The Discussion Paper explores how a people-centred heritage framework could be implemented through 5 Focus Areas.

A people-centred approach involves including people’s relationship with a place as a key part of its significance. It places the way people value places at the heart of heritage conservation. These social and spiritual values are as important as values directly related to the physical fabric.

People-centred heritage aims to empower the community to help shape cultural heritage.

Find out more about people-centred heritage:

• Heritage, People and Place Discussion Paper Introduction
• Heritage, People and Place Discussion Paper Introduction (accessible version)

Aboriginal heritage, culture and knowledge are central to Melbourne’s identity. Truth-telling about our heritage is vital as we strive for reconciliation. Focus area 1 will enable us to consider developing a framework to inform how Aboriginal history and perspectives should be reflected across the entire Strategy.

• Heritage, People and Place Discussion Paper - Focus Area 1
• Heritage, People and Place Discussion Paper - Focus Area 1 (accessible version)

Focus Area 2 explores how heritage interpretation can strengthen the relationship between people and heritage places by sharing the stories and connections that a place holds with those who live or work in, or visit the city. Interpretation can help to reveal and celebrate the different layers of history associated with a place. Sometimes this can include contested or difficult histories that should not be forgotten.

Find out more about this focus area:

• Heritage, People and Place Discussion Paper - Focus Area 2
• Heritage, People and Place Discussion Paper - Focus Area 2 (accessible version)

Melbourne is a vibrant, multicultural, global city, and its historic precincts, streetscapes and buildings, public spaces, parks and gardens are some of its strongest assets. Focus Area 3 discusses accommodating growth and change while ensuring that Melbourne’s distinctive heritage places remain a prominent feature of its evolution and ongoing economic prosperity.

Find out more about this focus area:

• Heritage, People and Place Discussion Paper - Focus Area 3
• Heritage, People and Place Discussion Paper - Focus Area 3 (accessible version)

A people-centred approach recognises the critical importance of climate change and its impact on perceptions of heritage places. Focus Area 4 considers how we can ensure heritage places, including landscapes, are sustainable, efficient and resilient in the future.

Find out more about this focus area:

• Heritage, People and Place Discussion Paper - Focus Area 4
• Heritage, People and Place Discussion Paper - Focus Area 4 (accessible version)

There are many ways that heritage (including unlisted heritage) and its contribution to local character, place and distinctiveness, amenity, and community values can be acknowledged and celebrated. Focus Area 5 considers how there could be greater recognition for broader social values and celebration of more diverse historical themes and periods.

Find out more about this focus area:

• Heritage, People and Place Discussion Paper - Focus Area 5
• Heritage, People and Place Discussion Paper - Focus Area 5 (accessible version)
  
  

Learn about places of Aboriginal cultural significance through our Mapping Aboriginal Melbourne project. You can also take a self-guided walk from Fitzroy Gardens to Docklands to learn more about Aboriginal heritage and culture. Book a tour with an experienced guide from the Koorie Heritage Trust.

Read one of our neighbourhood histories and heritage reviews to learn more about the heritage and how the neighbourhood has evolved.

Take yourself, family, friends or community group on a self guided walk of your local neighbourhood to help you get to know Melbourne’s iconic sites, cultural heritage and hidden gems.

You can also explore our Art and Heritage Collection, a treasure trove of local history and culture, in the streets and online.

To preserve the city’s unique character, we offer heritage grants to help people complete restoration projects at residential, community and commercial properties across the municipality.

If you own a heritage property or want to learn more about local architecture, check out our Heritage Owner’s Guide and Heritage Design Guide.