National Trusts in Australia

National Trusts in Australia are  community-based, non-government organisations, committed to promoting and conserving Australia's indigenous, natural and historic heritage through educational programs and its custodianship of heritage places and objects.

The Australian National Trust movement was established in New South Wales in 1945 by Annie Wyatt who, along with a group of other citizens, raised community consciousness of widespread destruction of the built and natural heritage in Sydney. The National Trust movement quickly spread across Australia with the other States establishing National Trust offices throughout the 1950's and 60's. The Northern and Australian Capital Territories were the last to establish a National Trust in 1976. Each State and Territory National Trust is fully autonomous entity in its own right responsible for managing its own affairs.

The Australian Council of National Trusts (ACNT) was formed in 1965. It represents the interests of the National Trust at the federal level, provides a forum for information exchange and assists in the coordination of  national programs, such as Heritage at Risk.

Collectively the organisation owns or manages over 300 heritage places (the majority held in perpetuity), manages a volunteer workforce of 7000 while also employing about 350 people nationwide.
We rely heavily on community support  generated through membership subscriptions, sponsorship, donations and bequests, property admissions and retail sales . Of the collective total operational revenue generated by the organisation less than 10% is sourced from government.

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Ways you can help the National Trust

 Help us carry out vital heritage conservation work in Australia :

Join The National Trust
Become a member of the National Trust, and enjoy the benefits of belonging to Australia 's largest community-based conservation organisation.

Become a National Trust volunteer
National Trust volunteers' contribute their time and energy to the benefit and success of our organisation; and they provide an important link with local communities. Contact the National Trust in your State or Territory to join the team.

Visit a National Trust Property
Drop in on a National Trust house museum, gallery, park, garden or other historic sites soon. There are over 180 National Trust properties open to the public.

Sponsor the National Trust
With its positive public image and Australia-wide membership base, the National Trust is a name that appropriate companies can be associated with nationally. Contact the Australian Council of National Trusts.

Donate to the National Trust
The National Trust is an 'eligible gift recipient'. Make a donation as a gift of money or property, and subject to certain conditions, donors can claim tax deductions. For more information, contact the State or Territory in which you live, or the Australian Council of National Trusts

Shop with the National Trust
National Trust-branded products, and a wide-range of other items are available in National Trust shops throughout Australia .

Hire a National Trust Property as a Venue
For weddings, birthdays, meetings, special events, and film and television locations consider some of the magnificent National Trust properties throughout Australia .