Canberra Modern recognised for outstanding advocacy by National Trust

Round House, also called the Benjamin House, designed by Alex Jelinek, 1957. Photo: Darren Bradley

The passionate team behind Canberra Modern, including GML’s Rachel Jackson and Edwina Jans, were recognised for their dedicated advocacy of Canberra’s mid-century heritage at the 2025 ACT National Trust Heritage Awards.

Congratulations to GML’s Heads of Canberra and Victoria, Rachel Jackson and Edwina Jans, together with Amy Jarvis of Philip Leeson Architects, who received the Outstanding Advocacy Award at last night’s ACT National Trust Heritage Awards for their work with Canberra Modern.

As a twentieth-century planned city, Canberra embodies modernism and democratic ideals, shaped by the Griffins’ visionary plan and the postwar growth led by the National Capital Development Commission. Yet many of the city’s mid-century places have been undervalued and at risk.

Rachel, Edwina and Amy founded Canberra Modern in 2016 to advocate for and celebrate this rich design legacy—an irreplaceable part of the city’s historic, urban, and cultural landscape—through community engagement, events, and storytelling.

The award was presented by ACT Minister for Heritage Chris Steel.

We’re also proud that our CSIRO Black Mountain Heritage Management Plan was a finalist in this year’s awards.

 

Edwina Jans, Amy Jarvis and Rachel Jackson, the driving force behind Canberra Modern.

Canberra Modern's Edwina Jans, Amy Jarvis and Rachel Jackson receiving their Outstanding Advocacy Award from ACT Minister for Heritage Chris Steel.

Canberra Modern’s Edwina Jans, Amy Jarvis and Rachel Jackson receiving their Outstanding Advocacy Award from ACT Minister for Heritage Chris Steel.