Nominations for the region’s premiere heritage event, the Alexandrina Council Heritage Awards, are now open.

The 2026 Awards highlight best practice in heritage projects across six categories:

• Heritage tourism

• Conservation Practice

• Adaptive Reuse

• Heritage Gardens and Fencing

• Historic Research

• Lorraine Pomery Service to Heritage Award

Nominations must be lodged on online and will be accepted until 5pm on Friday 3 April.

Nominations can be made by those responsible for the project, or by people who have noticed and appreciated their endeavours. 

Past nominations have come from property owners, tradespeople, historic societies and businesses.

Alexandrina Council has hosted the Heritage Awards since the late 1990s, through its Heritage Advisory Group.

It says the awards recognise excellence in heritage conservation, research and works undertaken within the district. 

“They also offer an opportunity to educate the wider community about the importance of conserving and activating local heritage that contribute to a Liveable, Green and Connected Alexandrina.”

The 2026 Awards will be conferred at an event that to be held in May as part of South Australia’s History Festival and will include a special guest speaker. 

“The Heritage Awards are an opportunity for the community to recognise their local heritage projects. Last year’s Awards was an excellent example of celebrating our rich heritage and history. It’s important to treasure these heritage places as it keeps them preserved for the generations to come,” says Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes.

“I encourage community members to get involved in this year’s Heritage Awards and nominate a project that represents best-practice and commitment to preservation practices.”

Nominations across all categories are eligible to be considered for the Mayoral Award, which is selected by the Mayor and acknowledges celebration of the heritage of the Alexandrina region and long-lasting benefit to the community.

For further information about the awards, the Heritage Awards Guidelines and how to nominate, visit the council website.