The National Library of Australia is calling for applications for the 2010 Community Heritage Grants (CHG) program. Grants of up to $15,000 are available to community groups around the country to help preserve and manage locally held, nationally significant cultural heritage collections for future generations.

There have been floods in Queensland and heavy storms across Victoria. If you've had possessions or collections damaged by water, check our Salvage page for information about how to minimise further damage to your things.

Remember that safety should always be your first concern - if there is still water pooled more than five centimetres deep, unstable structures, compromised sewers or visible mould growth, make sure you contact the appropriate emergency services or tradespeople before trying to salvage your possessions.

For advice from a conservator, try calling your State collecting organisations (e.g. museums, galleries, libraries, archives) and asking to speak to the conservation department. For salvage, site visits and insurance quotes for cleaning and repair, consult our list of members in private practice.

The university year has started and conservation students will be attending their first classes at both the University of Melbourne Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation and the Donald Horne Insitute at the University of Canberra. Welcome to the profession! AICCM can offer a variety of resources to new and continuing students. Visit our Students' Welcome page for more information.