“Protecting the heritage of our wonderful city requires constant vigilance and activism,” says GARY KENT, National Trust (ACT) president.

WELCOME to the first of an occasional National Trust column in “CityNews” on Trust activities and ACT heritage issues.

We have all been looking forward to the 40th ACT Heritage Festival, which runs from April 11 to April 30. The Trust is running a dozen events – details below – and we look forward to seeing you at some of these.

We have all been dismayed about recent developments concerning the ACT Heritage Council and look forward to the expected imminent announcement of the membership
of the Interim Heritage Council.

The Trust has made a submission to the inquiry into ACT heritage arrangements by the ACT Legislative Assembly Standing Committee on Environment, Climate Change and Biodiversity.

We also plan to provide a submission to the new inquiry by the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories into fostering and promoting the significance of Australia’s National Capital. 

Other heritage issues on which the Trust is currently working include the proposed multi-storey car park next to the John Gorton Building in Parkes, the implications of the new ACT planning system, Light Rail stages 2A and 2B, the Heritage listing of Canberra, and proposed reform of Commonwealth environmental and heritage legislation.

We are about to commence our study into Mid-Century Modernist Housing, which we hope will result in a better community understanding of the heritage significance of these important parts of Canberra’s architectural legacy.

The Trust welcomes your views on current issues that you suggest we could take up.

Protecting the heritage of our wonderful city requires constant vigilance and activism and should you be interested in assisting the Trust’s work, please contact me to discuss how you can best make a contribution.

Gary Kent, National Trust (ACT) President

Inaugural ACT Heritage Oration

AS part of the ACT Heritage Festival, we are delighted to present the National Trust’s inaugural Heritage Oration in the Albert Hall, 6pm, on Monday, April 17, the day before World Heritage Day. 

Our speaker will be Mr Max Bourke AM, who has had a distinguished career in the Australian heritage sector, including as inaugural Director of the Australian Heritage Commission. 

The topic of the Oration is “Australian heritage at the crossroads – looking back and forward without breaking my neck”.

The event is free, but bookings essential at trybooking.com/CFREV