ICOMOS MEMBERS
NEW AICOMOS Executive Committee welcomes two new members
We are pleased to announce that there are two new members appointed to the executive committee until the 2026 AGM, Caitlin D’Gluyas and Shoshanna Grounds.
Caitlin and Shoshanna will be co QLD state representatives. An expression of interest was sought from Queensland members following two vacancies on the Executive Committee. As there were no Queensland representatives on the Executive, it was considered important to ensure their representation.
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NEW Invitation to Participate: Understanding Water Heritage
Formally approved in December 2024, the ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Water and Heritage (ISC Water) is dedicated to the research, protection and promotion of water-related heritage in material, governance, conceptual and spiritual dimensions. We view traditional water management systems as living assets essential for sustaining livelihoods, meeting SDG6 targets, and providing water safety and water security for today and tomorrow.
Water has shaped landscapes, settlements, technologies, and cultural practices across societies. Yet the concept of water heritage is interpreted in many different ways depending on cultural, linguistic, and disciplinary perspectives. Our short survey aims to gather insights from professionals and practitioners around the world to better understand how water heritage is perceived, defined, and experienced. The survey will take approximately 5–7 minutes to complete.
Your contributions will help inform broader conversations within ISC Water’s membership and the ICOMOS community, on the cultural, environmental and technological dimensions of water heritage.
🔗 Participate here: https://forms.gle/xsMupYrJJDa5q5Y57
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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.
Flavia Kiperman at the Fremantle Society
Last week I moderated a Fremantle heritage panel hosted by the Fremantle Society, featuring Darren Foster GAICD (Chair, Heritage Council of Western Australia (HCWA), Prof Richard Mackay AM (Australian Heritage Council; UNESCO advisor) and John Dowson (President, Fremantle Society).
The panel discussed the importance of the City of Fremantle’s current regulatory framework in protecting its streetscapes, the need for government support for private heritage owners, and the essential role of community advocacy. They also highlighted incremental change as a long‑term risk to Fremantle’s character, emphasising strategic planning, preservation and stronger street activation.
Thank you to the 70+ people who attended and contributed to a highly constructive discussion.
Image: Tess Sutton
https://lnkd.in/gCNWibQT
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AICOMOS SUBMISSIONS
NEW Building Action Now (BAN)
AICOMOS recently submitted a letter to the Victorian Housing Minister regarding process issues surrounding the state government’s proposed demolition of Melbourne’s 44 public housing towers. The submission was drafted by members of the Strategic Advocacy Reference Group, Victorian state representatives and other ICOMOS members to ensure it captured the key points in a manner consistent with AICOMOS principles and policies. We are now circulating the following call to action on the matter because AICOMOS members might want to support this campaign in their own right (i.e. not as ICOMOS representatives).
Dear ICOMOS,
I’m getting in touch on behalf of Building Action Now (BAN), a coalition of over 600+ architects, engineers, academics and construction workers who have signed an open letter to the Victorian Housing Minister calling for a halt to the demolition of Melbourne’s 44 public housing towers.
BAN exists to provide a built environment industry voice on this issue, in both professional and technical capacities. We are writing to you to ask for your help in sharing our campaign.
The December 2025 Parliamentary Inquiry found that the government failed to provide evidence to justify demolition, withheld 92% of the documents requested, and allowed the managed decline of these buildings over the years. The Inquiry found evidence of coercion, misinformation and serious trauma inflicted on residents during relocation. Last month, in the middle of the worst housing crisis Australia has ever had, seven more towers were announced for redevelopment, all of which house residents aged 55 and over. Two independent feasibility studies have shown that retrofit is technically possible, would save up to $1.5 billion across all 44 towers, and reduce embodied carbon by over 700,000 tonnes of CO2, with far less disruption to residents. International examples from Paris, Vienna, Copenhagen and Toronto confirm this is standard practice and well within the capabilities of our local industry.
Our demands are clear: halt the demolition and redevelopment of all towers until transparent evidence is provided, an independent assessment, and genuine resident consultation that considers each tower on a case-by-case basis.
We are asking you to share the open letter with your members and networks to reach 1,000 signatures. The letter, background resources and information are available at buildingaction.now
We welcome any conversation about how our campaign and ICOMOS might support each other on this urgent matter.
