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mccardle cultural heritage who we are

    Archaeological Services Available

    At McCardle Cultural Heritage, we are proud to have a strong team of experienced archaeologists and anthropologists that have the knowledge and expertise to carry out all archaeological requirements. Take a look at their full bios below.

    Penny McCardle BA (Hons), PhD

    Principal Archaeologist and Physical/Forensic Anthropologist

    Penny has extensive experience in carrying out indigenous archaeological and cultural heritage assessments. She is an archaeologist qualified in both indigenous archaeology and physical/forensic anthropology. Penny has completed a number of heritage assessments, and long-term research projects of indigenous sites throughout Australia, and has practical experience in all types of projects ranging from small developments to large-scale research/management projects and mine sites.

    Penny has practical experience in research, survey, excavation, reporting and Aboriginal community consultation directly related to her role as an archaeologist. She has an understanding of indigenous cultural heritage (including shell middens, stone tools, occupation sites, art, sacred sites, burials, mortuary practices, skeletal identification, etc.) as a result of her academic qualifications, involvement in many regional-based archaeological projects and employment with private consultants and environmental companies throughout Australia.

    Penny also has an understanding of the issues surrounding consultation with Aboriginal communities and has a proven track record in positive consultation and problem solving. Penny also keeps up to date with archaeological, theoretical and analytical issues relating to her profession.

    Penny is also a Forensic/Physical Anthropologist and works with the Department of Forensic Medicine Newcastle, the NSW Forensic Services Group and Unsolved Homicide in regard to skeletal remains, recovery and identification (including aboriginal and non-aboriginal). She also undertakes burial and skeletal identification for the Heritage NSW, Department of Premier & Cabinet, National Parks and Wildlife Services and Aboriginal communities and has been involved in the repatriation of numerous Aboriginal remains from overseas.

    Penny also has experience as an expert witness in both the NSW Land and Environment Court and the NSW Supreme Court. 

    Penny is able to communicate effectively with professional clients and government departments, and has a sound knowledge of the legislative process, (both State and Federal) guiding the management of indigenous places and sites of cultural importance. She has developed professional working relationships with the relevant heritage bodies, Local Aboriginal Land Councils and other Aboriginal groups throughout NSW.

    Professional affiliations and registrations

    • Australian Archaeological Association
    • The Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society Inc.
    • NSW Crime Faculty Expert Services
    • The Chartered Society of Forensic Science

    Fields of competence

    • Research and reporting
    • Indigenous archaeology
    • Archaeological surveys
    • Archaeological excavations
    • Artefact analysis
    • Heritage assessments
    • Physical anthropology (skeletal identification)
    • Forensic anthropology (skeletal identification for NSW Police)
    • Management plans
    • Aboriginal community consultation
    • Expert witness

    Education

    • BA (Hons) Archaeology and Palaeoanthropology, University of New England 2001
    • Forensic Anthropology Course, University of New England 2003
    • Armed Forces Institute of Pathology Forensic Anthropology Course, Ashburn, VA 2008
    • Analysis of Bone Trauma and Pseudo-Trauma in Suspected Violent Death Course, Erie College, Pennsylvania 2009
    • Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) 2018
    • Tactical Emergency Casualty Care – Level 1 2018
    • Documenting Scenes of War and Human Rights Violations. Institute for International Criminal Investigations, 2018
    • PhD, Forensic Anthropology, Newcastle University, 2019
    • Disaster Victim Identification (DVI), Australia Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research, 2020
    • Human Bone Histology  Workshop Series for Biological Anthropologists, Australian National University, 2020

    Viki Gordon – BA (Grad Dip)

    Senior Archaeologist

    Viki has experience in carrying out indigenous archaeological and cultural heritage assessments. She is an archaeologist qualified in both indigenous archaeology and physical anthropology. Viki has completed a number of heritage assessments, and long-term research projects of indigenous sites throughout Australia.

    Viki has experience in all types of projects ranging from small developments to large-scale research/management projects and has extensive practical experience in research, survey, excavation, reporting and Aboriginal community consultation directly related to her role as an archaeologist and Heritage Ranger (Aboriginal Heritage Office). She has an understanding of indigenous cultural heritage (including shell middens, stone tools, occupation sites, art, sacred sites, burials, mortuary practices, skeletal identification, etc.) as a result of her academic qualifications and working in the field for a number of years.

    Viki has gained an understanding of the issues surrounding consultation with Aboriginal communities and has a proven track record in positive consultation and problem solving in her role as an archaeologist and Heritage Ranger. She remains up to date about archaeological theoretical and analytical issues relating to her profession.

    Professional affiliations and registrations

    • Australian Archaeological Association

    Fields of competence

    • Research and reporting
    • Indigenous archaeology
    • Archaeological surveys
    • Archaeological excavations
    • Artefact analysis
    • Heritage assessments
    • Management plans
    • Aboriginal community consultation

    Education

    • Grad. Dip. Archaeology – Flinders University SA 2012
    • BA (Anc. Hist.) – Macquarie University 2010
    The work of archaeological service

    For more information about our experts, contact us today on 0412 702 396.

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