Please note

public notices will no longer be published in The Age. All notices will be available on the Victorian Public Notices website at https://www.vic.gov.au/public-notices

public notices will no longer be published in The Age. All notices will be available on the Victorian Public Notices website at https://www.vic.gov.au/public-notices

What we do

We protect and conserve Victoria's cultural heritage through independent decision-making and expert advice.

Brick conservatory with a large arched glass window and garden plants.

The Heritage Council of Victoria is an independent authority dedicated to protecting places and objects of cultural heritage significance to Victoria. We ensure that our diverse cultural heritage is enjoyed and preserved for years to come.

Our role

The Heritage Council of Victoria: 

  • advises the Minister for Planning on protecting and conserving Victoria’s cultural heritage

  • decides which places and objects are included or amended in the Victorian Heritage Register 

  • reviews decisions by Heritage Victoria on nominations, exclusion determinations, permits and archaeological consents when requested

  • promotes public understanding of Victoria’s cultural heritage through education and information programs

  • undertakes research on the identification, conservation and interpretation of cultural heritage

  • works with state government departments, agencies and local councils on heritage protection. 

Learn about our key priorities

How we operate

The Heritage Council of Victoria consists of 10 members and 10 alternate members, representing various professional disciplines. 

We are an independent authority established under the Heritage Act 2017. The Act outlines our powers and responsibilities. 

A small secretariat supports our work. 

Meet our people

Commitment to Truth-telling

In 2025, the Victorian Government and First Peoples signed Australia’s first Treaty. Years of truth-telling work by the Yoorrook Justice Commission was also released. The Commission’s reports record the damaging and lasting effects of colonisation on First Peoples across Victoria. These effects must be spoken about truthfully and recorded for all Victorians.

We recognise that truth-telling is essential for a future of reconciliation and healing.

We commit to take meaningful action within our role and functions under the Heritage Act 2017 to:

  • be a culturally safe organisation
  • recognise and challenge unconscious bias
  • incorporate the principles of truth-telling in our work
Detail of a timber floor and doorway with peeling paint and shadows.
Cast‑iron fireplace inside a timber‑lined room.

Statement of Expectations

The Victorian Government requires all regulators to have a statement of expectations to improve performance and reduce red tape. Our statement of expectations outlines targets and improvements for our regulatory role.

Read the statement of expectation 

Relationship with Heritage Victoria

Heritage Victoria is a business unit of the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) and administers the Heritage Act 2017. While we liaise with Heritage Victoria and its Executive Director, there are protocols to ensure our independence in decision-making and quasi-judicial roles. 

Learn about Heritage Victoria

Stay up-to-date with the latest decisions, events and news