The Victorian Heritage Register is turning 50!
This year marks the 50th Anniversary of Victorian state government heritage legislation.
In 1974, after many years of campaigning by Victorian conservation activists, the first buildings were included in the Victorian Historic Buildings Register to protect them for current and future generations. The Historic Buildings Register eventually became what we know today as the Victorian Heritage Register.
Victoria was the first Australian state to establish a Heritage Council to recommend the registration of places and objects of State-level significance to be protected by a Heritage Register.
The Victorian Heritage Register provides legal protection for approximately 2,400 places and objects that are of cultural heritage significance to Victoria. The Victorian Heritage Register now includes approximately 2,400 places and objects that are significant to the history and development of Victoria.
The Victorian Heritage Register protects a variety of heritage, not just historic buildings. Heritage can be buildings, objects, collections, archaeological remains, gardens, shipwrecks and more.
The NTAV is partnering with the Heritage Council of Victoria to celebrate this milestone and the many important places and objects protected in the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR). The National Trust will include a special showcasing of Heritage Festival events associated with places included in the Victorian Heritage Register through digital itineraries and badges in our digital program.
You can search places or objects on the VHR by searching the Victorian Heritage Database: https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au
About the Heritage Council
The Heritage Council of Victoria is an independent statutory authority which recognises, protects and celebrates Victoria’s cultural heritage. The Council advises the government and others on how to conserve and protect historically important objects and places for the enjoyment of current and future generations.
The 2024 Australian Heritage Festival Victoria is proudly supported by the Heritage Council Victoria.