ICOMOS MEMBERS

NEW AICOMOS Mentoring Program 2026

It’s here again! We need Australia ICOMOS members based in New South Wales and Victoria to step up and join us as mentors for students from the University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, Latrobe University and Deakin University. Our program has run since 2011 and has been enthusiastically received by both mentors and mentees.

We usually have many more students than mentors apply – this restricts the size of the program, so we rely on the generosity of ICOMOS members so that as many students as possible can be paired. Please join if you can!

It is very easy to be a mentor. We ask mentors to meet with their mentees at least 3 times during the program between May and October. These meetings can be in-person or virtual, and allow discussion about issues involved in heritage practice, and the student’s study and work interests.

Once mentors and mentees are matched, we will hold launch events in Melbourne and Sydney. These are a great opportunity for mentors and mentees to meet in a social setting.

There will be a brief evaluation questionnaire distributed at the end of the year that we ask all participants to complete and return.

How do I get involved as a MENTOR?

Mentors must be Full ICOMOS members and can have professional experience in any sector of cultural heritage practice. We will try to ‘match’ by interest as many students and mentors as possible.

If you would like to be an AICOMOS mentor, please complete a short online expression of interest available here by cob on Friday 17 April 2026. We would then get in touch with you once a match has been identified.

Mentors in other States and Territories: we often have mentoring opportunities in other States and Territories (for students studying by distance through one of the participating Universities). So, if you are keen, but don’t live in Victoria or NSW – please submit an EOI. We will see what’s possible!

How do I get involved as a MENTEE?

Students in participating university courses will be advised of the application process by the focal point at their university. This will be advertised soon to students in relevant courses. 

When do we start?

We will be matching students and mentors and hosting the launch events in May. ‘Save the date’ information will be provided shortly.

We hope that members based in participating States will welcome this opportunity to participate in the efforts of Australia ICOMOS and its partners to support students and emerging professionals across a range of cultural heritage disciplines.

for the 2026 Australia ICOMOS Mentoring Teams

Luke James (Victoria)

Kerime Danis (NSW)

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Invitation to Participate: Understanding Water Heritage

Formally approved in December 2024, the ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Water and Heritage (ISC Water) is dedicated to the research, protection and promotion of water-related heritage in material, governance, conceptual and spiritual dimensions. We view traditional water management systems as living assets essential for sustaining livelihoods, meeting SDG6 targets, and providing water safety and water security for today and tomorrow. 

Water has shaped landscapes, settlements, technologies, and cultural practices across societies. Yet the concept of water heritage is interpreted in many different ways depending on cultural, linguistic, and disciplinary perspectives. Our short survey aims to gather insights from professionals and practitioners around the world to better understand how water heritage is perceived, defined, and experienced. The survey will take approximately 5–7 minutes to complete.

Your contributions will help inform broader conversations within ISC Water’s membership and the ICOMOS community, on the cultural, environmental and technological dimensions of water heritage.

🔗 Participate here: https://forms.gle/xsMupYrJJDa5q5Y57

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Member Spotlight

Our members work in many and varied facets of cultural heritage and as your membership organisation we would like to showcase some of your expertise and initiatives. If you would like to be included in an edition of our e news, please send a paragraph or two and a photo to our secretariat: austicomos@deakin.edu.au

Please note we cannot advertise individual businesses, this is purely to highlight our wonderful members.

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AICOMOS SUBMISSIONS

NEW Australia ICOMOS Submission on Developing a new Queensland Heritage Strategy

Australia ICOMOS (AICOMOS) has a strong interest in the broader development of policies and processes at all levels of government that have the potential to either enhance or impact best practice in the conservation and management of Australia’s cultural heritage places. These comments have been prepared drawing on our collective professional experience working across heritage conservation, planning, architecture, archaeology, and cultural heritage management in Queensland and nationally.

Follow this link to read the submission.

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CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS / GRANTS / NOMINATIONS / EOI

NEW Call for papers GA2026, Session Co-convened by IIWC, ICICH, ISCEAH, and ISC20C | S8-Common Threads: Similarities for a Peaceful Future

ICOMOS GA2026 Scientific Symposium 17–24 October 2026 | Kuching, Malaysia & Online

