Restoration Appeals

Initiative VIC

The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) can provide assistance to some property owners to undertake the conservation and restoration of their heritage place by establishing a National Trust External Appeal.  

The purpose of an External Appeal is to assist owners of heritage places or objects to raise funds for repairs and conservation essential to the preservation of the significant place or object.  

Due to the National Trust’s Not-For-Profit Tax deductible status, the Australian Tax Office permits the Trust to extend this tax-deductibility to heritage-related appeals operated by other organisations.  

Generally, the external places should be owned or managed by the community, a Committee of Management or a not-for profit organisation. Such places should provide a community or public benefit either by access or visibility.  Donations to an External Appeal must come from third parties (i.e. the public) and not the owner of the place or object.   

The External Appeals program often provides funding revenue for conservation works to places where other streams of funding might not otherwise be available, such as heritage places of significance that are not on the State Heritage Register. The program can also work alongside other grants programs, which can work together to realise a project that cannot be fully supported by an often-limited grant amount or that funds a different component of work (not the conservation work).  

Over the years this program has facilitated the completion of many successful conservation projects benefiting Victoria’s important heritage places. Major External Appeals were launched in the 1970s for landmarks such as St Patrick’s Cathedral, St Paul’s Cathedral, St John’s Toorak, and Scots Church. However, more recently, many non-religious places and objects have also benefited from Trust External Appeals, such as the Skipping Girl Vinegar Sign in Abbotsford, the Robbie Burns Statue in Camperdown, and the 1858 Portland Lifeboat.  

For further information about this program, eligibility criteria and to begin the application process, please contact the Heritage Services Co-ordinator at (03) 9656 9818 or conservation@nattrust.com.au  

 

Download the Application Form

 

Eligibility Criteria

Types of Works:  

External Appeals are for the conservation of heritage fabric only. Conservation covers all the processes of maintenance, repair and restoration as defined in the ICOMOS Australia Burra Charter. Works that are considered protective or that would positively contribute to the long term preservation of the structure may also be eligible. Examples of protective and long term preservation works eligible include:  

  • Pipe Organ servicing and maintenance  
  • Improved drainage to prevent damp problems  
  • Replacement of old and dangerous electrical services  
  • Installation of fire prevention services such as alarms, sprinkler  

The funds must be directed to physical conservation and restoration works or documentation/expert advice reports/contract administration relating to conservation and restoration works.   

Specific exclusions are:  

  • payment of building and contents insurance   
  • new construction  
  • general overheads  
  • purchase of equipment  
  • the work of in-house staff  
  • the purchase of places or objects.  

An External Appeal can cover a broad scope of work proposed in the short term as well as ongoing and futures maintenance and conservation projects.  

Recognised heritage significance:  

  • Eligible places or objects must be listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, be included in a municipal Heritage Overlay, or be classified by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).  

Ownership:  

Places and object which are eligible include: 

  • Places or objects owned by community or not-for profit incorporated bodies. This can include bodies with exclusive membership such as private clubs, sporting or arts groups and the like, as well as religious organisations  
  • Places under the responsibility of not-for-profit community bodies acting as a Committee of Management under the Crown Lands Reserves Act.  
  • Places owned by a local municipality but leased by / managed by not-for-profit community bodies.  
  • Objects in public places such as statues, memorials and fountains owned or managed by a local municipality.  
  • Objects that are privately owned and publicly viewable/accessible but the restoration of which would not provide a direct financial benefit to the owner.  

Places and objects which are not eligible include:  

  • Places owned by an individual or private company, family trust or the like that have no public accessibility/benefit.  
  • Places operating on a commercial or for-profit basis.  
  • Places or objects owned by State government departments, agencies or statutory authorities (this therefore includes objects held in major public institutions).  

Owners Consent:  

Applications without the organisation’s consent will not be considered.  

Visibility and Accessibility:  

Eligible heritage places and objects must be accessible or viewable by the public. Where an interior is considered significant and part of the project, or an object is held inside, it should also still have some form of accessibility by the general public. This may take the form of an annual open day.  

For further information about this program, eligibility criteria and to begin the application process, please contact the Heritage Services Co-ordinator at (03) 9656 9818 or conservation@nattrust.com.au  

Application Requirements

Certain information must be provided in order for an External Appeal request to be considered. All details of the restoration works, including methodology, materials, expertise, etc. must be approved by the Trust in order to ensure that the works are of the highest conservation standards.    

