Heritage Council of NSW

The Heritage Council is an independent statutory body that includes members of the community, the public sector, the conservation profession, and a nominee of the National Trust of Australia (NSW).

The Heritage Council of NSW is established under the Heritage Act 1977. It advises the Minister for Environment and Heritage on heritage matters in New South Wales and makes recommendations for the listing of places and objects on the State Heritage Register.

The Council makes decisions about the care and protection of heritage places and items that have been identified as being of state significance. This includes recommending the interim protection of potential heritage items so that an assessment of their significance can be made.

The Council has endorsed the Burra Charter as underpinning their decisions regarding any changes to State Heritage Register listed items.

The Heritage Council has delegated some decision making to its committees. The committees provide specialist knowledge, skills and experience to assist the Council in making informed decisions. Some of the committees meet on a monthly basis; others meet as required.

The Council receives administrative support from Heritage NSW.

Expressions of Interest – Heritage Council of NSW

This is your opportunity to help shape heritage conservation across New South Wales.

The Minister responsible for heritage is seeking to appoint up to 3 members to the Heritage Council of NSW.

Applications close on 11:59 pm on Sunday, 4 August 2024.

The Heritage Council is an independent statutory body that works to ensure the promotion, conservation and protection of heritage in New South Wales. The Heritage Council recommends items for listing on the State Heritage Register, supports conservation and adaptive use, and builds community understanding of heritage.

We are looking for individuals from a variety of professional backgrounds to contribute to the outcomes delivered by the Council.

Under the Heritage Act 1977, members of the Heritage Council are to be persons who, in the opinion of the Minister, possess qualifications, knowledge and skills relating to any of the following areas:

  • Aboriginal heritage
  • archaeology
  • architecture
  • the building, development and property industries
  • conservation of environmental heritage
  • engineering
  • NSW or Australian history
  • local government
  • moveable heritage
  • natural heritage
  • planning
  • property, planning or environmental law
  • property economics
  • rural interests
  • cultural landscapes.

As part of these 3 appointments, one position will be appointed as Chairperson of the Heritage Council of NSW, and one position specifically relates to Aboriginal heritage, with the successful applicant also to be the Heritage Council nominated representative on the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee.

The person appointed as Chair must have demonstrated experience chairing high-level committees or boards and the capacity to lead others, summarise complex information and arguments, and, where appropriate, formulate advice and/or make decisions in a professional and effective manner.

The person appointed for their Aboriginal heritage expertise will preferably be an Aboriginal person, to allow them to also serve on the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee. Under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, members of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee are to be Aboriginal persons who are involved in cultural heritage matters in their local communities and have an understanding of cultural heritage management issues.

We are looking for people with broad knowledge and skills and with a passion for heritage. We would particularly welcome nominations from Aboriginal people, younger people and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

The Heritage Council meets once per month in Sydney, with an option for teleconferencing. Some out-of-session and/or off-site meetings may also be held. Members are remunerated in accordance with NSW Government guidelines. Further information can be found in the information pack.

Submissions

Download information pack (PDF 457KB)

Download application form (DOCX 85KB)

Submit your application form, resume and a brief cover letter (maximum 2 pages) that details your qualifications, knowledge and skills relevant to the role to HeritageCouncil.Secretariat@environment.nsw.gov.au.

Enquiries

Manager Secretariat
0455 989 657
HeritageCouncil.Secretariat@environment.nsw.gov.au

Applications close on 11:59 pm on Sunday, 4 August 2024.

The Council membership reflects a cross-section of community, government and heritage conservation experts.

Council members

  • Mr Frank Howarth AM PSM (Chair)
  • The Hon. Robyn Parker (Deputy Chair)
  • Dr Nicholas Brunton
  • Mr Ian Clarke
  • Dr Brian Lindsay
  • Ms Vanessa Holtham
  • Dr Danièle Hromek
  • Ms Colleen Morris
  • Ms Anthea Sargeant

The Committee:

  • makes recommendations for the listing of items on the State Heritage Register
  • works under delegated authority from the Heritage Council of NSW.

Committee members

  • The Hon. Robyn Parker (Chair)
  • Ms Colleen Morris (Deputy Chair)
  • Dr Brian Lindsay
  • Dr Wayne Johnson
  • Ms Lisa Trueman
  • Dr Stephen Gapps
  • Ms Natalie Vinton
  • Mr Frank Howarth, Alternate Member

The Committee:

  • reviews proposals for alterations to items on the State Heritage Register
  • works under delegated authority from the Heritage Council of NSW.

Committee members

  • Mr Ian Clarke (Chair)
  • Dr Nicholas Brunton (Deputy Chair)
  • Dr Daniele Hromek
  • Ms Vanessa Holtham
  • Mr David Burdon
  • Dr Caitlin Allen
  • Mr Bruce Pettman
  • Ms Julie Marler
  • Mr David McNamara
  • Mr Frank Howarth, Alternate Member

The Committee provides advice to the Heritage Council and Heritage NSW on heritage incentives, including the NSW Heritage Grants program.

Committee members

  • Ms Colleen Morris (Chair)
  • Dr Brian Lindsay
  • Dr Anne-Maree Whitaker
  • Ms Chery Kemp

The panel provides advice to the Heritage Council and Heritage NSW on heritage matters relating to Aboriginal cultural heritage, historic and maritime archaeology, engineering, landscapes, local government and planning.

Panel members

  • Ms Colleen Morris (Chair)
  • Ms Sheridan Burke (Deputy Chair)
  • Professor Paul Ashton
  • Mr Matthew Devine
  • Mr Robert Moore
  • Ms Emma Bombonato
  • Ms Catherine Forbes
  • Dr Scott Robertson
  • Ms Surbjit Bhatti
  • Mr Glenn Harper
  • Mr Niall Macken
  • Ms Claire Nunez

The panel provides technical advice to the Heritage Council and Heritage NSW on the maintenance, management and conservation of heritage items and assets.

Panel members

  • Mr David Logan (Chair)
  • Mr Bruce Pettman (Deputy Chair)
  • Mr Stephan Netting
  • Ms Joy Singh
  • Professor Gianluca Ranzi
  • Mr Harilal Gohil
  • Mr Peter Phillips
  • Mr Gary Waller
  • Mr Thomas Bowyer
  • Mr Eric Martin
  • Mr Mark Relf
  • Mr Alex Been
  • Dr Yuanyuan Song
  • Ms Vanessa Holtham
  • Mr Daire Fleming, Alternate member