The Jim Kerr Address pays respect to Jim’s legacy by perpetuating open inquiry into the understanding of place and the constant review of progress in conservation philosophy and practice. 

2024 Jim Kerr Address

The Heritage of Our Profession Meredith Walker, Jane Lennon & Peter Marquis-Kyle

Recording now available Here!

Jim Kerr Address 20th July 2023 – Freemantle Prison

Presented by Emerita Professor Dr Carmen Lawrence AO PhD

2020+1 Jim Kerr Address, 13 February 2021

Presented by Australia ICOMOS.

Australia ICOMOS was thrilled that Ms Julianne Polanco, US/ICOMOS member and current California State Historic Preservation Officer, generously agreed to deliver via Zoom the Jim Kerr Address that was intended as an in-person event for 2020, with the theme “Cultural Dimensions of Climate Action: Driving Ambition for Resilient Communities”.

Ms Polanco was appointed State Historic Preservation Officer by Governor Jerry Brown in 2015. She also served as Commissioner and Chair of the California State Historical Resources Commission from 2005 to 2015. Prior to that, she was the Director of Cultural Resources for Lend Lease Americas, the Federal Preservation Officer for the Presidio Trust, and Assistant to the Vice President for programs at the World Monuments Fund.

2018 Jim Kerr Address, 18 April 2018

Presented by Australia ICOMOS in association with the Sydney Opera House and the Heritage Council of NSW.

The 2018 guest speaker was Dr Lisa Murray, whose talk was titled MONUMENTS AND MEMORIES “re-assessing colonial imperialism”. The talk reflected upon how the social values of monuments evolve and the challenges in addressing conflicting memories, both European and Aboriginal social values, in our public monuments.

Dr Lisa Murray is currently the City Historian, overseeing a diverse program at the City of Sydney Council encompassing community, civic and urban history. With over 15 years of experience in the field of public history, Lisa is passionate about making history accessible to the public. Lisa is the award winning author of planning histories and a regular contributor to debates around public history, including being a speaker at TEDxSydney in 2013.

Date, Time & Place: 18 April 2018, 5.30 for 6.00pm start, Utzon Room, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney 2000

This event was proudly sponsored by:

2017 Jim Kerr Address, 18 April 2017

Presented by Australia ICOMOS in association with the Sydney Opera House and the Heritage Council of NSW.

The 2017 guest speaker was Richard Johnson AO MBE, whose talk was titled HERITAGE – INHERITANCE “Contemporary Relevance and Continuity”. The talk explored that which we have inherited from the past and its continued value and contemporary relevance as an expression of our living culture.

Richard Johnson AO MBE is a recipient of the AIA Gold Medal in Architecture and has practised both nationally and internationally – all involving exceptionally sensitive design solutions. His interests are broadly spread beyond architecture, urban and exhibition design. Richard is active in the professional and educational arenas and was recently appointed Honorary Professor of Architectural Practice at the Faculty of Built Environment at UNSW.

MC for the event was Dr Tracy Ireland, Associate Professor of Cultural Heritage, University of Canberra.

Date, Time & Place: Tuesday 18 April 2017, 5.30 for 6.00pm start, Utzon Room, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney 2000

This event was proudly sponsored by:

2016 Jim Kerr Address, 18 April 2016

Presented by Australia ICOMOS in association with the Sydney Opera House and the Heritage Council of NSW.

The Jim Kerr Address pays respect to his legacy by perpetuating open inquiry into the understanding of place and the constant review of progress in conservation philosophy and practice. The event will be preceded by a tour of Sydney Opera House.

The 2016 guest speaker was the cultural media expert and philanthropist Joe Skrynski AO. Joe’s talk was titled: From Griffin to Utzon and From “The Man from Snowy River” to “Go Back To Where You Came From”.

Date, Time & Place: 5.00pm, 18 April 2016, Utzon Room, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney 2000

	This event was proudly sponsored by:

2015 Inaugural Dr Jim Kerr Memorial Address

The Inaugural Dr Jim Kerr Memorial Address took place on 18 April 2015. It was presented by Australia ICOMOS (NSW) in association with the Sydney Opera House; the Heritage Division NSW Office of Environment and Heritage; and the National Trust of Australia (NSW).

Read the The 2015 Jim Kerr Memorial Address, given by Joan Domicelj AM.