NEWS
Membership Fees for 2026-2027 are now due.
Please contact the secretariat office if you need any assistance with payment.
ICOMOS MEMBERS
NEW AICOMOS Webinar Series Navigating the nature-culture divide: Aboriginal heritage management at Perth Airport | 5 PM 24 Sept 2026
Join us for our second free webinar series with presenters Rod Garlett and Sally Burgess.
The division between nature and culture in archaeology faces scrutiny as contemporary research increasingly points to the interconnectedness of these domains. In this presentation, the implications of avoiding a divided approach is considered for heritage management at Perth Airport, particularly regarding the culturally significant Munday Swamp, a complex of significant Aboriginal heritage sites throughout a landscape that is becoming increasingly recognised as one of the most important in Whadjuk Noongar Country.
Registrations can be made here.
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NEW Member Spotlight Dr Wayne Johnson
Congratulations to Dr Wayne Johnson
Dr Wayne Johnson, long standing member of AICOMOS who also served on the executive committee from 2017-2022 has been awarded the Engineering Heritage Australia – John Monash Medal at the Engineers Australia Excellence Awards, recognising his outstanding contribution to increasing awareness and conservation of Australia’s engineering heritage.
The award acknowledges Dr Johnson’s extensive work conserving, remediating and interpreting some of Sydney’s most significant industrial heritage assets, including White Bay Power Station, helping ensure these places can be understood, appreciated and enjoyed by future generations.
The judges’ citation stated:
“Dr Wayne Johnson… in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the conservation, remediation, and interpretation of significant heritage engineering installations across Sydney, most notably White Bay Power Station. His work has ensured that these structures are presented in ways that maximise their educational value to the public.”
Congratulations Wayne on a very well deserved achievement. (Image: Placemaking NSW LinkedIn)
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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Nominations for Honorary Membership
We now invite you to nominate one of your Australia ICOMOS colleagues for Honorary Membership, to be considered by the Executive Committee for this year. Members who have previously been nominated but not awarded with Honorary membership may be renominated.
Honorary Membership of Australia ICOMOS may be conferred by the Australia ICOMOS Executive Committee to honour an outstanding contribution made to, or on behalf of, Australia ICOMOS. It is intended that this will be a rare honour to be considered annually but not necessarily bestowed each year.
To nominate an Australia ICOMOS member for Honorary membership, please supply this information to the secretariat.
- Name of Nominee
- A comprehensive statement outlining the nominee’s outstanding contribution to Australia ICOMOS. Please note that this statement may become the basis of the information that is added to the Australia ICOMOS website if Honorary Membership is conferred on the individual you nominate.
Please submit your nomination by COB 02 October 2026. All nominations will be treated as confidential and will be made available to the Australia ICOMOS Secretariat and the small Selection Committee that will assess the nominations.
Please direct any queries to Alana Jennings, Australia ICOMOS Membership Secretary.
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CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS / GRANTS / NOMINATIONS / EOI
Australia ICOMOS Richard Mackay Scholarship | Applications Now Open
At its 2024 Annual General Meeting in Perth, Australia ICOMOS established a special higher degree research scholarship named in honour and recognition of the outstanding contribution to the success of the ICOMOS General Assembly 2023 made by Prof Richard Mackay, AM.
The Australia ICOMOS Richard Mackay Scholarship is an annual scholarship of $10,000 for research related expenses for an enrolled higher degree student with an approved research plan.
The student may be enrolled at any university in Australia, and their research will contribute to understanding and conserving heritage, broadly conceived.
Please find the detailed Terms and Conditions here.
How do I apply?
Your application should include:
- A CV that highlights your academic achievements.
- A 2-page summary of your approved research plan and outline of the proposed research activities that the scholarship would be used to support.
- A letter of support from your Primary Supervisor confirming that your research plan has been approved by your supervisor and/or graduate research office, as appropriate to the terms of your candidature.
- A detailed budget for the proposed research activities for up to AUD$10,000 including, for example, flights, accommodation, library/archive access fees, documentation fees, fieldwork costs etc,
- A 1-page personal statement that demonstrates the following:
the contribution of your research to the field of heritage studies, how the planned activities are essential to your research, and an interest in the work of Australia ICOMOS.
