Finalists announced for State Heritage Awards

• 20 regional and 30 metro finalists vying for top heritage honours

• Awards recognise contribution towards preserving WA history

A Broome pearling shed once earmarked for demolition and the grand heritage buildings at Brookfield Place in Perth are among the finalists selected for the 2013 Western Australian Heritage Awards.

Heritage Minister Albert Jacob said the awards, now in their 21st year, honoured the leading contributors to heritage conservation, adaptive reuse, promotion, tourism and interpretation in Western Australia.

"The 50 inspiring finalists from metropolitan and regional WA were chosen from 81 nominations in 11 categories," Mr Jacob said.

"The record number of nominations received goes to show the high level of commitment to heritage from the many dedicated volunteers and professionals in our State.

"The most contested category this year is outstanding conservation of a non-residential place, illustrating the creative solutions used to bring the State's heritage to the forefront, enlivening our communities.

"Broome's Sailmaker's Shed and the heritage buildings at Brookfield Place are just two of the finalists in this category."

The Minister said the corrugated iron and timber-framed Sailmaker's Shed was a great example of the Government and the local community coming together to save one of the last remaining buildings associated with the early 20th century pearling industry.

"The once derelict heritage buildings at Brookfield Place have been transformed into a vibrant mix of food and fashion, reinstating this significant streetscape as one of the best commercial addresses in central Perth," he said.

"I congratulate all the finalists whose work has resulted in significant achievements in the promotion and conservation of our rich cultural heritage."

        Fact File

• List attached of finalists for the 2013 Western Australian Heritage Awards

• Western Australian Heritage Awards to be held on April 16; Australian Heritage Week from April 13-21; and National Trust Heritage Festival April 18-May18

• More information at http://www.stateheritage.wa.gov.au

• For more information about the finalists, phone 6552 4147

Minister's office - 6552 5800

2013 Western Australian Heritage Awards Finalists

Outstanding voluntary contribution to heritage by an individual

Jenny Edgecombe, Toodyay Historical Society

Professor Geoffrey Bolton AO, Western Australian Museum

Mervyn Andre, Esperance Bay Historical Society

Outstanding contribution to heritage by a professional in the heritage industry

Katrina Chisholm, Claremont

Ian Hocking, Hocking Heritage Studio, Shenton Park

Leigh Barrett, City of Bunbury

Outstanding contribution to heritage by a community-based organisation

Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council

Historical Society of Cockburn

Newdegate Historical Society

Outstanding contribution to heritage by a public or private organisation

Lotterywest

Rottnest Island Authority

Western Australian Museum

Dome Coffees

Vue Group, Bunbury

Outstanding heritage practices by a local government

Town of Claremont

Shire of Toodyay

Shire of Murray

City of Vincent

Shire of Northam

City of Cockburn

Outstanding conservation of a residential place

Kulahea, Cottesloe

The Rocks, Albany

The Residency, Northam

The Residency, Bunbury

Outstanding conservation of a non-residential place

Kalgoorlie-Boulder government buildings

Edenvale, Pinjarra

Brookfield Place's heritage buildings, Perth (Newspaper House Group and Perth Technical College)

Perth Oval gates

West Australian Ballet Centre, Maylands (Royal WA Institute for the Blind, Maylands/Senses Foundation)

Sailmaker's Shed, Broome

Duke's Inn, Northam (Colonial Tavern and Stables, Northam)

Fremantle Railway Station

Outstanding interpretation project that enhances a place

Vlaming Head Lighthouse Group, Exmouth

Wadjemup (Rottnest Island)

Newcastle Gaol, Toodyay

Wireless Hill Centenary Exhibition, Ardross

Rottnest Island 'Open House After Dark'

Outstanding heritage tourism product

Rottnest Island Heritage Week 2012

Two Feet & a Heartbeat: Guided Walking Tours

Terrace Hotel, Perth

Mandurah Heritage Cruises

The Rocks, Albany

Excellence in Adaptive Reuse: The Gerry Gauntlett Award

Claremont Station Master's House

Heritage Buildings, Brookfield Place

Fort Knox - Building D, Fremantle

The Office of the Premier and Cabinet (the former Hale School), West Perth

West Australian Ballet Centre, Maylands

Outstanding Newcomer: The Professor David Dolan Award

Anna Crane, Shenton Park

Andrew S. Bowman, Carnamah Historical Society

Q Contracting, Myaree