Heritage Advocacy

National Trust of Australia (Queensland) is defined by the charitable purpose "To promote and advance the conservation, protection and understanding of Australia’s natural and cultural (including built heritage) heritage, including the heritage of First Nations People, for public benefit and education.”

As a community-based charity, the National Trust advocates for the preservation of special places, environments and wildlife. Advocacy is an important part of the National Trust’s core purpose of conservation, and we work with communities to help bring attention to important heritage issues.

National Trust of Australia (Queensland) advocates for special places in several ways through several programs.

Queensland Heritage Council Representation

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:

providing strategic advice to the government about cultural heritage matters
providing information to the community to encourage an understanding of Queensland’s cultural heritage
encouraging appropriate management of places of cultural heritage significance
advocating on behalf of owners of heritage places
assessing applications for the development of state-owned heritage places.

Queensland Heritage Council

Working with all levels of Government and key stakeholders

Through our Australian Council of National Trusts, we work on matters of Federal importance. Advocacy is an important part of the National Trust’s activities; as a community-based organisation, we are here to represent the community and bring attention to important heritage issues. As the oldest heritage organisation in the country, the Trust campaigns on important issues. Currently, ACNT is working with stakeholders on the new National Heritage Strategy under development.

At a state level, we work closely with the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation and the Heritage and Environmental divisions, to collaborate and innovate to make heritage relevant to a broader audience. Our Advocacy Guide helps educate the community on the criteria and process of a state heritage listing application.

At a local level, the National Trust collaborates with councils statewide for better heritage outcomes. We work with communities to assist and guide local advocacy and the importance of local recognition of heritage places, and how they can help us make sure local heritage is not forgotten.

Learn More - Australian Council of National Trusts

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.

Heritage Appeals Program

The National Trust supports significant heritage places to restore and conserve natural and built places. Furthermore, the Heritage Appeals program enables these special places to interpret the sites for public education. The Heritage Appeals program is available for community organisations to assist them in fundraising to conserve special places. For more information on how to apply for a Heritage Appeal, or to support an existing Heritage Appeal, learn more.

Learn More

Influence on Environmental Matters

Through specialist teams at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and Hospital, the National Trust of Australia (Queensland) advocates for improved wildlife welfare, including safer roads, wildlife fencing, habitat restoration, education programs and community partnerships. Our wildlife research program, delivered with university partners, supports our ambition for native wildlife to live free from disease and human impact. We also deliver sustainability education programs and community courses to share knowledge and build awareness.

Currumbin Wildlife Hospital

Heritage Education Programs

Education is central to advocacy. The National Trust Queensland believes that understanding the value of special places, collections and natural heritage—including the conservation of habitats, flora and fauna—encourages care and action. Through curriculum-based programs at our properties, along with tertiary, adult learning and on-site interpretation and storytelling, National Trust Queensland is committed to educating and inspiring people to conserve built, natural and cultural heritage.

Education at our Properties

Queensland Heritage Awards

The National Trust Queensland Heritage Awards are a prestigious acknowledgment of the quality of heritage work that is carried out across the State. The Awards aim to showcase the entrants, promote best practices, encourages innovation and collaboration, and celebrate the diversity of heritage places in Queensland.

Queensland Heritage Awards

Australian Heritage Festival

The Australian Heritage Festival is the nation’s largest community-driven celebration of culture and history. Celebrated across cities and regions nationwide for more than 45 years, the Festival invites communities to connect with Australia's diverse stories, offering immersive experiences that bring heritage to life.

Get Involved

In Queensland, the National Trust’s community groups connect heritage enthusiasts with like-minded people to organise events, support local heritage, and get involved in advocacy. You can also experience our work firsthand by attending a heritage event, or by becoming a National Trust Queensland Member.

National Trust Community Groups