Associate Professor Melissa Marshall

Director and ECR Industry-linked Fellow
BA (Major Archaeology), Grad Dip Comp Sci, Masters Applied Science (GIS), PhD (ANU)

Email: melissa.marshall@nd.edu.au

  • Biography

    Melissa Marshall is the Director of the Nulungu Research Institute whilst simultaneously holding a UNDA Industry-linked ECR Fellowship. As part of her post-doctoral research she investigates the collaborative management and conservation of rock art sites within the context of cultural landscapes through decolonised frameworks and Indigenous worldviews. An archaeologist and GIS technician based on the Broome Campus, Mel has lived and worked in the Kimberley region for two decades. With her work broadly framed by Decolonising and Indigenous Methodologies, she specialises in rock art research, conservation and cultural heritage management. Working extensively across northern Australia for more than 20 years with Traditional Owners and Indigenous ranger teams, she has developed strong reciprocal relationships with community that has included the capacity building of community-based researchers through alternate pathways. This culminated in successful completion of doctoral research through the Australian National University (2020), investigating current rock art conservation and management techniques through a decolonising lens as applied in the north of the country.

    Mel joined Nulungu as a Collaborative Research Network (CRN) Researcher in 2015 before transitioning to Research Fellow in 2017; Acting Manager of Nulungu then in 2020 prior to commencing as Assistant Director in 2021, promoted thereafter to Director in 2022. She currently undertakes projects throughout the Kimberley region and in the Northern Territory, including western Arnhem Land and Kakadu National Park. Working with local stakeholders, the focus of the community-based applied research programs which are primarily related to cultural heritage management, archaeological and rock art research collaborating with Working on Country Indigenous ranger teams, she has built on the research conducted through her doctoral studies and working with regional peak Aboriginal organisations including the Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Culture Centre (KALACC). Through her experience of 15 years living on a remote Kimberley Aboriginal community with her Nyikina family (who have Karajarri, Bunuba and Ngarinyin connections), Mel has also developed research interests in Aboriginal land tenure and sustainability of remote Indigenous communities; in addition to the advancement of archaeological pedagogy through her former role as Co-Chair of the Australian National Committee of Archaeology Teaching and Learning (ANCATL) with the Australian Archaeological Association (AAA) from 2015-2022. Additionally Mel is an active member on the National Scientific Committee of Rock Art in Australia (NSCRAA) as part of Australia ICOMOS.

  • Teaching areas

    As part of her role as Director and ECR Industry-linked Fellow, Mel has few teaching responsibilities at UNDA. She does however assist in the provision of guest lectures across a range of UNDA courses including Aboriginal Studies and archaeology. She also has lecturing experience with both the Australian National University and Flinders University in the delivery of an undergraduate and post-graduate rock art and ethnography field school in Arnhem Land for more than a decade. She also assists with training of rangers in cultural heritage management as part of professional development opportunities.

  • Research expertise and supervision

    • Indigenous Archaeology, Rock art research (documentation, monitoring, maintenance, conservation and management) within a decolonised, cultural landscape and Caring for Country framework
    • Cultural heritage management particularly working with Indigenous communities and ranger groups in collaborative decolonised activities and projects with tangible outcomes
    • Improving standards in the teaching of heritage practice, particularly related to cultural and natural resource management (CNRM)
    • Development of monitoring and evaluation frameworks on impacts to social, cultural, community and governance outcomes from Indigenous Caring for Country programs
    • Sustainability of remote Indigenous communities
    • Mel has successfully supervised two PhD and one Masters students to completion. She currently supervises two PhD candidates and one Masters Student.

  • Books

    • Batarda Fernandes, A., M. Marshall, and I. Domingo Sanz (eds). 2022. Global Perspectives for the Conservation and Management of Open-Air Rock Art Sites. Milton Park: Routledge.
    • Injalak Arts Members, M. Marshall, S. K. May and F. Wright. 2018. Injalak Hill Rock Art. Gunbalanya: Injalak Arts.

