At Heritage Now, we believe that supporting emerging archaeologists is an investment in the future of our profession.
Opening Doors
Coming from a low-income family, Crystal faced many of the financial challenges experienced by university students. The scholarship provided more than financial assistance — it opened doors to experiences that helped shape her future career.
Thanks to the scholarship, Crystal attended an international archaeological field school in Spain, gained experience cataloguing artefacts at Port Arthur in Tasmania, and completed specialised training in working with human remains. These opportunities provided valuable practical skills, industry exposure, and professional networks beyond the classroom.
Most importantly, they helped bridge the gap between study and professional practice.
From Student to Professional Archaeologist
Today, Crystal is a valued member of the Heritage Now team, contributing to cultural heritage projects across New South Wales. Her journey is a powerful example of how targeted support can help aspiring archaeologists gain the experience, confidence, and skills needed to build successful careers.
The opportunities provided through the scholarship helped lay the foundations for a career dedicated to understanding, protecting, and managing Australia’s cultural heritage.
Investing in the Future
Stories like Crystal’s are one of the reasons Heritage Now is passionate about supporting the next generation of heritage professionals. Whether through mentoring, professional development, student support initiatives, or creating pathways into the profession, we know that early opportunities can have a lasting impact.
The benefits extend beyond individual careers. Every scholarship, placement, and mentoring opportunity helps strengthen the future of archaeology by ensuring the next generation of practitioners is equipped to protect and manage Australia’s cultural heritage.
As UNE celebrates ten years of the Carole and Stan Droder Scholarship program, Crystal’s story is a reminder that investing in students doesn’t just change one person’s future—it creates a ripple effect that benefits our entire profession.
Read Crystal's full scholarship story on the UNE website.