It is with great sadness the unexpected passing of David Rhodes (November 19, 1958 – December 5, 2020). 

Dave was the director and senior archaeologist at Heritage Insight Pty Ltd, which he founded in 2000 and is one of the longest-running cultural heritage management companies in Victoria. Dave was responsible for all aspects of the company’s operations and for the conduct of a wide range of heritage assessments in Victoria and interstate. He was the lead author on the Port Phillip Bay Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Project: Stage 2. This innovative research established a baseline of Aboriginal cultural heritage sites around Port Phillip and addresses the potential impact of sea-level rise and inundation on these features. This report identified ‘Point Lillias’ as a place of cultural and archaeological significance to the Wadawurrung people and was chosen to be a part of the Victorian Coastal Wetland Restoration Program. 

The Blue Carbon Lab was fortunate to have worked with Dave on the Victorian Coastal Wetland Restoration Program for Program 3: Protecting Cultural Heritage. Not only did he provide his guidance and expertise, but also thoughtlessly volunteered his time to meetings and workshops. 

David gained respect and received praise for his tireless dedication for decades of work on Aboriginal cultural heritage from representatives of the Bunurong Land Council and Wurundjeri Tribe Land & Compensation Cultural Heritage Council at his funeral. His service which was held Dec 23, 2020 and shared online. His passion will be greatly missed.