About Us

MTS Heritage is an independent consultancy established in 2021. We provide archaeological expertise that is both specialised and diverse with a heightened focus on building positive client partnerships through a uniquely personalised approach throughout the life of every project.

We are recognised as leaders in our industry with more than 50 years of combined experience in heritage consulting in Australia, an extensive track record of positive and ethical project outcomes, and an established network of happy, returning clients.

We guide organisations and inspire understanding to connect people to the past, ensuring the stories of our shared heritage live on for future generations.

Our Story

MTS Heritage was founded by Fiona Leslie in 2021. Fiona was joined by Chris Lewczak and Emily Pickering in 2024. Our company was founded on a belief in our connection to place. We are based in the Blue Mountains and have an intimate knowledge and appreciation of its history and heritage. With our combined expertise, we provide specialist heritage services to discover, understand and celebrate heritage places and their connections.

‘Mountains to the Sea’ is an idea that can be found in stories and philosophies across cultures and time. This narrative is often about the journey of learning, transformation, and the attainment of wisdom. Travelling from mountains to the sea is often used in storytelling to symbolise a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and wisdom.

We are passionate about discovering stories, developing understanding, sharing what we learn, and strengthening our connection to place... from Mountains to Sea.

Our Team

Fiona Leslie

Director, Principal Heritage Consultant

B.SC B.A HONS. (ARCHAEOLOGY)

Fiona has a Science and Arts degree from the University of Queensland and Honours degree in Archaeology from the University of Sydney. Fiona has worked as a heritage consultant & archaeologist for 24 years in New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania, including time spent working in the NSW public sector.

Fiona is an experienced field archaeologist, recognised for her expertise as an Excavation Director for historical archaeological sites in NSW. Fiona enjoys working and consulting with community groups, leading and directing teams of heritage professionals in the office & in the field. Fiona lives with her family in the Blue Mountains and values its community, arts and environment.

With her detailed knowledge of national and state heritage legislation and experience managing multiple and complex heritage items during small & large-scale developments, Fiona strives to provide expert heritage advice to promote conservation & interpretation, delivering high-quality heritage reports for clients.

Fiona led the organisation of the Blue Mountains Site Visit for the 2023 International Council of Monuments & Sites (ICOMOS) General Assembly for over 400 delegates across 20 locations showcasing the natural and cultural heritage values of the Blue Mountains. She is passionate about heritage conservations and mentoring the next generation of archaeologists.

Chris Lewczak

Director, Principal Heritage Consultant

B.ARCHAEOLOGY (HONOURS)

Chris has an Honours Degree in Historical and Maritime Archaeology from Flinders University and 24 years of experience as an archaeologist and heritage specialist on maritime archaeological projects.

Chris has worked throughout Australia and on international projects. These projects have included harbour and foreshore redevelopment, bridge and wharf upgrade, undersea cable, mining and renewable energy projects.

Chris has extensive field experience in maritime archaeology that includes working on-board survey and dredging vessels, co-ordinating and undertaking archaeological survey and reviewing of geophysical survey data, such as multi-beam, side scan and magnetometer results.

Chris has worked in remote locations including on Whaling Station sites in far western South Australia, Tasmania, North Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Chris’ expertise ranges from providing technical heritage advice, historical development and impact mapping, through to carrying out impact assessments.

Chris has presented guest lectures at various universities specifically relating to archaeological field methods in maritime archaeology and heritage practices.

Emily Pickering

Graduate Archaeologist, Heritage Consultant

B.ARCHAEOLOGY

Emily has a Bachelor of Archaeology from Macquarie University, for which she received the Award for Academic Excellence. She has worked in heritage consulting for the past five years, undertaking research and writing of heritage impact assessments & archaeological reports, surveys of historical & Aboriginal sites, excavation & artefact processing.

Emily has excavated & surveyed archaeological sites in Australia including recent fieldwork on historic & Aboriginal sites in Queanbeyan, Shellharbour, Sydney CBD, the Blue Mountains, & the Southern Highlands.

Emily’s recent professional development included an excavation at King John’s Palace, Sherwood Forest, UK where she learnt archaeological planning and excavated Neolithic flint debitage from 3500 BC.

Emily is experienced in writing academic research papers and heritage consulting deliverables, archival research and database management, narrative writing and communication in a variety of mediums, preparation of high-quality archaeological reports and excavation using appropriate field methodologies.