National Trust Heritage Awards 2023 - The Official Results Booklet

The Winners

The Heritage Awards is a highlight of the Australian Heritage Festival. It’s run by the National Trust of Australia (NSW) in partnership with the NSW Government through Heritage NSW.

The Awards celebrate and showcase the best practice in the field of heritage conservation, education, publishing, events, interpretation and advocacy. The National Trust Heritage Awards commenced in 1994.

80 Albion, Squillace Architects. Cover: 2023 Heritage Awards Winners.

Aboriginal Heritage

Recognising excellence in the conservation, interpretation, education or celebration of Aboriginal Heritage to promote greater understanding and appreciation in the community.

Shortlist

bara Monument for the Eora Judy Watson, Hetti Perkins, City of Sydney, City Plan Heritage, UAP

Leaghur Homestead, Mungo National Park – Willandra Lakes Teaching and Learning Centre

NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service

Transport Access Program Transport for NSW

Highly Commended

Leaghur Homestead, Mungo National Park – Willandra Lakes Teaching and Learning Centre

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

Transport Access Program Transport for NSW

From top: Leaghur Homestead, Mungo National Park – Willandra Lakes Teaching and Learning Centre; Transport Access Program.

Winner

bara Monument for the Eora Judy Watson, Hetti Perkins, City of Sydney, City Plan Heritage, UAP

The judges were incredibly impressed by the project’s prominent and powerful message. They described it as ‘a stunning piece of art that represents so much’. With strong aboriginal involvement from the very get go, it recognises and honours the Gadigal and neighbouring clans of the Eora Nation in a truly striking way.

Adaptive Re-Use

Recognising projects that create a respectful, rejuvenated and relevant space within an existing heritage site.

Shortlist

Cobar Sound Chapel

Cobar Sound Chapel Ltd in collaboration with Glenn Murcutt AO

Former David Jones Building City Plan Heritage & IRIS Capital

The Police Cottage

Penrith City Council In association with the NSW Government

80 Albion

Squillace Architects

Western Sydney Startup Hub (WSSH)

Property and Development NSW part of Department of Planning and Environment

Highly Commended

Former David Jones Building City Plan Heritage & IRIS Capital

80 Albion

Squillace Architects

From top: Former David Jones Building; 80 Albion; Western Sydney Startup Hub (WSSH).

Winner

Cobar Sound Chapel

Cobar Sound Chapel Ltd in collaboration with Glenn Murcutt AO

Loved by all the judges, this project is a fascinating reimagining of a disused 1901 water tank, brought to life by a magical collaboration that was inspired by the Outback landscape. The result is an incredible immersive sound installation and unique musical venue.

Advocacy

Led by individuals, community groups, organisations or a combination of all three – initiatives that demonstrate excellence in advocacy practice and outcomes for the protection, safe-keeping and conservation of heritage is recognised by the National Trust Heritage Awards.

Winner

Don’t Block the Rocks Millers Point Community Resident Action Group Inc. (MPCRAG)

A very successful campaign that demonstrated great drive and passion. The Group came together out of necessity and showed an exceptional level of local consultation.

Conservation – Built Heritage

Recognising excellence in architectural design, building, construction and consultation practices that results in the conservation of built heritage for future generations. Two projects were announced as winners in this category; one public and one private.

Shortlist

Sts Peter & Paul’s Old Cathedral Project Strategies Australia

Restoration of the Niagara Cafe, Gundagai

Luke Walton and Kym Fraser

Callan Park Main Gates and Guardhouse

Greater Sydney Parklands/Minister’s Stonework Program

Bondi Pavilion Restoration and Conservation project

Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects

Hotel Australasia

Core Asset Development (CAD)

55 Livingstone Road, Petersham: Conservation and Upgrade Project Land and Housing Corporation, Department of Planning and Environment

Archibald Memorial Fountain

City of Sydney

‘Ways Terrace’ 12–20 Point Street, Pyrmont: Conservation and Upgrade Project

Land and Housing Corporation, Department of Planning and Environment

Arndell Other Barn

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

Millers Point Townhouse Design 5– Architects

Rouse Hill Estate – Woolshed Conservation Project

Museums of History NSW

Highly Commended

Restoration of the Niagara Cafe, Gundagai

Luke Walton and Kym Fraser

Bondi Pavilion Restoration and Conservation project

Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects

Hotel Australasia

Core Asset Development (CAD)

Archibald Memorial Fountain

City of Sydney

Opposite clockwise from top: Bondi Pavilion Restoration and Conservation project; Arndell Other Barn; Sts Peter & Paul’s Old Cathedral.

