External Appeals

National Trust Restoration Appeals

St Mary's Star of the Sea

The National Trust of Australia (Vic) is a community-based charity organisation which classifies and advocates the conservation of Victoria's heritage. Classification can include buildings, building groups, public art, industrial heritage, landscapes and gardens. It has no statutory power but seeks publicity to influence community attitudes and government policy.

Soon after the Trust was incorporated in 1956, it was granted charity status, as a ‘Deductible Gift Recipient’, by the federal
Government.

In the 1970s, after consultation with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), it was agreed that the Trust could act as a conduit to receive donations for the restoration of historic places that are not privately owned, and have a degree of public accessibility.

A number of provisos and caveats applied, but it was clear that Churches would be the major beneficiary of the arrangement. Major External Appeals were launched in the 1970’s for landmarks such as St Patrick’s, St. Paul’s, St John’s Toorak, Scots Church and many others.

Once an appeal has been approved donations are made directly to the Trust, which places the money in a separate account.

St John's, Toorak

Individual donations over $2 can be tax deductible; a receipt is issued by the Trust which can be used by donors to acknowledge the tax deductible donation.

Strict conditions were required by the tax office along with a requirement that the quality and scope of the work was professionally overseen by the Trust.

1. The place or object must be formally classified by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).

If the place is not already classified, but is listed by Heritage Victoria, or individually listed by the Local Council (which most pre WWII churches are) then classification is simply a matter of process.

2. Funds may only be used for the repair, recreation, restoration, maintenance or protective works to buildings and objects that are formally considered to be part of the classification.

This means that only works to the ‘heritage’ elements, and only those works that provide an ‘advantage’ to that heritage fabric, are eligible. Appeal money cannot therefore be used to buy new art works, seating or construct a new porch for example.

3. Works must be approved by a suitably qualified heritage professional.

For extensive works a full and complete Conservation Management Plan may be required, however if the work is ‘very straight forward’, a simple letter describing the works supported - for example by the local Heritage Adviser - may be all that is required.

B-24 Liberator Restoration

4. The works and the Appeal must be formally approved by the Trust.

This is usually a matter of process, but is necessary to demonstrate sufficient oversight by the Trust to the ATO.

5. All promotional material and correspondence must identify an appeal as a ‘National Trust Appeal’

The Trust needs to sight and approve all marketing material including brochures, signs and the like.

The Trust draws a 4% administration fee but does not pass on additional direct costs incurred which can include admin processing, credit card fees, banking, payment processing, enquiries, assessments etc, etc..

Invoices for services rendered (including professional fees such as for the heritage architect) are sent to the Trust, checked against the approved works of the Appeal, then paid by the Trust.

External Appeals Conditions and procedures June 08 (PDF) 35.67 kB

Current External Appeals:

714 - Skipping Girl Vinegar Sign Restoration

701 - Christ Church, Brunswick File #: B549

702 - St John's Anglican Church, Toorak File #: B228

703 - Christ Church, Hawthorn File #: B1016

706 - Trades Hall Council File #: B4417

708 - Christ Church, Warnambool File #: B5925

710 - German Lutheran Church, East Melbourne File #: B2664

711 - Sacred Heart Church, West St Kilda File #: B5296

713 - St John's Lutheran Chuch, Geelong File #: B1063

717 - St George the Martyr, Queenscliff File #: B1880 & B6325