The West Block Restoration in Parkes has won the Architecture and Built Conservation title in the 2025 National Trust ACT Heritage Awards.

The project involved the major conservation and modernisation of this historic building delivered to a high environmental and quality standard while retaining its significant heritage fabric and setting.

The Trust says the awards recognise projects and individuals that have made a significant contribution to  ACT heritage.

Trust president Gary Kent said that this year had seen the highest number of entries in the history of the awards. 

‘The awards recognise excellence in heritage practice in all its forms, and the amazing efforts by the ACT community to preserve our history, places and stories,” he said.

“The finalists include nominations in fields ranging from grassroots community advocacy and volunteer-led conservation and education, to cutting-edge, high-tech innovation in built conservation techniques. 

“A city that values its many-layered built heritage, First Nations heritage and natural surrounds is all the richer and important as we look to the future.” 

The winners

• Architecture and Built Conservation 

Winner – West Block Restoration – Oceana Property and Precept Property Partners 

Highly commended – Old Parliament House – Conservation and Double Glazing on  Chamber Windows – Museum of Australian Democracy  

• First Nations Heritage 

Winner – Gulamon and Boomerang Exhibition – Paul Girrawah House 

Highly commended – Djara Exhibition – Canberra Museum and Gallery 

• Heritage Education and Promotion 

Winner – ‘Tales from Two Cities: Canberra-Queanbeyan across two centuries’ – Mark  Butz

Highly commended – Sonic Suburbia: Stories of Calthorpes House – ACT Historic  Places. 

• Heritage Landscapes and the Natural Environment 

Highly commended – ‘Your Guide to Natural Temperate Grasslands’ brochure – Landcare ACT 

•   Heritage Resources or Tools 

Winner – National Carillon Heritage Façade Restoration – Digital Innovation – Duratec  and the National Capital Authority 

Highly commended – NCDC Unearthed: Architecture and Landscapes Exhibition – University of Canberra 

• Local Community Projects 

Winner – Kambah Turns 50 events – Kambah Turns 50 Organising Committee 

Highly commended – Canberra Tracks Signage for Indigenous Cultural Trees – Ginninderra Catchment Group 

Two National Trust Council Award winners were also announced: 

• Outstanding Advocacy 

Awarded to Canberra Modern, made up of Edwina Jans, Amy Jarvis and Rachel Jackson 

• Lifetime Achievement. 

Awarded to Peter Freeman OAM