Peter Kabaila BSc(Arch), B Arch(UNSW), Dip Ed, BA Hons, PhD(ANU)

Peter’s varied and interesting career path includes the establishment of an architecture and project management practice in Canberra, followed by the completion of a doctorate in historical archaeology from the Australia National University. Peter’s continuing role as a heritage consultant and advisor to New South Wales local government combines his interest in historical townships and his architectural design background.

Peter is the author of several non-fiction books, which include narratives of historic towns in New South Wales and accounts of Aboriginal settlements in the 20th century. Travels include Southeast Asia, Papua New Guinea, Europe and North America. Peter speaks Lithuanian and some Vietnamese, the latter a result of recent pro-bono work and founding of a small charity in central Vietnam.

Qualifications
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Department of Archaeology, ANU.
  • Bachelor of Arts, First Class Honours, Dept. of Archaeology, ANU.
  • Graduate Diploma in Education, (Australian History). Univ. of Canberra.
  • Bachelor of Architecture, University of New South Wales.
  • Bachelor of Science in Architecture, University of New South Wales.
  • First Rate Accredited Energy Assessor, ACT.
  • Council Heritage Adviser Course, Quarantine Station, Manly.
Work History
Heritage Advisor (2000-Current)

Advisor to NSW local government areas including Yass, Griffith, Lockhart, Moss Vale, Picton, Katoomba, Queanbeyan, Wagga Wagga, Goulburn, Jindabyne, Urana, Corowa, Bega, Bourke, Brewarrina, Walgett and Hay.

Roles include:

  • Restorations.
  • Conservation management plans.
  • Government Heritage Development Control Plans.
  • Museum work.
  • Nominations to State Heritage Register.
  • Local government area heritage studies.
  • Heritage Impact Statements.
  • Expert witness for legal disputes.

Full project listings are provided in the Appendix below.

Archaeology

Peter pioneered methodologies for recording the history of Aboriginal settlements as part of his PhD research. His work includes archaeological surveys for development proposals, minefield heritage assessments, and Aboriginal collection analysis.

Roles include:

  • Archaeological surveys (Aboriginal & European).
  • Minefield heritage assessment/rehabilitation.
  • Aboriginal collection analysis.

Detailed archaeological project listings and publications are provided in the Appendix.

Architecture

Peter studied architecture at UNSW while working as a draftsman. During his final year, he was selected to study under renowned architect Harry Seidler.

Principal Architect, Black Mountain Projects Pty Ltd

  • Design and project management for educational, commercial, and residential
    projects.
  • Refurbishment projects for the Catholic Education Office.

Contract architect

  • Department of Housing and Construction (Special Services Section).
  • Canberra-based and UK-based architectural firms, including significant
    international projects.
Teaching Appointments
  • Tutor, Landscape Archaeology, Australian National University.
  • Tutor, Architecture, Canberra Institute of Technology.
  • Pro-bono English tutor for migrants – Canberra Institute of Technology.
Appendix
HERITAGE CONSULTANCY

Restorations

  • Carrington cottage row, Joadja shale mine field, NSW Southern Highlands.
  • Gundaroo Pioneer Cemetery. Repairs, conservation, new lych gate.
  • Showground Grandstand, Lockhart. Repairs and conservation of a late Victorian period grandstand.
  • Hennessy College Young. Conversion of former convent to College administration building.
  •  St Michael’s Cathedral, Wagga Wagga. Replacement of building services and major renovation.
  • Rheinberger Centre, Yarralumla. Conversion for former school building and grounds into a teaching and conference centre.
  • Snowy Hydro Visitor’s Centre, Cooma. Adaptive reuse and additions to original SMEC Visitor s Centre building.
  • Jindera Blacksmiths Stables restoration, project advice and heritage training for Jindera Pioneer Museum Inc.
  • Globe Hotel, Deane St, Albury, for Phil Wilkins Building Design Pty Ltd.

Heritage Training Workshops

  • Jindera Blacksmith Training Days. Jindera Pioneer Museum Inc (Stone flaking, identifying stone  artefacts, identifying historic relics, wattle & daub plastering workshop, stone flaking workshop).
  • Wollondilly Council Staff Workshops: hands-on stone flaking and grinding.
  • DATTA ACT Design and Technology Teachers Conference seminars. Traditional Aboriginal technologies using wood and stone.

Submission to State Government Inquiry

  • Submission against proposal to raise the level of Warragamba Dam – Heritage submission on behalf of Wollondilly Council.

