Heritage NSW - What is the State Heritage Inventory Database?

Heritage NSW is the lead government agency responsible for identifying and protecting the state’s significant heritage. The department engaged Punchy Studio to create an animated video to address the communication challenge of explaining how the public can access and navigate the State Heritage Inventory (SHI) database. The brief was to define the SHI as a central portal for exploring over 30,000 records of local and state significance, including Aboriginal places. We produced a professional animated explainer video that illustrates how the database goes beyond simple lists to provide the stories and historical importance behind each place or object. Our approach focused on accessibility, providing a clear step by step guide on how to find the portal and use its integrated guides and FAQs. The video is deployed on the Heritage NSW website and cultural heritage portals to encourage researchers, property owners, and the general public to take a journey through time. By combining professional scripting, custom animation, and an inviting voiceover, we effectively transformed a technical database into an engaging educational resource. Dynamic motion graphics reinforce the call to action, urging viewers to search for the New South Wales State Heritage Inventory and begin exploring their history today.