2026 National Trust ACT Heritage Awards

Entries for the 2026 National Trust (ACT) Heritage Awards are now open! We invite organisations, Community Councils, government agencies, community and residents groups and passionate individuals to submit projects of all sizes and budgets. Participating in the Awards isn’t just a chance to gain recognition; it’s an opportunity to inspire others, share best practice and showcase the meaningful work heritage practitioners and associated sectors do every day.

We have broadened the eligibility criteria this year so be sure to read the Entrants Guide!

Project Categories

Seven award categories will shine a light on outstanding achievements in conserving, protecting and interpreting the ACT’s natural and cultural heritage.

Past submissions have showcased everything from revitalised historic places and conserved collections to community events, advocacy initiatives, publications and more.

Built Heritage (public/commercial & residential) : Projects that are sympathetic to the heritage significance of a place or complement and utilise existing built heritage, including adaptive reuse or new work in historic contexts.

First Nations Heritage: Projects that promote and advocate for the conservation, education, appreciation and a deeper understanding and celebration of First Nations heritage.

Events, Exhibitions and Tours: Projects that provide individuals with the opportunity to visit, learn, gain new perspectives on, or otherwise engage with ACT’s heritage. These may include events, performances, exhibitions, lectures, tours or experiential heritage tourism initiatives.

Heritage Interpretation and Education: Projects that produce innovative, creative and/or research-based interpretations of the ACT’s heritage in any media, including interpretive signs and displays, oral histories, new books, websites, guidebooks and digital media.

Heritage Landscapes and the Natural Environment: Projects to conserve the unique natural environment and cultural landscapes of the ACT. Eligible initiatives may include management plans, research, bushland management and regeneration, protection of waterways and forests, landscape design and conservation of significant landscapes and gardens.

Heritage Management and Policy Resources: Tools, plans, strategies, resources or other materials developed for specific projects or categories of heritage management. These could include Conservation and Heritage Management Plans, heritage reports and planning documents, new digital and technology-based resources and tools.

Local community projects: Community-led projects that conserve, educate or promote local heritage. These could include community celebrations, local restorations, streetscape improvements, signage and publications.

Individual Award Categories

Three individual categories will be recognised in 2026.

Emerging Heritage Professional (NEW!)

Open for nomination

A heritage professional who demonstrates a commitment to excellence and innovation in their field, with no more than 8 years’ experience since completing their studies or training/apprenticeship.

The National Trust (ACT) Council will also award two individual categories

Outstanding Advocacy 

Demonstrated advocacy by an individual or an organisation that has had material impact on decision making or public opinion in favour of conservation of the heritage of the ACT.

Lifetime Achievement.

Demonstrated commitment and achievement by an individual over a period of two or more decades in the conservation, promotion and protection of the ACT’s heritage.

How to enter

Download and read the 2026 National Trust ACT Heritage Awards Entrants Guide

Complete the online forms

Download hardcopy application forms:

2026 National Trust ACT Heritage Awards Entry Form Projects

2026 National Trust ACT Heritage Awards Entry Form Emerging Heritage Professional

and send via email to info@nationaltrustact.org.au

Pay the entry fee – when an entry is lodged, your nominated contact will be emailed with details for direct deposit or over the phone credit card payment.  Entries will not be submitted for judging until the entry fee is processed.

Entries close 14 August 2026

To be eligible for entry, projects must have been completed (or will be completed) between 1 July 2024 – 30 June 2026.

 

Click here to see last years winners

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