Australian Heritage Council chair Professor Carmen Lawrence presents David Johnson with the 2014 Sharon Sullivan National Heritage Award. Photo courtesy of the Department of Environment.
Mr Dave Johnston was announced as the first Indigenous winner of the 2014 Sharon Sullivan National Heritage Award in Canberra this week.
The Australian Heritage Council award recognises an individual’s outstanding and long term contribution to Australia’s national heritage in the natural, Indigenous or historic environment.
Mr Johnston, a former Indigenous Visiting Research Fellow and current member of the Australian Institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Studies (AIATSIS) Research Ethics Committee said he felt humbled by the award paying tribute to the communities he has worked with over the years.
“Communities all over the country stand together to protect cultural sites from development,” Mr Johnston said.
“My philosophy is that having the privilege of the education I've had, if communities ask me for help, where they can't get it from elsewhere, I go in and bat for them.
“I am honoured to be the first Indigenous recipient of the award and I hope it helps lift the profile of Indigenous heritage conservation in Australia. Indigenous archaeological sites are something we want to share with all Australians.” AIATSIS Chair, Professor Mick Dodson said Mr Johnston’s contribution to the research, management and protection of Australia’s Indigenous heritage has been invaluable.
“Dave has had a remarkable career and is a world leader in the field of Australian Indigenous archaeology,” Professor Dodson said.
“I congratulate Dave and I’m really pleased his work has been recognised with this national award. Like so many of the Indigenous research fellows that AIATSIS has supported, Dave is tireless in his efforts to protect and preserve our people’s heritage, and to share our stories.” Mr Johnston is also the current Director of Aboriginal Archaeologists Australia and Chairman of the Australian Indigenous Archaeologists' Association (AIAA). Formed in 2010, the AIAA was a long term ambition of Mr Johnston and his colleagues which now gives Indigenous Australians a voice in heritage issues.
Download media release
Media enquiries
P: 02 6246 1605
commsmedia@aiatsis.gov.au