ICOMOS MEMBERS

NEW Submissions

Australia ICOMOS makes formal submissions regarding legislation reviews, government polices and other pertinent issues. These submissions give Australia ICOMOS a powerful voice and the opportunity to make a formal statement on the weaknesses and strengths of such legislation and policies, and lobby for better heritage protection and management.

Here are links to some of our latest submissions:

• Australia ICOMOS Submission: Festival Plaza South Australia
• Australia ICOMOS Submission: Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025 and related Bills
• Australia ICOMOS Submission: Planning Amendment (Better Decisions Made Faster) Bill 2025

***

NEW 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.

Oliver Shearer

I recently had the honour of attending the Integrated Territorial & Urban Conservation (ITUC): International Training Course on Managing Urban Heritage for Sustainable Development, organised by ICCROM. The course was held in UNESCO World Heritage–inscribed Urbino, Italy. Out of almost 300 applications, 16 heritage professionals were selected from across Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe, and Oceania, representing government agencies, academic and research institutions, and non-governmental organisations. The course was organised by Elena Incerti Medici (ICCROM), facilitated by Rohit Jigyasu (ICCROM) and Leticia Leitão (ICCROM Consultant), and hosted by Luana Alessandrini (Head of World Heritage, Municipality of Urbino), with the entire team being too many to list, spanning local, European and international contexts.

The programme comprised an intensive two weeks of in-class lectures, workshops, discussions, information sharing, and case-study work based on both the individual contexts of participants and the shared case study of Urbino in its World Heritage context. A strong focus throughout the course was placed on the methodologies and tools needed to safeguard urban heritage, including values-based approaches, participatory planning, risk-informed conservation, heritage impact assessment, and integrated management frameworks that balance conservation with sustainable development.

There were also several site visits, including within the Urbino buffer zone; among the many highlights were being treated to the local dish ‘crescia sfogliata’ by the community, and being welcomed into the studios of local artisans and craftspeople such as the master engraver Bruno Bajardi and the Guado Urbino, the fabric-dyeing workshop of Alessandra Ubaldi. The whole experience was truly unforgettable, with so many passionate heritage professionals from around the world coming together, all open to sharing and learning.

It is safe to say that all participants left with a stronger understanding of World Heritage, its values and attributes, our globally shared challenges, and the remarkable opportunities in this field, along with having made a direct contribution to the future strategic direction of Urbino. All up, I would highly recommend applying for any future ICCROM courses.

Links:

• UNESCO – Urbino – whc.unesco.org/en/list/828/
• ICCROM ITUC – iccrom.org/news/strengthening-urban-heritage-sustainable-development-ituc-2025-urbino
• Crescia sfogliata – giallozafferano.com/recipes/crescia-sfogliata
• Guado Urbino laboratory – guadourbino.com/en
• BCB Academy – brunobajardiacademy.com/en/academys-history/

Photos: Oliver Shearer

***

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS / GRANTS / NOMINATIONS / EOI

NEW 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.

***

NEW 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.

***

NEW 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

***

WORKSHOPS / COURSES / EVENTS / EXHIBITIONS

NEW 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 28^th, 2026.

***

NEW 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 

***

PUBLICATIONS / SURVEYS

NEW 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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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. 
4. 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.
5. 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. 
6. 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.

***

NEW 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.

***

NEW 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

***

SITUATIONS VACANT

NEW 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.

***

NEW 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.

***

NEW 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.

***

NEW 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.

***

NEW 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.

***

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