ICOMOS MEMBERS
NEW International Day of Monuments and Sites 2026
Events were held across Australia to celebrate the International Day of Monuments and Sites on 18 April 2026.
Our Victorian members went on a guided tour of Trades Hall in Melbourne, which has just recently been nominated to the world heritage list.
In Tasmania the members had an informal meet up In the Hanging Garden, Hobart.
In South Australia, Flavia Kiperman, Stephanie Johnston, Megan Thomas, and Elizabeth Little held an online Climate Literacy Training day.
 
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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.
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AICOMOS SUBMISSIONS
NEW Australia ICOMOS Submission to the Australian Senate Inquiry into the Management of Defence Estate
We were pleased to be part of the recent Delivering the Future Estate – History and Heritage Roundtable, contributing to timely discussions about the future of Australia’s Defence Estate. The roundtable was led by the Deputy Minister for Defence and included senior public servants in Defence and Finance.
Defence manages one of the most complex and historically significant land and heritage portfolios in the country. As Australia ICOMOS has outlined in its recent submission to the Senate inquiry, estate reform and divestment present real opportunities—but also significant risks—if heritage is treated as an afterthought rather than a public value. AICOMOS Defence Estate Submission
Australia ICOMOS is not opposed to Defence Estate divestment. We are advocating for a more nuanced, values‑based approach—one that recognises Defence heritage places as public assets held in trust for current and future generations, not simply property transactions.
Key opportunities include:
• Using early, independent heritage assessment to reduce risk, improve decision‑making and unlock better long‑term outcomes;
• Exploring public and hybrid stewardship models—such as trusts or inter‑governmental partnerships—for places of high civic, commemorative or community value;
• Leveraging heritage-led adaptive reuse to deliver social, economic and sustainability benefits.
Key concerns raised in our submission include:
• Heritage considerations too often entering the process late, after divestment pathways are already set;
• An over‑emphasis on market value rather than public value, wellbeing and long‑term returns;
• The risk of losing heritage knowledge, collections and community relationships as sites move from Defence to Finance for disposal;
• The potential of impacting Indigenous, veteran and community connections to place if new uses don’t consider heritage needs.
Thank you to colleagues across Defence, government, heritage and planning for constructive engagement. We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively to ensure estate reform delivers capability outcomes and enduring public benefit.  Pictured: Caitlin Allen & Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley, AM, CSC, RAN
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CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS / GRANTS / NOMINATIONS / EOI
NEW Inner West Built Environment Awards | Submissions due 12 July 2026
The annual Built Environment Awards is this year inspired by the 2026 Australia Heritage Festival theme, ‘Change’.
For the last 31 years the medal for conservation has been awarded to successful examples of positive heritage outcomes within the Inner West Local Government Area.
Projects completed in the past three years located in the Inner West are eligible and can be residential, commercial or public spaces. The awards provide an opportunity to celebrate the amalgamation of contemporary design and the rich heritage of the Inner West.
Entries open Sunday 19th April 2026 – 12th July 2026.
For further information and to submit your 2026 entry, please go to https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/annual-events/built-environment-awards
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Expressions of Interest: Heritage Council of NSW | Applications close 20 May 2026
The NSW Government is currently advertising for expressions of interest to fill three (3) positions for membership of the Heritage Council of NSW.
Information on the Heritage Council
The Heritage Council is an independent statutory body that works to ensure the promotion, conservation and protection of heritage in NSW. The Heritage Council recommends items for listing on the State Heritage Register, supports conservation and adaptive use, and builds community understanding of heritage in NSW.
The Heritage Council are seeking professional experience in any of the following areas:
- Aboriginal heritage; Archaeology; Architecture; The building, development and property industries; Conservation of the environmental heritage; Engineering; New South Wales or Australian history; Local government; Moveable heritage; Natural heritage; Planning; Property, planning or environmental law; Property economics; Rural interests; and Cultural landscapes.
Applications
Visit the Heritage Council of NSW web page here to view the advertisement and information pack and apply online.
The closing date for applications is 11:59 pm, Wednesday 20 May 2026.
Enquiries: contact Olgica Lenger, Manager Committee Services, via phone: 0455 989 657, or email HeritageCouncil.Secretariat@environment.nsw.gov.au
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NAIDOC Week 2026 – Celebrating 50 Years of Deadly | Seeking partners and sponsors
In 2026, NAIDOC marks a significant milestone 50 years of Deadly, a powerful celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This year, NAIDOC returns to Alice Springs (Mparntwe), in the heart of Australia, after missing the opportunity in 2020. While delivering an event in a remote location presents challenges, including increased costs and broader global pressures, it also offers something truly unique.
As a Destination NAIDOC, this will be more than a program of events. It will be an immersive experience — creating deeper opportunities to engage with community, experience culture on Country, and celebrate the 2026 NAIDOC finalists and award winners in a setting of profound cultural significance.
NAIDOC Week continues to be one of the most important national platforms for connection, recognition and celebration. In 2026, that impact will be amplified through:
- A full week of cultural, community and national events
- The prestigious National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony
- Meaningful engagement with First Nations leaders and communities
- A unique, place-based experience in Central Australia
To deliver this at the scale and standard it deserves, NAIDOC are seeking partners and sponsors who share their commitment to celebrating and supporting First Nations excellence.
