Source: Australian National Party
As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.
Released 20/10/2025
The ACT Government has today announced the newest recipients of the ACT Heritage Grants Program, with 13 recipients sharing total funding of $213,103.
Funding is awarded to ACT-based projects that help Canberrans conserve, educate, interpret and engage with places and objects on the ACT Heritage Register and Aboriginal heritage protected through the Heritage Act 2004.
Minister for Heritage Chris Steel said the recipients of this year’s grants showcase a wide range of stories from Canberra’s past, reinforcing our shared history.
“As a relatively young city in Australia’s history, Canberra is a melting pot for different cultures,” Minister Steel said.
“We must also acknowledge that long before its official establishment, this region was also home to the rich Aboriginal history stretching back tens of thousands of years.
“The ACT Government is supporting projects that can protect and share these stories for future generations, helping to remind us that Canberrans come from all walks of life and have contributed to our city in amazing ways.”
Some of this year’s funded projects include the restoration and protection of Aboriginal rock art sites in Namadgi thanks to the National Parks Association, as well as centenary celebrations of iconic Canberra landmarks like the Causeway Hall in Kingston organised by ACT Hub, and the Northbourne Oval in Braddon led by the Canberra Raiders through community stories and histories.
“We’re also exploring women writers with support for the ACT Writers Centre ‘She Writes History’ project – in partnership with She Shapes History – profiling literary and cultural contributions of women in Canberra’s history through tours and online stories,” Minister Steel said.
“Heritage is even being combined with cutting edge technology through the University of Canberra’s pilot of AI-based storytelling at ACT heritage places.
“Congratulations to this year’s grant recipients. These projects will be featured in the 2026 Canberra and Region Heritage Festival.”
The Canberra and Region Heritage Festival will run for four weeks from Saturday 11 April to Sunday 10 May 2026. The theme of ‘Mid-Century – innovation, change and optimism’ will explore the visionary planning and mid-century heritage that helped define the architectural, cultural and social transformations that shaped Canberra.
While the theme provides a focus on mid-century heritage, all events related to the cultural, First Nations, natural and historic heritage of our region are welcome in the program.
Registrations for the festival are open now and close at midnight on 28 November 2025.
For more information on the ACT Heritage Grants Program and read more about this year’s recipients, visit the ACT Government grants webpage.
To register for the 2026 Canberra and Region Heritage Festival, visit the ACT Environment website.
uotes attributable to The Hon. Bill Shorten, Vice-Chancellor, University of Canberra
“Heritage is so much more than historical artefacts and cultural collections, it is the essence of community and reflects our identity, values and the traditions that influence our lives today.
“The University of Canberra is deeply embedded in Canberra’s heritage, and it is an absolute privilege to host today’s announcement of the 2025 ACT Heritage Grants Program recipients, including one of our own projects from our Faculty of Business Government and Law – Exploring community awareness and engagement activities with ACT cultural heritage places using an AI-based storytelling approach.
“Each of these projects contributes to Canberra’s community and story.”
– Statement ends –
Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases