Australia ICOMOS E Mail News No 1113

Set on the Traditional Country of the Wadawurrung Peoples, in the heart of the Victorian Goldfields—recently added to Australia’s World Heritage Tentative List—this year’s conference invites you to explore heritage through critical, future-focused perspectives.

Themes:

BATTLEFRONTS: Heritage under pressure—survival through conflict and exclusion; future challenges from climate change and global disruption.
UN-SETTLING: Rethinking heritage—imagining new models that prioritise community agency, local adaptation, and inclusive governance.

What to Expect:

Two full days of dynamic presentations and discussions
A spectacular conference dinner + Aura light show at Sovereign Hill
Field trips across Ballarat and the Victorian Goldfields
Provocative case studies, diverse voices, and innovative solutions

Sponsorships going fast!

- Only 1 Gold spot left
- Just 4 Silver remaining
- Unlimited Bronze available
- EOIs open for coffee cart, lanyards, and more creative options!

Key Deadlines:

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES CLOSE: 1 November 2025

Whether you’re a practitioner, researcher, educator, or community advocate, this is your chance to contribute to shaping heritage practice for a changing world.

🤝 Become a sponsor
📝 Register to attend

🔗 Explore the conference website for full details.

***

ICOMOS INTERNATIONAL

NEW MONDIACULT 2025

ICOMOS Indigenous Heritage Working Group have two Australian representatives; Erica Smits and Shawnee Gorringe with Susan McIntyre Tamwoy as the board liaison for the group. Recently the IHWG presented a poster at Mondiacult 2025 held in Barcelona.

The UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development – MONDIACULT is a ministerial forum during which 194 Member States of UNESCO work together to set – and commit to – the global agenda for culture. It is organized by UNESCO and hosted by the Government of Spain. The MONDIACULT 2025 Conference is an opportunity to take stock of the national, regional and international-level achievements following the adoption of the historic MONDIACULT Declaration, which defined a set of cultural rights that must be guaranteed. To view the live stream of the various sessions please follow this link.

***

NEW ICOMOS Annual Report

From marking the 60th anniversary of the Venice Charter to gathering global experts at the 2024 General Assembly, the report highlights how the ICOMOS community continues to grow and adapt in a rapidly changing world.

The report also shines a light on groundbreaking publications, new leadership across committees, and the growing influence of ICOMOS in both traditional and emerging fields of conservation.

Whether you are a member, partner, or heritage enthusiast, this report is a celebration of what we can achieve together – and a reminder of why our work matters.

English version (pdf, 3.28 Mo)

***

ICOMOS MEMBERS

NEW National Volunteer Incentive Scheme (Climate Army)

Australia ICOMOS made a submission to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee inquiry into the formation of a National Volunteer Incentive Scheme (Climate Army) to respond to the immediate aftermath of natural disasters in Australia.

Catherine Forbes and Pamela Hubert appeared at a hearing of the Committee on Monday 29 September. The inquiry is exploring initiatives to encourage young people to participate in a ‘Climate Army’ and how to integrate training and qualifications into the scheme.

In our submissions, Australia ICOMOS emphasised the importance of cultural heritage to communities recovering from disasters and its role in the psychological recovery and overall resilience of communities after a disaster. Disaster responders need to be aware of the location of heritage places and also of museums, libraries and archives that contain objects and materials that need special care in their salvage. Disaster risk management planning before an event happens is important to guide responses to events such as bushfires, floods and severe storms. Australia ICOMOS seeks to ensure that respondents to disasters, whether they be SES, fire services, a climate army or other group, have appropriate training to assist in the identification of places with cultural heritage value and how they can be managed.

Australia ICOMOS also stated that to minimise impacts on cultural heritage requires professionals with experience in the handling of significant materials to oversee responses to impacted heritage site. The response to heritage places impacted by disaster needs to be systematic and requires special care. So, volunteers in those situations will need additional training and supervision.

Membership Payments for the 2025/2026 Membership Year Now Due

As Australia ICOMOS runs on the financial year, membership payments for the 25/26 financial year are now due.

There are three ways you can pay: via the membership database, direct deposit or credit card.