Jointly convened by the International Wood Committee (IIWC), International Committee on Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICICH), International Scientific Committee on Earthen Architectural Heritage (ISCEAH), and Twentieth Century Heritage International Scientific Committee (ISC20C), this half-day session invites scholars, practitioners, and ICOMOS members to examine the striking similarities across global cultural heritage. It extends beyond comparison; exploring unifying forces that steer human creativity toward convergent solutions by probing instincts for shelter, community, symbolic expression, climate, and material constraints, and universal languages in tangible and intangible heritage. Integrating anthropology, environmental science, craftsmanship, cultural studies, migration, and colonial perspectives, the session argues that recognising shared ‘Common Threads’ reframes heritage from a source of division into a testament to humanity’s cohesion, thereby providing a potent tool for cultural diplomacy and peace‑building.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Case studies of specific heritage similarities (e.g., architectural elements, spatial arrangements, technology transfer, craft techniques, ritual practices, oral traditions and nature-based practices) between distinct cultural regions.
• Theoretical explorations of the anthropological, spiritual, social or environmental drivers behind convergent cultural evolution in both tangible and intangible heritage.
• The role of digital documentation and comparative analysis in uncovering and understanding these global patterns across tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
• The application of this “Common Threads” philosophy in heritage conservation, cultural diplomacy, intergenerational transmission and peace-building initiatives.

The aim of this session in Kuching is to weave together these disparate strands of knowledge, celebrating the unity inherent in our diverse heritage and charting a course for a more collaborative and harmonious future

Abstracts close: 30 April 2026

We encourage ICOMOS Australia members and networks to submit abstracts and share this call widely.

Further information can be found here: Call For Abstract – ICOMOS GA2026

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NEW Call for papers GA 2026 | ICOMOS TheoPhilos ISC Conference Session | Submissions due 30 April 2026

This session, hosted by TheoPhilos, is called in support of the important work of the ongoing Review of the Doctrinal Text Adoption Process in the context of Living Heritage. In an age when local communities and regional interests have an increasing say in conservation processes, this session will discuss whether it is still feasible or desirable to attempt to develop universal principles for the conservation and care of historic places. It will discuss the case for (and against) continuing to produce such documents, and the practical experiences of attempting to do so.

Bringing the topics of Living Heritage and ‘Doctrinal’ Texts together prompts some fundamental and provocative questions for conservation. For example, what place can universality have in a Living Heritage context? Can Outstanding Universal Value be managed without developing ‘universal principles’? At what scale is universalism feasible – global, or regional, national, or not at all? Is universalism more feasible for some types of ‘Doctrinal’ Text than others? What should be the relationship be between tangible and intangible forms of heritage, or does Living Heritage subvert/eliminate that conventional distinction? Can ‘Doctrinal’ Texts ever hope to be ageless, or are they historically contingent, just like any other historic structure?

Further information can be found here.

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NEW NAIDOC Week 2026 – Celebrating 50 Years of Deadly | Seeking partners and sponsors 

In 2026, NAIDOC marks a significant milestone 50 years of Deadly, a powerful celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This year, NAIDOC returns to Alice Springs (Mparntwe), in the heart of Australia, after missing the opportunity in 2020. While delivering an event in a remote location presents challenges, including increased costs and broader global pressures, it also offers something truly unique.

As a Destination NAIDOC, this will be more than a program of events. It will be an immersive experience —   creating deeper opportunities to engage with community, experience culture on Country, and celebrate the 2026 NAIDOC finalists and award winners in a setting of profound cultural significance.

NAIDOC Week continues to be one of the most important national platforms for connection, recognition and celebration. In 2026, that impact will be amplified through:

• A full week of cultural, community and national events
• The prestigious National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony
• Meaningful engagement with First Nations leaders and communities
• A unique, place-based experience in Central Australia

To deliver this at the scale and standard it deserves, NAIDOC are seeking partners and sponsors who share their commitment to celebrating and supporting First Nations excellence.

Your support will not only contribute to an unforgettable national event, but also demonstrate leadership in reconciliation, cultural respect, and community engagement.

The NAIDOC team would welcome the opportunity to discuss how working together will help to create a meaningful partnership aligned to your organisation’s values and objectives.

For further information please follow this link

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NEW Creative Australia | Australian World Heritage Residency | Applications close 12 May 2026

The Australian World Heritage Residency from Creative Australia offers three (3) self-directed residencies for Australian artists or collectives to work on-site at a World Heritage site within Australia. Through deep engagement with place, the residency fosters meaningful exchange, encourages local partnerships and collaboration, and supports enduring relationships between artists, partners, and sites while centring artistic excellence and care for cultural and natural heritage.  

Each recipient will receive a grant of $50,000 to undertake their residency, which will conclude in a public reflection of their learning, such as a seminar, workshop, or new creative work.

Applicants are expected to have a relationship or connection to their chosen site. Your application should showcase the significance of the site to your work and residency. 

Further information can be found here.

