Kieren Barry

The National Living Treasure status was established by the National Trust of Australia's New South Wales branch to honor up to 100 living individuals for their outstanding contributions to Australian society across various fields. The selection process initially involved public nominations and voting, with the first list of 100 published in 1997. This initiative aimed to recognize those who have made substantial and enduring impacts.

Over time, the list has been updated. In 2004, 15 new names were added, and later, individuals were removed due to legal issues or convictions, such as Marcus Einfeld and Rolf Harris. In 2012, a joint initiative with Woman's Day magazine sought seven new recipients, though this process faced controversy regarding the endorsement of certain nominees. The National Trust's involvement and the criteria for selection have been subjects of discussion, with the organization clarifying that the titles acknowledge broader cultural contributions beyond just heritage buildings and natural landscapes.