  • Book chapters

    • Batarda Fernandes, A., M. Marshall, and I. Domingo Sanz. 2022. ‘Introduction: Open-air rock art conservation and management: A further global state of affairs. In Batarda Fernandes, A., M. Marshall, and I. Domingo Sanz (eds). Global Perspectives for the Conservation and Management of Open-Air Rock Art Sites. Milton Park: Routledge.
    • Marshall, M., J. Lee, G. O’Loughlin, K. May and J. Huntley. 2022. ‘Preserving the rock art of Kakadu: formative conservation trials during the 1980s’. In P. S. C. Taçon, S. K. May, U. K. Frederick and J.  McDonald (eds) Histories of Australian Rock Art Research. Terra Australis 55. Canberra: Australian National University. http://doi.org/10.22459/TA55.2022
    • Marshall, M. and P. S. C. Tacon. 2022. ‘Monitoring and maintenance of open-air rock art sites: community collaborations from Northern Australia’. In Batarda Fernandes, A., M. Marshall, and I.  Domingo Sanz (eds). Global Perspectives for the Conservation and Management of Open-Air Rock Art Sites. Milton Park: Routledge.
    • Marshall, M., K. May, O’Loughlin, G. and J. Lee. 2022. ‘Trials and tribulations of artificial silicon driplines: a case study from Kakadu National Park, Australia. In Batarda Fernandes, A., M. Marshall, and I. Domingo Sanz (eds). Global Perspectives for the Conservation and Management of Open-Air Rock Art Sites. Milton Park: Routledge.
    • O’Connor, S., J. Balme, M. Oscar, J. Oscar, S. Middleton, R. Williams, J. Shandley, R. Dann, K. Dann, U.  Frederick and M. Marshall. 2022. ‘Performance as a mnemonic for artistic resource renewal in the Kimberley’. In Zubieta, L. Rock Art and Memory in the Transmission of Cultural Knowledge. Switzerland: Springer.
    • Marshall M. and M. Starkey. 2018. ‘Hunter-Gatherer and Midrange Societies: Uluṟu’. In: Smith C. (eds) Encyclopedia of Global Archaeology. Springer, Cham. DOI:10.1007/978-3-319-51726-1_984-2
    • May, S.K., D. Shine, D. Wright, T. Denham, P.S.C. Taçon, M. Marshall, F. Prideaux and S.P. Stephens. 2017. ‘The rock art of Ingaanjalwurr, western Arnhem Land, Australia’. In B. David, P.S.C. Taçon, J.-  M. Geneste and J.-J. Delannoy (eds), The archaeology of rock art in Arnhem Land. Terra Australis 47. Australian National University, Canberra. DOI:10.22459/ta47.11.2017.03
    • May, S.K., P.S.C. Taçon, D. Wright, M. Marshall, J. Goldhahn and I. Domingo Sanz. 2017. ‘The rock art of Madjedbebe (Malakunanja II)’. In B. David, P.S.C. Taçon, J.-M. Geneste and J.-J. Delannoy (eds), The archaeology of rock art in Arnhem Land. Terra Australis 47. Australian National University, Canberra.
    • Thorburn, K. and M. Marshall. 2017. ‘The Yiriman Project in the West Kimberley: An example of Justice Reinvestment?’ Current Initiatives Paper 5. Indigenous Justice Clearinghouse. NSW Department of Justice, NSW.
    • May, S. K, P. S. C. Tacon, D. Wright and M. Marshall. 2015. ‘The Rock Art of Kakadu: past, present and future research, conservation and management’. In the proceedings of the 2010 Cultural Heritage Symposium, Department of Environment, Canberra.
    • Marshall, M and P. S. C. Tacon. 2014. ‘Past & present, traditional & scientific: the conservation and management of rock art sites in Australia’. In Darvill, T. And A. P. Batarda Fernandes (eds), Open-air rock-art conservation and management: state of the art and future perspectives, pp. 214-228. Routledge, London.
    • Tacon, P. S. C and M. Marshall. 2014. ‘Conservation or crisis? The future of rock art management in Australia’. In Zhang, Y. (ed.) A monograph of rock art research and protection, pp. 119-133. Zhong Guo Zang Xue Chu Ban She/ China Tibetology Publishing House, Beijing.
    • Marshall, M. 2014. ‘Uluru’. In Smith, C (ed) Encyclopaedia of Global Archaeology. Springer, Heidelberg. pp. 3558-3567.
    • Johnson, M. 2005. ‘Spatially Analysing Rock Art Sites within a GIS: a preliminary report’. In Huang, J.K.K and E.V. Culley (eds), Making Marks: Graduate Studies in Rock Art Research at the New Millennium. American Rock Art Research Association Occasional Paper No. 5. ARARA Publications, Tucson. pp. 81‐92.

