Heritage Recovery Resources for Bushfire-Affected Communities
Useful Resources
Australia ICOMOS
Australia ICOMOS has links to ICOMOS guidelines on first aid for cultural heritage, risk preparedness and post trauma recovery of heritage.
Blue Shield Australia
Blue Shield Australia has a list of resources to support the salvage and recovery of fire-damaged collections.
Australian Institute for the Collection of Cultural Material
The Australian Institute for the Collection of Cultural Material (AICCM) has a helpful guide to salvaging precious fire-damaged possessions.
Australian Institute of Architects
The Australian Institute of Architects has provided full unrestricted access to a number of its Acumen practice notes relating to bushfire risk, fire and disaster recovery, and pro bono work, to support architects across Victoria to aid communities.
Architects Assist
Architects Assist, supported by the Australian Institute of Architects, has established a register of architects who can provide pro bono services to communities that need to rebuild.
Rapid Assessment Form for Heritage Places
Australia ICOMOS and Blue Shield Australia have prepared a simple rapid assessment form for fire impacted places that can be adapted and used by heritage professionals or council officers undertaking an assessment of the damage to heritage places. Click here to find out more. The rapid assessment form has been designed to be completed by council officers or heritage professionals rather than owners to save from further trauma. Australia ICOMOS is happy to take feedback on the form and update it as necessary.
Funding
Regional Arts Victoria
Regional Arts Victoria has established a Quick Response grant program to support exceptional cultural opportunities and creative recovery projects in areas affected by the 2019-2020 Bushfires. Grants of up to $3,000 will be available throughout the year. Click here to find out more.
Report Damaged or Destroyed Cultural Heritage
Over the coming months, we will be working to record significant buildings, trees, gardens, and landscapes that have been affected by fire, and provide support and guidance to affected custodians and communities. We need your help to identify what has been lost. If you’re aware of a place on the Victorian Heritage Register, a local Heritage Overlay, or the National Trust Register, or simply a place that has historical significance to your community – that has been damaged or destroyed – please let us know by emailing [email protected] or visit the resources below.
- You can search the Victorian Heritage Database for the most comprehensive database of registered non-Aboriginal heritage places in your area. Search here.
- You can search the National Trust’s Register of Significant Trees at our Trust Trees website to find recognised significant trees in your local area.
- For enquiries about places of Aboriginal cultural heritage significance, contact Aboriginal Victoria
