CLIENT

Woolcott, Research and Engagement

PROJECT

Research to inform the development of a New South Wales Heritage Strategy

DATE

March 2024

Summary

Woolcott Research engaged CIRCA as part of a broader research project for Heritage NSW to consult with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) as well as the First Nations communities in NSW and understand how they perceive, value, and connect to culture, history, and heritage.

CIRCA’s Research Approach

For this research, CIRCA conducted:

  • 1x online focus group with six adults of First Nations background from regional and urban parts of NSW.
  • 16x in-person and online interviews, two each with adults from NSW belonging to Mandarin-, Hindi-, Arabic-, Vietnamese-, Filipino/Tagalog-, and Greek-speaking backgrounds as well as with people from Pacific Islander and African (Ghana and Rwanda) backgrounds.

Before the discussion, participants were requested to read four introductory questions about culture and history, which were directly pulled from the discussion guide. As the topic of heritage is quite specific, exposing participants to these questions beforehand helped them form initial thoughts and be more prepared for the discussion.

Research Findings and Outcomes

The research provided insights into how people perceive, value, and connect with their heritage. The research highlighted the representation of different cultural communities in NSW’s history, and participants proposed practical strategies for preserving and raising awareness of diverse heritage. Additionally, it underscored the pivotal role of collaboration between the government and the community in preserving and celebrating NSW’s diverse heritage. The research findings will be used by Heritage NSW to:

  • inform the development and implementation of the Heritage Strategy for NSW, and
  • ensure that it reflects the values, concerns, and aspirations of the NSW community as a whole.