The Organisation shall submit in writing to the Trust the following information:  

  • evidence of the heritage listing of the place  
  • documentation confirming that the ownership and management of the place satisfies the Eligibility Criteria  
  • details of proposed restoration works, with photos, plans, specifications and estimated timelines  
  • an estimate of total cost and the proposed appeal target  
  • details of any other proposed works whatsoever affecting any part of the site, buildings or structures   
  • copies of any current building, planning or Heritage Council permits  
  • name of the conservation architect.

Case Studies

Formerly the Tramway and Omnibus Company building, and constructed in 1891, Donkey Wheel House is significant as a reminder of the origins of Melbourne’s tram system and for its rare Venetian Gothic inspired buildings. The Donkey Wheel Trust is a charitable organisation that supports a community of change makers to develop new ideas to shape a better society. An External Appeal was established in 2011 to raise funds for restoration of the building to house the Donkey Wheel Trust and other change-making organisations. The appeal raised $800,000 and along with other grant funding enabled restoration of the façade, roof and interior spaces, completed in 2019 by building owners Ethical Property Australia.   

A successful External Appeal funded the exterior and interior restoration of the impressive copper clad dome of the Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in St Kilda. This appeal established in 2014 raised $500,000, with the targeted conservation works completed in 2016.  

The initial External Appeal established for this 1862 church raised in the order of $500,000 to undertake essential conservation works to the significant stained glass windows and repairs to the stone tower, however the appeal is still running with smaller amounts of funding coming in each year, which pay for ongoing maintenance of the windows and other essential conservation works to the building.   

The initial External Appeal established for Christ Church, Warrnambool in 2005 was to raise funds for the restoration of significant stained glass windows. This project was successfully completed using funding in the order of $80,000 from the External Appeal. Following this, the External Appeal scope was extended to raise funds for roof and tower restoration works, which have also been completed. The External Appeal for Christ Church, Warrnambool continues today to progressively fund a prioritised schedule of conservation works.  

Current Appeals

Auburn Uniting Church

The Auburn Uniting Church (Former Wesleyan Methodist Church) has been part of the fabric of Hawthorn since 1889. The church complex is on the Victorian Heritage Register (H2034) for its historic and architectural significance to Victoria. This restoration appeal, operated by the Friends of Auburn Tower and established in 2009, began with works to the columns and other aspects of the tower, and is now being used for other key conservation priorities within complex. 

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Download the Appeal Brochure

Australian Garden History Society

The Australian Garden History Society (Victorian Branch) is a peak not-for-profit body focused on the importance of historic gardens across Victoria. The AGHS works to educate about, advocate for and celebrate historic gardens across Victoria. This appeal was established in the 1980s to support the research and associated printing costs of the Oxford Companion of Australian Gardens.  

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Australian Club

The Australian Club was founded in 1878 and the first two stages of the building were built in 1879 and 1884. This exclusive club’s building is part of the Victorian Heritage Register (H0105) for the historic and architectural significance of the institution and building to the state of Victoria. This restoration appeal is related to conservation works on the exterior of the building that can be seen by the public.  

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B24 Liberator Memorial Restoration

The B-24 Liberator Memorial Australia was established in 1988 to acquire, restore and celebrate a B-24 Liberator and associated objects as a memorial to the service and actions of those who works on B-24 Liberators during World War II. This community effort is housed in the former Werribee Satellite Aerodrome, that is on the Victorian Heritage Register (H1844). This appeal began in 1989 and now supports the development and restoration works of the B2-24 Liberator and associated Airspeed Oxford and Avro Anson aircraft.  

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Bishopscourt

The bluestone Bishopscourt, the long term residence of the Anglican Bishop (and later Archbishop) of Melbourne, was built in 1853. Hidden behind high fences and impressive gardens, this property is on the Victorian Heritage Register (H0027) for its historic, social, scientific and archaeological significance to the state of Victoria. Bishopscourt is one of the first appeals established by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and supports the continued conservation works of this site.  

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Christ Church Brunswick

Christ Church Brunswick was built in stages from 1857-1875, in a style more common in residential houses than churches. The church complex is architecturally significant to Victoria for its rare ‘Villa Rustica’ style of church (VHR H0129). This appeal is one of the earliest appeals established by the Trust in Victoria, with documentation from 1977, and continues to support the ongoing conservation works of the church and vicarage. 

