About Interpretation Australia
Established in 1992, Interpretation Australia (IA) is a not-for-profit network dedicated to supporting and advancing the of natural and cultural heritage interpretation profession within Australia.
IA’s growing membership brings together people from diverse fields including museums, national parks, visitor centres, wildlife parks, aquaria, botanic gardens, councils, historic and cultural sites and tour operators. Members also include those that provide services to the interpretation industry including designers, artists, planners, researchers, architects, archaeologists, historians and fabricators.
As the roles in which people practice natural and cultural heritage interpretation expand, so too does the importance of IA role. As Australia’s peak-body for natural and cultural heritage interpretation, IA’s role in nurturing interpretation practice and its practitioners, has never been more important.
OUR VISION:
Interpretation is valued in the protection and sharing of Australia’s natural, social and cultural heritage.
OUR MISSION :
Nurture the professional practice and practitioners of interpretation within Australia.
OUR VALUES:
A series of values guide actions and how we engage staff, volunteers, members and partners.
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Member-centric - We enhance the professional practice of interpretation through our members. We work to ensure our members are valued, supported and skilled professionals.
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Inclusive - We are the peak body for natural and cultural heritage interpretation within Australia. Our diverse membership is drawn from a range of sectors, locations, experience levels and cultural backgrounds. We are known for our respectful and welcoming culture.
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Collaborative - We recognise interpreting our natural and cultural heritage is multi-layered and take inspiration from storytellers from varied sectors and industries. We foster networks and partnerships with like-minded organisations and individuals.
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Sustainable - We aspire to be an environmentally and financially sustainable business, aligning our resources with our aspirations.
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Safe - We consider each other’s safety and wellbeing in all that we do and always treat each other with respect and consideration.
What is interpretation?
Interpretation communicates ideas, feelings and messages about natural, historic and cultural sites. Interpretation enriches the visitor experience through helping visitors better connect and engage with the significance of these places. Good interpretation will foster engaging, site-specific and meaningful experiences for visitors.
Interpretive media are the tools used to convey interpretive messages—they are as diverse as the messages they aim to convey. Interpretive media include guided walks, presentations, signs, art, multimedia, performances and interactive exhibits
Strategic plan
This five-year strategic plan describes the next step in IA’s development. It is a simple, honest and achievable plan that focuses on amplifying what IA does well rather than seeking broad-scale transformation. Our point of difference is our sole focus on interpretation and interpreters within Australia.
No one else can do the work we do. Focusing on this core purpose, our true north, is key to this next stage of IA’s evolution. Thirty years after IA was established, we still believe interpretation is critical to protecting and sharing our natural and cultural heritage and values. Put simply, this strategic plan is our renewed commitment to further the professional practice of interpretation within Australia.
If you'd like to read the Strategic Plan, members you can download a copy from the Resources.
Meet the team
IA's Executive and support team consists of interpretive professionals from diverse fields across Australia. Together, they are responsible for the strategic direction and operations of the association in line with the organisation’s strategic plan.
Sophie Daniel
President
Sophie is Manager of Interpretation and Placemaking at the Botanic Gardens of Sydney and has worked in education, interpretation and placemaking for over thirty years. Sophies loves working with horticulturists, First Nations communities, artists and other collaborators to create engaging and transformative experiences that strengthen a shared understanding of our place in the world.
Scott Killeen
Vice President
Scott’s deep dive into experience design began over 35 years ago. Today he’s still driven by his passion for visitor experiences and established Kelp Creative to help organisations create meaningful and engaging experience. Scott has post-graduate qualification in interpretation and has won awards for his work and his contribution to interpretation within Australia.
Holly Maclean
Secretary / Chapter Rep QLD Sth
A childhood love of history and the ancient world led Holly to a career in heritage and archaeology consulting. Fuelled by a fascination with uncovering the hidden stories of the world around us - which began at Queensland Museum - Holly seeks opportunities to communicate the unique stories of people, communities and place.
Claire-Anne Halford
Treasurer
Claire’s love for interpretation began with a childhood visit to Port Arthur, where she discovered that learning could be dynamic, fun and take place outside a classroom. Today, Claire works ss the Programs Manager for Coffs Harbour Libraries, drawing on her background in cultural heritage and museum studies, world heritage, and interior architecture.
Robyn Stocks
Membership Engagement Portfolio
Robyn Stocks is a professional archaeologist with over 40 years of experience in consulting and sub-consulting. She has worked on projects in Australia, the Middle East, North Africa, Malta, and the UK. Robyn's work involves gathering evidence about sites, projects, or themes and presenting it within a thematic and theoretical framework.
John Pastorelli
Digital Engagement/Socials Portfolio
John leads StoryComms and has been crafting and sharing stories for decades. He is a TV presenter, community facilitator, regularly works with First Nations communities, writes learning resources and delivers training programs focused on creativity and presentations. John is a recipient of the Georgie Waterman award for his contribution to Australia’s interpretation profession.
Maree Treadwell Kerr
Chapter Rep QLD Nrth
Maree is an ecologist and wildlife communicator and has been active in flying-fox conservation, community education and tourism for over 30 years. Maree also sits of the board of Widlife Tourism Australia and is also co-convenor of the Australasian Bat Society’s Flying-fox Expert Group where she coordinates the Australasian Bat Night program.
Meighen Katz
Chapter Rep TAS/VIC
Dr Meighen Katz is a historian, curator and heritage consultant with more than a decade of experience helping clients discover, interpret and communicate the stories of people and places. Meighen leads Katzeye Interpretation History & Heritage, combining rigorous historical research with creative storytelling to create meaningful connections between communities and their heritage.
Jerry Retford
Admin Manager
Whilst Jerry sits (mostly) quietl, Jerry is also an actor and works behind the camera with his wife’s video production company Films4Change™. Jerry's joy for history began after hearing stories of individual convict experiences, which led to begin ‘Convict Footprints’, immersive theatre productions at sites.