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CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS / GRANTS / NOMINATIONS / EOI
NEW Call for papers GA2026, Session Convened by ICHAM | Heritage Management Planning Systems: Challenges, Lessons Learned and Potential New Approaches
ICOMOS GA2026 Scientific Symposium 17–24 October 2026 | Kuching, Malaysia & Online
Session Convened by: ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Archaeological Heritage Management (ICAHM: https://icahm.icomos.org/)) Theme: ENHANCE – Sharing research and experiences that fortify ways of safeguarding heritage.
This session examines the structural and systemic challenges confronting World Heritage management planning through an analytical framework organized around five critical heritage management dimensions: flexibility, strategy, governance, context, and capacity. These dimensions provide a lens for understanding why management plans often fail to deliver effective heritage protection despite well-intentioned planning processes.
Through two focused 1.5-hour sessions, international experts will present examples addressing more effective planning and management at World Heritage sites and significant archaeological properties not yet inscribed, recognizing that sound management principles strengthen heritage protection regardless of designation status. Presentations will address climate adaptation and site integrity, Indigenous knowledge systems and community-centered approaches, sustainable tourism and visitor management, risk preparedness and disaster response, technological applications for monitoring and interpretation, and governance models that build institutional capacity while empowering local stakeholders.
Further information can be found here.
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World Monuments Fund (WMF) biennial, nomination-based open call for the World Monuments Watch now live
The World Monuments Watch is WMF’s signature program, spotlighting places where heritage action can spark meaningful change—by responding to urgent threats, addressing community needs, or advancing innovative solutions to global challenges. From this open call, 25 sites will be selected for the 2027 Watch cycle to receive advocacy and direct support from WMF.
The nomination deadline is 5:00 PM EDT on March 20, 2026.
Further information can be found here.
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Queensland Government – DETSI Grassroots Environmental Grants now open
Round 1: Koala Habitat Restoration
Grants of up to $75,000 (excluding GST) will be provided to eligible recipients for on-ground projects which seek to revegetate koala habitat and increase landscape connectivity in a Koala Priority Area (KPA) or an Area of Regional Koala Significance (ARKS). A total of $1 million in funding is available in this round of the grant program.
Projects funded will be those which encourage community participation and engagement and that:
- revegetate cleared or regrowth koala habitat; and
- increase landscape connectivity for koalas.
Grant funding will only be provided for eligible locations within a KPA or an ARKS area, and which are identified as Koala Habitat or Koala Habitat Restoration areas.
Program guidelines and application details are available on the Queensland Government website and includes other Grassroots Environmental Grants funding opportunities for Conservation Outcomes for Marine Plants.
Applications close 4:00pm on Tuesday, 31 March 2026.
For more information email GEGrants@detsi.qld.gov.au or telephone (07) 3330 6360.
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Developing a new Queensland Heritage Strategy- Discussion Paper
The Queensland Government is seeking feedback on the development of a new Queensland Heritage Strategy.
The new strategy will succeed the existing strategy and deliver a fresh start for heritage.
The Delivering a fresh start for Queensland’s heritage discussion paper presents five focus areas for feedback:
- Making heritage accessible
- Improving stewardship
- Celebrating heritage
- Optimising benefits of heritage
- Enhancing governance
Feedback will be used to inform the development of the new strategy, which is expected to be released in late 2026, once consultation feedback has been received and considered.
Views are also sought on changes to the Queensland Heritage Act 1992 that are aimed at improving stewardship and enhancing governance for the protection and management of our heritage places.
Further in-person and online events will be hosted throughout the consultation period.
How to provide feedback
Read the discussion paper and submit your feedback (via an online feedback form; or by uploading or emailing a submission).
Consultation closes 5pm, 31 March 2026.
More information
Website: Developing a new Queensland heritage strategy
Consultation platform: www.detsi.qld.gov.au/consultation
Email: HeritageFeedback@detsi.qld.gov.au
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Moran Award for History of Science Research
Applications for the Australian Academy of Science’s Moran Award for History of Science Research are now open. Aimed at postgraduate students and early career researchers with expertise in the history of Australian science, it provides up to $10,000 to support access to archives that record the history of science in Australia, and it can be used towards travel and accommodation costs.
Applications close 1 June 2026. Check the award webpage for full requirements and how to apply.
