Special Minister of State, and Minister for the Public Service and Employee Relations, Aboriginal Affairs, and the Arts and the Minister for Heritage, the Hon. Don Harwin, has launched the Australian Heritage Festival via video on the National Trust (NSW) YouTube channel.
World Heritage Day, also known as International Monuments and Sites Day, is celebrated across Australia and internationally on 18 April every year. The date marks the commencement of the Australian Heritage Festival which, in New South Wales, includes the National Trust Heritage Awards ceremony – this year taking place on Thursday 13 May.
In New South Wales, both initiatives are run by the National Trust (NSW) and supported by the NSW Government through the Heritage Council of NSW.
The theme for this year’s Australian Heritage Festival is ‘Our Heritage for the Future’ and in New South Wales, more than 90 events have been organised by community groups, galleries, museums and libraries around the state. Nationally there are more than 400 events. The festival runs from 18 April to 17 May 2021.
The Minister said over the past 12 months it has become clear how important connections to people, identity, and community are, so it’s a good time to visit Australia’s treasured heritage sites and delight in their history.
“It is particularly exciting this year to see so many events celebrating our built, natural and diverse cultural heritage in light of the past 12 months.”
The National Trust is the official organiser of the Australian Heritage Festival across Australia. In New South Wales, the National Trust will be celebrating the commencement of the festival, World Heritage Day and its 75th Anniversary with a special event called ‘Earth & Sky’ at Old Government House in Parramatta.
CEO of the National Trust (NSW), Debbie Mills, said she will be celebrating the commencement of the Australian Heritage Festival and the National Trust’s 75th Anniversary at Old Government House.
“Being at this World Heritage-listed site in Parramatta and marking this significant milestone for the National Trust really exemplifies the ongoing importance of conserving and celebrating our heritage for the whole community,” she said.
See the full program of Australian Heritage Festival events taking place in New South Wales here: www.nationaltrust.org.au/ahf/nsw
About the National Trust (NSW)
The National Trust is Australia’s oldest and largest independent conservation organisation founded in 1945 in New South Wales by Annie Forsyth Wyatt.
Collectively the National Trust in Australia owns or manages more than 300 built and natural heritage places (the majority held in perpetuity), is supported by 7,000 volunteers and employs more than 300 people nationwide.
The National Trust (NSW) it is committed to engaging the community to celebrate and conserve heritage places and collections through events and education.
With the support of members, volunteers and dedicated staff and partners, the National Trust (NSW) advocates on the protection of historical and naturally significant places and collections to ensure their preservation for future generations.