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Christ Church Hamilton

Christ Church Hamilton is a key feature of the Hamilton landscape and was opened in 1878, and the 1892 Casson organ was installed in 1901. It is believed to be the first known example of imitative string stops in Australia. Most notably, this church is made of un-plastered basalt on the exterior, giving the church a unique aesthetic. The church and their organ are Classified by the National Trust and the church is protected with a local Heritage Overlay. This appeal began in 2017 for roof, gutter and drainage works.  

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Christ Church Hawthorn

Christ Church Hawthorn was built in 1853-4 and is one of the earliest surviving suburban churches in Melbourne. The Hunter organ was built in 1876 and is the only known substantially unaltered Hunter organ surviving in Victoria. The church and organ are Classified with the National Trust and protected by a local Heritage Overlay. This appeal is one of our earliest, with conservation and restoration work being done to the church and the organ over time. 

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Christ Church South Yarra

Christ Church South Yarra was designed in 1856-7 with adjustments to the built form made through to c.1907. The church is on the Victorian Heritage Register (H0635) for its historical and architectural significance to Victoria, especially the 1850s-80s. Christ Church South Yarra’s appeal is quite recent and is primarily focussed on remedying decaying sandstone elements of the church, and easing factors impacting damp issues.   

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Christ Church St Kilda

Christ Church St Kilda’s church was built in 1854-57 and the complex was completed by 1914. The organ is significant to the church and was built in 1959. It is believed to be the earliest documented Hill organ to be exported to Australia. The local sandstone and the stained glass windows are part of the complex’s inclusion on the Victorian Heritage Register (H0996). This appeal began in 2001 and continues to support significant works on the organ, masonry conservation, roof and stained glass works, and damp issues.  

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Christ Church Warrnambool

Christ Church in Warrnambool was built in 1855-6 and is notable for its decorative features, World War I memorial tablet and stained glass windows from a range of decades. This complex is listed in the Victorian Heritage Register (H0387) for its historic, aesthetic and architectural significance to Victoria. This appeal was established in 2005 and has supported stained glass works, roof restoration, drainage works and assisting with damp issues.  

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East Melbourne Synagogue

The East Melbourne Synagogue was built in 1877 and is the oldest and longest running synagogue in Victoria. The Synagogue is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register (H0495) for its historical, social and architectural significance, especially the interior detailing. This appeal began in 2002 and has supported a number of conservation works on the site including roof works, damp and termite damage, the repair of decorate elements and the removal of additions. 

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Bishops Lodge, Wangaratta

Bishops Lodge, Wangaratta was built in 1904 in a mix of Federation and Victorian styles. Also known as the Bishop’s Palace, the site has added grandeur thanks to the intricate lace detailing and extravagant gardens. It is Classified by the National Trust and protected by a local Heritage Overlay. This is a recent appeal established with the Trust and aims to support structural stabilisation, and the repair and conservation of key material features.  

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Holy Trinity Cathedral, Wangaratta

Holy Trinity Cathedral in Wangaratta began construction in 1908 with additional sections added over time. The bell tower contains bells cast in 1806, making them the oldest bell in Australia. The precinct is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register (H1065) for architectural, historical and social significance. This recent appeal supports stabilisation of significant fabric, roof works, stone conservation, the conservation to stained glass windows, and the reinstatement of original lighting. 

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Holy Trinity Kew

The Holy Trinity Church Kew was built in 1862 and is most known for its range of significant and striking 19th century stained glass windows, including Ferguson and Urie windows, Melbourne’s earliest leading stained glass window firm, during their peak. Holy Trinity Kew is Classified by the National Trust and is protected by a local Heritage Overlay. This appeal was established in 2008 and has supported significant stained window conservation and works, roof works and the drainage works. 

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St Luke’s Hungarian Reformation Church, North Fitzroy

The Hungarian Reformation Church was originally St Luke’s Church of England and was built in 1879. What stands today is one-third smaller than was intended. Church contains an 1890 Anderson organ which the Hungarian Reformation church purchased the building in 1970. The church and organ are Classified by the National Trust and protected as part of a local Heritage Overlay. This appeal began in 2002 and has supported roof works and continues to support the conservation of the organ. 

