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Keep up to date. Our blog includes insights, articles, media and research.
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Protecting Local Heritage: A Historian's Perspective
In the current planning, social and cultural climate, heritage needs to evolve. Let's look to history for guidance.
Apr 303 min read
The future of Australian urban heritage policy
James Lesh writes about policy opportunities for strengthening Canberra's role in urban heritage matters.
Jul 1, 20241 min read
Values in Cities: Urban Heritage in Twentieth-Century Australia: Book Published
James Lesh's 'Values in Cities: Urban Heritage in Twentieth-Century Australia' a new book, has been released.
Jun 20, 20243 min read
Draft National Urban Policy Public Feedback
I am making a written submission on the relationship between cultural heritage and the national urban policy. Positively, the national...
Jun 6, 20243 min read
City of Melbourne Heritage Strategy
Check out Heritage Workshop's latest project: our contribution to the City of Melbourne Heritage Strategy.
Mar 2, 20241 min read
Moreland Report Receives Victorian Community History Award
James Lesh wins at the Victorian Community History Awards.
Oct 25, 20221 min read
Release of the "Report on the Place Name: Moreland"
The name “Moreland”, used to designate the municipality, road, and train station, has associational and financial links to slavery.
Apr 14, 20223 min read
Managing Indigenous Heritage Values at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy
The Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra raises significant questions about the management of Indigenous heritage values in Australia.
Jan 31, 20221 min read
Slave names have no place in modern Melbourne
The City of Moreland in Melbourne’s inner north is named after the late 18th-century Jamaican slave plantation of the McCrae family. Including the suburbs of Brunswick, Coburg and Pascoe Vale, the municipality’s name valorises slavery and colonialism. Moreland’s councillors are considering a new name for the local government area after being made aware of the links.
Dec 2, 20213 min read
War on the demolishers? Probably not, and timing of NSW heritage review is curious
The New South Wales government has released a discussion paper expressing its ambition to review and “modernise” the Heritage Act (1977).
May 26, 20215 min read
Stuck in the past: why Australian heritage practice falls short of what the public expects
If communities dont understand and support local heritage protections, perhaps thats a reflection on how the system works.
Mar 2, 20214 min read
Eastern Freeway: A Heritage Commentary
Despite its importance, the Eastern Freeway did not receive a heritage listing. This article asks: why?
Sep 23, 20205 min read
Victoria’s Queer History with the Australian Queer Archive (AQuA), Heritage Victoria, and the University of Melbourne
James Lesh hosts a panel discussion on Victoria's Queer Heritage, with Heritage Victoria, ALGA and Melbourne University.
Jan 5, 20201 min read
High-Rise Heritage in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth
This article examines three Australian skyscrapers: MLC Centre in Sydney (1977), Rialto Towers, Melbourne (1986), and Bond Tower (1988).
Dec 2, 20191 min read
The National Estate and Australian heritage policy
James Lesh examines Australian national heritage policy in this academic article.
Nov 30, 20191 min read
Fed Square: Apple is exploiting the power of its brand to claim an important part of our city
Five days before Christmas, it's been announced that Federation Square has been given to Apple for its flagship Melbourne store.
Dec 21, 20173 min read
Brisbane and Gold Coast urban heritage in the early 1970s (and today)
James Lesh explores community heritage voices in Queensland in the 1970s.
Oct 5, 20164 min read
Rialto Towers and the future of Melbourne, 1970s-80s
The 1980s Rialto Towers was a game-changer for skyscrapers, development and heritage in Melbourne.
Mar 11, 20161 min read
Innovation and Reaction: What Would a Minister for Cities Be Good For?
James Lesh considers the role of a Minister for Cities in Australia.
Aug 12, 20154 min read
Australia's greatest urbanist: Hugh Stretton
The Australian City in History has yet to be written. If it were, there is one person that would loom large: Hugh Stretton.
Aug 6, 20152 min read
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