{
  "id": 10096029,
  "title": "Heritage buildings on cusp of ruin as stonemasons retire",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/heritage-buildings-on-cusp-of-ruin-as-stonemasons-retire",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-27T00:03:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-27/australia-heritage-buildings-stonemason-shortage/107159304"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Western Australian stonemasons warn that many experienced workers are nearing retirement, threatening the preservation of the country's heritage buildings. These structures, constructed using local stone and traditional techniques, are vital to Australia's colonial-era architecture. Duncan Moon, a veteran heritage stonemason who immigrated from Wales, expresses concern over the dwindling number of skilled workers. He fears that without new apprentices, these buildings will decay and become costly to restore. The Heritage Skills Association is pushing for a project-based intergenerational model to address the skills gap, but current certification options are limited. Evan Zlnay, a young stonemason, emphasizes the importance of traditional techniques and the need for greater awareness of the trade. Despite the challenges, Zlnay finds fulfillment in preserving Western Australia's historic buildings.",
  "summary": "Unless a new generation takes up the trade, the craft will be lost to time, and the buildings with it.",
  "key_points": [
    "Western Australian stonemasons warn of retirement crisis affecting heritage buildings",
    "Duncan Moon fears decay of colonial-era architecture without new apprentices",
    "Heritage Skills Association seeks intergenerational model to address skills gap"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The looming retirement of experienced stonemasons threatens the preservation of Australia's heritage buildings, potentially leaving them to decay and become costly to restore without new skilled workers to take their place.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}