Your support will not only contribute to an unforgettable national event, but also demonstrate leadership in reconciliation, cultural respect, and community engagement.
The NAIDOC team would welcome the opportunity to discuss how working together will help to create a meaningful partnership aligned to your organisation’s values and objectives.
For further information please follow this link
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Creative Australia | Australian World Heritage Residency | Applications close 12 May 2026
The Australian World Heritage Residency from Creative Australia offers three (3) self-directed residencies for Australian artists or collectives to work on-site at a World Heritage site within Australia. Through deep engagement with place, the residency fosters meaningful exchange, encourages local partnerships and collaboration, and supports enduring relationships between artists, partners, and sites while centring artistic excellence and care for cultural and natural heritage.
Each recipient will receive a grant of $50,000 to undertake their residency, which will conclude in a public reflection of their learning, such as a seminar, workshop, or new creative work.
Applicants are expected to have a relationship or connection to their chosen site. Your application should showcase the significance of the site to your work and residency.
Further information can be found here.
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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 Melbourne Design Week ‘Adapt Designing New Lives for Old Buildings’ | Collingwood Yards | 20 May 2026
This will be a panel discussion on adaptive reuse of historic sites to launch the new book ADAPT by Hannah Lewi and Cameron Logan.
The event will include a panel discussion chaired by Rory Hyde, with the authors plus a number of architectural and heritage experts.
Bookings are essential and further information can be found on the MDW website or URO books.
https://designweek.melbourne/event/adapt-designing-new-lives-for-old-buildings/
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NEW UnEarthed | Port Arthur Historic Sites | Webinar Series | 7-28 May 2026
A series of programs recognising the contributions of archaeology to our knowledge and understanding of Australian convict heritage.
Further information and bookings can be found here.
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Applications for the Advanced Masters in Structural Analysis of Monuments and Historical Constructions | Applications due 20 May 2026
Applications for the Advanced Master in Structural Analysis of Monuments and Historical Constructions are open up to May 20, 2026. This is the leading international course on conservation of heritage structures, winner of the 2017 European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage “Europa Nostra”, funded by the European Commission during 10 consecutive years, and a unique opportunity to meet people from all over the world. Do not miss this opportunity to join the other 500 alumni from 77 countries that graduate in the last 18 years and be a part of this great worldwide network of experts!
This Master Course is organized by a Consortium of leading European Universities/Research Institutions in the field, composed by University of Minho (coordinating institution, Portugal), the Technical University of Catalonia (Spain), the Czech Technical University in Prague (Czechia), the University of Padua (Italy) and the Institute of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics of the Czech Academy of Sciences (Czechia).
The course combines the most recent advances in research and development with practical applications. A significant number of scholarships, ranging from 4,000 to 13,000 Euro, are available to students of any nationality.
Please find full details on the MSc programme, as well as electronic application procedure, in the SAHC website www.msc-sahc.org
Visit also the SAHC blog http://blog.msc-sahc.org and www.linkedin.com/school/sahcmasterscourse
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Save the date – International Association of Impact Assessment conference | Christchurch NZ | 20-23 April 2027
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Australian Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades (Rare Trades Centre)
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/):
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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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
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
The Routledge Handbook of Heritage Ethics | Edited by Andreas Pantazatos, Tracy Ireland, John Schofield, Rouran Zhang
The Routledge Handbook of Heritage Ethics offers a comprehensive and rigorous analysis of the concepts, challenges and dilemmas that characterise and shape contemporary heritage ethics in theory and practice. The essays within this volume examine how ethical approaches to heritage have evolved and explore the ethical issues that have arisen from these changing contexts. Including 34 original, detailed, and impassioned contributions from across five continents, this book affords equal focus to theoretical perspectives and practice, drawing out the importance of ethics through diverse case studies on topics as varied as built heritage, colonialism, material culture, the environment, traditions and lived experience. Throughout this volume, chapters highlight the need for all practitioners and researchers to adopt an ethical approach, alongside the need to understand what this entails and how best to deliver it. Following a foundational introduction that contextualises ethics within broader cultural changes, and a first section outlining key theoretical frameworks, chapters are divided into four thematic sections on difficult heritage, digital heritage, heritage interactions and heritage management and policy.
Further information can be found here.
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SITUATIONS VACANT
Getty Conservation Institute | Project Specialist Earthen Architecture Initiative | Applications close 13 May 2026
Getty are seeking an architectural conservator with a keen interest in research, documentation, and training to fill the position of Project Specialist. You will be an integral member of the Getty Conservation Institute’s Buildings and Sites Department, primarily contributing to the Earthen Architecture Initiative and addressing current conservation challenges of regional or international relevance.
This job will be based in the office at the Getty Center in Los Angeles. It will begin in the office full-time and the opportunity to request a telework schedule may be available after an initial period of training and orientation and will be discussed and approved by your supervisor. Typically, staff with approved telework schedules at the Getty Conservation Institute are in the office more than half of the time.
Further information and to apply follow this link.
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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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