Heritage conservation requires an understanding of the theory and principles of conservation, and the application of practical trade skills and craftsmanship. Each of these can be supported with appropriate training and education.
There are a number of activities and events that can provide relevant information or heritage-related experience. A list of upcoming events is maintained by the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage.
The Department also provides training and information sessions on request, primarily focusing on supporting State agencies and local government in the application of the Heritage Act 2018, or in applying the heritage provisions of the planning framework. To enquire about training or to add your course or organisation, please contact the Department. You can also stay up to date with upcoming training and education opportunities by subscribing to the Heritage Council’s eNewsletter.
Heritage Courses
Heritage courses available in Western Australia and Australia-wide.
Western Australia
Heritage Planning Unit - Edith Cowan University
A unit providing 15 credit points that can be incorporated into several undergraduate courses. The course content introduces heritage and its relationship with the Australian town planning system. Available for on-site or remote learning.
Graduate Certificate in Architectural Conservation - University of Western Australia
A part-time post-graduate course covering the fundamentals of conservation theory and practice, including development and implementation of practical conservation solutions.
Master of Philosophy (Creative Arts – Cultural Heritage Studies) - Curtin University
A higher degree by research that will focus on a supervised thesis, which must be a substantial contribution to the field and demonstrate your capacity to design and complete independent research.
Interstate
Longford Academy (Tasmania)
A 6-day program in conservation of traditional structures and building fabric, this course is held periodically at Woolmers and Brickendon Estates in Longford, Tasmania, and delivered by the Association for Preservation Technology International.
Aboriginal Studies - (La Trobe University)
A ten-month course delivered in nine intensive blocks of five days, at locations in Melbourne and regional Victoria. The course aims to provide skills and knowledge appropriate for working in the cultural heritage industry, particularly in relation to Aboriginal heritage.
Heritage Planning - La Trobe University
Awards 15 credits for integration into related courses of under or post-graduate study. Covers heritage fundamentals including assessment of significance, preparing listing proposals, and application of heritage in a planning context.
Postgraduate cultural heritage and museum studies - Deakin University
As a graduate of this course, you will gain insight into the crucial roles of museums and community engagement in preserving cultural history.
Graduate Certificate of Museum and Heritage Studies - Australian National University
This program prepares you for a career in museum and heritage studies or gives you an opportunity to commence further study to progress your career.
Master of Museum and Heritage Studies - Australian National University
Within the museum specialisation you’ll learn traditional curatorship and collections management, in addition to new areas such as such as social inclusion, citizenship and community engagement, social activism and museums, Indigenous curation and collection, and innovative visitor studies.
Contacts and links
The following organisations offer training and development in one or more areas relevant to heritage conservation. If you are interested in training in an area that is not covered by a planned program you may wish to enquire about upcoming activities or customised events.
ABC Training Academy
Although primarily based in South Australia, this heritage-based building team is expanding into WA and may be able to provide future hands-on skills training. It posts regular updates on upcoming activities, which may include archaeology, stonework and lime workshops. ABC also invites proposals for bespoke training courses.
Email hsr@hsrsa.com or telephone 1300 853 003.
Australian Concrete Repair Association
- Materials conservation focusing on concrete structures and finishes. Professional development program and events.
- Email info@acrassoc.com.au or telephone (02) 9645 3692 (NSW Office).
Australian Institute of Architects (WA)
- Regular PD sessions (Refuel) for members but open to others. Architectural heritage, conservation in practice, case studies.
- Email wa@architecture.com.au or telephone 9324 3100.
Engineering Heritage Australia
- Heritage conservation, materials and fabric, engineering and industrial heritage.
- Email wa@engineersaustralia.org.au or telephone 9321 3340.
FACET (Forum Advocating Cultural and Eco-Tourism)
- Heritage tourism, interpretation, engagement.
- Email facetinc@iinet.net.au or telephone 9448 8150.
Heritage Perth
- Facilitate heritage skills presentations / workshops, heritage tourism, interpretation.
- Email info@heritageperth.com.au or telephone 9461 3332.
Heritage Services Division, Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage.
- Heritage concepts, heritage in planning, legislative frameworks.
- Email info@dplh.wa.gov.au or telephone 6551 8002.
ICOMOS (International Committee on Monuments and Sites)
- Networking, Events and activities, primarily for members.
- Email austicomos@deakin.edu.au or telephone (03) 9251 7131.
Museums & Galleries Australia (WA)
- Collections management, interpretation, materials conservation.
- Email Natalie.Evans@museum.wa.gov.au or telephone 9431 8461.
National Trust of Western Australia
- Materials workshops, investigation workshops, Australian Heritage Festival.
- Email trust@ntwa.com.au or telephone 9321 6088
Planning Institute of Australia
- Heritage for planners, planning concepts and frameworks. Professional development program and events. Occasional heritage content. Primarily for members.
- Email membership@planning.org.au or telephone 9382 2100.
Local Government series
This presentation expands on the information provided in the Aboriginal Heritage webinar, first broadcast in November 2020. It contains contact information and links relevant to Aboriginal heritage (DPLH), Aboriginal engagement (DPC), and Native Title settlements and ILUAs (DPLH).
Video presentations
In November 2020, Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage staff presented a series of webinars for Local Government stakeholders. The information presented was correct at the time the webinars were originally presented, however circumstances may have changed since.
Heritage in Planning, first presented on 3 November 2020, offers an introduction to historic heritage, defining key concepts in heritage and how the planning system engages with heritage.
Watch the video heritage in planning
Aboriginal Heritage, first presented on 10 November 2020, with national and international interest on Aboriginal cultural heritage this presentation provides an overview of the management and protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage in Western Australia, the review of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 and information on Indigenous Lands Use agreements and Native Title settlements in Western Australia.
Watch the video aboriginal culture heritage in Western Australia
Heritage for Local Government, first presented on 17 November 2020, heritage is an essential part of our landscape and community identity in Western Australia. In this presentation Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage staff explore the number of ways Local Governments and the link between heritage and history and importance of archology. The presentation ends with a discussion on the development of Reconciliation Action Plans (RAP) and the Department’s RAP.