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German Lutheran Church, East Melbourne

The German Lutheran Trinity Church was built in 1874 but the site had been used continuously since 1853. The Mackenzie organ was donated in 1874 and rich interiors and Ferguson and Urie stained glass demonstrate the importance of the site. The Church is part of the Victorian Heritage Register (H0015) for the architectural, historical and social significance to the State of Victoria. This appeal is one of our earliest established with the Trust, and is used for the continued conservation of the building. 

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Mar Thoma Syrian Church, Parkville

The College Church, now known as the Mar Thoma Syrian Church, in Parkville, was built in 1898.The crown tower is the only example in Victoria and possibly Australia. The site is part of the Victorian Heritage Register (H0394) for its architectural, social and historical importance to Victoria. This appeal was established in 1983 and has been used to support the restoration of the crown tower, roof works, the conservation of stained glass windows and overall conservation of the building. 

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Queen Victoria Women’s Centre

The Queen Victoria Women’s Centre is housed in the last surviving section of the Queen Victoria Hospital. The National Trust advocated heavily for the retention of this building in the 1980s – early 1990s. The QVWC is an organisation supporting female owned and led not-for-profits. The building is part of the Victorian Heritage Register (H0956) for its architectural, historical and social significance to Victoria. This is a recent appeal to support social history research and the conservation of the site. 

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Ross House Melbourne

Ross House, a not-for-profit organisation supporting social justice and environmental sustainability, is housed in the former Sargood Warehouse. This building was erected in 1898-1900 and is known for its unique architectural and design features of brick and metal. The building is part of the Victorian Heritage Register (H0627) for its architectural and historical importance. This appeal began in 2009 and has supported complete façade restoration and conservation and improved drainage.

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Skipping Girl Vinegar

The Skipping Girl Vinegar sign, or “Little Audrey”, is one of the city’s most iconic images and is located in the Abbotsford area. The sign is on the Victorian Heritage Register (H2083) for its historical and social significance to Victoria. In 2007 the National Trust launched a campaign to have Little Audrey heritage-listed and restored to her former glory. Along with grants, the restoration of the sign including new neon was completed, and she was converted to solar power.  

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Read more about the National Trust’s work to heritage list the Skipping Girl Vinegar sign.

St Andrew’s Brighton Historic Graves Restoration Appeal

St Andrew’s Anglican Church Brighton’s Historic Graveyard contains more than 300 burials, established in 1843. The graveyard is a rare example of a traditional English parish church private graveyard and is included in the Victorian Heritage Register (H0124) as part of the church complex. This appeal began in 2002 and continues to support the restoration of a number of the early graves on the site including the reinstatement of wrought iron fences, stone and concrete works. 

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St George the Martyr, Queenscliff

St George Anglican Church, Queenscliff was built in 1863-64 and was added to over time, including the stuccoed tower in 1878. The Church also contains a National Trust Classified Fincham organ from 1871. The church and hall are on the Victorian Heritage Register (H1125) as being of architectural, historical and social value to the state of Victoria. This appeal was established in 1996 for remediation works on the tower, bell and growing damp issues, to ensure the longevity of the church. 

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St George’s Malvern

St George’s Anglican Church, East Malvern, is an 1865 building that was not completed until 1923. The interior is of particular interest including elongated lancet windows, stained glass windows and Oamaru stone font. The church is Classified by the National Trust and is protected by a local Heritage Overlay. This appeal began in 2012 and has supported restoration and remediation works on the roof and guttering, and now the drainage system and the stained glass windows.  

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St John the Evangelist, East Malvern

St John’s Anglican Church, East Malvern was built in 1922. It is notable for the Barrabool stone exterior, the stained glass and pipe organ, and the reuse of items and materials from previous iterations of the 1889 church. The church is Classified by the National Trust and is protected by a local Heritage Overlay. This appeal began in 1999 for bell tower works and organ works. The appeal is currently focused on a long term management plan for the site and the drainage and damp issues within the building. 

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St John’s Port Fairy

St John’s Anglican Church, Port Fairy was built 1854-56, from the design of prominent architect Nathaniel Billing. The local bluestone building is on the Victorian Heritage Register (H0524) for its significance to the State of Victoria. The 1909 Taylor organ is also Classified by the National Trust. This appeal was established in 2019 for remediation works relating to damp issues and water ingress. These works also include drainage and roof works, and the repointing of the exterior of the building. 