Applications are due by 5pm 19 October 2026. Please email your application as a single PDF attachment, Attention: Rebecca Davies, Secretariat Officer, Australia ICOMOS, with ‘Australia ICOMOS Richard Mackay Scholarship’ in the subject line. Email: austicomos@deakin.edu.au
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Housing Supply Regulations | Submissions sought | Submissions due 30 September 2026
The PC released an interim report on 27 July 2026. Individuals and organisations are able to provide a post-interim submission to respond to the analysis and recommendations contained in the interim report.
Further information including the report can be found here.
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Getty Conservation Guest Scholars Program
The Conservation Guest Scholars Program provides opportunities for established scholars or professionals who have attained distinction in the cultural heritage conservation field.
Recipients are in residence at the Getty Conservation Institute for three months, in which they pursue their own projects free from work-related obligations, make use of research collections at the Getty Centre and Getty Villa, and participate with other Getty scholars, fellows, and interns in the intellectual life of Getty.
Applications are welcome from researchers and practitioners of all nationalities working in cultural heritage conservation or preservation—including objects, collections, architecture, and sites. Applicants should have at least seven years of professional experience and should have an established record of publications and other contributions to the field. Individuals from groups underrepresented across the field of cultural heritage conservation are encouraged to apply. Proposals for postdoctoral research or research that contributes to a PhD or other academic degree will not be considered.
For eligibility, terms, and how to apply, visit https://gty.art/GCIScholars. The application deadline is October 1, 2026.
For questions regarding the program or the application process, please contact: GCIScholars@getty.edu
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Heritage Council of Western Australia’s 2026 WA Heritage Awards Nominations now open – new close date 25 September 2026
The Heritage Awards recognise outstanding achievement in heritage tourism and promotion, heritage conservation, adaptive reuse, interpretation, and heritage practice across Western Australia. The awards provide an opportunity to celebrate the individuals, organisations, and projects making significant contributions to the conservation and appreciation of our state’s heritage.
Further information can be found here.
Nominations close on Friday 25 September2026.
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WORKSHOPS / COURSES / EVENTS / EXHIBITIONS
NEW AusHeritage Symposium – How Concepts of Identity Shape Heritage Practice | Webinar | 3-5pm AEDT 8 Oct 2026
Exploring how different concepts of identity – at a personal, group or national level – may affect what heritage we recognise and how we value, protect, promote, challenge or ignore it.
Presented by AusHeritage in partnership with Artlab Australia
Session one:
CONCEPTS OF IDENTITY
Dr Jilda Andrews, Director, First Nations, National Museum of Australia
Dr Yujie Zhu, Associate Professor, Centre for Heritage & Museum Studies, ANU
Dr Susan Marsden AM, Historian, Director, Marsden Szwarcbord Foundation
General Discussion and Q&A
Session two: Panel of 3 speakers
CHANGING HERITAGE PRACTICE
Dr Jonathan Kemp, Robert Cripps Institute for Cultural Conservation, University of Melbourne; AusHeritage member
Professor Keir Reeves OAM, Federation University; AusHeritage Director
Tharron Bloomfield, Māori Heritage Advisor, Heritage New Zealand
Pouhere Taonga
Registration is free & can be made here.
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ICAHM Conference in Oaxaca, Mexico | 9-13 November 2026
The ICOMOS-ICAHM Conference in Oaxaca, Mexico is fast approaching. The dedicated website has been updated and is now open for registrations (registration form is on the website – once you register, you will be sent details on how to pay your registration fees), and includes the schedule for registration fees. Abstract submission remains open until 15 September (abstract submission form is on the website).
We have also confirmed three keynote speakers, with a fourth to be confirmed shortly. We look forward to hearing keynote addresses from:
- José Luis Perea González (Technical Secretary, INAH, Mexico)
- Christopher Dore (President SAA)
- Teresa Patricio (ICOMOS President)
The website now also includes details on the pre-conference and post-conference tours. These all look amazing, and will be provided by a reputable local tour company, with expert guides. The costs for these tours are extra to the registration fees for the conference, and will need to be paid directly to the tour company. The information and contact details are on the conference website.
The website also includes a downloadable program for the conference. Please be aware that there are a couple of details that might still change, so please keep checking the website for the latest version. You will see that the conference program includes a great variety of events, including evening receptions and dinners, most of which are included in the conference registration fees. I for one am looking forward to the local Oaxacan cuisine.
