What YOU can do to save valued historical buildings, sites and natural places?

1. Find out if it is heritage listed. If not, nominate it for relevant registers:

• State and Territory National Trust classified lists (except SA)
  
• Heritage Registers-State/Territory government heritage agency/heritage council
  
• Local Council's heritage list or plan
  
• Lists kept by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects or Engineers Heritage Australia
  
• Registers on the internet: CHL,NSW Heritage Office, Heritage Victoria, NSW and Victoria National Trusts

2. Determine if the place has heritage significance:

• Check histories, heritage & scientific studies; collect written, visual and oral evidence
  
• Gather physical evidence: survey, describe, map, photograph
  
• Prepare a brief history of the place: origins; sequence of changes; context; significance to local/other communities; comparison with other places of similar type
  
• Assess against standard heritage criteria, for example it has: importance to the course of our cultural/ natural history; rare or endangered aspects; significant technical or aesthetic characteristics; special associations with an important person or group
  
• Prepare a short statement of heritage significance

3. Identify the threat and alert relevant agencies:

• National Trust in your State or Territory
  
• If subject to a Development Application, lodge opposition with Council State/Territory heritage agency or the Australian Heritage Commission
  
• Apply to Council and to State heritage agency/council for an order to halt demolition

4. Contact the owner and explain your concern.

• Owners can get conservation and funding advice from heritage agency/heritage council or the National Trust.
  
• Government-owned: contact that department and relevant government heritage agency

5. Seek publicity.

• Contact Councillors and staff, local historical society and other community groups
  
• Write to local MP and heritage/environment Minister
  
• Form a local action group ('Friends') to carry out these activities and maintain public interest, and ask for support from the National Trust
  
• Notify media; letterbox; arrange public meetings: explain the significance of the place, the advantages of retaining it, the threat and alternative uses
  
• Compile the information collected and nominate the place to the Australian Council of National Trusts
  Our Heritage At Risk Program: each year a new list of the Top 10 Most Endangered places (State Level 1 July) National Level - 18 October)  draws national attention to heritage places under threat.

6. Follow up agency actions and keep watch.