ICOMOS MEMBERS
Member Spotlight
Our members work in many and varied facets of cultural heritage and as your membership organisation we would like to showcase some of your expertise and initiatives. If you would like to be included in an edition of our e news, please send a paragraph or two and a photo to our secretariat: austicomos@deakin.edu.au
Please note we cannot advertise individual businesses, this is purely to highlight our wonderful members.
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CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS / GRANTS / NOMINATIONS / EOI
NEW Call for Contributions | International conference and summer school | Emerging Professionals Working Group (EPWG) ICOMOS Germany in collaboration with ICOMOS Kazakhstan | Almaty, Kazakhstan | 17 to 21 August 2026
“Global Dissonant Modernities: Designing the Future for 20th-Century Architectural Monuments and Sites”.
The event focuses on the conservation of 20th-century architectural heritage, particularly in post-socialist and rapidly transforming urban contexts. The conference invites paper and presentation proposals across four thematic panels (including significance and legal frameworks, political and ideological dissonance, methodology and capacity building, and conservation in practice). In parallel, the summer school offers Emerging Professionals the opportunity to apply theoretical insights to a concrete case study in Almaty.
Please find further information in the attachment. And follow the links for the application:
– Call for Contributions (Conference): https://forms.gle/2uSMTdKcCY2ocYdv8
– Call for Workshop Participation (Summer School): https://forms.gle/9sfyh3GhmYrUQsMk8
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NEW Apply now for the new term of NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service regional advisory committees
Applications are open for the new term of NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service regional advisory committees (RACs): 1 July 2026 – 30 June 2030.
Applications can be made at I Work For NSW. The online form will take about 20 minutes to complete, and you will be required to upload a CV.
For more information about RACs and how to apply visit environment.nsw.gov.au/RACS
Applications close on Wednesday 25 February 2026 at 11.55pm.
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NEW UNESCO Australian Memory of the World Committee – Calling for Nominations
The UNESCO Australian Memory of the World Committee is calling for nominations to its Australian Register. Custodians of documentary heritage of significance to Australia can now nominate to the Register until 30 June 2026. https://lnkd.in/gkMdbe8h
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National Trust Queensland | Queensland Heritage Awards 2026 | Applications close 13th March 2026
The National Trust Queensland Heritage Awards celebrate excellence in conserving, protecting, and interpreting Queensland’s First Nations, built, natural, and cultural heritage, and we are back in 2026.
Whether your project restored a historic building, preserved a collection, delivered a community program, or advocated for heritage, now is your chance to be recognised.
Visit the National Trust Queensland website for everything you need to know.
Key Details:
Entries Close: 11:59 pm on Friday, 13 March 2026
Eligibility: Projects completed between 1 January 2023 and 31 December
2025, and Significant Projects completed 2019-2022.
Shortlist announced: April 2026
Awards Ceremony: Thursday 14 May 2026 (Queensland venue to be
announced)
The awards are a signature event of the Australian Heritage Festival.
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National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards | Applications close 4th March 2026
Nine award categories spotlight outstanding achievements in conserving, protecting and interpreting NSW’s Aboriginal, built, natural and cultural heritage.
To be eligible for entry, projects must have been completed (or will be completed) between 1 April 2025 – 1 March 2026.
We invite organisations, councils, government agencies, community groups and passionate individuals across the state to submit projects of all sizes and budgets for recognition.
Past submissions have showcased everything from revitalised historic places and conserved collections to community events, advocacy initiatives, public art, publications and more. See who took home the trophies in 2025.
To help you formulate a thorough and engaging entry, please refer to the 2026 Project entry guidelines.
Further information can be found here.
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Indigenous Governance Awards 2026 | Submissions close 6th March 2026
Now in their twenty-first year, the awards publicly recognise and celebrate outstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led organisations and groups that, through their effective governance models, make extraordinary contributions to communities and to the nation.
Effective Indigenous governance is a prerequisite for self-determination which is a key principle of reconciliation. The achievements of previous IGA finalists show us what is possible when communities are in control.
Government, corporates and indeed all Australians can learn from and support these self-determined solutions by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
There are three awards categories celebrating outstanding examples of governance:
- Category One: Indigenous-led unincorporated organisations and groups
- Category Two: Indigenous-led small to medium incorporated organisations, with under $1 million in annual revenue
- Category Three: Large Indigenous-led incorporated organisations with $1 million and over in annual revenue
Winners in each category receive $20,000 and opportunities for further development and engagement as part of the prize package.