Direct Deposit Account name: Australia ICOMOS BSB: 033 120 Account Number: 349654 Reference: Members Name (please ensure you add this)

Please send a banking receipt to austicomos@deakin.edu.au

Pin Payments: Make a payment to Australia ICOMOS – Pin Payments Please note the name of the member.

If your circumstances have changed and you would like to move your membership to retired, unwaged or would like a payment plan please reach out to the secretariat austicomos@deakin.edu.au

Unsure of your current financial status? Please log in to the membership database and view the ‘Payments History’ link (See example)

This will show whether you are paid until 30/06/26 (up to date) or 30/06/25 (expired)

A reminder that current financial membership is a requirement for participation in ICOMOS groups and committees like ISCs/NSCs, working groups etc, as is the use of the post nominal M.ICOMOS. These are important membership benefits. The executive will be checking payments over the coming months to ensure that membership fees are paid.

Changed address recently? Please update the member database.

***

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS / GRANTS / NOMINATIONS / EOI

City of Perth Heritage Conservation Grants NOW OPEN

Applications for the City of Perth’s Heritage Conservation Grants program 2025/26 are now being accepted. Contact the Sponsorship team now to discuss your potential project (details below)

Program Details

Two streams of funding are available under the program:

Heritage Advice and Documentation – Funding of up to $15,000 or up to 75% of the total documentation and professional fees available, whichever is the lesser amount; and
Heritage Conservation Works – Matched funding of up to $25,000 or up to 50% of the project cost available, whichever is the lesser amount.

Projects funded through the Heritage Conservation Grants should enhance the public realm, maintain and enable use of heritage-protected places, and develop community understanding about the importance of heritage conservation.

Key Details

Program: NOW OPEN
Applications Close: 17 November 2025, 4pm AWST
Notification of decision: 25 February 2026

Projects may commence following the date of submission for a Heritage Conservation Grant on SmartyGrants. However, projects that have commenced and/or have been completed prior to the date of submission are ineligible.

Key Information
Program guidelines outlining eligibility, assessment criteria, program outcomes and key dates are available on the City’s website.

Contact the team: (08) 9461 3352 Email: planning@cityofperth.wa.gov.au

To learn more about projects that have achieved great outcomes with the support of a City grant, view the case study for Newspaper House | City of Perth

***

Queensland Government Grassroots Environmental Grants Program Round 1: Environmental Conservation is now OPEN

Grants will be provided to eligible recipients to increase and support their capacity to improve the sustainability of our natural assets and/or protect and improve the biodiversity of Queensland’s natural environments.

Projects funded will be those that fall into the following categories:

Category 1 – Grants of up to $15,000 (excl GST) to purchase general equipment such as items for weeding and revegetation activities, camera traps, PPE, and/or facility upgrades such as installation of efficient irrigation, water tanks, and garden sheds to support/improve an organisation’s capacity to undertake environmental conservation activities.

Category 2 – Grants of up to $30,000 (excl GST) will be provided to deliver on-ground projects to safeguard Queensland’s natural environment through activities which rehabilitate, protect and improve biodiversity and habitat.

A single application may seek funding for Category 1 activities and Category 2 activities. In such instances, the total funding of the grant will not exceed $45,000 (excl GST).

Program guidelines and application details are available on the Queensland Government website.

Applications close 4:00pm on Wednesday 8 October 2025.

For more information email GEGrants@detsi.qld.gov.au or telephone (07) 3330 6360.

***

Call for Applications for the Richard Mackay Scholarship

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 two-page summary of your University-approved research proposal and outline of the proposed research activities that the scholarship would be used to support.
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 one-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 20 October, 2025. 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

***

WORKSHOPS / COURSES / EVENTS / EXHIBITIONS

NEW ACAHUCH Annual Symposium – Toxic Heritage | Melbourne University | 27 October 2025

ACAHUCH is pleased to announce their tenth annual symposium titled “Toxic Heritage” on Monday 27^th October, 2025.

The symposium will feature expert talks and panel discussions, where speakers from practice, policy and research domains will debate ideas and share current preoccupations with ‘difficult’ heritage and conservation.

