Project putting heritage at our fingertips among the winners at 2026 Heritage Awards

Since its establishment in 1977, the Mount Lawley Society has played a central role in researching, documenting and advocating for the heritage of Mount Lawley, Inglewood and Menora.

The society drew on its archive of more than 90,000 documents, photographs and other files to develop a free digital interactive map, transforming a complex body of information into something accessible and educational.

The map links stories to places and allows residents, visitors and schools to explore elements of local history, from buildings to notable residents.

Launched in late 2025, the map was assisted by funding from the WA Government and inspired by a similar project by the Maylands Historical and Peninsula Association.

The project was honoured with the Barrie Baker Special Recognition Award at last month’s Heritage Awards, held by the City every two years.

The Barrier Baker Special Recognition Award is presented when an achievement is considered worthy of special commendation or does not fit into another category.  

It was introduced in 2014 to honour Barrie Baker’s extraordinary contribution to heritage over more than 40 years.

Mr Baker, a former member of the City’s Heritage Advisory Committee and a long-time patron of the Mount Lawley Society, passed away last year.

The judges saw the digital interactive map as a project that reflected the spirit of Mr Baker’s legacy of dedication and commitment to community heritage.

The judging panel for the 2026 Heritage Awards consisted of heritage expert Flavia Kiperman from SLR Consultants, Sheila Robinson from the Mount Lawley Society and Councillors Suzanne Migdale, Damien Giudici and Elizabeth Re from the City.

The winner of the 2026 Excellence in Design and Construction Award was 12 Woodroyd Street in Mount Lawley.

The Excellence in Design and Construction Award recognises a project that demonstrates excellence in new work within a heritage context, ensuring that contemporary design enhances heritage values, rather than competing with them.

This work can include sensitive additions, infill development and adaptive reuse.

The judges considered the work carried out by the owners to be a respectful example of heritage design, where the old and new coexist harmoniously and the original home remains the hero of the story.

New elements have been added to support modern living, but they have been designed to sit behind the original home and blend into the background.

Careful conservation works, the sourcing and reuse of heritage materials and thoughtful touches such as the preservation of the original oven show a deep appreciation of local heritage.

The 2026 Conservation and Restoration Award went to the Inglewood Hotel.

The Conservation and Restoration Award recognises outstanding efforts in conserving and restoring heritage places within the built environment. 

These can include buildings, gardens, streetscapes or other places of heritage significance.

The Inglewood Hotel, which marked its 90th anniversary in May, has served as a landmark and a gathering place for the local community since 1936.

A significant portion of the building’s original fabric remains intact and has been carefully maintained, from the original doors on the balcony to the original staircase and timber flooring downstairs.

Additions and upgrades have been undertaken with sensitivity to complement the original building’s 20th century architectural character while supporting its ongoing use. 

The judges viewed the Inglewood Hotel as an example of a how thoughtful conservation and continued active use could work hand in hand to keep heritage alive.