We rely heavily on community support generated through membership, sponsorship, donations and bequests, admissions and retail sales.
About Us
The National Trust is Australia’s leading heritage conservation charity. In New South Wales, our vision is to bring the heritage of this state to life for future generations. We acknowledge that we live, work and share stories of heritage on Aboriginal land. We pay our respects to the traditional owners of the land and Elders past, present and emerging.
The National Trust of Australia (NSW) was established in 1945 by Annie Forsyth Wyatt and an original committee of dedicated volunteers who wanted to protect heritage under threat, including the native bushland of Sydney and significant sites including the Macquarie Street precinct. This mission expanded to a state-wide and then a nation-wide movement of passionate people determined to safeguard the built, natural and cultural heritage of Australia for future generations.
Today, the National Trust owns or manages over 300 heritage places across Australia with 20 of these open regularly to community in New South Wales. We are a not-for-profit, community based statutory body corporate and a charitable entity that is established under The National Trust of Australia (New South Wales) Act 1990. We are led by a volunteer and member-elected Board of Directors.
In New South Wales, the National Trust is supported by more than 18,000 members, 800 volunteers and we employ more than 100 highly skilled staff who all share a common passion for the heritage of Australia in the spirit of our founders. The National Trusts advocates for policies and positions and does not endorse individual candidates or political parties.
The National Trust acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we work, live and share stories of heritage. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We support and are signatories to the Uluru Statement.
Our vision is
To bring the heritage of New South Wales to life for future generations.
Our mission is to:
- Advocate for the conservation of built, cultural and natural heritage by engaging with the community and government.
- Identify, conserve and protect our built, cultural and natural heritage by example, advice and support.
- Educate and engage the community by telling our stories in ways that awaken a sense of place and belonging.
We work according to our values, to be:
- Independent – operate without fear or favour.
- Trustworthy – uphold the highest standards of ethics, professionalism and governance.
- Inclusive – embrace diversity.
- Inspirational – awaken awareness and galvanise support for our causes.
You can read our Strategic Plan 2020 – 2024 here.
Find out more about our current Board of Directors here.