  • Journal articles and proceedings

    • Frederick, U.K., J. Balme, J. Jamieson, M. Marshall and S. O’Connor. 2022. Embedded in the Bark: Kimberley Boab Trees as Sites of Historical Archaeology. International Journal of Historical Archaeology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10761-022-00678-z
    • Marshall, M., K. May, J. Lee and G. O’Loughlin. 2022. ‘Looking after the rock art of Kakadu National Park, Australia’. Studies in Conservation, DOI: 10.1080/00393630.2022.2066321. Paper prepared for the International Institute of Conservation (IIC) Wellington Congress - Conservation and Change: Response, Adaptation and Leadership, 5-9 September, Wellington.
    • Wallace, K., R. Hill, M. K. Kim, J. Alvarez Romero, K. Dayman and M. Marshall. 2022. ‘A wellbeing framework for cross-cultural planning: A case study from north-western Australia’. People and Nature, 00, 1– 17. https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.10407
    • Marshall, M., S. Wooltorton, K. Golson, A. Dwyer, G. Kennedy, U. Albert, M. Morgan, L. Guimond, A. Poelina and P. Sullivan. 2020. Notes d’actualité - Réactions à la pandémie de la COVID-19 dans les communautés aborigènes de la régions des Kimberley en Australie-Occidentale. Revue Organisations & Territoires, 29(2), 163-170. https://doi.org/10.1522/revueot.v29n2.1168
    • Marshall, M., K. May, R. Dann and L. Nulgit. 2020. ‘Indigenous stewardship of decolonised rock art conservation processes in Australia’. Studies in Conservation DOI:10.1080/00393630.2020.1778264
    • May, S. K., J. Huntley, M. Marshall, E. Miller, I. G. Johnston, J. Goldhahn, J Hayward, A. Jalandoni, J. Lee, G. O’ Loughlin, K. May and P. S. C. Taçon. 2020. ‘New insights into the rock art of Anbangbang Gallery, Kakadu National Park’. Journal of Field Archaeology 45(2):120-134. DOI:10.1080/00934690.2019.1698883
    • Marshall, M., L. A. Wallis and K. Golson. 2019. ‘Marnda Gardairri: Facilitation of an Indigenous Ranger Rock Art Workshop’. Nulungu Insights 3. Broome: Nulungu Research Institute.
    • May, S. K., M. Marshall, I. Domingo Sanz & C. Smith. 2018. ‘Reflections on the Pedagogy of Archaeological Field Schools within Indigenous Community Archaeology Programmes in Australia’. Public Archaeology 2018: 1-19.
    • Guenther, J., M. Bat, R. Boughton, A. Dwyer, M. Marshall, J. Skewes, A. Stephens, F. Williamson, S. Wooltorton. 2017. ‘Enhancing training advantage for remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Learners.’ Transforming Education Research. Australian Association for Research in Education Refereed Conference Proceedings. Melbourne.
    • Wright, F., M. Marshall, G. Djorlom, C. Djorlom, and R. Burrunali 2016. ‘The rock art of Injalak’. Artlink, 36 (2): 66-69.
    • Shine, D., M. Marshall, D. Wright, T. Denham, P. Hiscock, G. Jacobsen and S-P. Stephens 2015. ‘The archaeology of Bindjarran rockshelter in Manilikarr Country, Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory’. Australian Archaeology 80: 104-111.
    • Palmer, D, J. Watson, A. Watson, P. Ljubic, H. Wallace‐Smith and M. Johnson 2006. ‘Going Back to Country with Bosses: The Yiriman Project, Youth Participation and Walking along with Elders’. Children, Youth and Environments 16(2): 317‐337. http://www.colorado.edu/journals/cye.
    • Kealy, A, C.L Ogleby, M. Johnson & R. (Ben) Gunn. 2000. ‘Saving Uluru's Story: Documenting Aboriginal Art.’ GPS World 11(3): 24‐37.

