The National Trust Awards recognise projects in the ACT that make a significant contribution to the conservation of the built, indigenous and natural environment in accordance with the principles set out in the Burra Charter.

The Burra Charter provides guidance for the conservation and management of places of cultural significance (cultural heritage places). The Charter sets a standard of practice for those who provide advice, make decisions about, or undertake works to places of cultural significance, including owners, managers and custodians.

You can read the Burra Charter HERE

Nominated Projects should meet one or more of the following Criteria:

1. Building Conservation: outstanding conservation or restoration works to existing heritage listed buildings
2. New or Adapted Buildings: new building, sympathetically designed as an extension to or adjacent to a heritage significant building or sensitive adaptation of existing heritage listed buildings
3. Small Projects: conservation, adaptation or new elements to buildings (windows, doorways, staircases, etc.) executed with care to protect heritage values.
4. Community Projects: projects impacting in their local community environment (playgrounds, community centres, etc.) that reinforce heritage values.
5. Conservation & Heritage Management Plans
6. Contributions to the Conservation of the Natural Environment.
7. Contribution to the Conservation of Indigenous Heritage Values.
8. Contribution of or by an Item of Intangible Heritage, such as ACT culture or icon.

​ELIGIBILITY

• Projects must be located in the ACT, and which a contribution to the public domain, are visible from the street or public place or have public access; and
• Have been completed within the last 3 years (no earlier than 1 January 2017).

Intangible Heritage can be anything, but must be distinctly ACT, and can include icons or an aspect of ACT culture or life. This must be strongly evident over the past 3 years.

Nominations are welcome from any person who wishes to enter a project, including owners, architects and consultants, local residents or others. It is essential that the owner's permission is sought prior to making a nomination.

All eligible entries are visited. Judging is carried out by a Panel, appointed each year, representing a wide range of expertise and knowledge of Canberra and the ACT. The outcome of the judging will be announced at the Awards Event 2020 which will be held in the spring and to which entrants and their guests will be invited.

• ​Certificates - to projects which make a significant contribution.
• Plaques - to projects considered to be outstanding.