Do you know a heritage project, place or local champion helping conserve Ballarat's rich history?
The National Trust of Australia (Victoria), with support from the City of Ballarat, is inviting nominations for the 2026 Heritage Awards.
The awards recognise outstanding achievements in conserving, protecting, enhancing and promoting Ballarat's heritage, while celebrating the individuals, businesses and community groups helping protect our heritage for future generations.
Nominations are now open across six categories:
- New work/development within a heritage area
- Conservation of a heritage place
- Traditional conservation skills
- Sustainability and/or greening of a heritage place
- Community heritage advocacy
- Engagement with a heritage place, collection or item.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves encouraged residents to shine a light on the people and projects making a significant contribution to Ballarat's heritage.
"Ballarat's heritage is one of our city's defining strengths and helps make our community a unique and vibrant place to live, work and visit," Cr Hargreaves said.
"The Heritage Awards are an opportunity to recognise the passion, expertise and commitment of the people who are conserving heritage places, sharing local stories and helping future generations understand and appreciate our past."
Last year's awards highlighted the many ways Ballarat's heritage is being conserved, celebrated and reimagined, with recognition awarded to projects including Hotel Vera and Restaurant Babae, the restoration of a 1900 house in Soldiers Hill, the restoration of historic cast iron post boxes across Ballarat, and the Ballarat Old Gaol Tours and exhibition.
Community advocates Dianne Gow and Save Our Station Ballarat Inc. were also recognised for their dedication to protecting local heritage.
"The 2025 winners demonstrated that heritage can take many forms. What united all of last year's recipients was a deep commitment to ensuring Ballarat's heritage remains valued, understood and accessible for future generations," Cr Hargreaves said.
"I know there are many more inspiring projects and passionate individuals across our municipality whose efforts deserve recognition, and I encourage the community to put forward a nomination."