  • Conference papers

    • Andrews, W., U. Frederick, A. Milgin, H. J. Edwards, K. Edwards, S. O’Connor, J. Balme and M. Marshall. 2023. Windankooroo - The life and death of a boab tree. In the ‘Fire, Flood and Mud: Challenges for Heritage Management and Fieldwork in the Australian Climate Era’ session, Australian Archaeological Association (AAA) Conference, 5-8 December 2023, Gold Coast.
    • Calma, B., R. Burrowei, B. Coleman, J. Markham, A. Thorn and M. Marshall. 2023. Building Capacity of Bininj and Munggay to remove graffiti in Kakadu. In the ‘Rock art conservation and management: reframing the narrative through resilience’ session, Australian Archaeological Association (AAA) Conference, 5-8 December 2023, Gold Coast.
    • Marshall, M. and G. Stannard. 2023. Building the skills of the next generation of practitioners: the Australian Archaeological Skills Passport feedback and review. In the ‘Change and Resilience in Archaeology Teaching and Learning’ session, Australian Archaeological Association (AAA) Conference, 5-8 December 2023, Gold Coast.
    • Marshall, M., A. Milgin, W. Andrews, U. Frederick, S. O’Connor, J. Balme, K. Edwards and H. J. Edwards. 2023. Larrkardiy and linykoorra – documenting bookarrikarra on the carved boab trees of Nyikina Country in the West Kimberley. Arboreal Alterations Symposium, 2-3 November 2023, Canberra.
    • Gleiss, A., D. Mathews, L. Pigram, J. Hounslow, H. Kobryn, M. Hughes, R. Steven, H. Bray, J. Pearce, W. Benett, J. Richardson, T. Quartermaine, L. Puertollano, S. Fossette, S. Whiting, K. Crook, H. Raudino, K. Waples, H. Davies, C. Cleguer and M. Marshall. 2023. Integrating ecological, social and cultural values of WA’s coastal waters: the case of dugong and turtle on Yawuru Nagulagun. The Biodiversity Conference 2023 ‘Listen to Country’, 10-12 October 2023, Perth.
    • Wilhelm, K., M. Michette, M. Leadbetter and M. Marshall. SXNCH: Co-creating Sustainable Futures for Natural & Cultural Heritage. In the Culture-Nature Journey Session. ICOMOS General Assembly Scientific Symposium, 1-8 September 2023, Sydney.
    • Marshall, M. and M. Morgan. 2023. Demonstrating collaborative research impact through the Nulungu Way. Kimberley Aboriginal Health Research Alliance Forum, 29 August 2023, Kununurra.
    • Gleiss, A., D. Mathews, L. Pigram, J. Hounslow, H. Kobryn, M. Hughes, R. Steven, H. Bray, J. Pearce, W. Benett, J. Richardson, T. Quartermaine, L. Puertollano, S. Fossette, S. Whiting, K. Crook, H. Raudino, K. Waples, H. Davies, C. Cleguer and M. Marshall. 2023. Integrating ecological, social and cultural values of WA’s coastal waters: the case of dugong and turtle on Yawuru Nagulagun. Australian Marine Science Association Conference ‘Science in Sea Country’, 2-7 July 2023, Gold Coast.
    • Marshall, M., J. Lee, A. Nayinggul, N. Nadji, J. Markham, A. Gleiss, L. Pigram, D. Mathews and W. Bennett. 2023. Monitoring heritage places in Northern Australia. Parks Australia Science Forum, 30-31 May 2023, Canberra.
    • Frederick, U., W. Andrews, S. O’Connor, J. Balme, D. Lewis, B. Garstone, J. Jamieson and M. Marshall. 2022. Bark, Boabs and Bytes. In the ‘Self-Determination Through Digital Archaeology’ session. Australian Archaeological Association (AAA) Conference, 7-9 December 2022, Darwin.
    • Marshall, M., G. Stannard and K. Strickland. 2022. Teaching and Learning Indigenous Archaeology in Australia: Untangling a shared journey. In the ‘Untangling encounters: Sharing teaching and learning journeys in archaeology and heritage’ session. Australian Archaeological Association (AAA) Conference, 7-9 December 2022, Darwin.
    • Batarda Fernandes, A., M. Marshall, and I. Domingo Sanz (eds). 2022. Decolonising Rock Art! Decoloniza CHAT, 10-12 November 2022, Lisbon.
    • Marshall, M. 2021. Collaborative management of Aboriginal cultural landscapes across Northern Australia. II.º Côa Symposium: A gestão e conservação de sítios com Arte Rupestre Museu do Côa, 3-4 December 2021 (online).
