What people say
Richard Mackay and I have collaborated on major projects such as the Heritage Management Framework and Tourism Management Plan for the Angkor World Heritage Site. Richard is an experienced and ethical strategic problem solver working at a senior level in heritage management. His skills, experience and enthusiasm produce great results.
Since first working with him in the late 1990s, my clients have benefitted from Richard Mackay’s unparalleled heritage expertise. Whether they be developers or traditional land owners, Richard’s insights are always profound, clear and persuasive.
Richard Mackay has worked with the Queensland Heritage Council and the Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection on a number of projects and he is a highly effective strategic thinker. Richard brings an international and national perspective to this work and has a unique ability to facilitate excellent heritage outcomes.
Richard Mackay is a respected, experienced and considered professional, who reviewed of our legislation in a strategic and pragmatic manner.
Richard Mackay has an extraordinary ability to work in highly strategic ways in complex political contexts as well as understand the fundamental importance of grass roots community development and participation in heritage management. He has been an inspiring team leader for the Angkor Heritage Management Framework Project, steering a complex project through many challenges to produce timely and highly practical outcomes.
As an expert witness Richard’s work is careful and considered, well-reasoned and clearly and persuasively delivered both in writing and orally.
As Chair of the Australian World Heritage Advisory Committee (2011-2014) Richard Mackay provided strong and effective leadership at both an operational and strategic level. His diligence, networks and broad understanding of both issues and solutions have done much to progress the future security of World Heritage properties in Australia.
Richard Mackay built GML Heritage into the pre-eminent heritage consultancy company in Australia. His strategic and community consultation skills and knowledge of the relevant heritage legislation are second to none.
Richard Mackay has undertaken strategic heritage planning work with me at Broken Hill. He is articulate, clear, and innovative in his suggestions for practical solutions. His communications skills and thoughtful approach assist in resolving conflicts and finding constructive actions for the future.
Professor Richard Mackay has made enormous contribution to the Advisory Committee for the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area (appointed by State and Commonwealth Environment Ministers), especially during his term as the Chair. Richard is outcome-focused, sharp, considered, deliberate, tactical, reliable, timely, understanding, accommodating, and genuine.
Professor Richard Mackay was specifically engaged to lead and facilitate a collaboration of consultant heritage professionals to review the Conservation Management Plan for the Kingston and Arthurs Vale Historic Area – one of 11 properties that together form the World Heritage listed Australian Convict Sites. Richard’s leadership and industry expertise was essential for our complex and highly sensitive task and resulted in the delivery of a contemporary and compliant Heritage Management Plan with standing commensurate of the heritage status of the site. Richard’s personal commitment and significant contribution in achieving this task was acknowledged by both the Norfolk Island and Australian Governments and Members of the site Management Board.
Richard Mackay’s strategic vision and clarity were evident during our collaborations on a number of complex Defence projects. His commitment to heritage was recognised by the Australian Heritage Council in 2013 as the inaugural recipient of the Sharon Sullivan National Heritage Award, recognising an individual’s outstanding and long term contribution to Australia’s national heritage.
Richard Mackay has been providing expert heritage advice which has facilitated the conservation, adaptation and development of Essendon Airport for more than a decade. We could not have been happier or more satisfied with his assistance and guidance.
I have worked with Richard Mackay through various avenues with PAHSMA, ranging from his heritage consultancy expertise, to his chairmanship of the Australian World Heritage Advisory Committee. In particular his management of the new Port Arthur Statutory Management Plan stands out as a major achievement. Richard was an obvious choice when we were re-establishing the PAHSMA Conservation Advisory Committee and we recognise the immense value of his ongoing input through that group, whose remit is to provide the Board with policy and conservation advice relating to the three sites we manage, all of which are part of the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property.
Professor Richard Mackay has been teaching in the Archaeology Program at La Trobe University for more than a decade and has made a considerable contribution to the development and delivery of programs in public archaeology and cultural heritage management. Our students have been fortunate to enjoy such direct access to a leading heritage practitioner and urban archaeologist, and have particularly benefited from Richard’s knowledge of State, National and World heritage.
Richard Mackay has been providing expert heritage advice at Luna Park Sydney for more than two decades. He brings a pragmatic approach which has helped conserve historic and social values, while responding to physical challenges and the requirements for contemporary operation of an historic amusement park.