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Call for papers GA2026, Session Convened by ICHAM | Heritage Management Planning Systems: Challenges, Lessons Learned and Potential New Approaches 

ICOMOS GA2026 Scientific Symposium 17–24 October 2026 | Kuching, Malaysia & Online

Session Convened by: ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Archaeological Heritage Management (ICAHM: https://icahm.icomos.org/)) Theme: ENHANCE – Sharing research and experiences that fortify ways of safeguarding heritage.

This session examines the structural and systemic challenges confronting World Heritage management planning through an analytical framework organized around five critical heritage management dimensions: flexibility, strategy, governance, context, and capacity. These dimensions provide a lens for understanding why management plans often fail to deliver effective heritage protection despite well-intentioned planning processes.

Through two focused 1.5-hour sessions, international experts will present examples addressing more effective planning and management at World Heritage sites and significant archaeological properties not yet inscribed, recognizing that sound management principles strengthen heritage protection regardless of designation status. Presentations will address climate adaptation and site integrity, Indigenous knowledge systems and community-centered approaches, sustainable tourism and visitor management, risk preparedness and disaster response, technological applications for monitoring and interpretation, and governance models that build institutional capacity while empowering local stakeholders.

Further information can be found here.

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 Moran Award for History of Science Research

Applications for the Australian Academy of Science’s Moran Award for History of Science Research are now open. Aimed at postgraduate students and early career researchers with expertise in the history of Australian science, it provides up to $10,000 to support access to archives that record the history of science in Australia, and it can be used towards travel and accommodation costs.

Applications close 1 June 2026. Check the award webpage for full requirements and how to apply.

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WORKSHOPS / COURSES / EVENTS / EXHIBITIONS

NEW International Day for Monuments and Sites | Hobart | April 17, 2026 

Join your Tasmanian AICOMOS colleagues for an informal catch up – In the Hanging Garden from 5.30 pm.

RSVP – Ross Stanger: ross.stanger@gmail.com

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NEW Canberra Archaeological Society – Australasian Society for Historical Archaeology | Archaeology Symposium | National Museum of Australia | 18 April 2026

Mid-Century: Innovation, Change and Optimism, Peninsula Room, National Museum of Australia

The Symposium theme this year is ‘Mid-Century – Innovation, change and optimism’. This theme, is not at first sight, ideal for application to archaeology, can be explored, for instance, by examining, archaeologically, related, major, historical themes/events that occurred in the mid-century period, say 1930s to 1960s. It could also consider the development of archaeology and perceptions of it as it relates to this period, and examine attempts to investigate little known, but important aspects of our history that need exposure. All these approaches are found in our Symposium papers.

BOOKINGS: National Museum of Australia What’s On Calendar at:
https://www.nma.gov.au/whats-on/calendar/calendar-items/april-2026/archaeology-symposium

Admission free – gold coin donation gratefully accepted.

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NEW Applications for the Advanced Masters in Structural Analysis of Monuments and Historical Constructions | Applications due 20 May 2026

Applications for the Advanced Master in Structural Analysis of Monuments and Historical Constructions are open up to May 20, 2026. This is the leading international course on conservation of heritage structures, winner of the 2017 European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage “Europa Nostra”, funded by the European Commission during 10 consecutive years, and a unique opportunity to meet people from all over the world. Do not miss this opportunity to join the other 500 alumni from 77 countries that graduate in the last 18 years and be a part of this great worldwide network of experts!

This Master Course is organized by a Consortium of leading European Universities/Research Institutions in the field, composed by University of Minho (coordinating institution, Portugal), the Technical University of Catalonia (Spain), the Czech Technical University in Prague (Czechia), the University of Padua (Italy) and the Institute of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics of the Czech Academy of Sciences (Czechia).

The course combines the most recent advances in research and development with practical applications. A significant number of scholarships, ranging from 4,000 to 13,000 Euro, are available to students of any nationality.

Please find full details on the MSc programme, as well as electronic application procedure, in the SAHC website www.msc-sahc.org

Visit also the SAHC blog http://blog.msc-sahc.org and www.linkedin.com/school/sahcmasterscourse

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NEW Eurkea 3D-XR Webinar Series | The Life Cycle of 3D data in Cultural Heritage | 22 and 30 April 2026 (14:30–16:00 CEST)

Bringing together the combined expertise of the EUreka3D and EUreka3D-XR projects, this two-session series offers a comprehensive introduction to the full journey of 3D data in cultural heritage. From digitisation to reuse in XR applications, participants will gain practical insights, tools and guidance aligned with Europeana frameworks. Designed for heritage professionals, digitisation specialists, researchers and XR practitioners, this free training provides a unique opportunity to explore sustainable 3D workflows.