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St Mark’s Fitzroy

St Mark’s Anglican Church, Fitzroy began construction in 1853 but was completed a number of years later. It is notable for its stained glass windows, broach spire and large lancet windows. The church is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register (H0553) for its architectural, historical, aesthetic and social significance to Victoria. This appeal began in 1991 and has supported a number of works including masonry works, salt build up from damp ingress, and roof and drainage works 

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St Martin’s Hawksburn (South Yarra)

St Martin’s Anglican Church Hawksburn in South Yarra was built during the period of 1883-1887. The exterior details are unique with polychrome brick designs and banding, and other exterior decorative elements. The 1886-7 Fincham organ is also significant. The church and organ are Classified by the National Trust and protected by a local Heritage Overlay. This appeal began in 2012 and relates to the painting and hanging of original church doors, and the repainting of the interior of the church. Window and guttering works are completed. 

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St Mary’s North Melbourne

St Mary’s Anglican Church, North Melbourne, was built between 1860-1862, and has a distinctive vaulted crossing and timber ceilings. The 1958 organ was built for a church in Wellington and reconstructed and revoiced for St Mary’s in 1983. The church is on the Victorian Heritage Register (H0010) for its social, historical, architectural and aesthetic significance to Victoria. This appeal was established in 1993 and has supported conservation works such as wall stabilisation, re-wiring of electrics, new drainage, and restoration of stained-glass windows. 

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St Mary Star of the Sea, West Melbourne

St Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, West Melbourne, was built between 1891-1900. It is a large, Barrabool stone church with timber ceilings, and large stained glass windows. The 1898-1900 Fincham organ is believed to be the largest intact organ from the 19th Century in Australia. The site is on the Victorian Heritage Register (H2182) for its architectural, historical, aesthetic, technological and social significance. The appeal began in 1990 for emergency restoration works on the organ, before work began on a CMP, roof and stone remediation. 

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St Mary’s Williamstown

St Mary’s Anglican Church Williamstown is built to William Wardell’s design between 1858-72, in a classic early English style, and is believed to be one of the earliest Christian parishes in the area. This bluestone church is Classified by the National Trust and is protected with a local Heritage Overlay. This appeal began in 2010 to support electrical, plastering and painting works and well as new roofing and internal woodwork. This appeal continues to support ongoing conservation works at the church. 

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St Mary’s Bairnsdale and Omeo

St Mary’s Catholic Church Bairnsdale is a red brick Romanesque church that was built in 1913. Its interior has an extravagant decorative scheme, barrel-vaulted ceilings, and spectacular painted ceiling. St Mary’s is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register (H2174) for its architectural, historical, aesthetic and social values. This appeal began in 2006 to address stabilisation and water ingress issues. These roof and drainage works have been completed and this appeal now focuses on the restoration of the Francesco Floreani ceiling paintings. 

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St Michael’s Carlton

The F W Slater and Frederick Taylor organ at St Michael’s Anglican Church North Carlton, was built in 1912. This organ is made up of a three-manual chamber with 12 stops, with a fiddle back blackwood case, exposed wooden pipes, and elaborate mouldings. This organ is Classified by the National Trust. This appeal began in 1997 to support the restoration of the organ and continues to support the ongoing conservation of this item. 

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St Paul’s Cathedral, Bendigo

St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, Bendigo, began construction in 1868 and was completed in parts until 1927. The interior has several important heritage objects such as a carved lectern, two baptismal fonts, carved stalls and important artworks. This complex is listed in the Victorian Heritage Register (H1372) for its architectural, aesthetic and historical values to the state of Victoria. This appeal was established in 2010 to support interior works to refit artefacts within the church, as well as make safe and conservation works on the bell tower.   

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St Paul's Geelong

Work on Geelong’s second major Anglican congregational church began in 1850. Although classically designed, the church has some unusual elements for the time like face brick and tall timber columns for internal support. This church is part of the Victorian Heritage Register (H0187) for its architectural and historical value to Victoria. This appeal began in the 1981 to support the restoration of the church bells and later, in 2004, to support major roof works. The appeal now supports salt damp treatments, tower works and re-plastering.  

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