Deakin Students step into history at Historic Precinct

Published on 10 October 2025

The Beechworth Historic Precinct is continuing its role as a living classroom for the next generation of heritage professionals, welcoming Deakin University students for an intensive fieldwork program next month.

The students will gain hands-on experience in heritage interpretation, archaeology, and site management, working alongside Council’s museum and heritage staff. Their research will contribute ideas for future storytelling and activation of this nationally significant site.

This initiative builds on the success of the Burke Museum Online Cataloguing Program, a digital training program developed for heritage and museum students to refine their cataloguing and collections management skills.

This year’s program wrapped up successfully last month, with students contributing to the ongoing care and digitisation of the Burke Museum’s remarkable regional collection and gaining valuable real-world professional experience.

Historic Precinct and Visitor Experience Manager, Jennifer Allan, said the partnership strengthens the precinct’s role as a training ground for future heritage professionals, providing students with experience in a living heritage environment and ensuring Beechworth remains at the forefront of contemporary museum practice. The program supports Council’s long-term vision to protect, celebrate, and activate Beechworth’s rich heritage for generations to come.

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