Top Finalists Compete for Coveted Heritage Awards

  • Twenty-six individuals and projects named as finalists in 2023 Western Australian Heritage Awards
  • Local government dominates Contribution by a Public or Private Organisation category
  • Heritage champions continue to lead the way in conserving and preserving the State's heritage places

The City of Perth Boorloo Heritage Festival 2023 and Bunbury Geographe Motor Museum are among 26 finalists in the 2023 Western Australian Heritage Awards for delivering two unique heritage tourism experiences.

Thirty-five nominations were received for this year's awards program, which celebrates and acknowledges the best contributions and outstanding practice in heritage conservation, adaptive reuse, promotion, tourism and interpretation.

Six Western Australians have been recognised in the individual award categories for their voluntary or professional commitment to the heritage sector. They include Peter Ramsay B.E.M. (Mil), President of the Friends of ANZAC Cottage, and Anne Faithfull, a volunteer with the Busselton community, who was recognised posthumously.

Finalists in the Contribution by a Public or Private Organisation are:

  • the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder;
  • Shire of Pingelly; and
  • the City of Rockingham.

The City of Rockingham is a fantastic example of local government working with private industry element and Terra Rosa Consulting to achieve a positive heritage outcome on a joint archaeological project.

Since 1992, the Heritage Awards have been an opportunity to showcase the excellent work in revitalisingState Registered heritage places, setting standards in interpretation, heritage tourism, conservation and adaptive reuse.

The 2023 Western Australian Heritage Awards will be presented in a heritage building in Mount Claremont on Friday 13 October. More information on the finalists can be found at dplh.wa.gov.au/heritage-awards.

As stated by Heritage Minister David Templeman:

"The City of Perth Boorloo Heritage Festival exemplifies how a well-curated calendar of diverse events can nurture a better understanding of the City's unique history through storytelling, exhibitions, interactive workshops, informative walks and immersive experiences.

"The three finalists in the Contribution by a Public or Private Organisation category are shining examples of local governments that are committed to protecting and preserving Western Australia's significant local heritage places, which are valuable pieces of our historical legacy.

"I commend the Heritage Council of Western Australia's continuing commitment to encourage and recognise volunteers and professional heritage champions who work hard to preserve and revitalise the State's rich and diverse historical and cultural heritage.

"I congratulate all the finalists and wish them the best at the 2023 WA Heritage Awards."

2023 Western Australian Heritage Awards Finalists

VOLUNTARY INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTION

An individual who has made a significant voluntary contribution to the conservation, promotion and/or understanding of cultural heritage in the community.

Margaret Baxter, Chair, Dunsborough Historical Society

Anne Faithfull, Volunteer, Busselton community (a posthumous award)

Jason and Emma Harding, private owners of Birchmont Homestead, Shire of Murray

Megan Lawless, Administrator, Memories of Bunbury

Peter Ramsay B.E.M. (Mil), President, Friends of ANZAC Cottage

PROFESSIONAL CONTRIBUTION

An individual who has made a significant contribution to heritage and has demonstrated best practice standards through their work in the heritage industry.

Alex Jones, Professional, WA Solid Plastering and Construction Industry

Flavia Kiperman, Director and Principal Heritage Team, element

Geoff Moor, Heritage Officer, City of Canning

Martin Silk, Managing Director, Quoin Consulting

CONTRIBUTION BY A COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANISATION

A community-based or non-profit organisation whose contribution demonstrates a commitment to cultural heritage and/or heritage-related work, services or programs in Western Australia.

Bunbury Geographe Motor Museum

Bus Preservation Society of Western Australia

THEATRE 180

CONTRIBUTION BY A PUBLIC OR PRIVATE ORGANISATION

A public or private organisation whose contribution demonstrates a commitment to cultural heritage and/or heritage-related work, services or programs in Western Australia.

City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder

Shire of Pingelly

City of Rockingham, element and Terra Rosa (for Rockingham archaeological dig project)

INTERPRETATION PROJECT

A project that improves and enriches a heritage experience by helping visitors to develop a strong sense of understanding and appreciation of a place.

Beneath the Bitumen: Discoveries from the Chinese Cemetery, East Perth

City of Gosnells Ghost Walks

The Private Life of a War Memorial

HERITAGE TOURISM PRODUCT

A business or product that provides a heritage tourism experience and provides visitors with access to and/or interpretation of a heritage place.

Bunbury Geographe Motor Museum

City of Gosnells Ghost Walks

City of Perth Boorloo Heritage Festival 2023

CONSERVATION OR ADAPTIVE REUSE OF A STATE REGISTERED PLACE

This category recognises excellence in conservation or adaptive reuse of a place entered in the State Register of Heritage Places.

Como Theatre (Cygnet Cinema)

His Majesty's Theatre (Balcony Reconstruction Project)

The Old Synagogue

Victoria House

Warders' Cottages (Warders Block W2 Hotel)

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