Heritage Advocacy
Heritage Advocacy
The National Trust of Australia (Queensland) is a community-based charity with a clear mission: to promote and advance the conservation, protection and understanding of Australia’s natural and cultural heritage — including our built environment and the heritage of First Nations People — for the benefit and education of all Australians.
Why Advocacy Matters
Special places tell our story. They connect us to who we are, where we came from, and what we value as a community.
That’s why advocacy sits at the heart of everything we do. We work alongside communities to raise awareness of important heritage issues — speaking up for the places, environments and wildlife that deserve to be protected for future generations.
How We Advocate
The National Trust of Australia (Queensland) champions special places through a range of programs designed to educate, engage and empower communities. Whether it’s shining a light on threatened heritage sites or supporting grassroots conservation efforts, we’re committed to making sure Queensland’s remarkable heritage is never taken for granted.
Heritage Advocacy
National of Australia (Queensland) has representation on the Queensland Heritage Council and is actively involved in managing and adding new places to the State Heritage Register. National Trust works collaboratively with the State Department and the Heritage Council to ensure heritage is accessible and relatable to a broader audience and to develop strategies to reach communities to celebrate and recognise heritage in their regions. The Heritage Council was established under the Queensland Heritage Act 1992 and acts independently of government in the public interests – to identify and protect places with special heritage value.
The Queensland Heritage Council decides what is entered in and removed from the Queensland Heritage Register as well as:
Working with Government and Key Stakeholders
Protecting Queensland’s heritage takes collaboration at every level — and the National Trust is there at all of them.
Federal Level
Through the Australian Council of National Trusts (ACNT), we engage on matters of national importance. As Australia’s oldest heritage organisation, we have a long history of campaigning on the issues that matter most to communities across the country.
Right now, ACNT is actively working with government and key stakeholders to shape the new National Heritage Strategy — currently in development — to ensure heritage conservation remains a national priority.
State Level
In Queensland, we work closely with the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, including its Heritage and Environmental divisions, to find new and meaningful ways to make heritage relevant to everyday Queenslanders.
We also help communities navigate the heritage listing process. Our Advocacy Guide is a practical resource that walks you through the criteria and steps involved in applying for a state heritage listing — because informed communities are empowered communities.
Local Level
Great heritage outcomes start close to home. Across Queensland, the National Trust partners with local councils to champion better heritage recognition at the community level.
We work directly with communities to guide local advocacy efforts, explain the value of local heritage listings, and make sure the places that matter most to people are never overlooked or forgotten.
Heritage Advocacy Response
Where there are significant matters regarding the conservation of special places, National Trust Queensland will take a stance and advise on preferred or alternative options for action. This includes being a proactive participant in advocacy or advisory panels, committees, or representation. Advocacy aims to raise awareness and assist communities in protecting heritage. There are many different methods the National Trust uses for advocacy and awareness raising – including campaigning, organising events, and developing educational programs.
This may also include collating Public feedback and discussing with industry, government, or private stakeholders, to reach better heritage outcomes. An advocacy response is always developed in a considered way, based on factual information, any regulation or legislation governing the matter, public sentiment, and community significance, as well as the desired outcome, highlighting alternative action and influencing stakeholders to make positive change.
Submission
National Trust Queensland’s submission response to “Delivering a fresh start for Queensland’s heritage” – Discussion Paper
Inquiry
Read the report Inquiry from National Trust Queensland into the Management of Defence Estate Assets
Heritage Appeals Program
The National Trust restores and conserves significant natural and built heritage places. Through the Heritage Appeals program, community organisations can fundraise to conserve these special places and interpret them for public education.
To apply or support an existing Heritage Appeal, learn more.
Wildlife Welfare Matters
Through specialist teams at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and Hospital, the National Trust advocates for improved wildlife welfare — safer roads, wildlife fencing, habitat restoration and community partnerships. Working with university partners, our wildlife research program supports native species living free from disease and human impact. We also deliver sustainability education and community courses to build awareness and share knowledge.
Heritage Education Programs
Education is central to advocacy. The National Trust Queensland believes that understanding the value of special places, collections and natural heritage encourages care and action. Through curriculum-based programs, tertiary and adult learning, and on-site interpretation and storytelling, we are committed to educating and inspiring people to conserve built, natural and cultural heritage.
Queensland Heritage Awards
The National Trust Queensland Heritage Awards celebrate and acknowledge outstanding heritage work across the State, showcasing best practice, innovation, collaboration and the diversity of Queensland’s heritage places.
Australian Heritage Festival
The Australian Heritage Festival is the nation’s largest community-driven celebration of culture and history. Running for more than 45 years across cities and regions nationwide, it invites communities to connect with Australia’s diverse stories through immersive experiences that bring heritage to life.
Get Involved
In Queensland, the National Trust’s community groups connect heritage enthusiasts to organise events, support local heritage and advocate for its future. Experience our work firsthand by attending a heritage event or becoming a member.