Interpretation Plans

  • Burrinjuck Dam Access Walkways and Gates, Power Stations 2 and 3, for Habitat Planning.
  • Tralee Speedway (Fraser Park Raceway). redevelopment into Sports Complex, heritage interpretation for Paul Brookbanks Landscape Architect and QPRC.
  • Trail proposal, Museum trail, Federation Council.
  • Trail proposal, Historic Cemeteries Trail, SnowyMonaro Council.

Property Survey

  • American diplomatic residences, Canberra, contracted to LFA.
  • Griffith City Properties Heritage Audit.

Local Government Area Heritage Studies

  • Heritage studies for NSW Shire Councils: Leeton, Cootamundra, Greater Hume, Lockhart Shire, Griffith City, Wollondilly (completion), Balranald, Urana.

Local Government Heritage DCP (Development Control Plan)

  • Berrima Village, for Wingecarribee Council.
  • ACT Galvanised Roof Policy, contracted to Peter Freeman.
  • Canberra Front Fence Policy Revision, contracted to LFA.
  • NSW Local government Development Control Plans for: Berrima Village, Queanbeyan City, Menangle Village, Yass Valley Shire, Griffith City, Lockhart Shire, Greater Hume Shire, Cootamundra Shire, Leeton Shire, Snowy River Shire, Urana Shire.

Museum Work

  • Exhibition Preparation – Warangesda Mission Commemoration (Griffith Art Gallery).
  • Darlington Point Aboriginal gallery and tourist info centre (design concept).
  • Rusten engine relocation project, Oaklands.
  • Oaklands Vintage Collection, museum policy documents.
  • Urana Courthouse Museum, policy documents.
  • Lockhart Historical Museum, application for federal funding and CMP.
  • Cootamundra Heritage Centre, entrance ramp design.
  • Significance statements for Migration Heritage Centre, Sydney Powerhouse Museum, objects at Griffith Italian Cultural Museum.
  • Museum story boards, Warangesda Aboriginal Mission – Art and Historical Exhibition, Griffith Art Gallery.
  • Museum story board, Freddie Fox Hat Design Collection – Urana Courthouse.
  • Interpretive signs, Milbrulong Village History – Milbrulong road stop.

Listing Nominations/Recording of Historic Places

  • Soldiers Memorial Hall, Urana.
  • St Michael’s Cathedral, Wagga Wagga.
  • Bradman’s Birthplace, Cootamundra.
  • Hermit’s Cave, Griffith.
  • Queen Victoria Home for Consumptives, Wentworth Falls.
  • Warangesda Aboriginal Mission Site, Darlington Point, for NSW Heritage Office.
  • Soldiers Memorial Hall, Urana.
  • Warangesda’s “Beehive” Aboriginal School, for NPWS.
  • Kaljusto Farm & “Old Estonians” – Thirlmere’s early 20th century Estonian settlers. 90 Scroggies Rd, Thirlmere.
  • Murrah Cottage and Yard, 663 Benny Gowings Rd, Murrah.

Legal disputes; expert witness (mainly NSW Land & Environment Court)

  • Ironlaw Pty Ltd v Wollondilly Shire Council. NSW L&E Court.
  • Multi-unit redevelopment, Neerim, Bowral. NSW L&E Court.
  • Port-O-Call Hotel, Bowral. NSW L&E Court.
  • Murrumbidgee Flour Mill, Wagga Wagga. NSW L&E Court.
  • Norlex water extraction, Bundanoon. NSW L&E Court.
  • Laidlaw’s Hill subdivision, Yass. NSW L&E Court.
  • Lennox House, Acton. ACT Magistrate’s Court.
  • House, 52 Currong St, Braddon. ACT Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
  • Wollondilly Council ats Corbett Constructions. Multi-unit development, 91 Menangle St Picton.
  • Wollondilly Council ats Muscat. Poultry farm development, 440 Cawdor Rd.
  • Wingecarribee Council ats Lend Lease Retirement Living. Aged Care Facility, 39 Aitken Rd, Bowral.

Conservation Management Plans

  • Joadja Oli-Shale Mine Site.
  • Riversdale, Chevalier College, Burradoo.
  • Aitchison Cottage, Berridale.
  • Rotunda, Belmore Park, Goulburn.
  • St Clair, Goulburn.
  • Wolter’s cottage, kitchen and privy, Tumbarumba.
  • Railway signals gantry, Cootamundra.
  • Adelong Falls Gold Workings, Adelong.
  • Derrendi Cottage, Narrandera.
  • Jarvisfield, Picton.
  • Wolter’s cottage, kitchen and privy, Tumbarumba.
  • Mock Rock Structures, Upper Blue Mountains.
  • George IV Inn, Picton.
  • Five War Memorials, Blue Mountains.
  • Adelong Falls Gold Workings Site.
  • Berrima Market Place (Park).
  • Neighbourhood House, Griffith.
  • Hermit’s Cave Griffith.
  • Gundaroo Catholic Pioneer Cemetery.
  • St Michael’s Cathedral, Wagga Wagga.
  • Railway Precinct, Tumut.
  • Adelong Falls Gold Workings.
  • Bradman’s Birthplace, Cootamundra.
  • George IV Inn, Picton.
  • St Patrick’s Church, Gundagai.
  • Goulburn Waterworks.
  • Belmore Park, Goulburn.
  • Gundagai – St Patrick’s Catholic Church.
  • Lebanese graves, Cootamundra Cemetery, for Australian Lebanese Historical Society.
  • Bluebird Café, Lockhart.
  • Commercial Hotel, Lockhart.
  • St Aiden’s Anglican Church, Lockhart.
  • Maldon Suspension Bridge, Wollondilly Shire.
  • Soldiers Memorial Hall, Urana.
  • Montreal Goldfield, Wallaga Lake.
  • St Mary’s Catholic Church, Young.

Heritage Impact Statements

  • Goulburn Waterworks, Goulburn.
  • Tocumwal cottage, 52 Miller St O’Connor.
  • Mercy Hospital, Young.
  • Chapel Hill, Jamberoo, 30 lot subdivision.
  • Dual Occupancy at 3 Karabar St, Queanbeyan.
  • Additions at 52 Currong St, Braddon.
  • Adelong Falls Viewing Platform.
  • Demolition at 22 Broughton Pl, Queanbeyan.
  • Hotel Queanbeyan.
  • Oriental Hotel, Tumut.
  • Demolition of Cameron’s Garage, Harden.
  • Relocation of Railway Gantry, Cootamundra.
  • Repairs to Railway Station, Leeton.
  • Additions to Police Station, Narrandera.
  • Wolter’s cottage, kitchen and privy, Tumbarumba.
  • Railway signals gantry, Cootamundra.
  • Adelong Falls Gold Workings, Adelong.
  • Demolition, 19-21 Munro Rd Queanbeyan.
  • Demolition of 4 houses for redevelopment, 53, 55, and 57 Canberra Ave and 3 Broughton Pl, Queanbeyan.
  • Demolition of 2 cottages, 19-21 Henderson Rd Queanbeyan.
  • Dual Occupancy, 3 McHeanie St Queanbeyan.
  • Lime Leaf Restaurant, 24 Lowe St Queanbeyan.
  • Demolition or subdivision, Birchs Store, 7 Chillingworks Rd, Young.
  • Garage replacement, 54 Miller St O’Connor.
  • Solar panels to Goulburn Workers Club, in conservation area. For Vellocet Clean Energy Pty Ltd.
  • Batlow Community Library. Report for Snowy Valleys Regional Council.
  • Griffith High School refurbishment. Report for Gray Puksand Architects.
  • Warehouse development in conservation area, 64 Jerilderie St, Jerilderie. Report for Jerilderie Council.
  • Dry Cleaners at 2A Craig St Goulburn. Alterations.
  • Berridale Public School, multi-dwelling housing proposal for Havenhand & Mather Architects.
  • Burrinjuck Dam Access Walkways and Gates, Power Stations 2 and 3, for Habitat Planning.
  • Convent, Kensington, Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (OLSH), tree removal, for MMA architects.
  • Hartzer Park, Burradoo, Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (OLSH), renovations, for MMA architects.
  • Hartzer Park, Burradoo, Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (OLSH), solar roof panels, for MMA architects.
  • New House at 3471 Old Hume Highway, Berrima, for Martin O’Toole Architects.
  • Numbla Vale Homestead additions and alterations.
  • New House at 3471 Old Hume Highway, Berrima, for Martin O’Toole Architects.
ARCHAEOLOGY

Mine Field Heritage Assessment/Rehabilitation

  • Burraga Copper Mine Field for SMEC.
  • Joadja Shale Mine Field, NSW Southern Highlands.
  • Montreal Goldfield, Wallaga Lake.

