Who Is Tim Roberts?
Tim Roberts JP is a proud Aboriginal man traditionally connected with the Kamilaroi and Dharug groups. He grew up in Tea Gardens on Worimi Country and is the Principal Archaeologist, cultural heritage specialist, educator and founder of East Coast Heritage and Archaeology (ECHA) and ECHAM Training (RTO 46476).
Tim’s connection to archaeology and cultural heritage is both professional and personal. His work is grounded in respect for Country, cultural responsibility and a strong commitment to supporting Aboriginal communities through practical, ethical heritage outcomes.
A Career Rooted in Family, Culture and Country
Tim began his archaeological career at Myall Coast Archaeology, working under the mentorship of his father, Len Roberts, for three years. This period provided him with strong foundations in field practice, professional standards and culturally informed heritage work.
In 2022, Tim took over the family business and rebranded it as East Coast Heritage and Archaeology, continuing its legacy while shaping a clear, contemporary vision focused on cultural integrity, professional excellence and community‑led outcomes.
Qualifications and Professional Background
Tim holds the following qualifications:
- Graduate Diploma in Archaeology and Heritage Management
- Graduate Diploma in Management
- Bachelor of Arts in Business and Geography
- Bachelor of Education
- Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
He is also trained in human skeletal identification, recovery and stone tool identification techniques through Flinders University, ensuring his technical practice reflects current professional standards.
This combination of qualifications underpins Tim’s work across archaeology, cultural heritage management, education and organisational leadership.
Over 15 Years’ Experience as a Trainer and Educator
Tim brings more than 15 years’ experience delivering education and training across the vocational education, government, industry and community sectors.
He has delivered training and education programs for:
- Transport for NSW
- Lismore City Council
- Summerland Christian College
- Hunter Telco
- North Coast Community Training College
- TAFE NSW
In addition to his VET experience, Tim has taught within secondary education settings through the NSW Department of Education and Summerland Christian College. This classroom experience strengthens his understanding of learning design, assessment and inclusive teaching practice.
This dual background as both a registered trainer and qualified school teacher informs the way ECHAM Training designs and delivers learning — practical, supportive and responsive to learner needs.
Professional Experience Across Industry and Community
Tim has over 20 years’ experience in management and leadership across the private and public sectors, including local government, not‑for‑profit organisations and community groups.
His professional experience includes:
- Delivery of archaeological projects for planning and surveying companies and large organisations
- Strong working relationships with Local Aboriginal Land Councils and Traditional Owners
- Expertise in negotiation, project management and stakeholder engagement
- Experience across regional, remote and urban environments
Tim works within the requirements of the NSW Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act, the Heritage Act 1977 (NSW) and relevant planning frameworks, ensuring compliance while maintaining culturally respectful outcomes.
The Name Behind the Mission: What Does ECHAM Stand For?
ECHAM stands for East Coast Heritage and Management.
The name reflects:
- The east coast focus of the organisation’s work
- The integration of heritage practice and professional management
- A direct connection to East Coast Heritage and Archaeology (ECHA)
ECHAM Training was intentionally named to demonstrate that its courses are grounded in real‑world professional practice, not theory alone.
Why Tim Established ECHAM Training
After years working in the field and delivering training across NSW, Tim saw a clear opportunity to open doors and create meaningful career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the cultural heritage sector.
He recognised that when supported by nationally recognised training, First Nations people could step confidently into professional roles — bringing cultural knowledge, lived experience and strong connections to Country into heritage, land management and development environments.
ECHAM Training was established to support that pathway and to strengthen the cultural heritage workforce through practical, culturally grounded education.
To learn more about ECHAM Training and available courses, visit
https://echamtraining.edu.au/courses