The Awards are assessed annually based on works that have completed in the preceding 12 months by a Heritage Awards Advisory Panel chaired by Councillor Rowan Story AM, RFD. 

Members of the Heritage Awards Advisory Panel are:

• Janine Barrand AM Built Heritage Coordinator 
• Margie McKay, Manager, Urban Design & Place 
• Dr David Rowe, Heritage Advisory, Statutory Planning 
• John Rush, Coordinator, Statutory Planning
• Tracey-Lea Smith, Coordinator, Creative Cities 

2026 Award Categories 

• Restoration of a Heritage Place Award (included in a heritage overlay)
• New Work in a Heritage Overlay
• Sustainability and Greening of a Heritage Place (included in a heritage overlay)
• Creative Reuse of Heritage Place (included in a heritage overlay)
• Heritage Interpretation and Promotion
• Jennifer Bantow OAM Heritage Award
• National Trust Victoria, Geelong & Region Branch Award