Museum Aboriginal Collection Work (identification, significance assessment, cataloguing etc)

  • Lockhart Historical Museum.
  • Federation Museum, Corowa.
  • Urana Courthouse Museum.
  • Bega Pioneers Museum.
  • Eden Killer Whale Museum.
  • Merimbula Old School Museum.
  • Jigamy Aboriginal Keeping Place – Ossie Cruse collection.
  • Riverina Museum of Wagga Wagga – Skeletal analysis of burial remains.

Historic Surveys

  • Chinese Occupational Debris at Lang’s Crossing – Stage 1 Levee Upgrade at Hay, NSW, a report to Booth Associates Pty Ltd, Agribusiness and Environmental Consultants, for Hay Shire Council.
  • Italian cultural objects in Griffith, NSW – Significance assessments for the Migration Heritage Centre, Powerhouse Museum, Sydney.
  • Early Settler Property – Archaeological Heritage Assessment of Auscott Cotton Gin at Hay, NSW, Lot 21, DP 756797, a report to SMK Consultants, for Hay Shire Council.
  • Surveyor Blazed Tree – Tharbogang Quarry and Landfill Expansion, Slopes Road, Lot 202 DP 756035, Tharbogang, for Griffith City Council.
  • “Park Homestead” (Ned Kelly historic site) subdivision proposal, for Murrumbidgee Council.
  • Old Gundagai Gaol – Archaeological Assessment for Gundagai Council.
  • Settler Hut and Well – Subdivision at Branxton Park, 726 Goulburn Rd Boro – ACHA & Historic Survey.
  • Cowl Cowl Woolshed Site – Cowl Cowl Station boundary fence and road, Hillston, for Western Rosella Pty Ltd.
  • Allfarthing subdivision – 2 Brisbane Grove Road, Brisbane Grove, ACHA & Heritage Impact.
  • Menangle Hill Occupational Debris – Old Menangle School and St James Car Park, Menangle. DD & Historic Survey for Wollondilly Council.
  • Berrima Occupational Debris – 16 Jellore St Berrima, heritage monitoring of additions and alterations to a state listed timber slab cottage.
  • Young CBD Stormwater Trunkline Upgrade, DD & Heritage Impact.
  • Fire Damage Assessment – Cantles Cottage, Booth St, Queanbeyan, for QPRC.
  • Murrah Cottage and Yard, 663 Benny Gowings Road, Murrah, for Ludo McFerran.
  • Waring Gardens & St Paul’s Anglican Church & Hall, Deniliquin. Aboriginal & European archaeological assessment, for Edward River Shire Council.

ACHA (Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment)

  • Subdivision, 44 Middle Arm Rd, Goulburn, ACHA & Historic Survey, for Ironstone Pty Ltd.
  • Subdivision at Sofala, 137 Brisbane Grove Road, Brisbane Grove, ACHA & Heritage Impact.
  • Pebble Quarry at Lot 44 DP 751729, Binya, for Ben Proctor.
  • Subdivision at 407-457 Crookwell Rd, Kingsdale, for Ironstone Pty Ltd.
  • House and shed at 29 Knowlman Rd, Run-O-Waters, for Darryl Ovington.
  • 2.5km Road Upgrade, Williamsdale Road, Williamsdale, for QPRC.
  • Subdivision, 8 East St Robertson, ACHA for Scott & Robyn Whyman.
  • Megafaunal and human remains, Perry Sandhills report for UNSW.
  • Dolphin Point report for UNSW.
  • Subdivision, Lot 2 DP1213257 Brayton Rd, Marulan for Mr John Sieler.

DD (Due Diligence Aboriginal Survey)

