Richard Mackay

Current position

Director of Possibilities at Mackay Strategic Pty Ltd, Adjunct Professor, Deakin University, ICOMOS World Heritage Adviser

Where did you study?

University of Sydney, later at the Getty Conservation Institute as a Research Scholar

How did you become interested in archaeology?

I used to hang out at the Australian Museum, driving the curators crazy. My interests evolved from dinosaurs through fossils to mummies and became stuck on the past. At Sydney University, I was fortunate enough to study both classical and near eastern archaeology, prehistory (through anthropology) and to be in one of the prototype historical archaeology programs with the redoubtable Judy Birmingham. The fieldwork opportunities available within Australia initially directed me toward prehistory, but after some time working on historic cemeteries and industrial heritage with the NSW National Trust, I more actively pursued consulting in historical archaeology and heritage management, co-founding ‘Godden Mackay’ (now GML Heritage) with Don Godden in 1989.

What archaeological projects are you working on at the moment?

These days my archaeological work is usually desktop strategic advice, but as an ICOMOS World Heritage Adviser, I deal with some amazing sites: my current files include Stonehenge, the Giza Plateau and the Ancient City of Damascus.

Tell us about one of your most interesting archaeological discoveries.

I don’t particularly like the notion of ‘discoveries’ – I have been privileged to direct important projects at some truly amazing places, including the ‘BIG DIG’ in Cumberland Street, The Rocks, Sydney, Casselden Place Melbourne and Angkor, Cambodia.

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

During the BIG DIG, we discovered a large robust cat skeleton – I was on national television suggestion it was too big to be a cat and must have been a pet gibbon! The Imax film: Sydney: A Story of a City is based around the ‘BIG DIG’ and in the film, I am played by a dashing Paul Mercurio (better known for Strictly Ballroom than playing me).

What’s your favourite part of being an archaeologist?

I have always loved the collaboration and interdependence of archaeology and the way different evidence comes together to reveal a story: I also love connecting people with places through archaeological narratives.

Follow up reading.

My magnum opus (with Sharon Sullivan) is: Archaeological Sites: Conservation and Management, Readings in Conservation Series, Getty Publications, J Paul Getty Trust, Los Angeles, (2012).

A full suite of my publications is at: https://www.mackaystrategic.com.au/resources/