Celebrating Heritage in NSW

The National Trust NSW Heritage Awards are an annual celebration of outstanding practice, awarding excellence in conservation of Aboriginal, built, natural and cultural heritage.

The 2025 shortlist has been announced, and Nielsen Park Seawall, designed by OCULUS for NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, is a finalist in the landscape category.

Nielsen Park, on Birrabirragal Country in Sydney, is State Heritage listed for its outstanding natural and cultural landscape. The original seawall, constructed in 1936, had reached the end of its serviceable life. The new seawall is capable of withstanding increasingly adverse weather conditions and sea level rise, while improving beach access and providing additional seating and shade trees. This once-in-a-lifetime project conserves the park's natural, cultural and historic heritage while improving amenity to meet current and future visitor and operational needs.

Debbie Mills, CEO of the National Trust (NSW), said “the response to the 31st annual Heritage Awards has been remarkable. The effort to promote and conserve heritage right across the state is very inspiring to see.”

For the very first time, the National Trust (NSW) has introduced a People’s Choice Award and public voting is open until 11.59pm on Sunday 4 May. We’d appreciate your support for Nielsen Park in the Landscape Category – cast your vote here.

The winners will be announced at the National Trust Heritage Awards ceremony on Friday 16 May in Sydney.