Details for all of the above can be found on the website.
https://icahmicomos.wixsite.com/annualmeeting2026
Conference Program
Pre conference tours
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Nature Festival Public Events | 6 & 7 October 2026
Floodland: A Community Documentary Screening and Conversation | Nature Festival SA
Free Nature Festival screening of the award-winning Australian documentary Floodland, presented by Adelaide University’s Environment Institute as part of Climate, Community and Resilience: Nature, Mental Health and Action.
Directed by Jordan Giusti, Floodland follows residents of Lismore in northern NSW over three years as they live through catastrophic flooding and its long aftermath. Through deeply personal stories, the film explores climate change, trauma and recovery, First Nations approaches to healing, community resilience, and the difficult question of what it means to remain in a place increasingly exposed to climate disaster.
Winner of the 2025 Sydney Film Festival Sustainable Future Award, Floodland brings the human consequences of climate change into sharp focus.
Following the screening, Dr Bronwyn Gresham from Psychology for a Safe Climate will invite the audience to reflect on the film and its themes of climate-related loss, mental health, adaptation and community resilience. The evening also opens Adelaide University’s two-day Nature Festival program exploring how communities can respond to environmental change while protecting human and ecological wellbeing.
The screening will be facilitated by A/Prof. Ania Kotarba and A/Prof. Toby Freeman
Tuesday 6 October 2026 | The Braggs Lecture Theatre, Adelaide University
Doors open 5.30 pm | Screening 6.00 pm
Register here.
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Climate, Community and Resilience Forum
The Climate, Community and Resilience Forum & Expo, is a free Nature Festival event bringing together researchers, community organisations, environmental groups, health professionals and policymakers to explore how climate and environmental change affect our communities, places and mental health.
The day begins with an interactive Climate Café led by Psychology for a Safe Climate, followed by panel conversations on climate, nature and mental health; community stories and environmental loss; and turning evidence into policy and action.
Throughout the day, the Climate, Community and Resilience Expo will feature stalls and interactive displays from project partners working across mental health, conservation, climate action, disaster management, heritage and community engagement.
There will be 3 panel discussions with experts and community members on storytelling, wellbeing, economics and policy of climate impacts. Come for a session or stay for the day, meet the people working on these issues across South Australia, and find practical ways to connect and get involved.
This event is facilitated by A/Profs. Ania Kotarba and Toby Freeman.
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | Napier Building, 1st floor lecture theatre and foyer Adelaide University
10:00 am to 3:30 pm
Register here
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Heritage Impact Workshop Cascades Female Factory, South Hobart | 29 September 2026
Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) is a vital tool for managing change at cultural heritage places. This workshop presented by Professor Richard Mackay, AM, introduces the internationally endorsed methodology for assessing impacts on World Heritage properties, supporting informed decision-making and sustainable outcomes.
This full-day workshop is tailored for:
- National and State regulators involved in heritage planning and approvals
- World Heritage site managers seeking to strengthen impact assessment practices
Using a case study at a Tasmanian World Heritage property, participants will gain practical insights into:
- The internationally endorsed 11-step HIA methodology
- Tools for identifying heritage attributes and evaluating impacts
- Stakeholder engagement and mitigation strategies.
Registration fee $400+GST
Includes:
- Full day workshop delivered by Professor Richard Mackay
- Catering
- 20% discount on tours at Cascades Female Factory
For more information and bookings, email conservation@portarthur.org.au
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Australia ICOMOS City of Fremantle Climate Literacy Training Workshop | 22 Sept 2026
Australia ICOMOS, in collaboration with the ICOMOS Climate Action Working Group through the Preserving Legacies Heritage Adapts! Community of Action campaign is offering Climate Literacy Training for Heritage Professionals (CLTH) in the form of a full day in person workshop at the City of Fremantle’s Walyalup Civic Centre, on Tuesday 22nd September 2026.
Delivered by accredited trainers Flavia Kiperman and Stephanie Johnston, the course will address the critical necessity for cultural heritage professionals to build capacity in responding to climate-related issues under the following modules:
- Science and impacts;
- Carbon footprints and vulnerability;
- Adaptation and mitigation;
- Climate justice and equity.
The goal of CLTH is to activate new climate leaders and grow a global community of heritage custodians committed to climate mitigation and adaptation.
Registration, covering morning and afternoon tea is $60.00 for Australia ICOMOS members, and $85.00 for non-members.
Lunch will be at participants’ expense in nearby recommended cafes.