Applications and nominations must be received by 11:59pm AEDT Friday 6 March 2026.
For more information and to apply: Indigenous Governance Awards 2026
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WORKSHOPS / COURSES / EVENTS / EXHIBITIONS
NEW 2026 Australian Heritage Festival Event Registrations Open Now
Registrations are now open for organisations, communities, and creators to take part in the 2026 Australian Heritage Festival, running from throughout April and May across country.
The Australian Heritage Festival is coordinated by the National Trusts of Australia, with the vision of recognising and celebrating the significance of our natural, built, cultural and social heritage, to ensure it is valued and cared for by the community and protected for future generations. Whether you’re a gallery, library, museum, historical society, local council, tourism operator, winery, university, or simply passionate about heritage, we invite you to share your stories and host an event in 2026.
The 2026 theme, Change, explores how history shapes us—and how we shape history in return.
This year, the National Trust has launched a new Festival website featuring improved navigation for attendees and a self-managed portal for organisers. Registering your event is now simpler, faster, and more intuitive.
Visit the website to find out more: australianheritagefestival.org.au
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NEW Cultural Heritage Practitioners Tasmania | Event to Mark 30 Years and 50 Years of Tasmania’s State Cultural Heritage Legislation | 22-23 May 2026
Looking Backwards – Looking Forwards: 30 Years and 50 Years of Tasmania’s State Cultural Heritage Legislation
This event will be held over the 22nd – 23rd May 2026 to coincide with National Archaeology Week 2026.
The event will be delivered over two days as a one-day symposium and a half-day of public talks.
One Day Symposium
A one-day symposium for those who work in cultural heritage or otherwise have an interest in the management and protection of Tasmania’s cultural heritage.
Date: Friday 22nd May 2026
Location: Hadley’s Orient Hotel, 34 Murray Street, Hobart; cost c.$75 pp.
Public Talks
A half day of free public talks that explore aspects of the work being undertaken today to investigate and protect Tasmania’s cultural heritage. It will also look at how the community can help protect heritage.
Date: Saturday 23rd May 2026
Location: Baha’i Centre of Learning, 1 Tasman Highway, Hobart; free event.
Cultural Heritage Practitioners Tasmania will provide further information on these two events, and bookings will be available, in March 2026.
If you have any queries, please contact: Anne McConnell, CHPT Coordinator – annemc@aaa.net.au
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NEW Heritage NSW | Webinar Series – Updates to Standard Exemptions under the Heritage Act 1977 | 18 Feb & 26 March 2026
Webinar 1: Updates to Standard Exemptions under the Heritage Act 1977 (for heritage professionals)
Date: Wednesday 18 February 2026, 1:30pm – 2:30pm on Microsoft Teams
Designed for professionals with a working knowledge of heritage management, this webinar will outline the new and updated Standard Exemptions for State Heritage Register listed items, with practical guidance for SHR item owners, managers and professional advisors.
Register Here
Webinar 2: Updates to Standard Exemptions under the Heritage Act 1977 (for SHR private property owners, custodians and managers)
Date: Wednesday 25 March 2026, 1:30pm – 2:30pm on Microsoft Teams
Description: Designed for private owners, this webinar will explain Standard Exemptions in plain English and what they mean for property owners. We will use practical examples to show what types of work may be carried out without approval, and when approval may still be required.
(No prior heritage knowledge required to attend this webinar.)
Register Here
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NEW Virtual Brainstorming: Strengthening World Heritage Higher Education on Africa | 23-24 Feb 2026
Date: 23–24 February 2026
Time: 10:00–12:00 and 14:30–16:30 (Paris time)
Format: Online (meeting link to be communicated)
Languages: English / French (simultaneous interpretation)
1. Context
World Heritage education in Africa continues to face structural challenges, including limited integration of heritage studies into university curricula, an insufficient number of trained professionals, and weak institutional pathways linking education, research and practice. These gaps constrain the effective identification, conservation, management and nomination of World Heritage properties across the continent, hindering our effort to make heritage an enabler of transformation for socioeconomic development.
In response, UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre, with the generous support of the Republic of Korea, is implementing a project to strengthen and institutionalise World Heritage education within African universities and regional heritage institutions. The initiative promotes a holistic and multi-sectoral approach, embedding World Heritage within broader academic, professional and socio-economic frameworks.