Winner

‘Ways Terrace’ 12–20 Point Street, Pyrmont: Conservation and Upgrade Project Land and Housing Corporation, Department of Planning and Environment

A real pioneer project in public housing. This project achieved an awful lot on a modest budget, which is to be commended. The Judges felt this impressive and important social housing development demonstrated huge commitment and attention to detail.

Winner

Millers Point Townhouse Design 5 – Architects

An astounding and sympathetic project boasting impressive conservation works directed by a strong conservation management plan. This project involved lots of trades and so many skills, that together have resulted in an enormous change.

Conservation – Interiors & Objects

The details in furniture, fabric, fashion, jewellery, clocks, paintings, drawings, etchings, letters, lampshades, rugs, tapestries and postcards are so often what brings heritage to life for the community. This category recognises the painstaking work of those conserving the vast range of items in heritage collections, and the interior spaces of heritage places throughout NSW.

Shortlist

Central Tablelands Collections Facility

Bathurst Regional Council

Commer Restoration

Museum of Fire

Stations of the Cross

International Conservation Services (ICS) and St Peter and Paul’s Old Cathedral, Goulburn

Green Frog Restoration

Transport for NSW and Byron Bay Historical Society

The Yellow Dress Project

National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA)

Highly Commended

Central Tablelands Collections Facility

Bathurst Regional Council

Stations of the Cross

International Conservation Services (ICS) and St Peter and Paul’s Old Cathedral, Goulburn

From top: Commer Restoration; Central Tablelands Collections Facility; Stations of the Cross.

Winner

The Yellow Dress Project

National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA)

Fragments of high-value yellow silk discovered in a bag were reconstructed to reveal a 280-year-old dress that had been modified with the changing fashions. The project is an incredible showcase of skill and clever detective work that has taken heritage conservation to the next level.

Conservation: Landscape

Conserving the uniquely beautiful natural environment of New South Wales is recognised every year at the National Trust Heritage Awards. Conservation of landscape includes management plans, research, bushland management and regeneration, protection of waterways and forests, and landscape design – to list just a few of the practices in this extensive field of work.

Shortlist

Toorale Water Infrastructure Project

Biosis Pty Ltd

Northern Rivers Rail Trail –

Tweed section

Tweed Shire Council

Highly Commended

Toorale Water Infrastructure Project

Biosis Pty Ltd

Toorale Water Infrastructure Project

Winner

Northern Rivers Rail Trail – Tweed section

Tweed Shire Council

This impressive project demonstrates an immense dedication to conserving and celebrating rail heritage, European and Aboriginal cultural history and flora and fauna. The judges saw it as an incredible offering sure to result in an economic boom for the local community. A big project with a big impact.

Education & Interpretation

Education and interpretation of heritage provides people of all ages with the opportunity to learn, develop a deeper understanding, and see new perspectives through the stories of the past. This category for the National Trust Heritage Awards celebrates initiatives that do this through the use of space, multimedia, publication or direct learning programs.

Shortlist

The Sound of Memories –Woodford Academy

Noel Burgess

History Site Study –

Marrickville Metro

Inner West Council - Library

Penrith Heritage Walk

Penrith City Council

Remembered and Revisited –Victoria Theatre Newcastle

Out of the Square Media, Century Venues and Gavin Patton

Macquarie Pier Revitalisation and Interpretation Project

Port Authority of NSW

Highly Commended History Site Study –Marrickville Metro

Inner West Council - Library

Macquarie Pier Revitalisation and Interpretation Project

Port Authority of NSW

From top: Penrith Heritage Walk; History Site Study – Marrickville Metro; Macquarie Pier Revitalisation and Interpretation Project.

Winner

Remembered and Revisited – Victoria Theatre Newcastle Out of the Square Media, Century Venues and Gavin Patton

This charming project and its recorded oral histories put the people, meaning and connections back into the building. Heritage is all about connection to place and this project beautifully presents the story of this Newcastle theatre.

