Significance - Collections and Objects

According to Heritage Victoria a significance assessment is a document that: Investigates and documents the meanings and values of heritage objects and collections; Identifies and describe how and why an object or collection is important, and to whom; Might identify or recommend a level or threshold of importance, eg. local significance.

Local significance indicates a place or object is characteristic of a community's local history. State-wide significance means the place or object contributes to a broader understanding of Victoria and its history.

Statements of significance help owners and custodians to: broaden their understanding of the heritage values associated with an object or collection; prioritise collection management and conservation activities; interpret the heritage values of objects and collections to a variety of audiences seek funding opportunities for conservation and interpretation projects.

A statement of significance becomes the basis for policy and management decisions that affect the long term research, conservation and interpretation of the object or collection by residents, visitors, authorities and institutions. Reference: http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/heritage/heritage-places-and-objects/objects-and-collections-about#Significance