Cultural Values Assessments
Leaders in Cultural Values Assessments and Reporting
Community-led Cultural Values Assessments (CVAs) that document, map and interpret Aboriginal cultural values to inform planning, project design, conservation and land management — delivered respectfully, rigorously and in partnership with Traditional Owners and Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs).
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Why CVAs matter
Cultural Knowledge
CVAs capture living cultural connections, stories, practices and values that aren’t always visible in archaeological records or statutory maps.
Better Project Outcomes
They inform better project outcomes, reduce conflict and create opportunities for cultural protection, collaborative management and design that respects Country.
Planning and Partnerships
CVAs are often used alongside CHMPs, planning permits, conservation covenants, land-use proposals, and community-led cultural projects.
Who we work with
- Traditional Owner groups and RAPs
- Landowners and land managers
- Local government and planning authorities
- Developers, architects, and planners
- Conservation organisations and community groups
Our Cultural Values Assessment Services
Community-led CVAs
Participatory process driven by Traditional Owners to record connections, use of Country, places of cultural significance, oral histories and cultural practices.
Rapid cultural values scoping
Desktop & targeted consultation for early-stage projects.
Mapping and place documentation
GIS outputs, place records and culturally appropriate site descriptions.
Collaborative management advice
Recommendations for protection, interpretation, permits, conservation covenants and cultural protocols.
Integrative reporting
CVAs designed to feed into CHMPs, planning applications, project designs, environmental impact assessments and land management plans.
Workshop facilitation and oral history capture
Culturally safe methods, FPIC procedures and permissions management.
Our Approach
Early engagement & scope
Co-design the CVA process with Traditional Owners/RAPs and project stakeholders; agree objectives, confidentiality and outcomes.
Records review & context
Review historical records, ethnographic sources, previous reports, landscape context and statutory registers.
Community consultation & fieldwork
Conduct, interviews, site visits and on-Country workshops with Traditional Owners and knowledge holders using culturally appropriate methods and consent protocols.
Analysis & mapping
Synthesize qualitative and spatial information into significance assessments, cultural values mapping and recommendations for management and protection.
Reporting & approvals
Produce a culturally appropriate CVA report reviewed and approved by Traditional Owners/RAPs, with appendices, maps and guidance for planners and project teams.
Implementation support
Assist with integrating CVA recommendations into planning documents, CHMPs, design changes, conservation agreements and interpretive materials.
Range of Deliverables
- CVA report authored in partnership with Traditional Owners (plain language and executive summary)
- GIS data, maps and place registers (sensitive information handled per agreed protocols)
- Community workshop notes, oral-history transcripts, and photographic records
- Practical recommendations: avoidance measures, site management, interpretive options, and monitoring suggestions
- Letters of support or statements from Traditional Owners/RAPs (if appropriate and agreed)
Confidentiality & cultural sensitivity
All culturally sensitive information is treated according to Traditional Owner directions and confidentiality agreements. Public outputs exclude sensitive site details unless explicitly authorised by knowledge holders.
Case Studies
Testimonials
Sector Manager | Millar Merrigan
ACHM has consistently provided us with expert advice on Aboriginal cultural heritage matters, including the preparation of Cultural Heritage Management Plans. They’re great to work with—professional, competitively priced, and reliable in meeting timeframes. Their practical approach and responsiveness make them a valued partner on our projects.
Chief Executive Officer | Banjima Native Title Aboriginal Corporation
ACHM are engaged extensively across Banjima Country and they provide exceptional expertise, professionalism, customer service and a genuine passion for preserving and promoting cultural heritage. ACHM goes beyond mere consultancy through consistently delivering professional services, solutions and best practice in every thing they do.
Senior Development Manager | Dav Consulting
We recently engaged ACHM to manage extensive Cultural Heritage Artefact Salvage Operations for an expansive and complex greenfields development site on north side of Melbourne. The diligence, open communication, efficiency and positive outcomes achieved by the ACHM Team, including in their coordination and management of the local RAP, was first class, and made my job as Development Manager substantially easier. Cannot recommend highly enough
Senior Development Manager | Avid
I have been a client of ACHM for over a decade and have engaged their services across four large-scale projects. Throughout this time, their dedication and professionalism have remained consistently impressive. ACHM excels at managing client expectations while operating sensitively within complex environments. They are highly skilled at guiding clients through cultural heritage approval processes, striking the delicate balance between client priorities and cultural sensitivities. I highly recommend ACHM for their expertise and commitment.
ABIGroup
We wish to thank yourself, Erica Walther and Shaun Canning who have at all times been professional, free to discuss potential options and provide feedback on the status of the Cultural Heritage Management Plans. We have found the ACHM team to be knowledgeable and very easy to deal with.
Environmental Coordinator, GMW Connections Project
ACHM have provided us with numerous due diligence assessments and Cultural Heritage Management Plans to both standard and complex level. They approach their scope with our project timeframes and budgets in mind, and I know I can rely on them to get the best outcome for these projects. ACHM provide pragmatic staff with great traditional owner relationships allowing for quick turnaround times.
Sector Manager | Millar Merrigan
ACHM has consistently provided us with expert advice on Aboriginal cultural heritage matters, including the preparation of Cultural Heritage Management Plans. They’re great to work with—professional, competitively priced, and reliable in meeting timeframes. Their practical approach and responsiveness make them a valued partner on our projects.
Chief Executive Officer | Banjima Native Title Aboriginal Corporation
ACHM are engaged extensively across Banjima Country and they provide exceptional expertise, professionalism, customer service and a genuine passion for preserving and promoting cultural heritage. ACHM goes beyond mere consultancy through consistently delivering professional services, solutions and best practice in every thing they do.
Senior Development Manager | Dav Consulting
We recently engaged ACHM to manage extensive Cultural Heritage Artefact Salvage Operations for an expansive and complex greenfields development site on north side of Melbourne. The diligence, open communication, efficiency and positive outcomes achieved by the ACHM Team, including in their coordination and management of the local RAP, was first class, and made my job as Development Manager substantially easier. Cannot recommend highly enough
Senior Development Manager | Avid
I have been a client of ACHM for over a decade and have engaged their services across four large-scale projects. Throughout this time, their dedication and professionalism have remained consistently impressive. ACHM excels at managing client expectations while operating sensitively within complex environments. They are highly skilled at guiding clients through cultural heritage approval processes, striking the delicate balance between client priorities and cultural sensitivities. I highly recommend ACHM for their expertise and commitment.
ABIGroup
We wish to thank yourself, Erica Walther and Shaun Canning who have at all times been professional, free to discuss potential options and provide feedback on the status of the Cultural Heritage Management Plans. We have found the ACHM team to be knowledgeable and very easy to deal with.
Environmental Coordinator, GMW Connections Project
ACHM have provided us with numerous due diligence assessments and Cultural Heritage Management Plans to both standard and complex level. They approach their scope with our project timeframes and budgets in mind, and I know I can rely on them to get the best outcome for these projects. ACHM provide pragmatic staff with great traditional owner relationships allowing for quick turnaround times.
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.