Five pilot universities, in Cameroon, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania, have been selected to develop or strengthen World Heritage curricula and establish centres of expertise. In parallel, the project supports the revitalisation of two key regional institutions: the Centre for Heritage Development in Africa (CHDA, Kenya) and the School of African Heritage (EPA, Benin) and the creation of a network of African Universities teaching World Heritage in Africa.
International cooperation is central to this effort. The project facilitates structured exchange between African institutions and partner universities, UNESCO Chairs and experts from Korea, China, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Finland and other regions, inspiring and ensuring curricula are locally grounded while aligned with global standards. The workshop is implemented within the framework of UNESCO’s Operational Strategy for Priority Africa (2022–2029) and the Strategy for World Heritage in Africa (2022–2029).
2. Purpose
To convene African and international partner universities, UNESCO Chairs, ICCROM, the African World Heritage Fund (AWHF) and heritage professionals to review lessons learned and international good practices, and to inform the development of high-quality, context-sensitive World Heritage curricula for Africa.
3. Expected Outputs
A consolidated final report outlining key findings, strategic recommendations and a roadmap for strengthening and institutionalising World Heritage higher education in Africa.
For further information: Rouran Zhang – ro.zhang@unesco.org
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Summer School on AI Tools for Structural and Earthquake Engineering | University of Minho (UMinho) Guimarães, Portugal June 1st – 5th 2026
This Summer School aims to provide civil and structural engineers with practical, hands-on skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI) tailored to real engineering problems. Participants will learn how to apply machine learning, data-driven modeling, computer vision, and optimization techniques to challenges in structural and earthquake engineering, bridging the gap between traditional engineering approaches and modern AI-based solutions.
The school emphasizes applied learning, enabling participants to develop predictive models, surrogate models, and optimization workflows using Python and real engineering datasets, with a strong focus on interpretability and engineering judgment. Participants with background in Civil, Structural and Earthquake Engineering, basic knowledge of programming, and an interest in AI are encouraged to join.
Further information can be found here.
To confirm participation, please contact: sec.estruturas@civil.uminho.pt by February 28th, 2026.
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Uni Canberra & Engineering Australia | Heritage Engineering Professional Development Courses | June – July 2026
The University of Canberra, in collaboration with Engineers Australia, is pleased to announce the 2026 offerings of two professional development courses in Heritage Engineering.
Contexts for Heritage Engineering examines the complexities inherent in conserving and interpreting the tangible and non-tangible legacy of past engineering achievements across all disciplines, including mechanical, civil, structural, electrical, and related fields.
Contexts for Heritage Engineering is now open for enrolment. The onsite component will be held on 23–24 July 2026 in Newcastle, NSW, with online course materials available from June 2026.
The enrolment link is available here: https://www.canberra.edu.au/about-uc/short-courses-for-professionals/contexts-heritage-engineering-newcastle-2026
The course is open to all interested parties. Qualified engineers may count the course towards 30 hours of professional development, and it also fulfils the first section of the portfolio required for accreditation as a Heritage Engineer.
The Materials for Heritage Engineering course will be held in Brisbane and will open for enrolment later in the year. Online materials will be available from October 2026, with the onsite component scheduled for late November / early December 2026.
Further information on both courses can be found via the Engineering Heritage Australia course offerings page: https://heritage.engineersaustralia.org.au/wiki/Post_Graduate_Course
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PUBLICATIONS / SURVEYS
NEW Heritage NSW | Heritage Curtilages (1996) review – Have your say
Heritage NSW is reviewing its documents to ensure that they remain relevant, accessible and aligned with heritage best practice. As part of this review, we are seeking your feedback on Heritage Curtilages (1996).
Heritage Curtilages was developed to help property owners, heritage practitioners and government to identify, assess and manage heritage curtilages (otherwise known as boundaries) in NSW.
You are invited to participate in a survey to help Heritage NSW understand how this document is used, what parts are most helpful and what could be improved. The public submissions period will run from 28 January to 11 February 2026. Please feel free to disseminate within your professional networks.
Follow this link to participate in the survey:
https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/heritage-curtilages
If you have any questions or need further information, please contact Anna London, Senior Manager Heritage Listing Programs, at Heritage NSW on (02) 9873 8500 or at heritagemailbox@environment.nsw.gov.au.
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ICOMOS 2023 Scientific Symposium, Sydney: Papers 2, Historic Environment, vol. 25, no. 3
This is the third and final volume of published papers from the ICOMOS 21st Triennial General Assembly and Scientific Symposium (GA2023). The Scientific Symposium was held in Sydney from 1-8 September 2023. The volume is made up of six papers that provide overviews of two Themes (Resilience, Rights) and two Programs (Indigenous Heritage, Heritage for Climate) and includes two invited papers. The titles and brief summaries are provided below.