Keynotes and panellists will explore ‘toxic materials’ in historic contexts, ‘toxic policies’ and planning regimes, and the remediation of ‘toxic environments’. Case studies will range from the conservation of the very local to international heritage sites that have been catalysts for destruction.

Registration link on Eventbrite is here.

More information can be found on ACAHUCH’s website here.

***

NEW University of Canberra Short Course | Materials for Heritage Engineering | Online & Fremantle | Nov – Dec 2025

Registrations are now open for the Materials for Heritage Engineering short course to be held online with a two-day workshop at the Fremantle Port site. This course is designed for engineers, conservators, architects and other heritage professionals, offering the chance to explore traditional materials, understand site deterioration and apply practical conservation techniques. It’s a unique opportunity to deepen your expertise, connect with specialists and take the next step forward in your career. Registrations close 1 October though late registrants may be considered.

***

NEW Native Title & Indigenous Cultural Heritage Law – Professional Development Seminar | Storey & Ward Melbourne | 13 Nov 2025

Storey & Ward Lawyers are pleased to announce their next Native Title & Indigenous Cultural Heritage Law professional development (CPD) seminar in Naarm (Melbourne), providing training and expertise in the area of Land Rights, Native Title, Indigenous Cultural Heritage, and associated legal and policy developments.

The Native Title & Indigenous Cultural Heritage Law seminar introduces Land Rights in Australia, the theory of Native Title, the Native Title Future Acts regime, and Indigenous Cultural Heritage law.

“Land justice is about much more than Mabo, it’s about a complicated web of statutory, legislative and spiritual responsibilities for Country.”

The seminar will also provide an opportunity to participate in discussion with senior Traditional Owner Liz Allen about how rights & responsibilities to culture & Country are enacted within statutory and regulatory environments.

Designed for those working in the area, including heritage advisors, professionals working in the resources, planning, environmental regulation or community policy sectors, lawyers (providing 6 CPD points subject to jurisdictional requirements), and those interested in Native Title & Cultural Heritage more generally, this seminar provides a good working understanding of Native Title, Cultural Heritage law and associated regulatory and statutory regimes.

“To really understand the complex environment of Traditional Owner rights, you have to talk to people with lived experience.”

This all day seminar (9:00am – 4:00pm) will be held on Thursday 13 November 2025 in Naarm (Melbourne). It includes resource materials, morning & afternoon tea & a light networking lunch.

***

NEW Museums of History – Sydney Open | Various Locations | 2 November 2025

Join MH on Sunday 2 November for their major Sydney Open city-wide experience, giving you access to some of Sydney’s most exclusive buildings and places, including important heritage spaces, new buildings and significant sites.

A City Pass is your ticket to explore more than 55 buildings and spaces, many of which are rarely open to the public. Go behind the scenes and discover each building’s architectural significance and unique story.

For further information and to book, follow this link.

***

City of Canada Bay Heritage Society | Dame Eadith Walker Estate (Yaralla) Open Day | 26 Oct 2025

Our Society’s major fund-raising events are our Open Days on the two historic Walker Estates. All money raised is used for the preservation of these estates.

BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL: You will need to book in for a specific time for your tour

TOURS: Commencing at 10:30 am, tours leave throughout the day at 30 minute intervals. Groups are limited to 20 people to enable the guide to interact better with the group.

PARKING: You will be advised of parking details at the time of booking.

SOUVENIRS: Trish Skehan’s books, The Walkers of Yaralla ($25) and Where the Blue Wattle Grows ($15.00), will be available for sale as well as smaller leaflets on the Walkers and Rivendell. These are also always available at our museum at 1 Bent Street, Concord.

CATERING: Devonshire Teas will be available for sale during the day. As well a barbecue lunch and cans of drink may be available from our BBQ Trailer at a nominal cost.

Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/yaralla-estate-open-day-sunday-26-october-2025/tickets

***

Eureka 3D-XR | Driving digital transformation in Cultural Heritage Institutions | Free webinar series | Nov & Dec 2025

An online training programme to provide knowledge and practical insights to cultural heritage professionals Organized by EUreka3D-XR and ICA (International Council on Archives)

A great opportunity to discuss with highly renowned experts, exchange knowledge and experiences, and acquire practical tools and methodologies for the digital transformation in the field of cultural heritage.

