Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

Australians urged to keep the places that shape us

In the lead up to the new millennium all Australians are being urged to protect their heritage. The combination of three major events&emdash;the Olympics, the millennium and the anniversary of Federation&emdash;gives us an unparalleled opportunity to reflect on our identity and on the places which help to shape our national character," said Chairman of the Australian Heritage Commission, Peter King.

He was launching an initiative to inspire Australians to appreciate the importance of heritage places in shaping our national identity. "The outstanding range of natural, historic and Indigenous heritage places which Australia has to show international visitors to the Olympics and which we take into the next century reveals what we value as a nation," he said.

"They are the places that make us who we are. They are the places which we should all work together to conserve. "In the long run we will reveal our maturity as a nation by the places which have meaning for us as a community and which we have conserved. These are the places which are beyond the limits of a price tag&emdash;the sites that we have chosen not to sell off for short term profit.

"Our heritage conservation record over the past century leaves a lot to be desired. We should use the events of 2000/2001 to make a commitment to value and keep those special places that remain."

Peter King said that the Commission was initiating a public education program under the theme: Celebrating Australia's Heritage&emdash;the places that shape us. "The Commission will be running song, video and writing competitions targeted at young Australians and the wider public," he said. "These will tap into the creativity and sense of place that runs through our community.

"We are also producing a national wall chart which encourages people to take a different view of heritage places by revealing the themes which link heritage places and help to tell our story. "As well as this, the Commission is publishing leaflets encouraging visitors to explore Australia's heritage through self guided heritage trails."

For further information contact Noel Pratt, telephone (02) 6274 2117.

Click here to visit the Australian Heritage Commission web site

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