Have you been involved with any projects which promote, preserve or protect the heritage of New South Wales? Do you know of any dedicated individuals worthy of industry-wide recognition?
Find out more about the 2026 Award categories below and start preparing your submission(s).
Project Awards
Enter here.
Nine award categories spotlight outstanding achievements in conserving, protecting and interpreting NSW’s Aboriginal, built, natural and cultural heritage.
To be eligible for entry, projects must have been completed (or will be completed) between 1 April 2025 – 1 March 2026.
We invite organisations, councils, government agencies, community groups and passionate individuals across the state to submit projects of all sizes and budgets for recognition.
Past submissions have showcased everything from revitalised historic places and conserved collections to community events, advocacy initiatives, public art, publications and more. See who took home the trophies in 2025.
To help you formulate a thorough and engaging entry, please refer to the 2026 Project entry guidelines.
Categories:
| Aboriginal | For projects that seek to promote understanding, appreciation, conservation and/or awareness of Aboriginal heritage. |
| Architecture | For projects which 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. |
| Advocacy | To recognise the commitment of a community group and/or individual who have pursued the protection and conservation of key heritage places, items or objects. |
| Built Conservation | For projects that relate to conservation of our built heritage including capital works and repair. Such projects may include buildings, structures or sites. Awarded to one large and one small project. |
| Interiors and Objects | For projects that relate to the conservation of historic interiors and objects. Movable heritage and collections may be included. |
| Landscape | For projects that relate to the conservation, care and promotion of our landscape heritage. This may include natural, urban and cultural landscapes. |
| Education and Interpretation | For projects that serve to educate about or interpret our heritage in an engaging way. This may include curriculum-based educational projects and resources, and specific interpretation projects relating to a place or item. |
| Events, Exhibitions and Tours | For events, exhibitions and tours which emphasise and promote education, interpretation and community engagement in heritage. |
| Resources and Publications | For any public facing resource or publication that promotes the conservation of our heritage. This may include books, research, websites, archaeological resources, heritage guidelines, fact sheets, field guides and heritage studies, both in print and online. |
Entry fees:
A singular project can be entered separately in multiple categories. The entry fee per category entry is $85 for an individual, community group or charity, and $240 for a business or government organisation. Entrants must be a National Trust member. An individual membership of $95 can be added to your cart at the time of entry submission.
Individual Awards
Individual awards are free to enter. Three peer-nominated categories will be recognised in 2026:
