NEWS
NEW Australia ICOMOS at NASC 2026
Australia ICOMOS were proud to be gold sponsors of the National Student Archaeology Conference held at Queensland University 30th Sept – 2nd October.
Queensland member Dr Andrew Sneddon provided an inspiring presentation titled “Unlocking Heritage Careers through ICOMOS”. The student feedback highlighted the presentation’s inspiring and practical insights into career pathways in cultural heritage, and the valuable opportunities available through Australia ICOMOS to support students and emerging professionals.
Our Secretariat Officer Rebecca Davies was also in attendance, answering questions about membership and offering Australia ICOMOS merchandise.
Congratulations to the NASC organising committee on a successful and well attended conference.
ICOMOS MEMBERS
Member Spotlight
Our members work in many and varied facets of cultural heritage and as your membership organisation we would like to showcase some of your expertise and initiatives. If you would like to be included in an edition of our e news, please send a paragraph or two and a photo to our secretariat: austicomos@deakin.edu.au
Please note we cannot advertise individual businesses, this is purely to highlight our wonderful members.
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CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS / GRANTS / NOMINATIONS / EOI
NEW SEAMEO SPAFA are pleased to announce that the Call for Abstracts for SPAFACON 2027
SPAFACON 2027 has now been officially launched; Please visit https://www.seameo-spafa.org/spafacon2027/callforabstracts.html . SPFACON is held in Bangkok, Thailand every three years and brings together specialists working in South-East Asia. SPFACON welcome submissions of abstracts on the Southeast Asian region’s diverse histories, artistic expressions, archaeological discoveries, and evolving approaches to cultural heritage. Experts from within and beyond the region are encouraged to submit abstracts provided they demonstrate their relevance or application in Southeast Asia. Please see the above link for further details.
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NEW Call for Papers: HTAA National Conference 2027 | Hobart | Submissions Due 30 Jan 2027
The 2027 History Teachers’ Association of Australia (HTAA) National Conference will be held in Nipaluna/Hobart from 28 to 30 September 2027, hosted by the Tasmanian History Teachers’ Association, on the theme History – It’s a Living Thing. What a Terrible Thing to Lose! Proposals are invited from teachers, academics, museum and archive professionals and curriculum leaders, including 45-minute papers and workshops, lightning talks and posters; primary teachers are warmly encouraged to present units of work. Proposals close Saturday 30 January 2027. Details and the submission form: thta.squarespace.com/conference-2027
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NEW Call for Abstracts | EuroMed2026 | Online Conference | Submissions Due 23 October 2026
The field of Digital Cultural Heritage is undergoing a transformative evolution, driven by advances in data acquisition, knowledge representation, immersive technologies, and digital intelligence. These developments are reshaping how cultural assets are documented, preserved, interpreted, protected, and communicated to society.
This Call for Abstracts invites high-quality contributions that address critical challenges and emerging opportunities across the full lifecycle of cultural heritage – from acquisition and knowledge modelling to immersive dissemination and protection against illicit activities.
EuroMed2026 accepts the submission of abstracts for review. Submissions should reflect the conference theme and topics and be prepared in line with the publication guidelines from the conference website. Authors of accepted abstracts will be invited to submit papers to be presented during the conference as 15-minute online presentation and will be published in a high-quality Springer-Nature proceedings volume.
Submissions are made via the EuroMed2026 website’s Paper Submission page.
Please see the EuroMed2026 website for details on submission deadlines
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Request for Proposals: Development of Indigenous Cultural Landscapes Guidance Document
The Forest Stewardship Council is a global not for profit standard-setting body that promotes environmentally, socially and economically responsible forest management. It is commissioning the development of a new guidance document with an associated case study to support forest managers in implementing important upcoming requirements for Indigenous Cultural Landscapes (ICLs) in the revised FSC Forest Stewardship Standard for Australia. Under the standard, certified forest managers will need to work with First Nations communities in and around their management units to identify ICLs under their management and develop measures to protect these through a Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) process with the affected communities.
Proposals to contribute to the development of this standard are invited and can be submitted by 21 October. Further information is available at this link: https://anz.fsc.org/newsfeed/request-for-proposals-development-of-indigenous-cultural-landscapes-guidance-document
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The Australasian Society for Human Biology Conference | Call for papers | Submissions due 1 Nov 2026
Evolving Human Biology: New Perspectives in Research and Teaching in a Changing Digital Age
ASHB are currently accepting abstracts (250 word maximum) for papers in the following formats:
Standard conference presentations – 15 minutes, inclusive of 2-3 minutes for questions.
Lightning round presentations – one slide with a 3-minute presentation.
Panel session proposals (please email ashumanbio@gmail.com directly with panel proposals)
One of the greatest strengths of ASHB is the friendly, vibrant, and engaged community. Even though this year’s conference is being held online, we don’t want to miss the opportunity to connect in person. Conference hubs offer a chance for attendees to meet locally, watch sessions together, and enjoy the conference with members and attendees in their region.
If you are interested in hosting a conference hub, ASHB would love to hear from you. Please contact ashumanbio@gmail.com for more information.
Details of the 2026 ASHB Conference Hubs will be published on this page as they become available.
For any questions regarding the 2026 please email ashumanbio@gmail.com or for payment enquiries, please contact Dr Justyna Miszkiewicz j.miszkiewicz@uq.edu.au
Information about the conference can be found here.
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Australia ICOMOS Richard Mackay Scholarship | Applications Close 19 October
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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WORKSHOPS / COURSES / EVENTS / EXHIBITIONS
NEW Dame Eadith Walker Estate (Yaralla) Open Day | Canada Bay NSW | 9.30am – 2pm 25 October 2026
This estate has important association with the Walker family – Thomas Walker, an important nineteenth century merchant, politicians and landholder and his daughter Eadith, were noted for their philanthropic activities in the early twentieth century. Their links with Concord began when Thomas Walker obtained a mortgage on the Nichols’ estate in about 1840 and continued for almost a century until the death of his daughter, then Dame Eadith, in 1937. The house played an important part in social and cultural life in the early twentieth century.
The significance of the estate has been recognised by the making of a Permanent Conservation Order under the NSW. Heritage Act. The estate is listed on the Register of the National Estates, classified by The National Trust of Australia (NSW) and is also listed as an item of Environmental Heritage by the Concord Municipal Council.
Registrations can be made here.
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NEW National Trust (NSW) Heritage Forum 2026 | 10am-4pm 9 Nov 2026 Online
At a time of extreme pressure from multiple angles, the National Trust believes that heritage management should be more than a compliance-driven, box-ticking exercise. This forum will bring into focus the many benefits of meaningful heritage conservation and the ways these concepts need to be incorporated into the planning system – not removed from it.
Ahead of next year’s State Election, this forum at the National Trust Centre will involve a series of lectures, workshops and panel discussions led by industry experts, including Caitlin Allen, James Lesh, Tamsin McIntosh, Sharon Veale and Michael Edwards, to help bring into focus the matters of most concern.
The full-day program includes an engaging keynote by the National Trust’s Conservation Director, David Burdon, plus a thought-provoking panel discussion.
In person access now sold out. Livestream access is still available, offering a fantastic opportunity to participate in the day from any location.
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NEW EuroMed International Conference on Digital Heritage | Online | 4-6 Nov 2026
The UNESCO Chair on Digital Cultural Heritage is pleased to formally announce that the EuroMed2026 11th biennial International Conference on Digital Heritage will be held virtually online between the 2nd-5th November 2026.
This key conference on Cultural Heritage celebrates twentieth anniversary this year (2006-2026) and has chosen the theme Advancing the Future of the Past for this very special scientific conference.
EuroMed2026 brings together researchers, policymakers, professionals and practitioners from multiple domains to discuss the challenges and successes facing cultural heritage today. EuroMed2026 focuses on interdisciplinary research within Cultural Heritage and how research from other disciplines may benefit the Cultural Heritage domain.
The conference provides a unique forum to explore and discuss new research, innovative technological advances, and novel sustainable approaches to how we document, preserve, valorise, and use cultural heritage resources through digital technologies.
Register here.
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International Course on the Conservation of Modern Heritage (MAC) 2027 | Online and in-person in Los Angeles
Spring/Summer 2027; Online and in-person in Los Angeles
Applications open through October 19, 2026
The Conserving Modern Architecture Initiative (CMAI) of the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) is now accepting applications for the next iteration of the International Course on the Conservation of Modern Heritage (MAC) for 2027.
Designed for mid-career heritage professionals from around the world, the course explores the broad range of contemporary issues involved in the conservation of modern heritage—from theoretical and methodological approaches to the technical aspects of materials conservation. Participants will learn from an international roster of well-established professionals and experts in the field, gaining diverse perspectives and practical insights into the challenges and opportunities of conserving modern heritage.
The course combines nine modules of online teaching (April 1 to June 17, 2027) with two weeks of in-person instruction in Los Angeles (July 11 to 24, 2027), providing participants with opportunities for both virtual learning and intensive, hands-on engagement.
Applications close on October 19, 2026. You can find more information on the course here
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La Trobe University | Study Post Graduate Archaeology Webinar | 6 PM 27 October 2026
If you’re looking to pursue a rewarding career in the field of archaeology, La Trobe’s Graduate Certificate in Archaeology, Graduate Diploma & Master of Archaeology programs will prepare you for a career as a professional archaeologist, heritage manager or researcher.
You’ll develop specialist skills in contemporary archaeological practice and acquire comprehensive knowledge of Australian and Australian Indigenous archaeology.
You’ll learn from renowned researchers in La Trobe’s world-class facilities and benefit from both a hands-on and academic perspective.
Discover how our program can be tailored to meet your needs and gain insight into potential career paths. Listen to a presentation by archaeology academics to make an informed decision about your future.
Registration for the webinar can be found here.
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Victoria University | Visitor Research Forum | State Library Victoria | 30 October 2026
Practitioners, researchers and industry partners are invited to come together to explore the future of visitor engagement, experience design and transformative learning.
As the visitor economy evolves, understanding how people connect, learn and grow through their experiences has never been more important. Showcasing new insights, emerging methodologies and sector‑shaping conversations we’ll share and learn to better design meaningful, impactful and memorable visitor experiences.
Program includes presentations exploring scent design, curated friction, exhibition lifecycles, audience connection, visitor centred decision making, transformative educational experiences, triangulation, heritage destinations and Australian visitor experiences at cultural heritage sites.
Free to attend. Registrations 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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SITUATIONS VACANT
NEW Senior Heritage Consultant | NBRS Heritage Studio, Sydney | Applications Assessed on Submission
Join NBRS, an award-winning multidisciplinary design practice delivering architecture, landscape architecture, heritage, and interior design projects that create meaningful and lasting community impact.
What we offer:
- Full-time permanent position
- Prime Milsons Point location
- Industry-leading 9-Day Fortnight
- Flexible working arrangements
- Opportunity to work on diverse heritage projects across Australia
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced heritage professional to contribute to a growing national practice, work alongside industry-leading specialists, and help shape the future of heritage conservation and adaptive reuse projects.
Applications will be reviewed as received.
To apply or request further information, please contact careers@nbrs.com.au.
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Conservation Manager | Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority | Hobart TAS | Applications close 18 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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Heritage Advisor | Hydro Tasmania | Hobart, Trevallyn | FT | Applications close 19 October 2026
While the preferred location for this role is nipaluna (Hobart), we welcome applications from across Tasmania. You’ll support the management of historic and Aboriginal cultural heritage across Hydro Tasmania’s diverse portfolio of renewable energy and water infrastructure located throughout the state. As Heritage Advisor, you’ll contribute to the Cultural Heritage Program through heritage projects, technical advice, and strategic initiatives. Working closely with stakeholders and specialist consultants, you’ll help protect, interpret, and manage heritage values while supporting project delivery and operational outcomes across the business.
Further information can be found here.
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