Cumberland Local Heritage Awards Program 2026-2027

Get Involved in Cumberland's Local Heritage Awards Program!

Council is seeking nominations for
the Local Heritage Awards Program 2026-27!

Please note the program has been extended to Sunday 19 April 2026.

Cumberland City Council is seeking nominations for the Cumberland Local Heritage Awards Program 2026-27. The Cumberland Local Heritage Awards Program 2026-27 demonstrates Council’s appreciation for those who have an active role in preserving and maintaining Cumberland City’s heritage or an interest in learning about local history.

The theme this year is “ 'Change', how has history changed us and how are we changing history?". Heritage is not fixed in the past; it is a living force, constantly evolving, shaping our present and guiding our future.

The award program celebrates all aspects of our heritage, including buildings, landscapes, sacred sites, artefacts and artworks, film, stories, people, groups, and ceremonies. 

There are four (4) categories open for nominations, these are:

  • Category 1 – Best Maintained Heritage Property.
  • Category 2 – Restoration & Development (including adaptive re-use).
  • Category 3 – ‘HistoResearch’ competition, which celebrates those passionate high school students and residents that research our local history (entries may be provided in written or visual forms).
  • Category 4 – ‘Keeper of the Stone’ (Children's Heritage Award), encourages primary school children to learn about and engage with heritage in our local area.

We are pleased to announce that the program has been extended to Sunday 19 April 2026. For further information, please refer to the Local Heritage Awards Guidelines, frequently asked questions (FAQ), and category entry forms in document library. 


To Submit Your Entry:

Submissions concerning the above are to be made by 11.59pm, Sunday 19 April 2026.

There are two ways you can lodge a submission:

1. Complete the relevant category entry form seen in document library and gather the documents needed.

  • Send one single document attachment (up to 15mb) via email to council@cumberland.nsw.gov.au with subject line ‘Local Heritage Awards Program Application – Attn. City Planning and Development.'

2. Post a completed copy of the relevant category entry form and associated documents to:

  • The General Manager, Cumberland City Council, PO Box 42, Merrylands NSW 2160  – Attn. City Planning and Development.

Awards Categories and Prizes

Category

Division

Prize Details

Category 1

Best Maintained Heritage Property

All entrants

  • Bronze plaque
  • Framed certificate
  • Gift basket

Category 2

Restoration and Development (including adaptive re-use)

All entrants

  • Bronze plaque
  • Framed certificate
  • Gift basket

Category 3

HistoResearch: Researching Our Local History

Junior Division – Winner

  • $400 book or eBook voucher
  • Framed certificate

Junior Division – Two Runners-Up

  • $100 book or eBook vouchers
  • Framed certificates

Open Division – Winner

Framed certificate and a prize valued at up to $1,000, with a choice of:

  • One night’s accommodation at a heritage-listed property in the Blue Mountains

OR

  • BridgeClimb Sydney gift voucher for three people + three tickets to an Aboriginal Dreaming Tour

Open Division – Runner-Up

  • Framed certificate
  • Two tickets to the Tribal Warrior Cultural Cruise

Category 4

Keeper of the Stone

Division 1 – Winner

  • $100 book or eBook voucher
  • Framed certificate

Division 1 – Three Runners-Up

  • Framed certificates

Division 2 – Winner

  • $100 book or eBook voucher
  • Framed certificate

Division 2 – Three Runners-Up

  • Framed certificates

Overall, Keeper of the Stone Winner

Overall

  • Care of the perpetual Cumberland City Heritage Stone for 12 months
  • $100 book or eBook voucher
  • Framed certificate

 

 

Any questions?

If you have any questions about this project, please contact:

City Planning and Development 
Cumberland City Council
P: (02) 8757 9000
E: council@cumberland.nsw.gov.au