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WORKSHOPS / COURSES / EVENTS / EXHIBITIONS
NEW Australian Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades (Rare Trades Centre)
The annual Lost Trades Fair – this year being held at Hanging Rock on 28 & 29 March. Tickets must be purchased online: https://www.losttradesfair.com.au/ticketing-info
Come and meet the Rare Trades Centre staffers and many of the artisans who regularly bring you artisan-driven workshops imparting skills and knowledge about traditional trade and craft practices.
And check out upcoming Rare Trades Centre sessions offering small group learning about the traditions of crafting our material culture (https://www.raretradescentre.com.au/events/):
MARCH
Introduction To Calligraphy 21 March
Introduction To Leatherwork: Soft Leather Journal 22 March
APRIL
Leadlighting: The Boxed Frame Lamp with Vintage Glass and Copper Foil 15 & 16 April
Tapestry Weaving: An Introduction 18 April
Introduction To Photogravure Printing 18 & 19 April
MAY
Sew Your Own Underbust Corset 1 – 3 May
Introduction To Hand Carved Letters in Stone 2 & 3 May
Cloth Covered Solander Box 2 May
Locksmithing: Jacksons Padlock 9 May
Australian Centre for Gold Rush Collections
Partnering with the Rare Trades Centre in presenting opportunities to delve into over 150,000 objects from Victoria’s goldfields and colonial history through exclusive back-of-house Collections tours.
Choose from:
- Chinese Collections Tours
- Treasures from the Collections Tour
- Fashion Collection Tour
Saturdays, 2pm – 4pm
https://www.sovereignhill.com.au/events/back-of-house-tours/
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NEW 20th Century Heritage Society of NSW | AT the Harbour’s Edge Exploring Rose Bay with Roy Lumby 29 March 2026
For many years one of Sydney’s fashionable and desirable localities, Rose Bay has a great deal to offer devotees of twentieth century architecture and design.
Development really took off here during the first decade of the twentieth century and consolidated during the interwar period. This is reflected in the locality’s fine collection of apartment buildings and civic adornments.
Join the Society for this relaxing heritage walk around Rose Bay’s fine collection of twentieth century architecture and design, led by heritage specialist Dr. Roy Lumby.
Date: Sunday 29 March
Time: 11.00 am
Meet: Western end of Lyne Park on New South Head Road, near the War Memorial
Book your tickets now on Eventbrite
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Museums of History NSW | Firestick | The Mint NSW | 16 April 2026
Firestick is a new six-part talk series featuring First Nations visionaries who are blazing a trail and lighting the way for future generations in diverse industries, from video game design to global fashion.
Taking place in the lead-up to Anzac Day, the first talk draws on the historically overlooked experiences of Indigenous servicemen in the 20th century. Speakers include Ngunnawal/Gomeroi man Michael Bell, Indigenous Liaison Officer at the Australian War Memorial, and Yuwaalaraay filmmaker Dylan Nicholls.
This talk will also feature an exclusive screening of Nicholls’s award-winning 2025 documentary Bringing his spirit home, a moving portrait of Gomeroi man Peter Milliken as he travels to France to visit his uncle’s war grave and return soil to Country.
The format of the series encourages informal post-talk gatherings between the speakers and audience, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and deeper understanding of Indigenous innovation and agency. Continue the conversation in the Mint courtyard over food and drinks.
Free event, register here.
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ICTC Webinar Series February – June 2026
From Principles to Practice:
Applying the ICOMOS International Charter for Cultural Heritage Tourism (2022)
The ICOMOS International Cultural Tourism Committee (ICTC) launches a monthly webinar series on the ICOMOS International Charter on Cultural Heritage Tourism (2022). Presentations and discussions aims to empower ICOMOS members in implementation of the Charter.
The webinars will lead up to ICOMOS General Assembly 2026 in Kuching and inform the many events where tourism will be addressed.