Participants will be issued with a formal certificate of accreditation from ICOMOS after completion of the course.
Places are limited to 30 people – Register here.
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Faculty of Architecture, Building & Planning | Uni Melbourne |The Future Suburb Symposium | 2 October 2026
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Australian Garden History Society | National Conference | Orange NSW | 25-28 September 2026
The conference program draws on Orange’s rich history, much influenced by the rich basalt soils that have allowed First Nations people to live well on this land, and that has seen waves of European horticultural endeavour. Once known for its cherries and apples, Orange is now most famous for its shiraz and chardonnay.
The conference lectures will be held at the Orange Civic Theatre, 135 Byng Street, Orange. Lectures will take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings with bus tours in the afternoon.
Even if you can’t get to Orange in September, you can still register for the lecture series, which will be live streamed or available as a recording.
Further information can be found here.
Bookings: 2026 Annual National Conference in Orange, NSW – Australian Garden History Society
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PUBLICATIONS / SURVEYS
Australian Heritage Interpretation Field Handbook Launches Pre-Orders – A Practical Guide for Heritage Professionals Across Australia
Authored by Kylie Christian, who has more than twenty years of experience working in heritage interpretation across Australia, the handbook brings together clear frameworks, real Australian case studies, ready-to-use worksheets, and guidance tailored to the unique contexts of working in this country. It is designed to be used, not just read, whether practitioners are writing an interpretation plan, developing themes, selecting media, or working on site with a group.
The First Edition (September 2026) is a 204-page full-colour paperback (A5 size) printed on heavy stock with a soft-touch laminated cover. Pre-order customers receive the printed handbook at the special launch price of $59.95 (regular price $69.95 after release) plus exclusive one-year access to a companion online portal. The portal includes structured chapters, case studies, a searchable glossary, downloadable worksheets and templates, and practical tools such as Project Path, Theme Lab and Media Explorer, along with a personal dashboard for notes, bookmarks and project work.
The Australian Heritage Interpretation Field Handbook is available for pre-order at shop.decodingheritage.com. Bulk or organisational orders can be arranged by contacting kylie@kyliechristian.com
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SITUATIONS VACANT
NEW Conservation Manager | Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority | Hobart TAS | Applications close 5 October 2026
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the conservation and management of one of Australia’s most significant World Heritage-listed historic sites, working alongside a team dedicated to preserving and sharing our convict heritage.
Manage capital and maintenance works relating to the conservation of historic fabric and structures and ensure that the cultural heritage values of the Port Arthur Historic Sites are maintained and protected.
Selection Criteria
- Specialist experience and knowledge at a senior level in the planning, documentation and implementation of capital and maintenance conservation projects, including the formulation and monitoring of program and budgets, particularly within the area of public buildings and sites.
- Demonstrated high level experience in the conservation of historical built fabric and places.
- Demonstrated thorough understanding of contemporary conservation principles and practices, especially the Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter 2013.
- Demonstrated understanding of current building construction standards, especially the National Construction Code.
- Proven experience in the management of a professional team requiring a high level of organisation, as well as trades and unskilled staff, external consultants and contractors.
- Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills with strong focus on internal and external liaison, consultation, negotiation, handling conflict, and delivery of public presentations.
For further information and to apply follow this link.
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NEW Heritage Advisor (2 Roles) | Sydney Water | Paramatta | Applications close 4 October 2026
Support the business with clear and accurate technical advice on built heritage, archaeology and/or Aboriginal cultural heritage.
- Manage and conserve a diverse portfolio of operational heritage assets.
- Support business initiatives and project outcomes across the organisation.
- Permanent role based in Parramatta, with flexible work options.
- EA 13 (38 hours) $140,108.04 + super
We are seeking experienced and enthusiastic heritage professionals to join our growing team. We have two exciting Heritage Advisor positions in our Heritage Team and are looking for experienced heritage professionals to help manage Sydney Water’s legislative obligations for Aboriginal cultural heritage, built heritage, archaeology and moveable heritage.
Further information can be found here.
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NEW Cultural Heritage Advisor | Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation | Ballarat Vic | Applications close 30 Sept 2026
Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC) is seeking a Cultural Heritage Advisor (CVA) to join our Cultural Values Assessment team and support the identification, assessment and protection of Wadawurrung cultural values across Country.
