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About

The Victorian Heritage Services Directory is a service provided by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).

Since 1956 the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) has been the state’s premier community-based heritage advocacy organisation, actively working to protect and conserve places of heritage significance for future generations to enjoy.

The National Trust provides leadership in heritage to the community and industry by displaying best practice in the conservation, activation and management of our places. We aim to build the capacity of the heritage conservation industry and ensure that conservation skills are valued and sustained into the future. Find out more about our Custodianship program here.

Victorian Heritage Services Directory

The purpose of the directory is to assist the owners and managers of heritage places and objects to search for qualified heritage consultants and contractors across a range of disciplines.

A key part of conservation and custodianship of heritage sites is their continued longevity and the appropriate maintenance, repair and development of these sites for the future. But we also acknowledge most heritage property owners are more likely to need assistance in fixing a verandah or a roof than redevelop a large estate for a commercial venture. The Victorian Heritage Services Directory is designed to be a one-stop shop for heritage site owners and managers to find trades people and professionals that understand the intricacies of heritage sites and what is (or isn’t) needed to help you with your repairs or projects. 

If seeking to engage a heritage trade or professional, you are advised to ensure they have the required expertise to undertake the work you require. Inclusion in the Victorian Heritage Services Directory does not imply that a consultant or contractor is endorsed or approved by National Trust of Australia (Victoria)

Industry and the Como Approach

The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) strives to be a leader in developing and promoting conservation excellence. We recognise that there is a limited knowledge in the community about the conservation process and skills, and the necessity of using skilled heritage-specific trades and professionals to provide good heritage outcomes.  

 We also recognise that there is a diminishing pool of skilled conservation practitioners to provide these good conservation outcomes and that there are limited avenues and opportunities to share knowledge and develop traditional trade and conservation skills. 

The Victorian Heritage Services Directory continues the two-pronged methodology of the National Trust’s Como Approach by providing home owners and site managers with access to skilled heritage trades and professionals, as well as an awareness in the breadth of heritage skills that are required when conserving and managing a heritage property. For industry, we provide a platform for their skills, knowledge and business, as well as supporting businesses and individuals with networking opportunities, our Como Approach workshops, our Heritage Trades events, and the potential to raise the profile and interest in the heritage trades industry. 

Other National Trust conservation initiatives you might be interested in:

The Victorian Heritage Restoration Program (VHRF)

Victoria’s Heritage Restoration Fund was launched in late 2013 and is a partnership between the City of Melbourne, the Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure (the Department), and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria). VHRF offers grants to restore eligible heritage places and objects.

External Restoration Appeals

National Trust External Appeals are administered on behalf of third parties to raise funds for restoration and conservation of historic places across Victoria.

Como Approach Action Plan

As an advocacy organisation, the Trust also has the opportunity to share conservation knowledge and experience gained at its sites and with others, to build a greater understanding of the necessity and value of a conservation approach.

Como Approach Workshops

Como Approach workshops are an initiative of the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) to use conservation works projects at our properties to demonstrate best conservation practice and create meaningful learning opportunities for trades, professionals and the general public.

Upcoming Workshops