Join one or both sessions and discover how to apply these results in your own work.

Further information can be found here.

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NEW Save the date – International Association of Impact Assessment conference | Christchurch NZ | 20-23 April 2027

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Australian Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades (Rare Trades Centre)

Come and meet the Rare Trades Centre staffers and many of the artisans who regularly bring you artisan-driven workshops imparting skills and knowledge about traditional trade and craft practices.

And check out upcoming Rare Trades Centre sessions offering small group learning about the traditions of crafting our material culture (https://www.raretradescentre.com.au/events/):

APRIL

Leadlighting: The Boxed Frame Lamp with Vintage Glass and Copper Foil   15 & 16 April

Tapestry Weaving: An Introduction   18 April

Introduction To Photogravure Printing   18 & 19 April

MAY

Sew Your Own Underbust Corset   1 – 3 May

Introduction To Hand Carved Letters in Stone   2 & 3 May

Cloth Covered Solander Box   2 May

Locksmithing: Jacksons Padlock   9 May

Australian Centre for Gold Rush Collections

Partnering with the Rare Trades Centre in presenting opportunities to delve into over 150,000 objects from Victoria’s goldfields and colonial history through exclusive back-of-house Collections tours.

Choose from:

• Chinese Collections Tours
• Treasures from the Collections Tour
• Fashion Collection Tour

Saturdays, 2pm – 4pm

https://www.sovereignhill.com.au/events/back-of-house-tours/

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Museums of History NSW | Firestick | The Mint NSW | 16 April 2026

Firestick is a new six-part talk series featuring First Nations visionaries who are blazing a trail and lighting the way for future generations in diverse industries, from video game design to global fashion.

Taking place in the lead-up to Anzac Day, the first talk draws on the historically overlooked experiences of Indigenous servicemen in the 20th century. Speakers include Ngunnawal/Gomeroi man Michael Bell, Indigenous Liaison Officer at the Australian War Memorial, and Yuwaalaraay filmmaker Dylan Nicholls.

This talk will also feature an exclusive screening of Nicholls’s award-winning 2025 documentary Bringing his spirit home, a moving portrait of Gomeroi man Peter Milliken as he travels to France to visit his uncle’s war grave and return soil to Country.

The format of the series encourages informal post-talk gatherings between the speakers and audience, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and deeper understanding of Indigenous innovation and agency. Continue the conversation in the Mint courtyard over food and drinks.

Free event, register here.

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ICTC Webinar Series February – June 2026

From Principles to Practice:

Applying the ICOMOS International Charter for Cultural Heritage Tourism (2022)

The ICOMOS International Cultural Tourism Committee (ICTC) launches a monthly webinar series on the ICOMOS International Charter on Cultural Heritage Tourism (2022). Presentations and discussions aims to empower ICOMOS members in implementation of the Charter.

The webinars will lead up to ICOMOS General Assembly 2026 in Kuching and inform the many events where tourism will be addressed.

WEBINAR PROGRAMME

22 April (13:00 CET)

Principle 3

Knowledge · Interpretation · Education

27 May (13:00 CET)

Principles 4 & 5

Community · Local Development · Benefit-sharing

24 June (13:00 CET)

Principles 6 & 7

Climate Action · Sustainability · Long-term Management

Registration is free to ICOMOS members: ICTC Webinar Series 2026 – Registration

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2026 Australian Heritage Festival Event Registrations Open Now

Registrations are now open for organisations, communities, and creators to take part in the 2026 Australian Heritage Festival, running from throughout April and May across country.

The Australian Heritage Festival is coordinated by the National Trusts of Australia, with the vision of recognising and celebrating the significance of our natural, built, cultural and social heritage, to ensure it is valued and cared for by the community and protected for future generations. Whether you’re a gallery, library, museum, historical society, local council, tourism operator, winery, university, or simply passionate about heritage, we invite you to share your stories and host an event in 2026.

The 2026 theme, Change, explores how history shapes us—and how we shape history in return.

This year, the National Trust has launched a new Festival website featuring improved navigation for attendees and a self-managed portal for organisers. Registering your event is now simpler, faster, and more intuitive.