    • Roberts, G., M. Marshall, C. Wilson, K. Hayward and D. Johnston 2021. Australian Archaeology Skills Passport: promoting opportunities for Indigenous heritage practitioners. Paper in ‘Reconsidering the Teaching and Learning of Australian Archaeology’ session. Australian Archaeology Association (AAA) conference, 1-3 December 2021 (online).
    • Balme, J., S. O’Connor, U. Frederick and M. Marshall 2021. Working together in the Kimberley, north west Australia - an historical view. Paper in ‘Disciplinary History in the Light of Indigenous Involvement’ session. Australian Archaeology Association (AAA) conference, 1-3 December 2021 (online).
    • Roberts, G. and M. Marshall 2020. Australian Archaeology Skills Passport: Reviewing a challenging year. Paper in ‘Beyond Tertiary Education: Rethinking Approaches to the Teaching and Learning of Archaeology in Australia’. Australian Archaeology Association (AAA) conference, 7-10 December 2020 (online).
    • Marshall, M., K. May, R. Dann and L. Nulgit. 2020 ‘Indigenous stewardship of decolonised rock art conservation processes in Australia’. Paper prepared for the International Institute of Conservation (IIC) Conference, 2-6 November, Glasgow. Paper published in Studies in Conservation DOI:10.1080/00393630.2020.1778264
    • Roberts, G. and M. Marshall 2019. Disrupting the learning dystopia: Resolving the discord between education and industry. Paper given in the ‘Disrupting the learning dystopia: Resolving the discord between education and industry’ session. Australian Archaeology Association (AAA) conference, 10-13 December 2019, Gold Coast.
    • O’Connor, S., J. Balme, U. Frederick and M. Marshall 2019. Culturally modified boab trees in the Kimberley, WA. Paper given in the ‘Culturally modified trees in the archaeological record’ session. Australian Archaeology Association (AAA) conference, 10-13 December 2019, Gold Coast.
    • Nulgit, L., R. Dann, J. Rastus, L. Bear and M. Marshall. 2019. Looking after rock art on Ngarinyin Country. Paper given in the ‘Changing approaches to access, control and sustainable management of rock art: Indigenous community collaborations across the southern hemisphere’ session at the 2019 Australian Archaeology Association (AAA) conference, 10-13 December 2019, Gold Coast.
    • Dann, R., L. Bear, L. Nulgit and M. Marshall. 2019. Rock art research in the Kimberley: A Ngarinyin perspective. Paper at the Histories of Rock Art Research Workshop, 8-9 December 2019, Gold Coast.
    • Marshall, M., J. Lee, G. O’Loughlin, K. May and J. Huntley. 2019. Preserving the rock art of Kakadu: formative conservation trials during the 1980s. Paper given at the Histories of Rock Art Research Workshop, 8-9 December 2019, Gold Coast.
    • Marshall, M. 2019. Holistic approaches to preserve and conserve rock art and narrative across Northern Australia. Paper given at the Rock Art Symposium 2019: Exploring the social, political and cultural dimensions of rock art in Australia and beyond, 11 October 2019, Melbourne
    • Marshall, M., G. O’Loughlin, K. May and J. Lee. 2018. Trials and tribulations of artificial silicon driplines in Kakadu National Park, Australia. Paper given in the ‘Conservation issues and preventive measures in open-air rock art sites’ session at the 2018 European Association of Archaeologists (EAA) Conference 5-9 September; Barcelona (Spain).
    • Marshall, M., K. May, G. O’Loughlin, J. Lee, A. Nayinggul and J. Huntley. 2018. Evaluating conservation practices with pXrf in Kakadu National Park, Australia. Paper given in the ‘Rock Art Science’ session at the 2018 International Federation of Rock Art Organisations (IFRAO) Congress, 29 August-2 September; Valcamonica/Darfo Boario Terme (Italy).
    • Marshall, M., G. Dutchie, R. Dann, J. Balme, L. Russ and D. Wolff. 2018. Two women and bush honey. Paper given in the ‘Advances in Rock Art Research from the Kimberley, North-West Australia’ session at the 2018 International Federation of Rock Art Organisations (IFRAO) Congress, 29 August-2 September; Valcamonica/Darfo Boario Terme (Italy).
    • Dann, R., M. Marshall and D. Wolff. 2017. Looking after rock art to keep country healthy and culture strong. Paper given at the ‘Innovating Rock Art Research Theory and Practice’ Workshop, 24-27 August; Salzburg (Austria).
