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About Us

Dedicated to Preserving and Sharing Australia's Stories

From Academic Research to Public Engagement

Base-osprey emerged from a shared frustration among historians at the University of Sydney. Despite decades of groundbreaking research into Australia's colonial, Indigenous, and migration histories, most findings remained locked within academic journals, inaccessible to the general public who could benefit most from this knowledge.

In 2018, a small group of researchers decided to bridge this divide. They developed pilot programs that brought community members directly to historical sites, combining scholarly rigour with engaging storytelling. The response exceeded all expectations.

Today, our organisation has grown to include historians specialising in various periods and perspectives. We maintain partnerships with Indigenous communities, heritage organisations, and educational institutions across the country. Every program we deliver reflects our founding commitment: making history accessible, relevant, and transformative.

Principles That Guide Our Work

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Scholarly Integrity

Every narrative we share is grounded in peer-reviewed research and primary source analysis. We distinguish between documented history and interpretive storytelling, ensuring participants understand the evidentiary basis for our presentations.

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Indigenous Partnership

We work alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities rather than speaking about them. Indigenous guides lead programs featuring First Nations history, ensuring authentic knowledge transmission with appropriate cultural protocols observed.

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Inclusive Narratives

Australia's history belongs to everyone who calls this land home. Our programs deliberately incorporate perspectives often marginalised in traditional historical accounts, including women, migrants, workers, and regional communities.

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Critical Engagement

We do not shy away from difficult chapters in Australia's past. Honest examination of historical injustices is essential for understanding contemporary social dynamics and building paths toward reconciliation.

Our Historians and Guides

Behind every Base-osprey experience stands a passionate expert with deep knowledge in their field. Our team combines academic credentials with exceptional communication skills, translating complex historical dynamics into compelling narratives.

Professional portrait of senior historian

Dr. William Hartley

Director of Historical Programs

Former Associate Professor at Macquarie University, specialising in colonial administration and early settlement patterns. Published author of three books on convict transportation.

Portrait of female historian and researcher

Dr. Catherine Nguyen

Lead Migration Historian

Award-winning researcher focused on Asian migration to Australia from the gold rush era through contemporary refugee movements. Fluent in Vietnamese and Mandarin.

Portrait of Indigenous cultural consultant

Marcus Thompson

Indigenous Heritage Coordinator

Wiradjuri man with extensive experience in cultural tourism and community education. Marcus ensures all Indigenous content respects traditional knowledge protocols.

Historic university building representing academic partnerships

Institutional Collaborations

Our programs benefit from ongoing partnerships with leading cultural and educational institutions across Australia. These relationships provide access to restricted archives, specialist expertise, and unique heritage sites.

  • State Library of New South Wales
  • National Museum of Australia
  • Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies
  • Various university history departments
  • Local historical societies nationwide

Ready to Explore Australia's Past?

View our full range of historical experiences or contact us to discuss customised programs for your group.