WEBINAR PROGRAMME
25 March (13:00 CET)
Principles 1 & 2
Planning · Visitor Management · Inclusive Governance
22 April (13:00 CET)
Principle 3
Knowledge · Interpretation · Education
27 May (13:00 CET)
Principles 4 & 5
Community · Local Development · Benefit-sharing
24 June (13:00 CET)
Principles 6 & 7
Climate Action · Sustainability · Long-term Management
Registration is free to ICOMOS members: ICTC Webinar Series 2026 – Registration
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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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PUBLICATIONS / SURVEYS
PhD Survey on sustainable conservation in above-ground archaeological sites
As part of his doctoral thesis research at Gazi University (Turkey), Institute of Science, Department of Urban and Regional Planning, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Nevin Gültekin, Ferruh Yılmaz Gülser is seeking expert opinions on sustainable conservation in above-ground archaeological sites.
This study also examines the performance of “best practice” examples in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The survey will take approximately 15 minutes.
Survey Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScJNOz1OLvspCcFC4aa8jDssrZ-uQjv_IlWXn63Rq65XfNlbA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=105129628890008619782
Contact Ferruh Yılmaz Gülser for further information: ferruhgulser@gmail.com
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SITUATIONS VACANT
NEW DCCEEW | Assistant Director Cultural Heritage Parks Australia | Applications close 25 March 2026
Developing guidance and strategies to support Parks Australia ensure compliance with cultural heritage obligations and legislative responsibilities,
Providing support to operational parks and gardens to implement required uplift activities,
Delivery of parks wide improvement activities which enhance cultural heritage protection – including staff training and capacity building, and
Providing technical advice on cultural heritage conservation and management practices and approaches.
Closes: 25-Mar-2026 11:30 PM
Further information can be found here
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NEW DCCEEW | Senior Cultural Heritage Officer Parks Australia | Applications close 25 March 2026
Support the planning and implementation of key projects relating to uplifting cultural heritage management capacity within Parks Australia; and
Support the development of cultural heritage policies and procedures across Parks Australia.
Closes: 25-Mar-2026 11:30 PM
Further information can be found here
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BIOSIS | Senior Built Heritage Consultant | NSW | Applications assessed on submission
BIOSIS are seeking a Senior Built Heritage Consultant to join our NSW team, where you will apply your expertise to a diverse range of projects. In this role, you will report to the Manager – Heritage (NSW) and play an active part in project delivery through your involvement in project teams, project management, site investigation, and client liaison.
A key part of the position involves providing technical guidance to junior consultants, as well as leading and developing project teams. You will help new team members understand our work, support them in building capability, and contribute to identifying opportunities, developing new work, and winning projects.
You may be based in any of their NSW offices, and you will have the opportunity to lead and contribute to a wide variety of projects across the state.
Please apply for this position on the SWAG job board.
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BIOSIS | Senior Heritage Consultant | VIC | Applications assessed on submission
BIOSIS are seeking a Senior Heritage Consultant to join their Port Melbourne team, where you will apply your expertise to a diverse range of projects across both Aboriginal and historical archaeology. You will report to the Team Leader – Heritage (Vic) and will be a technical expert with demonstrated experience in delivering Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMPs) or historical heritage assessments. You will play an active role in project work through participation in project teams, project management, fieldwork, and client liaison. Independence is encouraged through actively seeking mentoring and advice. Administrative duties include those incorporated as part of project work as well as additional duties as required.
Please apply for this position via our SWAG job board.
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OCP Architects | Senior Heritage Architect | Sydney | Full-Time | Applications assessed on submission
OCP Architects is seeking an experienced Senior Heritage Architect to join our established conservation practice based in Surry Hills, Sydney.
We work across a diverse portfolio of heritage, adaptive re-use, and façade restoration projects, including significant institutional and public-sector sites across NSW.
We are looking for a confident and proactive heritage professional with 5–10 years’ experience who can:
- Lead conservation and adaptive re-use projects from assessment through delivery
• Prepare high-quality technical documentation including Schedules of Work, specifications, and heritage reports
• Provide clear advice on statutory heritage frameworks and approval pathways
• Coordinate consultant teams and liaise directly with clients
• Mentor and support junior staff, contributing to a positive and professional studio culture
• Demonstrate strong construction knowledge, including detailing, on-site experience, and an understanding of traditional building methods
A strong understanding of the Burra Charter, NSW heritage legislation and conservation methodologies is essential.
Experience in CAD workflows (or willingness to engage in BIM environments) will be highly regarded as the practice continues to evolve its technical capabilities.
This is a full-time, office-based role with the opportunity to take ownership of projects within a collaborative and technically focused team.
Applications (CV + portfolio) to info@ocp.net.au
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