This project titled Cosmopolitan Heritage in a Multicultural Society: Ethnic Communities and the Built Environment in Australian Cities and Regional and Rural Areas, investigates the historical and contemporary contribution of minority ethnic communities to the built environment of Australian cities and towns. This is significant because the story of the impact of minority ethnic communities on the built environment has been ignored in the Australian immigration debate.

The focus is on regional and rural areas as well as cities. Expected outcomes include: a stocktake of ethnic heritage; an insight into social aspects of the built environment; an understanding of how ethnic heritage relates to community relations; and an investigation into ethnic precincts and the links between ethnic heritage and increased tourism. The project will be conducted over three years.

Partner organisations are: National Trust of NSW; The National Trust of Australia (WA); Department of Premiers and Cabinet, Qld; and the National Trust of South Australia.