Apply now and improve your skills through this online training programme!

Three online sessions of 2 hours long, in English. Each session includes a keynote speech from different domain experts, and an interactive working session offered to a selected group of learners who will discuss, engage and share experiences.

It is possible to attend the keynote speeches independently, as they are designed for a broad audience. These streamed open-access lectures provide insights into the opportunities, challenges, and practical applications of emerging technologies in the cultural heritage sector. Free to attend.

***

Centre for Rare and Forgotten Trades Restoration Skills Workshops 21, 22, 23 November 2025

Introduction To Leadlight Restoration with Brian Sims

Friday – Sunday, 21 – 23 November 9:30am – 4:30pm

https://www.raretradescentre.com.au/events/introduction-to-leadlight-restoration/

You will bring your own small leadlight panel along for the workshop, and using this will learn how to safely clean and prepare the panel for restoration, dismantle the damaged areas, repair existing solder joins, select and cut replacement glass pieces and solder them into place. At the end of the session, you will have a restored leadlight panel ready for installation.

$770

Introduction To Building a Dry Stone Wall / Intermediate Dry Stone Walling: Cheekends with Emma Knowles

Saturday & Sunday, 22 & 23 November 9:00am – 5:00pm

https://www.raretradescentre.com.au/events/introduction-to-building-a-dry-stone-wall/

You will work as a team with other workshop participants to build a small section of a wall using traditional dry stone walling techniques, learning about tools, planning and design, types of stone, selecting the appropriate stones for your build, creating a wall foundation, and deconstructing and re-constructing sections of an existing dry stone wall. You will gain the knowledge and skills to commence a basic private project and pursue further learning.

$630

***

PUBLICATIONS

NEW Collections Law and Ethics: Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museums | Shane Simpson & Ian McDonald, Federation Press

Collections Law & Ethics addresses the key legal and ethical issues that arise in public museums, galleries, libraries and archives in Australia and New Zealand. Its authors, Shane Simpson and Ian McDonald, are pre-eminent cultural property lawyers with decades of experience advising collecting and other cultural organisations and this book distils that expertise into a comprehensive, practical text that covers:

• key areas of law, including contract, copyright, bailment, limits to freedom of speech;
• ethical issues and frameworks, including in relation to First Nations peoples;
• core collection activities such as acquisitions, loans, touring, deaccessioning and disposal of collection material;
• legal and ethical issues arising from technological advances, including NFTs and AI;
• merchandising, sponsorships, philanthropy and consultancies; and
• the duties to visitors, volunteers, and the responsibilities of staff and board.

An invaluable book for anyone working in, or advising, a public collecting organisation.

Order here

***

NEW Constructing Faith in the Antipodes Modern Church Architecture in Queensland 1945-1977 by Lisa Marie Daunt

The overlooked history of modern church architecture in post-war Australia

Over 1,650 churches were built in Queensland, Australia, between 1945 and 1977. They constitute some of the most notable modern architecture in the state and reveal tensions surrounding modernism’s role in cultural expression and regional identity. While much research has focused on post-war modern church architecture in the Global North, little has been done on the Global South.

This book offers a particular perspective on modernist church architecture, differing from accounts of buildings in the northern hemisphere, as it highlights how church architecture in Queensland was shaped by its very specific time and place – a young and developing state covering a vast area of land, sparsely populated, highly multi-denominational and located in the antipodes.

Modern architectural developments and emergent religious ideas did not simply transfer to Queensland. Rather, architectural ideas were circulated globally, allowing for a global narrative. This landmark study seeks to broaden views and methods for future research, both locally and internationally. Richly illustrated, Constructing Faith in the Antipodes combines both a chronological and a thematic approach to narrate modern church architectural history and offers a fascinating glimpse into a distinct collection of modern church buildings.

Publication can be purchased here.

***

SURVEYS

NEW Climate change and Australian public historic gardens survey – Anna Beesley

Anna is a PhD researcher at the University of Melbourne undertaking a study exploring how climate change is impacting public historic gardens in Australia. Anna is also a horticulturalist, former lawyer and former custodian of an Edna Walling designed private historic garden at Bickleigh Vale in Mooroolbark and it is this that spurred Anna’s interest and is the impetus for the PhD research.

