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1999 State Heritage Convention Report
FOREWORD
by Thomas E Perrigo
Forty years ago, a small group of concerned citizens met to discuss the increasing loss of heritage places in Western Australia. From this initial meeting came the establishment of a body dedicated to the conservation of this State's heritage - the National Trust of Australia (WA).
Together with the Royal Western Australian Historical Society, the battle to educate the "decision-makers" about the importance of heritage places and objects began.
Today these community-based bodies have been joined by a range of community and government agencies and many more dedicated individuals to continue this task. This movement resulted in the State's first heritage legislation, the Heritage of Western Australia Act 1990.
Despite this proliferation of the "heritage industry", the fact remains that many do not have the knowledge, appreciation, understanding or commitment in relation to heritage conservation. The confusion and controversy brought about by fragmented Commonwealth and State legislation and by subsequent territorial disputes of levels of government has resulted in conflict. The lack of professional coordination, combined with the natural resistance to change, suggest that effective heritage conservation must be driven from the community to government as it was forty years ago.
The National Trust of Australia (WA) hosted this Convention to allow the community of Western Australia an opportunity to examine critically current industry principles and standards. Through this process, delegates provided a framework consisting of principles and standards for new legislation. They highlighted the urgent need for an holistic statewide cultural heritage strategy encompassing all traditional heritage areas (built, natural and indigenous) as well as objects and other heritage issues.
The Convention delegates have clearly provided the Government decision-makers with an opportunity to move forward into the millennium with pro-active and innovative legislation. From this wonderful start comes the opportunity to actively involve the community in developing new legislation.
In closing, the National Trust wishes to acknowledge the very strong and positive support from the Australian Heritage Commission and the Shire of Swan. Their support was invaluable in this exercise and hopefully it will continue in the future. We also thank all participants who made this a success.
Western Australia's heritage belongs to all of us, not just the experts. We hope this message is heard - it is the voice of the community.
TOM PERRIGO Chief Executive Officer National Trust of Australia (WA)