- VANICKA ARORA & KAI WEISE, Opportunities and limitations of resilience as a framework for cultural heritage. The paper focuses on three major themes: i) local and Indigenous approaches to resilience; ii) planning and management of historic places for resilience; and iii) recovery, reconstruction, and resilience.
- LYNDON ORMOND-PARKER, DIANE MENZIES, & ZUHURA MTENGUZI, Heritage Changes: Indigenous concerns and new trajectories. Reports on the sessions covering Rights Healing and Voice, Traditional Learnings, Indigenous Protected Areas, and Empowering Indigenous Participation in ICOMOS; and acknowledges the three Indigenous resolutions adopted by ICOMOS.
- JAMIE LOWE AND MATTHEW STOREY, The long and winding road: Reforming Australian Commonwealth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage laws. The paper draws from the session titled ‘Partnership to Reform First Nations Heritage Protections in Australia’ that was part of the Indigenous Heritage Program.
- FLAVIA SCARDAMAGLIA & AVE PAULUS, ‘Heritage Changes’ through adaptation to climate justice. The paper focusses on three issues including example case studies: i) climate change impacts on heritage and communities; ii) traditional and Indigenous knowledge as a climate change asset: and iii) climate justice for communities and their heritage values.
- AISHWARYA DESHMUKH, CRISTINA GARDUÑO FREEMAN & MARCO ANTONIO CHÁVEZ-AGUAYO, Rights-to-Heritage: Complex, contested and critical. The paper considers how ICOMOS members have embedded Rights-Based Approaches through the ‘Our Common Dignity’ project, the milestones achieved over the almost two decades since its inception, and where this public movement is at today.
- TREVOR BUDGE, CALEB DUNOLLY-LEE, SUSAN FAYAD & SOPHIA JACKSON, Tentative listing of the Victorian Goldfields: A long complex journey produces regional engagement, deep partnerships, and innovation. The paper gives focus to three specific initiatives: i) a deep and collaborative engagement with First Peoples; ii) a gender equity approach including demonstrating how Victoria’s goldfields represent the significant role of women and children; and iii) a comprehensive World Heritage Master Plan, which sets out a sustainable approach to tourism, community engagement, and partnerships.
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IUCN Australian Committee | Priorities Survey
Nature Conservation in Australia: what should IUCN prioritise?
Every year, the IUCN Australian Committee produces a series of informative webinars and at least one major national event dedicated to addressing a priority nature conservation issue, topic, or challenge.
IUCN align their work with Resolutions of the IUCN World Conservation Congress, the IUCN Work Programme, relevant global targets and agreements, and the priorities of their Australian network.
The 2025 IUCN Congress adopted 144 Resolutions and Recommendations, including a new Strategic Vision and Work Programme.
Your input in invited on topics to prioritise, new tactics, and ideas for driving action across all-of society.
The survey can be accessed here.
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ICOMOS Theophilos ISC | Protection of Cultural Heritage Journal
ICOMOS Theophilos ISCBoard are delighted to confirm the publication of another edition of the international peer-reviewed journal Protection of Cultural Heritage which contains seven papers related to their recent conferences.
https://ph.pollub.pl/index.php/odk/issue/view/762
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SITUATIONS VACANT
NEW RBA Architects and Conservation Consultants | Conservation Architect | Melbourne | Applications reviewed on submission
RBA are seeking an experienced Conservation Architect (five to seven years post-graduate experience) with a passion for built heritage and contemporary architecture to join our growing team. Working alongside our director and project architects, you’ll lead conservation and adaptive re-use projects of varying scales ensuring excellent outcomes for the heritage assets, broader site, and our clients.
Take a look at our website and socials, and submit a CV along with a portfolio to Roger Beeston, Director contact@rbaarchitects.com.au
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NEW Origin Heritage | Heritage Architect – Practice Development Lead | Dunedin New Zealand | Applications reviewed on submission
Origin Heritage is a small, multi-disciplinary conservation practice seeking an experienced and driven Heritage Architect / Practice Development Lead to join our team in our Dunedin office. We specialise in conservation design, repair projects, and the ongoing care of New Zealand’s built heritage. We are looking for a qualified Architect to develop the conservation architecture side of the office and, ultimately, to be the practice development lead for the company. Applicants should also be capable of leading projects from inception to completion with a high level of professionalism and technical expertise. Heritage conservation qualifications/experience are essential.