If you would like to take part, the survey is open until 30 November 2025.

To find out more, a plain language statement is attached and is also included with the survey. The survey has 27 questions and should take about 20 minutes to complete.

The survey can be found: Climate change and Australian public historic gardens survey
***

SITUATIONS VACANT

NEW SITUATION VACANT | Heritage Specialist | Inner West Council – Leichhardt | Applications close 5 October 2025

The Development Assessment Team is responsible for delivering a high standard of advice to customers and key stakeholders regarding Council’s desired development and heritage outcomes, to achieve a quality urban environment within the Inner West Local Government Area.

The Heritage Specialist will work in the Heritage and Urban Design Team under the leadership of the City Architect, to influence the architectural and urban character of one of Sydney’s most vibrant and diverse communities within the development assessment context to meet its targets and commitments against your team and Council’s Operational and Strategic Plans.

The primary purpose of the role is to provide advice and creative solutions across heritage and architecture, sustainability and innovation. You will facilitate partnerships across Council and help solve problems and resolve issues with regard to architectural and heritage matters.

Please read the Position Description to familiarise yourself with all the requirements and conditions of the role.

Further information and how to apply can be found here.

***

NEW SITUATION VACANT | Heritage 21 | Senior Heritage Consultant | Alexandria NSW | Applications assessed on submission

Heritage 21 is a ﬁrm of dedicated heritage practitioners based in Alexandria NSW with expertise in built heritage, urban planning, history and architecture.

We are on the lookout for a talented individual who is ready to take on a leadership role in our expanding team. You will bring your years of heritage experience and knowledge to a range of projects in the private and public sectors, building strong relationships with clients and supporting junior staff in their professional growth. A proven ability to manage complex projects efficiently and familiarity with heritage architecture and construction techniques are essential.

If you are passionate about preserving history and shaping the future of heritage in Australia, email your resume and cover letter to reception@heritage21.com.au

***

NEW SITUATION VACANT | DCCEEW Senior Cultural Heritage Coordinator | Kakadu NT | Applications Close 22 Oct 2025

Under the supervision of the EL1 Manager Culture, working in a small team and in accordance with the Lease Agreement, Kakadu Plan of Management and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), the Senior Cultural Heritage Coordinator will help to implement the delivery of Kakadu’s cultural heritage program, guided by park management governance and policies including the cultural heritage working group, An-Garragen – Cultural Heritage Management Plan, the Bim Strategy, and associated action plans. This role works closely with Bininj/Mungguy Traditional Owners and other partners to protect, manage and promote Kakadu’s cultural values, and involves a mix of office-based coordination, stakeholder engagement, and field-based work across the park.

Further information can be found here.

***

SITUATION VACANT | Heritage Advisor | National Trust QLD | Brisbane | FT | Applications assessed on submission

As our Heritage Advisor, you will provide high-level strategic advice to the CEO, Board, and senior leaders on heritage matters, legislation, planning provisions, and appeals. You’ll work closely with site teams, heritage custodians, and external stakeholders to ensure best-practice heritage management across our diverse portfolio of sites. You’ll also play a central role in delivering interpretation strategies, supporting public programs and events, and shaping advocacy initiatives that align with NTAQ’s mission to conserve and advance Queensland’s cultural heritage.

To be successful in this role, you should have demonstrated high level knowledge and experience in heritage services (5+ years) or experience in administering a Local Council Heritage Register and superior understanding of heritage legislation and conservation.

For further information and to apply please follow this link

***

SITUATION VACANT | Senior Heritage Consultant/Archaeologist (Aboriginal archaeology) | GML Heritage | Canberra | Applications assessed on submission

GML is seeking a full-time Senior Heritage Consultant/Archaeologist (Aboriginal Archaeology) to work in our Canberra office. You will join a collaborative team working on a wide variety of projects in both Aboriginal and historical archaeology and across the full spectrum of heritage consultancy. To support those considering a move to Canberra, we’re offering a $5,000 relocation package for candidates who relocate for this role.

Further information can be found here

***

GET SOCIAL! CLICK ON THE ICONS BELOW TO LIKE & FOLLOW