First Strategy to Protect NSW Heritage Released
Friday, 6 June 2025
Find the draft strategy here.
Community members and heritage stakeholders are being invited to have their say on the first NSW Heritage strategy. It will seek to update the approach to heritage by recognising, protecting, enhancing and celebrating our state’s rich history.
The Minns Labor Government’s vision is for a heritage system that recognises the rich places, people and experiences that have shaped NSW.
The draft strategy examines ways to modernise the approach to heritage and at the same time ensuring that housing can be built.
The draft strategy has been informed by more than 1,750 submissions from heritage experts, advocacy groups, government bodies and members of the public.
Key questions within the strategy are how to:
- Recognise and protect a broader range of stories and values to represent the diverse history and communities of NSW within the heritage system.
- Improve alignment between the heritage and planning systems including simplifying approval processes.
- Enhance support for heritage owners and custodians.
- Encourage new uses for heritage places, including government-owned heritage.
- Champion activation and adaptive reuse of heritage places and spaces to create significant social and economic benefits.
- Work with Aboriginal communities to better acknowledge, celebrate and protect cultural heritage.
- Promote climate adaptation and sustainability upgrades to heritage places and objects.
- Establish a more robust State Heritage Register and underpinning legislation.
Individuals and organisations can provide feedback on the draft NSW heritage strategy and submit ideas online: www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/nsw-heritage-strategy.
Consultation is open until 13 July, 2025.
Quote attributable to Minister for Heritage, Penny Sharpe MLC:
“Establishing the state’s first heritage strategy is a significant step to ensure we protect and celebrate the heritage items that reflect and resonate with all members of our community.
“The strategy reflects the diverse and changing needs of our community. I encourage you to have your say about how NSW can make our heritage system world leading.”
Quotes attributable to Donna Davis MP, State Member for Parramatta:
“Providing local voices with the opportunity to contribute to shaping our NSW heritage strategy is of critical importance and I strongly encourage everyone to have their say.”
“Parramatta is an area rich in First Nations, built and national heritage that has significance to the stories of our entire nation.”
“I am proud to be a member of the Minns Labor Government that is focused on delivering a NSW heritage strategy.”
Record $8.65 million to preserve and activate heritage in NSW
Tuesday, 1 July 2025
A record $8.65 million has been awarded to 140 grant recipients to boost the protection and restoration of heritage sites across NSW, under the 2025-27 NSW Heritage Grants Program.
The Minns Labor Government has increased the total investment by $2.65 million from the previous round, to recognise the importance of preserving and celebrating heritage for generations to come.
These new grants will deliver huge wins for heritage conservation in every corner of the state, with 103 awarded in regional NSW and 37 in Sydney – boosting community access and engagement with heritage across all of NSW.
Two projects have received a major Activating State Heritage Grant worth $1 million each to bring a state significant site to life, allowing people to connect more deeply with heritage. They’re the largest grants ever awarded under this decades-long grant program.
These grants will see the Newcastle Post Office and Victoria Theatre revitalised to enable these iconic heritage-listed sites to re-open their doors to the public, reinstating them as cornerstone attractions in Newcastle.
Other recipients include everything from hotels, museums, churches and town halls to parks, cemeteries and cultural landmarks, across three grant categories.
Caring for State Heritage Grants
$4.23 million has been invested in 44 heritage projects, including the 19th century Bushranger Hotel at Goulburn, Wollongong’s North Beach Kiosk, Maitland’s Town Hall and Sydney’s History House, to ensure they are safeguarded for future generations.
They also include the 150-year-old iconic Toganmain Woolshed, the largest remaining woolshed in the Riverina region. Conservation works will help protect the building’s integrity including restoring the shearers’ quarters with the original chimneys, ovens and hearths.
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Grants
Nearly $200,000 has been shared between Aboriginal Places at Brungle Cemetery, St Clair Mission Church School, Corroboree Ground, Beemunnel Reserve, Birubi Point and Collingwood Parklands. This will ensure their cultural significance is respected and maintained.
For example, the seating and viewing area at Birubi Point Aboriginal Place will be restored, providing visitor amenity away from culturally and environmentally sensitive areas.
Local Government Heritage Grants
$2.225 million will enable 89 Councils to identify and protect places and stories that define their character. Each Council will receive $25,000 to fund heritage initiatives at the local level.
For the complete list of the successful grant recipients and their projects, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding
Quote attributable to Minister for Heritage, Penny Sharpe:
“Our record investment highlights the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to preserving the historic places that matter the most – whether it is iconic buildings, local landmarks or sites of deep Aboriginal cultural significance.
“Our many and diverse heritage places tell the stories of NSW. These grants will help ensure these special places are restored and protected for more people to enjoy.
“These heritage sites will also be a drawcard for visitors and beacons for local communities into the future.”