About the Role
As our Heritage Architect / Practice Development Lead, you will:
- Engage in networking, promotion, tendering and business development to help secure new projects.
- Represent the practice professionally with clients, consultants, and stakeholders.
- Lead and manage the architectural team in our Dunedin office.
- Act as project lead on major conservation and repair projects.
- Oversee all stages of design, documentation, and delivery.
Further information can be found here.
Please send your CV, portfolio, and cover letter to office@originteam.co.nz
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NEW City of Gold Coast | Built Heritage Professional | Bundall QLD | FT | Applications close 22 February
The City of Gold Coast has an exciting permanent fulltime opportunity for an experienced built heritage professional, including Heritage Architects to join our Cultural Heritage Team leading our City’s Heritage Protection program, including management of the local heritage register and heritage policy in the planning scheme.
The successful applicant will hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in architecture or heritage conservation with specialisation in built heritage and demonstrated skills and experience in heritage architecture and regulatory planning.
This role offers the chance to work flexibly (home/office hybrid) while leading the Heritage Protection workstream and two direct reports. The Gold Coast is inspired by lifestyle and driven by opportunity – we are the second largest Council in Australia and care about being the most flexible government organisation in Australia and we have a range of benefits to help you create the right balance. Apply here: Heritage Protection Lead | City of Gold Coast
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GML | Senior Heritage Professional | Sydney | FT | Applications assessed on submission
GML Heritage is seeking a committed and proactive Associate, Senior Associate or Principal level consultant to join our Heritage Places team in Sydney. As one of Australia’s largest and most innovative heritage practices, we offer the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects that shape positive heritage outcomes for communities, clients and stakeholders.
Further information can be found here.
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URBIS | Heritage Consultant | Sydney | FT | Applications close 15 Feb 2026
As a Heritage Consultant, you will:
- Provide practical heritage advice and contribute to the delivery of heritage reports including heritage studies, conservation management plans, heritage impact assessments, interpretation and archival recordings
- Gain practical on-site experience, contributing to fabric analysis and architectural conservation oversight
- Contribute to proposals, tenders, and submissions across a range of projects
- Undertake property research, analysis, and report writing
- Support project delivery, including client and stakeholder engagement, in line with agreed scopes and deadlines
Further information can be found here.
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Greater Sydney Parklands | Manager Heritage and Culture | Sydney | FT Fixed Term | Applications close 8th Feb 2026
Step into a role where you’ll lead heritage and culture programs that protect, activate, and celebrate the unique landscapes, buildings, and stories of Sydney’s parklands. You’ll design and deliver projects, provide expert advice, and work hands-on with diverse teams and communities to ensure our heritage assets are managed with care and creativity. Every day, you’ll collaborate, communicate, and find practical solutions—balancing priorities and navigating complex stakeholder interests to achieve positive outcomes.
You’ll thrive in a dynamic environment, managing relationships across a wide range of groups, analyzing complex issues, and negotiating the conservation and adaptive reuse of heritage assets. Your ability to communicate, coordinate, and drive projects forward will be key as you help shape the future of our parklands.
Further information can be found here.
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Sydney Water | Senior Heritage Advisor/Archaeologist | Paramatta | FT | Applications close 9th Feb 2026
The primary focus of the role will be to provide expert technical support to ensure we meet our cultural heritage obligations. The role will assist with implementation of heritage strategies, policies, procedures and plans that position Sydney Water to effectively respond to relevant heritage legislation and policy requirements. You will deliver specialised advice to support the management, conservation and protection of cultural heritage assets. The key responsibilities are:
- Provide advanced technical advice and support regarding Sydney Water’s heritage assets and management of statutory cultural heritage requirements.
- Engage with stakeholders through effective communication, conflict resolution, and representation at industry forums.
- Support technical uplift in colleagues and team members to improve heritage literacy and capability.
- Align cultural heritage outcomes with Sydney Water’s desired business outcomes and capital program requirements.
Further information can be found here.
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Sydney Water | Archivist | West Ryde | 12m Fixed Term | Applications close 9th Feb 2026
We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Archivist to join our Engineering and Technical Support team. Working with the Natural Assets & Heritage Team and Records Management Teams, this is a unique opportunity to maintain and administer the Joint Sydney Water and Water NSW Historical Archive collection dating back to 1888.
Further information can be found here.
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