Twenty years ago ‘What is Social Value? A Discussion Paper’ was published. Where did this concept come from, how have we used and misused it, and where are we going with it today? Chris will explore the journey so far, touching on both theory and practice, illustrated with some places and people who have shaped her understandings of the oft-challenged concept of social significance.

Ms Chris Johnston is a heritage consultant who specialises in investigating the special meanings and associations that exist between people and their places. She is well known for her work in developing and applying social significance methodologies, community engagement, strategic planning and innovative approaches to understanding heritage values and places. Chris also has an active interest in aesthetic values and emotional response to place. She is a Director of Context Pty Ltd, a heritage consultancy based in Melbourne.

This public lecture provides a fascinating overview of Bill’s insights into changing approaches to heritage conservation over the last three decades, as well as Bill’s thoughts on future directions of both heritage conservation and heritage studies.

This public lecture provides a fascinating overview of Bill’s insights into changing approaches to heritage conservation over the last three decades, as well as Bill’s thoughts on future directions of both heritage conservation and heritage studies.

Dr Janice Baker, Alfred Deakin Research Postdoctoral Research Fellow discusses Affectivity and darkness: impressions of the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart Tasmania

Dr Janice Baker, Alfred Deakin Research Postdoctoral Research Fellow discusses Affectivity and darkness: impressions of the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart Tasmania

Dr Benjamin Isakhan, from Deakin's Centre of Citizenship and Globalisation delivers a public lecture on Measuring the Destruction of Heritage and Spikes of Violence in Iraq’ and seeks to investigate the complex inter-relationship that exists between the destruction of cultural heritage and sharp upsurges in terror and violence.

Associate Professor Renate Howe outlines the key issues facing Melbourne's heritage due to projected population increases in the next decade, including the need to involve the city's multicultural community in a dialogue about the importance of heritage and the success of the 'place-making' agenda, particularly in Europe, as a response to urban redevelopment. Melbourne at @ 5 million. Can the city’s heritage planning meet the challenge?