The Medal for Conservation has been awarded annually since 1995.
It celebrates built conservation works that contribute to the understanding and preservation of the Inner West Council's rich cultural and architectural heritage.
We are seeking large or small, private or public works with thoughtful and innovative outcomes.
Entry criteria
- Built works must be within the Inner West Council LGA, with all building works completed within the three years preceding the date of applications opening.
- The theme this year is ‘Change’.
- Built works eligible can be described as having positive conservation outcomes.
- Conservation could include any of the following approaches: preservation, restoration, reconstruction, adaptation or interpretation.
- If the application is successful in becoming a finalist, access to the property will be required (date to be advised) and it would be beneficial for the architect/designer responsible for the project to be available to brief the judges.
- Images of the property nominated must be between 4MB and 15MB (maximum total of 99MB)
- Images must be provided as part of any entry showing the completed works.
- Entries close Sunday 12 July 2026 at 11:59pm.
About the Medal for Conservation
The winner will be announced at the awards presentation event in October 2026. The finalists' photos will be exhibited at the event, and an online exhibition of all finalists will be on the Council website for the following 12 months. Finalists' photos will also be exhibited at a Council service centre following the awards.
Applications
- Open: 19 April 2026
- Close: 12 July 2026
Judges
A judging panel of three people will comprise of:
• a Council heritage specialist
• a member of a local heritage society within the LGA; and
• a conservation architect
Conditions
Inner West Council reserves the right to:
- Withhold entries whose content is considered inappropriate.
- Retain, reproduce and publish entries, including images for future permanent exhibition, archival and promotional purposes by Council, ensuring credit is displayed.
Applications close on Sunday 12 July 2026 at midnight.