Our heritage is a part of who we are. It’s what we inherit, appreciate today and think is important to protect and pass on to future generations.

Heritage can be something that you can see and feel, like buildings and objects, or something that is non-physical and abstract, like traditions and beliefs.

Did you know?

• Heritage is more than just buildings
• Heritage is not always old
• Heritage can seem ugly to some and pleasing to others
• Heritage can include places and objects used in everyday life

Heritage places connect us to our past and future, fostering cultural awareness, continuity, and inspiration.

It's time to update and renew our Heritage Strategy 2017-21 because it has expired, and we believe it's time to broaden our vision.

This update will reflect First Nations values, embrace diversity, and focus on sustainability, ensuring the Geelong Heritage Strategy is inclusive and forward thinking, recognising all aspects of our community's rich heritage and culture.

The objective of Geelong Heritage Strategy 2025-35 is to preserve and enhance the region's heritage places.

This strategy builds on our previous Heritage Strategy 2017-21 and will incorporate community input to ensure it reflects the values and needs of diverse groups, including Traditional Owners.

The strategy is set to guide policies and actions over the next decade, ensuring Geelong's rich history remains an integral part of its future growth and development.

Council plays a key role in conservation and management of heritage places in Greater Geelong.

This is done mainly through the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme, in which our most important heritage places are recognised in heritage and landscape overlays, with any changes to them requiring approval to ensure what we value about them is not diminished by the change.

Council is also active in the following ways in managing heritage places:

• Celebrating heritage through cultural events and interpretation programs.
• Collaborating with the National Trust in delivering an annual heritage awards program.
• Providing support to owners and managers of heritage places through advisory and grant programs.
• Leading by example in the management of its heritage properties.

Geelong City Council has made significant progress in preserving and promoting the City's rich heritage through its previous Heritage Strategy.

Key achievements include:

• Establishment of the Heritage Advisory Committee, which has provided valuable advice and support, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the City's heritage among residents and stakeholders.
• Successful publication and launch in 2021 of About Corayo: a thematic history of Greater Geelong, by Dr David Rowe, which has deepened understanding of Indigenous heritage and places and people that have shaped the region.
• Collaboration with Geelong & Region Branch of the National Trust (Vic) on the Heritage Awards recognising and honouring outstanding contributions in categories including conservation, sustainability, and creative reuse of a heritage places.
• An annual heritage grants program providing financial support to property owners and community groups for the conservation of heritage places.

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