Matthew Finlayson

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Current position

Archaeologist, Everick Heritage

Where did you study?

University of Queensland

How did you become interested in archaeology?

Always had a fascination with the crumbling, ancient and distant as a kid, but later fell into archaeology after quitting my Criminology degree because the Queensland University of Technology campus didn’t have paper towels. The moral of the story is even if your ship isn’t sinking yet, always abandon it and swim to a ship that looks less likely to sink.

What archaeological projects are you working on at the moment?   

  • Hill End NSW – Providing advice on the archaeological remains of the 19th century gold mine workings in vicinity to the township.

  • OneTMR – Aiding in the provision of a comprehensive cultural heritage database for Department of Main Roads (QLD)

  • Giinagay Way, Urunga – Monitoring of residential subdivision works including the spatial and physical recording and analysis of Aboriginal objects.

Tell us about one of your most interesting archaeological discoveries

A So Fresh 2004 CD, Winter Edition in almost perfect working condition. Coming in a close second would be a Cypriot Bronze Age anthropomorphic figurine within the archaeological remains of a burned homestead in Alampra, Cyprus.

Tell us about a funny / disastrous / amazing experience that you have had while doing archaeology

Participating in the Triabunna Guard Barracks, Tasmania excavation conducted between 2016 and 2019 by Dr Ash Lenton, Dr Catherine Frieman and Dr. James Flexner. It was an invaluable experience that I’d do over if I could, even if I was sick of looking at Amber glass by the end of it.

What’s your favourite part of being an archaeologist?

Combining my hobbies and interests with my career. Travelling is always a bonus.

National Archaeology Week