Narelle Lont

Narelle is standing in a big open grassed paddock, smiling at the camera. She is wearing a hard hat with sun brim, a high vis shirt and trousers, and pink safety boots. In the background is a group of people, also in high-vis clothes.

Current position

Heritage Consultant

Where did you study?

University of Queensland

How did you become interested in archaeology?

Grew up in a coaching inn built in 1854 in northeast Tasmania. The town had been developed as a garrison village in the 1830s. When working in the garden at the property, we often dug up historical material and I always had a deep curiosity about who the things belonged to, what they had been used for and where they had come from.

What archaeological projects are you working on at the moment?

Predominantly renewable projects.

Tell us about one of your most interesting archaeological discoveries

I was part of a team that identified and recorded a timber, convict-built bridge that was buried beneath one of Brisbane's busiest roads, discovered during roadworks.

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

I am always in awe when working alongside Traditional Owners. It's not just the artefacts we identify and record that make work on Country amazing, but the shared stories and the deep love for the environment and culture.

What’s your favourite part of being an archaeologist?

Talking to people and listening to their stories.

National Archaeology Week