Sharon Sullivan facts for kids

Sharon Sullivan AO FAHA is an Australian archaeologist. She is also a strong supporter of the rights of Indigenous Australians. She has written five books about managing important historical and cultural sites. She is most famous for creating rules and programs for looking after cultural heritage in Australia.

Who is Sharon Sullivan?

Sharon Sullivan is a well-known Australian archaeologist. She has worked hard to protect important historical places and the culture of Indigenous Australians. Her work has helped set up ways to manage and save cultural heritage across Australia.

Her Education Journey

In 1964, Sharon Sullivan finished her studies at the University of New England, Australia. She earned degrees in history and archaeology. Her special research paper, called an Honours thesis, was the first ever written about prehistoric archaeology in Australia. Her teacher for this paper was Isabel McBryde.

The next year, in 1965, Sullivan also earned a degree in education from the same university. Later, in 1974, she completed a master's degree in archaeology. In 2003, James Cook University gave her an honorary Doctor of Letters degree. This is a special award given to people who have made great contributions.

What She Did in Her Career

Sharon Sullivan worked for 20 years as a public servant for the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service. In this role, she pushed for laws to protect historical sites. She also taught as a professor at the University of New England and the University of Queensland.

Today, she runs her own company, Sullivan Blazejowski and Associates. This company helps with heritage consulting. She has even worked with governments in other countries, like China. She helped them protect important places such as the Mogao Caves.

From 2008 to 2011, Sullivan was a member of the Australian Heritage Council. She was an expert on historical matters. She has written five books and 50 papers about her work.

Awards and Honors

Sharon Sullivan has received many awards for her important work.

• In 2004, she was recognized by the Order of Australia. This is a high honor given to Australians who have achieved a lot.
• She was also given membership in ICOMOS Worldwide. ICOMOS is a global group that works to protect cultural heritage. She served on the Australian ICOMOS committee in the early 2000s.
• In 2005, she received the Rhys Jones Medal. This award is for outstanding contributions to Australian archaeology.
• In 2013, the Australian Heritage Council created the Sharon Sullivan National Heritage Award. This award honors people who help protect natural, Indigenous, and historical heritage. It was named after her to celebrate her lifelong efforts.

Recognition

• Elected as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities in 1996.
• Awarded the Centenary Medal in 2001.
• Honored as Officer of the Order of Australia in 2004.
• Awarded the Rhys Jones Medal in 2005.
• Awarded life membership of ICOMOS worldwide in 2005.