The National Trust Heritage Awards

In 2025, ten diverse project categories will shine a light on heritage excellence in the conservation, protection, and interpretation of NSW’s Aboriginal, built, natural and cultural heritage.

Organisations, councils, government departments, community groups and individuals from right around the state are encouraged to share heritage projects big and small for recognition.

Previous entries have included transformations of historic buildings, conservation of timeless treasures, impactful events and advocacy campaigns, public art installations, historical publications, and many more.

Categories:

Aboriginal - For projects that seek to promote understanding, appreciation, conservation and/or awareness of Aboriginal heritage.

Architecture - For projects which are sympathetic to the heritage significance of a place or complement and utilise existing built heritage, including adaptive reuse or new work in historic contexts.

Advocacy - To recognise the commitment of a community group and/or individual who have pursued the protection and conservation of key heritage places, items or objects.

Built Conservation - For projects that relate to conservation of our built heritage including capital works and repair. Such projects may include buildings, structures or sites. Awarded to one large and one small project.

Enduring - NEW! - This recognises ongoing care and conservation across time. Includes evidence of regular maintenance using appropriate materials and techniques or the ongoing conservation of heritage (built, natural or cultural).

Interiors and Objects - For projects that relate to the conservation of historic interiors and objects. Movable heritage and collections may be included.

Landscape - For projects that relate to the conservation, care and promotion of our landscape heritage. This may include natural, urban and cultural landscapes.

Education and Interpretation - For projects that serve to educate about or interpret our heritage in an engaging way. This may include curriculum-based educational projects and resources, and specific interpretation projects relating to a place or item.

Events, Exhibitions and Tours - For events, exhibitions and tours which emphasise and promote education, interpretation and community engagement in heritage.

Resources and Publications - For any public facing resource or publication that promotes the conservation of our heritage. This may include books, research, websites, archaeological resources, heritage guidelines, fact sheets, field guides and heritage studies, both in print and online.

To be eligible for entry, projects must have been completed (or will be completed) between 1 March 2024 – 31 March 2025*.

*Timeframe not applicable to the ‘Enduring’ category which highlights ongoing or long-term conservation/care.

A singular project can be entered separately in multiple categories. The entry fee per category entry is $85 for an individual, community group or charity, and $230 for a business or government organisation. Entrants must be a National Trust member. A discounted membership ($100) can be added to your cart at the time of entry submission.

Individual Awards

Individual awards are free to enter. Three peer-nominated categories will be recognised in 2025:

Lifetime Achievement - For an individual who has dedicated their career to the conservation, promotion and protection of New South Wales' heritage.

Heritage Skills - For an individual who has demonstrated the long-term application of craft skills that have been key in heritage conservation.

Young Achiever - For individuals aged 35 years and under who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to heritage excellence.