Heritage Council of NSW

The Heritage Council is an independent statutory body that includes members of the community, the public sector, the conservation profession, and a nominee of the National Trust of Australia (NSW).

The Heritage Council of NSW is established under the Heritage Act 1977. It advises the Minister for Environment and Heritage on heritage matters in New South Wales and makes recommendations for the listing of places and objects on the State Heritage Register.

The Council makes decisions about the care and protection of heritage places and items that have been identified as being of state significance. This includes recommending the interim protection of potential heritage items so that an assessment of their significance can be made.

The Council has endorsed the Burra Charter as underpinning their decisions regarding any changes to State Heritage Register listed items.

The Heritage Council has delegated some decision making to its committees. The committees provide specialist knowledge, skills and experience to assist the Council in making informed decisions. Some of the committees meet on a monthly basis; others meet as required.

The Council receives administrative support from Heritage NSW.

The Council membership reflects a cross-section of community, government and heritage conservation experts.

Council members

  • Mr Frank Howarth AM PSM (Chair)
  • The Hon. Robyn Parker (Deputy Chair)
  • Dr Nicholas Brunton
  • Mr Ian Clarke
  • Dr Brian Lindsay
  • Ms Vanessa Holtham
  • Ms Colleen Morris
  • Ms Anthea Sargeant
  • Mr Dillon Kombumerri (observer)

The Committee:

  • makes recommendations for the listing of items on the State Heritage Register
  • works under delegated authority from the Heritage Council of NSW.

Committee members

  • The Hon. Robyn Parker (Chair)
  • Ms Colleen Morris (Deputy Chair)
  • Dr Brian Lindsay
  • Mr Paul Knight
  • Dr Wayne Johnson
  • Ms Lisa Trueman
  • Dr Stephen Gapps
  • Ms Natalie Vinton
  • Mr Frank Howarth, Alternate Member

The Committee:

  • reviews proposals for alterations to items on the State Heritage Register
  • works under delegated authority from the Heritage Council of NSW.

Committee members

  • Mr Ian Clarke (Chair)
  • Dr Nicholas Brunton (Deputy Chair)
  • Dr Daniele Hromek
  • Ms Vanessa Holtham
  • Mr David Burdon
  • Ms Caitlin Allen
  • Mr Bruce Pettman
  • Ms Julie Marler
  • Mr David McNamara
  • Mr Frank Howarth, Alternate Member

The Committee provides advice to the Heritage Council and Heritage NSW on heritage incentives, including the NSW Heritage Grants program.

Committee members

  • Ms Colleen Morris (Chair)
  • Dr Brian Lindsay
  • Mr Paul Knight
  • Dr Anne-Maree Whitaker
  • Ms Chery Kemp

The panel provides advice to the Heritage Council and Heritage NSW on heritage matters relating to Aboriginal cultural heritage, historic and maritime archaeology, engineering, landscapes, local government and planning.

Panel members

  • Ms Colleen Morris (Chair)
  • Ms Sheridan Burke (Deputy Chair)
  • Professor Paul Ashton
  • Mr Matthew Devine
  • Mr Robert Moore
  • Ms Emma Bombonato
  • Ms Catherine Forbes
  • Dr Scott Robertson
  • Ms Surbjit Bhatti
  • Mr Glenn Harper
  • Mr Niall Macken
  • Ms Claire Nunez

The panel provides technical advice to the Heritage Council and Heritage NSW on the maintenance, management and conservation of heritage items and assets.

Panel members

  • Mr David Logan (Chair)
  • Mr Bruce Pettman (Deputy Chair)
  • Ms Sharon Hodgetts
  • Mr Stephan Netting
  • Ms Joy Singh
  • Professor Gianluca Ranzi
  • Mr Harilal Gohil
  • Mr Peter Phillips
  • Mr Gary Waller
  • Mr Thomas Bowyer
  • Mr Eric Martin
  • Mr Mark Relf
  • Mr Alex Been
  • Dr Yuanyuan Song
  • Ms Vanessa Holtham
  • Mr Daire Fleming, Alternate member