Working collaboratively with Traditional Owners, Members and the broader Cultural Heritage team, this role will contribute to Cultural Values Assessments and Cultural Heritage projects, ensuring Wadawurrung knowledge, values and connection to Country are appropriately understood, documented and considered.
This is a meaningful opportunity to combine Cultural Heritage expertise with on-Country work, stakeholder engagement and collaboration with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners.
Further information can be found here
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Senior Archaeologist | Big Island Research | Perth WA | Applications close 30 September 2026
Big Island Research (BIR) is a Western Australian–owned consultancy specialising in archaeology and cultural heritage management.
We’re looking for senior archaeologists to join our growing team at BIR.
A Full-time position is available. We offer a competitive salary package, commensurate with skills and experience. Salary range of $120,000 – $140,000 p.a. (including superannuation).
Finding the right fit for our team is important to us, and we’re open to discussing relocation support for the right candidate.
You’ll work on diverse and meaningful projects across Western Australia, contributing to archaeological fieldwork, research, analysis, and reporting (including desktop analysis and GIS). We also offer tailored development pathways for your career through a structured Professional Development Plan, to achieve research goals or move into more advanced positions.
Further information can be found here.
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Senior Heritage Consultant | NBRS Heritage Studio Sydney | Applications assessed on submission
NBRS is an award-winning multidisciplinary design practice delivering architecture, landscape architecture, heritage and interior design projects that create lasting community impact.
- Full-time permanent role
- Milson Point location
- Industry-leading 9-Day Fortnight
- Flexible working arrangements
- Work on diverse heritage projects across Australia and internationally
- Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience
Applications will be reviewed as received.
For further information and to apply, follow this link: https://au.seek.com/job/94237532?ref=cm-ui
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URBIS | Senior Architectural Heritage Specialist | Perth / Sydney / Brisbane | Applications assessed on submission
We invite expressions of interest from inspiring and forward‑thinking heritage professionals to join our national heritage architecture teams at Senior level, relocation assistance is available to work in our Perth, Sydney and Brisbane offices with ability to work as part of a national team. This opportunity is suited to someone who is passionate about the progressive conservation and adaptive re‑use of Australia’s built heritage, and who values work that contributes to strong communities and the protection of shared history.
You will bring expertise in heritage architecture, building conservation and statutory heritage planning, underpinned by a strong working knowledge of national heritage frameworks. Your understanding of heritage legislation, building fabric, and the principles of conservation philosophy will inform your strategic advice and practical solutions across a diverse portfolio of heritage places—ranging from urban landmarks to regional and remote sites of cultural significance.
Further information can be found here.
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GBA Heritage | Heritage Consultant / Senior Heritage Consultant | Sydney | Applications assessed on submission
Are you looking for an opportunity to expand your career as an experienced heritage professional? Join our well-established, highly regarded and forward-looking heritage practice with a varied and dynamic portfolio of interesting, challenging and award-winning projects. GBA Heritage is a medium sized, Sydney CBD-based, heritage consultancy practice. You will join a diverse team of highly qualified heritage staff, gaining responsibility for your personal stewardship of projects, from commissioning to completion, in a collaborative setting.
Our multi-disciplinary team provides extensive services across the full range of the heritage consultancy services, as confirmed on www.gbaheritage.com.
Applicants for this position will have:
• Architectural and Heritage qualification/s in the Australian context
• Minimum three to five years’ experience in Australian heritage practice
• Skills in liaison and negotiation to facilitate positive heritage outcomes
• Demonstrated historical research skills
• Demonstrated ability to prepare heritage documentation
• Ability to meet multiple deadlines and balance priorities Desirable, but not essential:
• Post-graduate qualifications in relevant conservation fields
• Australia ICOMOS membership
• Registration as an architect
This position is full time, with some allowance for working from home. A salary based on qualifications and experience will be negotiated. To apply, please email a resume and a cover letter addressed to GBA Heritage, to: gbamain@gbaheritage.com. The position remains available until filled.
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OCP Architects | Project Architect – Heritage Conservation | Sydney | Applications assessed on submission
OCP Architects is seeking an experienced Project Architect to join our growing heritage conservation practice.
We are looking for a motivated architect with a strong heritage background who is passionate about conservation and enjoys managing projects from inception through to completion. This role requires someone who can take ownership of multiple projects, work closely with clients and consultants, and contribute to the day-to-day management of the practice.
The Role
Working directly with the directors, you will be responsible for:
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