Recipients of heritage awards announced

April 24, 1996 

Key contributors to the conservation of Western Australia's heritage have been acknowledged in the 1996 Heritage Awards.

Heritage Minister Richard Lewis today announced the recipients of the awards, which were established five years ago to recognise the efforts of individuals and organisations committed to the preservation of the State's cultural heritage.

Mr Lewis said changing community values had led to an increased awareness of the need to ensure the protection of WA's heritage.

"The State Government  wants to foster a better understanding of the State's heritage laws and recognises that the current legislation is not user-friendly," he said.

"Work has already started on redrafting the Heritage of Western Australia Act which will be more efficient and easier to understand."

The Minister said each of the two recipients of the awards had vastly different roles in heritage conservation.

"Respected landscape architect and heritage consultant Oline Richards received an award for her valued work in a number of areas including historical research, heritage assessment, and interpretation and conservation in relation to the built environment," he said.

"Ms Richards' considerable expertise has benefited a range of projects, including conservation plans for the grounds of Government House and Parliament House, East Perth Cemetery, Fremantle Prison, Maylands Aerodrome, a survey of war memorials in WA and the Canning River Regional Park historical survey.

"Working in so many different areas, Ms Richards has played an important part in changing attitudes about what constitutes cultural heritage."

Mr Lewis said the Lotteries Commission of WA had also been recognised for its outstanding contribution to heritage preservation in WA.

The Lotteries Commission embarked on one of the biggest conservation and restoration programs in Australia shortly after deciding to commit funds to heritage work in April 1994.

"There was an overwhelming response to the program, which made available $3 million over three years, and in the first year 125 applications were received," Mr Lewis said.

"To date, $2.6 million has been spent on more than 100 heritage projects throughout the State, including the venue for the award presentation, the Peninsula Hotel in Maylands.

"The generosity of the Lotteries Commission will ensure that the State's valuable heritage is preserved for the benefit of future generations."

Media contact Bronwyn Hillman 222 9595, 221 1377 or 480 5125 (pgr)