Events, Exhibitions & Tours

For events, exhibitions and tours which emphasise and promote education, interpretation and community engagement in heritage, in order to bring it to life.

Shortlist

Guraban: where the saltwater meets the freshwater Hurstville Museum & Gallery (Georges River Council)

Building Bridges Emu Projection

Clarence Valley Council

SHINE – Shining a Light on our Heritage and Museums

Arts Mid North Coast Inc

Curios Shopfront Exhibition –

Haberfield

Inner West Council Library and Haberfield Association

Mulaa Giilang: Wiradjuri stories of the night sky

Orange Regional Museum

Unrealised Sydney exhibition

Museums of History NSW

CAPTIVATE

National Art School

Rouse Hill Psychedelia

Museums of History NSW

Highly Commended

SHINE – Shining a Light on our Heritage and Museums

Arts Mid North Coast Inc

Unrealised Sydney exhibition

Museums of History NSW

CAPTIVATE

National Art School

Rouse Hill Psychedelia

Museums of History NSW

Opposite clockwise from top: Guraban: where the saltwater meets the freshwater; CAPTIVATE; Unrealised Sydney exhibition.

Winner

Building Bridges Emu Projection

Clarence Valley Council

A beautiful collaboration featuring stunning artworks by local Indigenous artists projected onto the Sunshine Sugar building. This powerful and impactful event helped to shine a light on the current plight of the Coastal Emu and the efforts of Clarence Valley Council, landholders and local organisations to protect these birds and their habitat.

Winner

Mulaa Giilang: Wiradjuri stories of the night sky

Orange Regional Museum

A fantastic public offering featuring incredible night-sky photography and an immersive soundtrack exploring ancient Wiradjuri astronomical knowledge and enduring cultural heritage. This is a brilliant and visually striking regional exhibition, strengthened by strong collaboration and featuring an impressive array of mediums.

Resources & Publications

Books, reports, websites, guidebooks and programs produced for social media, multimedia channels, television and radio all have a role to play in telling the story of our built, cultural and natural heritage. This category recognises excellence in engaging, inspiring, educational or informative content and production.

Shortlist

Values in Cities: Urban Heritage in Twentieth-Century Australia

James Lesh

The Power of Flour: A photographic history of milling in Australia + Branded: Australian Flour Bag Labels

Between the Wars

Paul Ashton and Jess Jennings

Storyplace

Museums & Galleries of NSW

CAPTIVATE Stories from the National Art School and Darlinghurst Gaol National Art School

St John’s, Parramatta Burials Dataset (1790–1850)

Michaela Cameron

Gunyah Goondie + Wurley

Thames & Hudson Australia

First Knowledges Series:

Astronomy and Plants

Thames & Hudson Australia, National Museum of Australia

Opposite clockwise from top: The Power of Flour: A photographic history of milling in Australia + Branded: Australian Flour Bag Labels Between the Wars; First Knowledges Series: Astronomy and Plants; CAPTIVATE Stories from the National Art School and Darlinghurst Gaol

Highly Commended

CAPTIVATE Stories from the National Art School and Darlinghurst Gaol National Art School

First Knowledges Series: Astronomy and Plants

Thames & Hudson Australia, National Museum of Australia

Winner

Storyplace

Harnessing resources from all over NSW, this is an invaluable website that facilitates increased access to heritage across the state. An absolute model of its kind. Jam-packed with wonderfully engaging stories that together bring the objects, records and artwork to life.

Museums & Galleries of NSW

Winner

Gunyah Goondie + Wurley Thames & Hudson Australia

An incredibly comprehensive, remarkable and ground breaking publication. Decades of research and field work richly illustrated with rare photographs that together offer readers a unique insight into cultural heritage of Australia’s Indigenous peoples.

Individual Awards

Celebrating individuals who have dedicated their career and passion to the conservation, care, promotion and protection of New South Wales’ built, natural and cultural heritage.

Heritage Skills Award

Recognising dedication, mastery and consistent application of heritage skills and practices: this individual award shines a light on not only the accomplishments and craft of the winner, but the need to sustain heritage skills so that excellence in conservation and care for our heritage can continue.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Celebrating individuals who have dedicated their career and passion to the conservation, care, promotion and protection of New South Wales’ built, natural and cultural heritage.

