Trio share spotlight at Heritage Awards

The Hon. Simon R. Molesworth AO QC, Liz Vines OAM, and Peter Oldsen have shared the top honour at today's John Reid Heritage Awards, with each receiving an Outstanding Commendation.

The trio were key figures in the push to secure the city's National Heritage Listing in 2015.

The awards were presented by Deputy Mayor Marion Browne, who said all three recipients had made a huge contribution to Broken Hill over many years.

"Our National Heritage Listing would not have been possible without the tireless preparation, research, and advocacy of these three dedicated people," she said.

"Years of work and planning went into our Heritage submission, and Simon, Liz and Peter were all key players in ensuring our city received deserved recognition.

"On behalf of Broken Hill I sincerely congratulate them for all their local, national, and international work in the field of heritage preservation and promotion."

Heritage Award Winner profiles:

Liz Vines OAM

Few have given more to the heritage of Broken Hill than our former Heritage Advisor of 31 years, Liz Vines.

She has continually contributed to the wellbeing of the city by ensuring its cultural heritage is better recognised, understood, safeguarded, and conserved.

Across three decades Liz poured countless hours into various heritage strategies, policies, and plans to ensure the preservation of the city's history remained a key focus for Broken Hill.

She also authored two editions of "Broken Hill - A Guide To The Silver City", which was a sold-out success in promoting the the heritage of the city.

Liz was another key driver in the city receiving a National Heritage Listing, serving as a key instigator, advocate and partner throughout the lengthy process.

Above all, Liz's legacy is bound into the bricks, mortar, tin and wood of hundreds of heritage buildings in Broken Hill, the saving and restoration of which would not have occurred without strategic professional advice.

Liz received an Order of Australia Medal in 2009 for her contribution to heritage conservation in Australia and Asia, and previously served as president of the International Council on Monuments and Sites for Australia.

Peter Oldsen

Through his role as Council's Group Manager Sustainability, Peter was instrumental in leading the Heritage Listing push at a local government level.

Peter was a vital contributor in preparing the city's submission, working with Liz and Simon to research the benefits of the listing, prepare and compile endless paperwork and reports, and garner support in both government and private sectors.

Across his 30 years at Council he contributed to numerous heritage funding programs and initiatives, including the successful heritage Paint Grant Scheme, and the introduction of the annual Heritage Awards.

Although Peter's long career with Council concluded before our listing was announced, his contribution was certainly not forgotten.

During the announcement ceremony his efforts were praised by the Mayor, visiting dignitaries, and other key players in the Heritage Listing push.

Congratulations to Peter for his tireless efforts to conserve our city's heritage.

The Hon. Simon R. Molesworth AO QC

Simon Molesworth's passion and legal expertise were key factors in Broken Hill securing its National Heritage Listing.

Simon's constant lobbying ensured Broken Hill was not forgotten by the Government, and that our proposed Heritage Listing stayed at the forefront of ministerial discussions.

Our former Federal Member Sussan Ley perhaps said it best when our listing was announced in January 2015, stating: "Professor Simon Molesworth had a dream; a dream that began the journey."

Simon has also had significant input into the city's heritage in other avenues, serving on the Art Gallery Advisory Group, Broken Hill Heritage Committee, and Living Museum + Perfect Light Steering Group.

His contributions also extend well beyond our city limits through his past and present roles as Executive Chairman of the International National Trusts Organisation, member of the National Cultural Heritage Committee, and as Chairman, President and Councillor of the National Trust of Australia.

We extend our congratulations to Simon for his unwavering support of Broken Hill and its heritage.