  • Sportsground, Bargo, for Wollondilly Shire Council.
  • Wyadra Station at Hillston, NSW Lots 11, 12, 13, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, DP 752985, a report to Booth Associates Pty Ltd Agribusiness and Environmental Consultants, for Carrathool Shire Council.
  • Artificial Water Body at Hillston, NSW, Lots 12, 13, 17, 23 DP 752971, a report to Booth Associates Pty Ltd, Agribusiness and Environmental Consultants, for Carrathool Shire Council.
  • Due Diligence Aboriginal Heritage Assessment for Proposed Drainage Channel, Lake Talbot Crown Reserve, Narrandera, NSW, for Narrandera Shire Council.
  • 200-Lot Residential Subdivision at Lot 2 DP1071622, Lot 2 DP 1068127, Lake Wyangan, Griffith, for Griffith City Council.
  • Oallen Ford Bridge, Oallen Ford, for Goulburn Mulwaree Council.
  • Long Tunnel Creek Bridge, Gundagai, for Gundagai Shire Council.
  • Adjungbilly Creek Bridge, Gundagai, for Gundagai Shire Council.
  • Lawson Golf Course site, Blue Mountains, for Blue Mountains City Council.
  • Kerabury river pump upgrade, Darlington Point, for Rural Funds Management Pty Ltd.
  • Huddersfield river pump upgrade, Darlington Point, for Westchester Group of Australia Pty Ltd.
  • Queanbeyan River pedestrian bridge, Morisset St, for Queanbeyan-Palerang Council.
  • “Cavour” almond orchards, Sturt Hwy, Euroley, for Keyes AG Holdings Pty Ltd.
  • “Wallaroo” almond orchards, Coleambally, for Keyes AG Holdings Pty Ltd.
  • “Euroley” almond orchards, Yanco, for Western Rosella Pty Ltd.
  • Bridge replacement over Cedar Creek, Thirlmere, for Wollondilly Council.
  • Gundaline, Carathool, Desktop Assessment for Wealthcheck Management Pty Ltd.
  • Multi-Arts Centre 46 Edwardes St, Deniliquin, Archaeological Assessment, for Edward River Council.
  • Solar farm and subdivision at 371 Mountain Ash Road Gundary.
  • Solar panel complex Uri Park, Darlington Point, for Riverina Agriconsultants.
  • Cookoothama Pump Site and Irrigation Supply Trench, Darlington Point for Riverina Agriconsultants.
  • Trinculo Beach Boat Ramp, Queanbeyan, for QPRC.
  • Subdivision, 69 Bumballa St Tallong.
  • Attached dual occupancy, 81 Fitzroy St Goulburn, for MM Consulting Engineers, Due Diligence.
  • Subdivision, 233 Brayton Rd, Marulan, Historic Survey & Due Diligence.
  • Bungendore Regional Sports Hub, Bungendore, for QPRC.
  • Dudley Chesham Sportsground, for Wollondilly Council.
  • Glenrock Reserve, for Picton Rotary Club.
  • Equine Agistment Facility at “Green Hill”, 7044 Illawarra Highway, Moss Vale, for Gumuny Holdings.
  • Truck Depot at 157 Jerrara Road, Marulan, for Leanne Whittaker.
  • Kingsdale Wines, 745 Crookwell Road Kingsdale, for Anthony Saouma.
  • Multi-Purpose Equine Complex at 632 Taralga Road, Tarlo, Goulburn, for Riding for the Disabled Association.
  • Warragamba Recreation Area, report for Wollondilly Council.

Practical Works

  • When not content with only office work, Peter’s practical work has included painting heritage buildings, restoring cemeteries, developing museum policies, and creating storyboards for exhibitions like the Warangesda Aboriginal Mission and the Sir Frederick Fox Hat Collection.
  • Rammed earth building stabilisation at Corowa Silkworm Farm (c1860).
  • Historic sign restoration, Royal George Hotel, Urana.
  • Street frontage repainting, Federation Council.
  • Brickwork lime mortar repointing, Soldiers Memorial Hall, Urana.
  • Cemetery monument stabilisation, Corowa Pioneer Cemetery.

ARCHITECTURE PROJECTS

House Designs

  • Erin Daniel House, 30 Leon St Googong.
  • Duplex, Port Moresby, New Guinea (pro bono).
  • Studio apartments, Danang, Vietnam (pro bono).

Office/Industrial

  • Pacific Formwork Office and warehouses, Hume.
  • Jemena warehouse and offices, Hume.
  • King & Wilson warehouse and offices, Hume.
  • Design of Unisys offices, Canberra, on contract to Godfrey Spowers.

Housing Estates

  • Houses for 7 lot subdivision at Latham, for Five Star Homes.
  • Terrace house row at Gungahlin, for Five Star Homes.

Visitor/Conference Centres

  • Snowy Hydro Visitors Centre, Cooma.
  • Rheinberger Conference Centre, Yarralumla.
  • Penola Visitors Centre (design competition entry).
  • Aboriginal meeting place and community radio building, Lake Cargelligo.
  • Community Centre, O’Connor.

PERSONAL

  • 2008 – Fostered 18 Australian Defence Force Academy students as part of ADFA Foster Scheme.
  • 2010 – Annual travel to Vietnam to undertake voluntary work at orphanages and shelters.
  • 1984-2009 – Raised three children: now a Veterinarian, Australian Army Captain and Registered Nurse.
  • Worked and lived in England as an architect.
  • Built two houses as an owner-builder: practical skills in building.
  • Associated with Lithuanian, Vietnamese and Catholic communities in Canberra.