    • Marshall, M. 2016 Decolonizing rock art conservation and management: approaches for the 21st century. Paper given at the Australian Archaeology Association (AAA) conference, 6-8 December 2016, Terrigal.
    • May, K., G. O’Loughlin, M. Marshall and J. Lee 2016 Looking after bim: two ways. Paper given at the Australian Archaeology Association (AAA) conference, 6-8 December 2016, Terrigal.
    • Dick, A., W. Barker and M. Marshall 2016 Impacts of cultural governance on management systems. Presentation at the Lowitja International Conference on Health and Wellbeing, November, Melbourne.
    • Dwyer, A., M. Marshall, S. Wooltorton and J. Guenther 2016 Indigenous Rangers – an evaluation of on-country education and training methods. Presentation, at the Lowitja International Conference on Health and Wellbeing, November, Melbourne.
    • Wooltorton, S., L. Collard, W. Barker, A. Dwyer, M. Marshall and J. Guenther 2016 Towards Sustainability: Beginning with Aboriginal Knowledges. Presentation, at the Lowitja International Conference on Health and Wellbeing, November, Melbourne.
    • Marshall, M, G. O’Loughlin, K. May and K. Whitehurst 2015 Kakadu’s Rock Art Monitoring and Maintenance Program: merging science with society. Paper given at the Australian Archaeology Association (AAA) conference, 2-4 December 2015, Fremantle.
    • Marshall, M. and P. S. C. Taçon 2015 Monitoring and maintenance of open-air rock art sites: case studies from Northern Australia. Paper given at the XIX International Rock Art Conference for the International Federation of Rock Art Organisations (IFRAO), September 1-3, Cáceres (Spain).
    • Marshall, M 2014 Rock Art Conservation and Management: Results of doctoral research into contemporary approaches. Paper given at the Australian Archaeology Association (AAA) conference, 1-3 December 2014, Cairns.
    • Carson, A, M. Marshall and M. Pigram 2014 Consulting with a difference: A community-driven heritage study. Paper given at the Australian Archaeology Association (AAA) conference, 1-3 December 2014, Cairns.
    • Marshall, M. 2014 21st Century Approaches to the Conservation of Rock Art Sites in Australia: With a focus on Kakadu National Park, western Arnhem Land and the Kimberley Region. Final oral presentation on doctoral research as part of the Research School of Humanities and the Arts (RSHA) First and Final Year Doctoral Research Conference, held 25 August 2014, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
    • O’Loughlin, G, M. Marshall and J. Lee 2014. Kakadu National Park: Rock Art Monitoring and Management. Presentation given at the Getty Foundation: Rock Art Conservation, Management and Tourism, Southern Africa – Australia Exchange Program, 16 August 2014, Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, Australia.
    • Marshall, M 2013 Rock art in Northern Australia: 21st Century Perspective on site conservation & management. Presentation given at the Getty Foundation, Australian National University and the Institute of Professional Practice in Heritage and the Arts: Rock Art Conservation, Management and Tourism, Southern Africa – Australia Exchange Program, 17 August 2013, University of Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
    • Marshall, M, S. K. May and G. Maclaren 2013. Recording Rock Art the Mirarr Way. Paper given at the Computer Applications in Archaeology (CAA) 2013 – Across Space and Time conference, 26-28 March 2013, Perth.
    • Marshall, M, L. Nulgit, A. Nandoo, R. Dann, K. Dann, D. Carlton, A. Wungundin, R. Nulgit, S. Bayley and P. Palmer. 2010. Working with the Wunggurr Rangers. Paper given at the University of Western Australia’s (UWA) Institute of Advanced Studies Workshop - Gwion Gwion Rock Art of the Kimberley: Past, Present, Future, 14-15 October 2010, Perth.
    • Marshall, M. 2010. Considering human and stylistic movement across landscapes as reflected in the rock art of the Kimberley and Arnhem Land. Paper given at the University of Western Australia’s (UWA) Institute of Advanced Studies Workshop - Gwion Gwion Rock Art of the Kimberley: Past, Present, Future, 14-15 October 2010, Perth.

