Ronan Duffy is an archaeologist and heritage consultant with a dual academic background in archaeology and zoology, reflecting his strong interest in both cultural heritage conservation and ecology. He completed a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science with majors in Archaeology and Zoology, disciplines that share a focus on conservation and the careful management of significant natural and cultural resources.
Through his role at Redleaf Group, Ronan applies the principles of archaeology and heritage management to a range of cultural heritage projects. He has experience contributing to cultural heritage assessments, Traditional Owner assessments and heritage research across Queensland, working within local, state and national heritage frameworks. Ronan values stakeholder engagement as a core component of heritage planning and strives to deliver outcomes that support both clients and communities.
Ronan also has a strong interest in the use of digital information systems and emerging technologies in heritage documentation and analysis. He is particularly interested in how these tools can improve the way spatial data and cultural heritage information is recorded, analysed and managed.
During his academic and professional career, Ronan has developed a deep appreciation for the role cultural heritage plays in shaping community identity. He is interested in the responsible and accessible sharing of cultural knowledge, while respecting sensitivities and confidentiality where required.
Q&A with Ronan
What drew you to heritage consulting at Redleaf?
"I hadn’t originally pictured a career in archaeology, but when the opportunity arose, I took it because I have always enjoyed learning about the lives, practices, and stories of people in the past. As a cultural heritage consultant, I help to record and conserve the material evidence of those stories so they can be passed on to future generations. What drew me specifically to Redleaf is the chance to work on meaningful cultural heritage projects across Queensland, where I can combine hands-on fieldwork, Traditional Owner engagement, and heritage management in a variety of contexts."
Is there a project or moment in the field you’re particularly proud of?
"One of the most memorable is a road upgrade project, where collaboration with the Aboriginal Party during field surveys revealed extensive surface deposits of stone artefacts. This led to a monitoring and salvage program that recovered nearly 400 artefacts, showcasing advanced practices like precise retouching of tool edges and deliberate heat treatment of silcrete."
What’s your favourite “wait… really?” heritage or archaeology fact?
"Aboriginal people in Australia were heat-treating silcrete (a desirable, very hard stone) as early as ~42,000 years ago to produce superior stone tools. This complex process involved carefully controlling heat (perhaps by burying stones in hot sand near fires) to alter the rock’s structure, making it much easier to flake and create sharper edges. Evidence from sites like Lake Mungo indicate that over 60% of silcrete artefacts from that time were heat-treated. It’s one of the earliest documented examples of advanced material processing on the Australian continent."
What do you enjoy doing outside of work to recharge?
"I spend most of my weekends at my parents’ farm, where I can spend time in nature, work on projects and help with whatever needs doing. In the afternoons and evenings, I often experiment with technology or try to learn a new simple skill."
