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Support for Traditional Owner self-determination

We acknowledge Traditional Owners and First Nations as custodians of the lands where we work, and as partners in the work we do.

At RMCG, we work with and for Traditional Owners. Wherever we work, our approach begins with listening. Through early and ongoing conversations, we centre Traditional Owner experiences and connections at the foundations of our understanding and planning.

As no member of our current team identifies as Aboriginal, we do not claim to fully understand Indigenous knowledge systems. We are aware that there is a vast ocean of Traditional Knowledge rooted in 65,000+ years of Aboriginal Knowing. There is much we cannot know, nor would we expect to. However, many of our team members have worked closely with Traditional Owners throughout Australia, and have developed a deep respect and growing understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems.

Our work with Traditional Owners that supports self-determination includes co-design of engagement processes, cultural heritage mapping and planning, governance training and review, strategic and business planning and program evaluation.

Team

Claire Flanagan-Smith

Claire Flanagan-Smith

Principal

B.Env.Eng. (Hons)

Claire has more than a decade’s experience in strategic planning, facilitation and community engagement in a range of industries. Claire’s people and strategy skills are underpinned by a strong understanding of engineering and policy. She helps communities and organisations deal with complex issues, supporting insight and constructive strategy. Claire has delivered quality projects including investigations of community concerns related to mining, regional strategic planning, socio-economic impact studies and strategic planning for a wide range of organisations.

Jamie Rooney

Jamie Rooney

Senior Consultant

M.A. (Archaeology & History)(Hons)

Jamie is a consultant in our community and strategy work area. He has been actively involved in the research and management of archaeological and Aboriginal cultural heritage projects throughout Australia and Europe since 2015. He specialises in the management of complex cultural heritage projects and has extensive experience of cultural heritage management in the resources, urban development, and infrastructure sectors across Victoria; and the development of mining infrastructure and Indigenous community consultation in remote areas of Cape York, Queensland. 

During his time working in Australian archaeology, he has developed strong working relationships with a number of Registered Aboriginal Parties, Traditional Owner groups, government agencies, and both private and public corporations throughout Victoria and Queensland. During this time he has gained a unique insight into the ways in which major corporations, small businesses and indigenous communities can work together to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes.

Jamie is experienced in project management, community outreach and Traditional Owner engagement, and has successfully project managed a number of Cultural Heritage Management Plans, and specialist heritage assessments throughout Australia. 

Brooke Zuidema

Brooke Zuidema

Consultant

B.Env.Sust. (Resource and Env.Mgt.); B. Archaeological Practice

Brooke has a degree in Environment and Sustainability and Archaeological Practice and has developed an understanding of complex community and environmental issues. She is passionate about ensuring the protection of environmental and cultural landscapes.

Brooks studies in environmental resource management and policy demonstrate her ability to interpret environmental legislation, legal cases, and complex issues. She has written policy briefs, recommendations, and reports for government departments. Due to her exceptional university results, she was recommended by the Assistant Director of the Fenner School to participate in the Environmental Law Clinic program.

She has worked in and around heritage-listed buildings and understands the importance of cultural heritage and conservation as well as respecting community values. During this time Brooke has created Harris-Matrices, conducted hand excavation, field surveys using ground penetrating radar, as well as sieved, cleaned, and catalogued artefacts.

Trent Wallis

Trent Wallis

Associate

BSc, MEnvSt, GDipPD(EnvSt)

Trent has an extensive background in environmental planning and natural resource management, with particular expertise in waterway management and planning. This includes 21 years of public sector experience working for catchment management authorities and the state government.

Trent’s work focuses on strategic environmental policy, planning and evaluation, and supporting project teams with the delivery of long-term catchment health outcomes. He is also experienced in community and stakeholder management, and has a strong understanding of the importance of genuine engagement to ensure project buy-in and support. He has worked with, and led, integrated project teams, stakeholder and community project committees, forums and working groups, and technical expert groups.

Shayne Annett

Shayne Annett

Principal

B.Ag.Sci., M.Res.Admin. (NRM)

Shayne has over 25 years working in land, water and biodiversity management, and during that time has developed the ability to see things from many perspectives, to anticipate issues that might arise and to draw on his experience to develop pragmatic and progressive solutions. He understands on-ground work, private and public land management, planning and managing programs and projects, and policy at local, state and national levels.