Meet the Team: Aaron Rayner

Aaron works with Aboriginal organisations and mid-tier mining companies throughout the state to provide his expertise and find a middle ground where cultural heritage can be preserved and co-exist with project development.

Aaron joined the Leichhardt team in an integral role that manages the Aboriginal cultural heritage and native title matters for the Eramurra project. This involves working with our native title partners, such as the Wirrawandi Aboriginal Corporation, to facilitate heritage surveys on the tenure. Aaron also facilitates native title negotiations.

“We’ve undertaken four big cultural heritage surveys so far. That information is factored into the project design, where we ask ourselves “how do we build our project to avoid this important cultural heritage to the satisfaction of our native title partners?”

During these surveys, the Leichhardt team have discovered some interesting sites and cultural heritage finds, which will shape further conversations. 

“The next phase is to have discussions with the Traditional Owners about how they would like their heritage managed during the construction and operational phases of the project.  We need to manage this process with respect and ensure that the Traditional Owners are given the time and space to decide how the country is used.”

An expert in his field, Aaron has a unique skillset and wealth of experience that are crucial to ensuring that our Eramurra project will co-exist with the conservation of cultural heritage.  

Pictured is Aaron Rayner (left) carrying out a heritage survey in the Western Desert.