An individual who has made a significant contribution to heritage and has demonstrated best practice standards through their employment in the heritage industry.
As the former Heritage Officer on Rottnest Island/Wadjemup, Patsy Vizents has spent the past decade acting as a powerful advocate for its complex and engaging heritage.
Through the establishment of the Oral History Program, Patsy has unlocked a treasure trove of rich and diverse stories about life on Wadjemup. To date, over 100 people have recorded their memories on what Rottnest Island means to them and these stories, along with associated photographs and objects, now form an important part of the Rottnest Island Collection.
RPS Australia are being recognised for their work on one of Australia’s largest repatriation efforts at Fitzroy Crossing Pioneer Cemetery.
The judges noted the complexity of the project which required RPS Australia to use innovative technology, including advanced geomatics to assist with the identification of potential human burial locations which were then reinterred in a newer cemetery location safe from flooding.
RPS worked in partnership with Bunuba and Gooniyandi Rangers, the broader Fitzroy Crossing Aboriginal community, the Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Culture Centre, the Shire of Derby West Kimberley, the Fitzroy Crossing Men’s Shed and the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage on this important project.