Please note

public notices will no longer be published in The Age. All notices will be available on the Victorian Public Notices website at https://www.vic.gov.au/public-notices

public notices will no longer be published in The Age. All notices will be available on the Victorian Public Notices website at https://www.vic.gov.au/public-notices

How we make decisions

Discover how we make fair and transparent decisions to protect Victoria's cultural heritage. Learn about hearings and reviews.

  • Regulatory guidance
Former Bendigo Fire Station façade showing red‑brick walls with two large red engine doors featuring portrait panels set into the doors.

We make decisions about places and objects of state-level cultural heritage significance. Our decisions help protect Victoria’s unique heritage.

We take this responsibility seriously. We understand that our decisions affect the owners and managers of heritage places and objects. We also know they matter to the broader community.  

Our work is guided by the Heritage Act 2017.  

Examples of the diverse places and objects on the Register

Black and white view of the Harold Holt Swim Centre showing a modernist courtyard with concrete block walls, large glazed windows, terraced steps, and bicycle racks.
Joss House interior with an ornate altar featuring red and gold decoration, statues, and ceremonial objects.
Tiered ornamental stone fountain set in a circular basin within a landscaped garden.
Black and white streetscape showing the former Police Headquarters building along a city street with trees, traffic, and surrounding buildings
Princes Bridge spanning the Yarra River, showing its white arched structure and central stone pier, with rowers on the water below and the city skyline in the background.
Block Arcade interior with a glass‑roofed vaulted ceiling, ornate arches, tiled floor, and people walking through the central walkway

Hearings and reviews

Our decisions are based on a thorough review of all available information and evidence. Sometimes we hold public hearings to enable people to present their views to the Heritage Council.  

Learn about the different types of reviews and hearings we conduct, who they are for and what to expect. For more detailed information, refer to specific protocol for each type of hearing or review.

Our fees

You may need to pay a fee if you ask for a review or hearing. The fee amount is set by the Heritage Regulations 2017. Find out about fees for our hearings and reviews in the Fee Schedule.

Make a submission

We take submissions about recommendations, reviews or hearings that are advertised on our website. You will need to make your submission to the council in writing, through the HCV Hub, by the specified deadline.

Search recommendations, hearings and reviews  

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