  • Curated exhibitions or events

    O'Connor, S., J. Balme, U. Frederick & M. Marshall

    Arboreal Alterations Symposium (1-2 November 2023) Australian National University, Canberra ACT. https://chl.anu.edu.au/event/Arboreal-Alterations-Symposium

    Marshall, M., C. Kuepper and S. Bansal.

    Culture-Nature Journey theme at the ICOMOS General Assembly 2023 Scientific Symposium (3-7 September 2023), Sydney, NSW. https://icomosga2023.org/scientific-symposium-themes/

    Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owner Aboriginal Corporation, Managing Country Together Team Parks Victoria and Nulungu Research Institute UNDA

    Gariwerd Rock Art Management Forum (27-31 March 2023), Halls Gap Victoria

    Ormond-Parker, L., J. A. González Zarandona, M. Marshall and H. Jones-Amin. Co-Convenors of the ‘Rock Art Symposium 2019: Exploring the social, political and cultural dimensions of rock art in Australia and beyond’. Symposium held 11th October 2019 at The University of Melbourne.

    Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation and Nulungu Research Institute UNDA

    Marnda Gaidarri: Indigenous Ranger Rock Art Forum (October 2017), Karratha, WA

  • In the media

  • Professional affiliations

    • Australian Rock Art Association (AURA) – Life Member
    • Australian Archaeological Association (AAA) – Full Member
    • Australian National Committee for Archaeology Teaching and Learning (ANCATL) – Co-Chair 2015-2022
    • Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) – Full Member
    • International Institute of Conservation (IIC) – Fellow
    • Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Materials (AICCM) – Full Member
    • Australia ICOMOS – Full Member
    • World Archaeological Congress (WAC) – Full Member
    • Australian Association of Consulting Archaeologists Incorporated (AACAI) – Associate Member

  • Community engagement

    Mel is an active member of the local and regional communities. She supports a number of local Aboriginal Corporations in various contexts such as Bidan Aboriginal Community as an executive member; and for Nyikina Incorporated as supports with bookkeeping. She is currently a parent representative on the Broome Senior High School board, and has previously served on the boards of Kimberley School of the Air (KSOTA) and Broome Residential College. Additionally, she is past-president of the education lobby group, Isolated Children’s Parents Association, which supports equity in access to education for rural and remote communities.

  • Awards

    • 2023 UNDA Aspire Award (Business Events Perth)
    • 2017 Bruce Veitch Award for Excellence in Indigenous Engagement (Australian Archaeological Association)
    • 2013 and 2014 – Getty Foundation, Australian National University and the Institute of Professional Practice in Heritage and the Arts: Rock Art Conservation, Management and Tourism, Southern Africa – Australia Exchange Program as a participant along with 15 other Australians, to study rock art conservation, management and cultural tours from a South African perspective.
    • 2006 – Willinggin Rock Art Project (AIATSIS research grant) to study the impacts of tourism on rock art sites along the Gibb River Road in the Kimberley region and to develop collaboratively with Aboriginal traditional owners and/or site custodians mitigative management strategies using traditional, cultural knowledge and a Western, scientific approach.
    • 2002/2 Churchill Fellowship to study innovative conservation techniques and strategies for conserving rock art sites and their surrounding landscapes.