More than 150 guests gathered to celebrate the achievements of this year’s award recipients, enjoying live music in a stunning heritage building rarely open to the public.
Throughout the evening, guests heard from award winners about their work, passion and commitment to preserving Western Australia’s history. This year’s program recognised seven award winners and three commendations across conservation, adaptive reuse, interpretation and heritage tourism, continuing a 33-year tradition of honouring excellence in heritage.
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Images: From top left clockwise. Rebecca Moore, Heritage Council of WA member with Erin and Fiona Gauntlett. Darren Foster, Heritage Council of WA Chair, Kim Fitzpatrick, Winner of the Professional Contribution category with the Minister for Heritage. Guests Ross Anthony Donaldson, Sandy Anghie and Jonathan Speer. Government House Ballroom exterior.
Minister for Heritage Hon Simone McGurk MLA said, “It was a pleasure to join the Western Australian Heritage Council, industry stakeholders, volunteers and advocates on Monday night to announce the winners of this year’s WA Heritage Awards. I thoroughly enjoyed attending my first Heritage Awards as the Minister for Heritage and celebrating the outstanding contributions to preserving our state’s heritage.”
A highlight of the night was the Professional Contribution Award presented to Kim Fitzpatrick, Master Glass Artist and Creative Director at Tradition Stained Glass. As a third-generation custodian of Australia’s oldest stained-glass studio, Kim brings more than 40 years of personal experience and a family legacy spanning more than a century. He is recognised as one of Western Australia’s leading practitioners in stained and leadlight glass conservation.
Kim has restored windows in some of the state’s most significant heritage buildings using historically accurate methods and Burra Charter principles. Beyond his craftsmanship, he is widely admired for mentoring emerging artisans through apprenticeships, studio placements and workshops, ensuring this centuries-old artform continues as a living tradition.
Reflecting on his award, Kim said, “Stained glass is more than decoration; it’s a story told in light and colour. Preserving these works and passing on the skills to future artisans is about keeping that story alive for generations to come.”
Other award highlights included:
- Alasdair Cooke, recognised for 20 years of voluntary contribution to maritime heritage;
- Eastern Goldfields Historical Society and Terra Rosa Consulting, for organisational excellence; and
- Southern Forests and Valleys Heritage Festival, celebrated for setting a new benchmark in regional heritage tourism.
Significant conservation and adaptive reuse projects were also acknowledged, including the extensive restoration of Bunbury’s Rose Hotel & Sample Room, which has helped return the building to its iconic character.
Congratulations to all the winners for their creativity, passion and dedication for preserving Western Australia’s heritage. Their work ensures the state’s historic places continue to inspire and connect communities for generations to come.
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