Cultural Heritage Solutions for Representative Bodies and PBCs
Supporting Traditional Owner Organisations Across Australia
Representative Bodies and Prescribed Body Corporates (PBCs) play a vital role in managing, protecting, and promoting the cultural heritage and native title interests of Traditional Owners. These organisations are at the centre of maintaining cultural continuity while engaging with governments, industry, and developers on land use, cultural heritage, and environmental matters.
At ACHM, we are proud to have long-standing partnerships with some of Australia’s leading Representative Bodies and PBCs. Our goal is to support their work with expert advice, technical precision, and cultural respect, ensuring that heritage management processes are effective, compliant, and community driven.
We understand the challenges these organisations face, from navigating proponents, juggling legislative requirements though to managing competing project timelines. ACHM provides the guidance, capacity-building, and on-the-ground support needed to protect cultural values while facilitating meaningful meaningful community led outcomes.
Our Role in Supporting Representative Bodies and PBCs
ACHM has worked alongside Traditional Owner organisations for more than two decades, providing strategic and operational support across a broad range of heritage and land management projects.
We assist with everything from planning and approvals to complex heritage assessments, GIS, databases, cultural mapping and stakeholder coordination; always working to strengthen cultural governance and ensure Traditional Owner voices remain central to decision-making.
Our team operates nationally, delivering trusted, professional support across urban, regional, and remote communities. We prioritise relationships, transparency, knowledge sharing, while ensuring our work reflects the values and aspirations of the communities we work with, and ensuring that the principles of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) drive everything we do.
Need Expert Cultural Heritage Support for Your PBC?
ACHM is here to help. Call us today on 1300 724 913 or email us for more information.
Our Services for Representative Bodies and PBCs
ACHM offers a tailored suite of services to support Representative Bodies, PBCs, and Traditional Owner corporations, including:
Cultural Heritage Management Plans
Statutory Approvals and Legislative Compliance
Field Surveys and Excavations
GIS Mapping and Heritage Data Management
Stakeholder Engagement and Consultation Support
Capacity Building and Training Programs
Proven Success in Partnering with Representative Bodies
Trusted by Traditional Owner Organisations
For more than 20 years, ACHM has worked closely with Traditional Owner groups, land councils, and PBCs to ensure projects across Australia reflect cultural values and community priorities. We are proud of our enduring relationships built on mutual respect, trust, and shared purpose. Our consistent goal is to help Representative Bodies and PBCs achieve meaningful, sustainable outcomes that preserve culture and strengthen self-determination.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does ACHM support Representative Bodies and PBCs?
We provide practical, on-the-ground and strategic support that helps Traditional Owner organisations meet their cultural heritage and compliance responsibilities. From field assessments and statutory approvals to training and mapping, ACHM assists at every stage of the process.
Can ACHM help build internal capacity for heritage management?
Yes. ACHM regularly delivers training, mentoring, and knowledge transfer programs designed to strengthen the technical capability of Traditional Owner groups. We help build confidence and independence so communities can manage future heritage projects with greater autonomy.
How does ACHM ensure cultural authority and decision-making remain with Traditional Owners?
Cultural authority always sits with the Traditional Owners. ACHM’s role is to support and facilitate processes, never to speak on behalf of communities. We ensure all engagement, reporting, and outcomes align with Traditional Owner direction and consent.
What makes ACHM a trusted partner for Representative Bodies?
Our relationships are built on consistency, respect, and long-term collaboration. We understand the complexities of working across multiple stakeholders and the importance of maintaining cultural, political, and operational sensitivity. ACHM’s professionalism ensures clients can rely on us for accuracy, discretion, and integrity.
Does ACHM provide GIS and data management support?
Yes. ACHM offers mapping, database management, and digital heritage recording systems that help Representative Bodies store, visualise, and manage cultural information securely and efficiently.
Can ACHM assist with consultation between Traditional Owners and developers?
Absolutely. We act as an independent facilitator when required, ensuring all parties communicate transparently and that Traditional Owner perspectives are represented clearly throughout project negotiations.
What legislation does ACHM work under?
Our consultants are experienced in applying all relevant state and Commonwealth heritage and native title legislation, including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 (Cth), the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth), and associated state heritage frameworks.
How does ACHM maintain cultural integrity during project delivery?
We work in close partnership with Traditional Owners, ensuring cultural protocols, gender considerations, and site sensitivities are respected at all times. Our goal is to deliver results that uphold cultural values while meeting project objectives.
Need Expert Cultural Heritage Support for Your Project?
ACHM is here to help. Call us today on 1300 724 913 or email us for more information.