Visit the website to find out more: australianheritagefestival.org.au

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PUBLICATIONS / SURVEYS

NEW The Routledge Handbook of Heritage Ethics | Edited by Andreas Pantazatos, Tracy Ireland, John Schofield, Rouran Zhang

The Routledge Handbook of Heritage Ethics offers a comprehensive and rigorous analysis of the concepts, challenges and dilemmas that characterise and shape contemporary heritage ethics in theory and practice. The essays within this volume examine how ethical approaches to heritage have evolved and explore the ethical issues that have arisen from these changing contexts. Including 34 original, detailed, and impassioned contributions from across five continents, this book affords equal focus to theoretical perspectives and practice, drawing out the importance of ethics through diverse case studies on topics as varied as built heritage, colonialism, material culture, the environment, traditions and lived experience. Throughout this volume, chapters highlight the need for all practitioners and researchers to adopt an ethical approach, alongside the need to understand what this entails and how best to deliver it. Following a foundational introduction that contextualises ethics within broader cultural changes, and a first section outlining key theoretical frameworks, chapters are divided into four thematic sections on difficult heritage, digital heritage, heritage interactions and heritage management and policy.

Further information can be found here.

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SITUATIONS VACANT

NEW Heritage Council of Victoria | Alternate member with recognised skills or expertise in archaeology | Expressions of interest close on Thursday, 9 April 2026 

The Minister for Planning is seeking expressions of interest for the following Heritage Council positions:

• One alternate member with recognised skills or expertise in archaeology

Applicants are required to provide an Expression of Interest letter and a detailed CV.  Applicants are required to register an account on the Join a Public Board website (https://www.boards.vic.gov.au) prior to applying online.

Applicants with further questions should contact Damien Welch, Executive Officer, Heritage Council on (03) 8572 7951.

Apply here

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NEW Getty Conservation Institute | Project Specialist Earthen Architecture Initiative | Applications close 13 May 2026

Getty are seeking an architectural conservator with a keen interest in research, documentation, and training to fill the position of Project Specialist.  You will be an integral member of the Getty Conservation Institute’s Buildings and Sites Department, primarily contributing to the Earthen Architecture Initiative and addressing current conservation challenges of regional or international relevance.

This job will be based in the office at the Getty Center in Los Angeles.  It will begin in the office full-time and the opportunity to request a telework schedule may be available after an initial period of training and orientation and will be discussed and approved by your supervisor.  Typically, staff with approved telework schedules at the Getty Conservation Institute are in the office more than half of the time.

Further information and to apply follow this link.

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BIOSIS | Senior Built Heritage Consultant | NSW | Applications assessed on submission

BIOSIS are seeking a Senior Built Heritage Consultant to join our NSW team, where you will apply your expertise to a diverse range of projects. In this role, you will report to the Manager – Heritage (NSW) and play an active part in project delivery through your involvement in project teams, project management, site investigation, and client liaison.

A key part of the position involves providing technical guidance to junior consultants, as well as leading and developing project teams. You will help new team members understand our work, support them in building capability, and contribute to identifying opportunities, developing new work, and winning projects.

You may be based in any of their NSW offices, and you will have the opportunity to lead and contribute to a wide variety of projects across the state.

Please apply for this position on the SWAG job board.

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BIOSIS | Senior Heritage Consultant | VIC | Applications assessed on submission

BIOSIS are seeking a Senior Heritage Consultant to join their Port Melbourne team, where you will apply your expertise to a diverse range of projects across both Aboriginal and historical archaeology. You will report to the Team Leader – Heritage (Vic) and will be a technical expert with demonstrated experience in delivering Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMPs) or historical heritage assessments. You will play an active role in project work through participation in project teams, project management, fieldwork, and client liaison. Independence is encouraged through actively seeking mentoring and advice. Administrative duties include those incorporated as part of project work as well as additional duties as required.

Please apply for this position via our SWAG job board.

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 OCP Architects | Senior Heritage Architect | Sydney | Full-Time | Applications assessed on submission

OCP Architects is seeking an experienced Senior Heritage Architect to join our established conservation practice based in Surry Hills, Sydney.

We work across a diverse portfolio of heritage, adaptive re-use, and façade restoration projects, including significant institutional and public-sector sites across NSW.

We are looking for a confident and proactive heritage professional with 5–10 years’ experience who can:

• Lead conservation and adaptive re-use projects from assessment through delivery
  • Prepare high-quality technical documentation including Schedules of Work, specifications, and heritage reports
  • Provide clear advice on statutory heritage frameworks and approval pathways
  • Coordinate consultant teams and liaise directly with clients
  • Mentor and support junior staff, contributing to a positive and professional studio culture
  • Demonstrate strong construction knowledge, including detailing, on-site experience, and an understanding of traditional building methods

A strong understanding of the Burra Charter, NSW heritage legislation and conservation methodologies is essential.

Experience in CAD workflows (or willingness to engage in BIM environments) will be highly regarded as the practice continues to evolve its technical capabilities.

This is a full-time, office-based role with the opportunity to take ownership of projects within a collaborative and technically focused team.

Applications (CV + portfolio) to info@ocp.net.au

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