Australians have one week left to nominate sites for inclusion on the National Heritage List and Commonwealth Heritage List.
This year, nominations are being sought for the places and related stories that have made for a fairer, more inclusive Australia.
Some examples of places already on the National Heritage List that meet this theme include the Eureka Stockade Gardens, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade Route, the Victorian Trades Hall, Bonegilla Migrant Camp and the Wave Hill Walk-Off Route.
The Australian Heritage Council will make a recommendation to the minister on which nominations should be assessed for heritage listing. A decision on new inclusions is then made, following public consultation.
While all nominations will be considered, this year we are specifically seeking places linked to:
- the birth and extension of Australian democracy,
- fairness in the workplace or society,
- migration and multicultural inclusion,
- civil rights and social reform campaigns,
- the advancement of rural and regional Australians' interests,
- women's suffrage and gender equality, and
- the struggle for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights and recognition
Previous themes set to encourage nominations have included the multicultural stories of Australia, Indigenous cultural heritage and Australia's historic benevolent and other care institutions.
Currently, 126 places from across Australia are included on the National Heritage List and nearly 400 on the Commonwealth Heritage List.
Once nominations close on 16 October 2026, applications will not reopen until the next nomination round.
Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt said the Albanese Government was committed to recognising, protecting and promoting Australia's national heritage.
"There are places in communities across Australia whose stories deserve national recognition. These places fill you with feel a sense of pride and belonging," Minister Watt said.
"With only a few days left to nominate, now is the time to put those places forward and help ensure they are recognised and protected.
"Our heritage tells our story - it is a showcase of unique environments, First Nations culture and the people, events and movements that have shaped Australia and our development as a nation.
"Listed places are also eligible to apply for Australian Heritage Grants, which can support conservation works, heritage management, interpretation and visitor access."
Submissions can be made at: www.dcceew.gov.au/parks-heritage/heritage/places/nominating-heritage-place
