Breaking Ground: Women in Archaeology

Held for International Women’s Day, this enlightening conversation will examine the significant role played by women in the development of archaeology as a field in Australia. The talk will feature a range of experts who will share their unique experiences.

About the speakers

Dr Madeline Shanahan

Dr Madeline Shanahan has fifteen years’ experience as a professional archaeologist and historian. After obtaining a PhD in Archaeology from University College Dublin and a First Class Honours degree in Historical Archaeology from the University of Sydney, Madeline went on to work as a heritage consultant in Dublin, Melbourne and Sydney. As a multidisciplinary practitioner, she has worked on a wide range of projects, but her primary area of expertise is Heritage Interpretation

Robyn Stocks

Robyn Stocks is a professional archaeologist who has been working as a consultant and sub-consultant for over 40 years. Her study interests and good luck have enabled her to work on projects in Australia, the Middle East, North Africa, Malta and the UK. She has enjoyed being part of local and international teams, helping discover and interpret the lives of people from the past. For the last 20 years, her focus has been on historical and Aboriginal archaeology in Sydney and other locations in NSW, as an employee of Casey & Lowe and, recently, Heritage Now.

Dr Siobhán Lavelle

Dr Siobhán Lavelle OAM is an Historical Archaeologist, Historian, and Heritage Consultant who has worked in cultural heritage management for four decades across the community, public, and private sectors. From 1990-2004, several of her projects attracted State and National heritage awards. She received a National Trust Commendation in 2008 and was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2009: ‘For service to historical archaeology and heritage conservation, particularly the preservation of colonial roads and cemeteries.’ From 2003 to 2021 she worked for the NSW State government as Senior Team Leader (Archaeology) and Listings Manager for State Heritage Register and Aboriginal Place Listings.

Siobhan joined the ASHA Committee in 2021 and became President in 2023. Her interests include the nature of placemaking, monuments and memory; and the long -term conservation of archaeological sites in situ.