GA2023 delegates join GML on tour in Canberra

Following an enriching week attending the ICOMOS GA2023, including being a liaison to HRH Princess Dana Firas of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, GML Principal Rachel Jackson led a post-conference tour of Canberra with a group of international delegates from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Hungary, Germany, Czech Republic, Brazil, Spain and USA.

Shaped by topography and grounded in visionary town planning, Australia’s National Capital is one of the world’s great 20th century planned city landscapes.  

Led by Rachel and Amy Jarvis, founders of Canberra Modern along with Edwina Jans, GML’s Head of Victoria, the group of international experts in historic cities, town planning and 20th century heritage explored Canberra’s natural and historic setting, Indigenous heritage values, a selection of major public buildings and the outstanding city design that provides expression of Australia’s shared democratic ambitions. 

The delegates were impressed by Canberra’s evident City Beautiful town planning and the abundance of exceptional mid-twentieth century public and residential architecture. They remarked that the ‘landscape setting is extraordinary and makes the city worthy of world heritage status’. Although unanimously they expressed concern about the unsympathetic building development that is dominating the city centre and the views to the surrounding hills. 

It was great to share insights, experiences, challenges and comparisons from around the world, which inspire Canberra Modern and GML to continue to advocate for and protect the unique values of the city. 

 If you care about conserving Canberra’s heritage significance visit the ACT Heritage reform webpage and have your say.