HERITA HERITAGE FESTIVAL - NSW

The Heritage Council of NSW is established under the NSW Heritage
Act, 1977 and is an independent advisory body to Government. Membership
of the Council is skills-based, with representation from peak
heritage bodies such as the National Trust of Australia (NSW).
The council provides advice on heritage matters to the Minister responsible for heritage
in NSW. It recommends to the Minister places and objects for listing on the State
Heritage Register (SHR).
The Heritage Council makes decisions about the care and protection of heritage places
and items that have been identified as being significant to the people of NSW.
The Council also delivers the NSW Heritage Grants program to help the community
to identify, conserve, interpret and promote the State’s heritage. Funding is available
every two years to individuals, community groups and local government who own or
manage heritage items of state significance.
The Heritage Council is serviced by the Heritage Branch, which provides professional
advice and administrative support. The Branch also provides advice on heritage issues
to the Government, state agencies, local councils and the community on how to protect
heritage items.
The work of the Heritage Branch includes:
• working with communities to help them identify their important places and objects;
• providing guidance on how to look after heritage items;
• supporting local government in the care and management of heritage items;
• managing the Heritage Grants program and changes to heritage items;
• maintaining the NSW Heritage Database, an online list of all statutory heritage items
in NSW;
• delivering state-wide Aboriginal heritage, terrestrial archaeology and maritime
archaeology programs.
Heritage is evidence of our history. Conserving our heritage helps us to understand our
past, and to contribute to the lives of future generations. It gives us a sense of
continuity and belonging to the place where we live.
The Heritage Council is a long standing supporter of the National Trust Heritage
Awards.
Details of the Heritage Council of NSW and the Office of Environment & Heritage
can be found at www.heritage.nsw.gov.au.