.
Ian is experienced in vegetation mapping using QGIS and preparing written reports based on fieldwork results. He has also delivered training to community members on correct weed control and native vegetation management strategies and techniques. Ian has also conducted remote fieldwork collecting scientific information on plant phenology.
Paris Hughes
Ecologist
Paris Hughes
Ecologist
B Sc. Honours | B Sc. Biodiversity Conservation | B Sc. Animal Behaviour
Environmental Assessment | Preclearance Surveys
Paris has completed her honours degree in animal behavior with a focus on platypus diet and recovery following the 2019-20 Summer bushfires. She has experience in wildlife research and monitoring with conducting ecological fieldwork and assessments using a diverse range of techniques. Paris has completed field experience with both marine and terrestrial mammals, birds, and reptiles, with handling experience of many species. Paris is developing her report writing and GIS skills. Paris is up to date on her COVID-19, Tetanus, and Rabies/Bat Lyssavirus vaccinations.
Jeffrey Lewis
Ecologist
Jeffrey Lewis
Ecologist
Environmental Assessment | Preclearance Surveys
B Sc. Ecology & Biodiversity
Jeff is an experienced animal handler and field-based ecologist working with a range of fauna and flora species within New South Wales, Tasmania, South Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. He is able to understand and analyse complex ecological systems and has been involved in a range of species specific research programs in multiple countries. He has extensive project management skills and is able to handle multiple priorities. Jeff has excellent communication skills and analyses and translates complex data for both written reports and face to face delivery. Jeff enjoys working in remote locations and has strong report writing and GIS skills.