Cathy Donnelly Memorial Prize

Acknowledging the outstanding endeavours and achievements of women who are heritage specialists, architects, curators, authors, historians, presenters and producers.

HERITAGE SKILLS AWARD

Ken Ellis

Ken was nominated for his outstanding stonemasonry, plastering, rendering and lime mortar skills as well as his exceptional contribution to the conservation of built heritage in NSW.

With an extensive career spanning over 40 years, Ken has completed many significant conservation projects including works on the QVB, The Mint, the MCA, the Capital Theatre, Commonwealth Bank, Martin Place, Fort Denison and many more.

Ken is a pioneer in reestablishing the use of lime in conserving heritage fabric through practice and advocacy, and his insightful knowledge has inspired a new generation of heritage practitioners.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Ian Stapleton

Since beginning his practice in the late 1970s as an architect and heritage specialist, Ian has achieved a consistently high standard of work in architectural conservation and heritage publications. His magnum opus is the adaptive reuse of the Sydney GPO. His conservation work graces many buildings such as the public housing in Woolloomooloo, the Commandant’s Houses, Port Arthur, Victoria Barracks and Bronte House.

Ian’s work has established a benchmark for sympathetic adaptation and considered restoration and reconstruction, all founded on rigorous analysis of significance and a deep appreciation of the history of Australian architecture.

CATHY DONNELLY MEMORIAL PRIZE

Sharon Veale

Sharon has been involved in a number of significant heritage projects both in Australia and internationally, from Angkor Watt and the Kokada Track, to the State heritage register listing of Braidwood and involvement with the Sydney Opera House, Garden Island and Macquarie Street and more. She is a respected public historian and urban planner who has spent two decades working in Aboriginal and historic cultural heritage planning, assessment, management and conservation.

Sharon has generously given her time and expertise to a number of boards and advisory groups throughout her career.

Judges’ Choice

From across all categories, the judges choose one outstanding project, initiative, exhibition, event or campaign to name it best in show for the year. The Judges’ Choice is an exemplar of heritage excellence and inspires the community to better understand, appreciate and explore New South Wales’ rich and diverse heritage.

Winner

Bondi Pavilion Restoration and Conservation project

Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects

Bondi Pavilion’s major makeover was described by judges as “a remarkable project of great importance and enduring significance’’ that has breathed new life into this iconic building. Beautifully executed and demonstrating exceptional attention to detail, this is an absolutely brilliant transformation for this Australian heritage landmark that will now continue to serve local residents and visitors in a sustained and multi-purposeful way.

President’s Prize

The President’s Prize is awarded at the discretion of the National Trust President for a project that warrants particular attention or recognition.

Winner

Restoration of the Niagara Cafe, Gundagai Luke Walton and Kym Fraser

The Restoration of the Niagara Cafe was an extensive, impressive and sympathetic regional project funded by passionate owners. Much-loved locally and beyond, the cafe has now been thoughtfully restored it to its former glory. Congratulations to Kym and Luke whose passion has gifted everyone this special cafe to enjoy well into the future.

Thank you

The National Trust (NSW) acknowledges the generous support of the following organisations and individuals who have made the 2023 National Trust Heritage Awards possible.

PRINCIPAL SPONSOR

The National Trust Heritage Awards are proudly supported by the NSW Government through Heritage NSW.

THANK YOU

Welcome to Country

Uncle Michael West

Master of Ceremonies

Richard Morecroft

Keynote Speaker

Helen Lochhead, Professor Emeritus of Architecture and Urbanism, UNSW Sydney

NATIONAL TRUST HERITAGE AWARDS JUDGES

EVENT SPONSOR

MEDIA SPONSOR

Matthew Devine (Chair)

Caitlin Allen

David Burdon

Lisa Harrold

Charles Pickett

Kathryn Pitkin AM

Barrina South

OUR VENUE

Thank you to everyone who entered the National Trust Heritage Awards in 2023, to the people involved in these projects, their partners, supporters and to the community for continuing to appreciate the wonder of our heritage in New South Wales.

Bondi Pavilion Restoration and Conservation project, Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects

Northern Rivers Rail Trail – Tweed section, Tweed Shire Council

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Archibald Memorial Fountain, City of Sydney