may-July 2016 – Winter eDition
NATIONAL TRUST
IN THIS ISSUE: truSt action, ian carroll reminiSceS, viSion For conServation, oPinion, BuShlanD management ServiceS FlouriSh, eventS anD more
NATIONAL TRUST MAGAZINE
coVEr STory
THE FRONT COVER IMAGE DEPICTS A ROW OF MILLERS POINT TERRACES AS THEY WERE IN 1875. These Georgian and other historic Millers Point properties, some built , others acquired by government to provide low cost housing have, over many decades, undergone only those changes required to maintain them and provide adequate living standards for tenants. As such, the heritage integrity of the streetscape and individual properties has been retained. Since March 2014 when the NSW Government first indicated its intention to change the status of public owned (NSW Housing Commission) Millers Point properties, the National Trust has made strong representations to Government. Apart from the cultural issues involved in displacing long-established communities and individuals, the Trust has stressed the vulnerability of the properties to unsympathetic change and the need for adequate protection. The Trust welcomes the efforts of new owners who recognise the very significant heritage of the properties they have acquired. The previous issue of this magazine highlighted the attention to detail given to the conservation of one such property by new owner, journalist Quentin Dempster. However, it is unsatisfactory that it is apparently so difficult to protect the integrity of other, equally significant homes in the precinct. Despite the clear requirements of the NSW Department of Planning Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for the precinct and the processes in place to ensure compliance, one of the properties pictured has been significantly damaged by its owner. A fine has been imposed – but once heritage has been destroyed, it cannot be replaced. Millers Point – a precinct without precedent The history of Millers Point is one of Australia’s earliest stories. For thousands of years before white settlement, the harbourside land was occupied by the 2
MiLLErS PoiNT
A turning point for fragile heritage Dr clive lucas oBe Cadigal Aboriginal tribe, who sustained themselves by fishing in the harbour and gathering shellfish from the mudflats. Their middens later provided the lime needed for mortar to construct Sydney’s early buildings. Millers Point took its name from John Leighton, an ex-convict, who took advantage of the windy promontory to construct several wooden windmills before falling to an early death in a drunken stupor. Stone cutting at the end of Windmill Street provided sandstone to build early Sydney. As Harbourside industries grew, wharves and warehouses were built at Millers Point, bringing workers, ship captains, merchants, artists and labourers. Workers lived in small cottages near the wharves, while the mercantile elite built grander homes on the higher streets. By the 1850s and the gold rush, Millers Point had become Sydney’s maritime heart and was set for a long economic boom. In 1859 the Argyle cut was completed, joining Millers Point and The Rocks. World War 1 broke out in 1914. The wheat trade collapsed 15 years later and hundreds of Millers Point workers became unemployed. Hickson Road became known as ‘the hungry mile’ as men searched for work at the wharves. Sydney Harbour Bridge opened in 1932. It had brought work to many hundreds, and work continued during a thriving post WW2 economy. Housing for workers in Millers Point was administered by the Maritime Services Board and tenancies were often
hiStoric millerS Point. Photo: national truSt archiveS
passed down through generations. The status quo was threatened In the 1960s and ‘70s as Sydney’s development boom threatened to force public housing tenants from the area but, supported by Green Bans, they won their campaigns and the area remained largely unchanged. In 1985 the Maritime Services Board transferred control of its homes to what is now Housing NSW. In 1990, the Department of Planning commissioned the Millers Point conservation study which found that the suburb was significant for ‘its architecture, archaeology, landscape, landform, location, past and present use and, most importantly, its people’. However, change again loomed. In 1998 Mirvac gained approval to redevelop the wharves between Dawes Point and Millers Point, known as Walsh Bay. In 2003 the Carr government announced proposals to create a new urban precinct on the site of historic wharves adjacent to Millers Point. The site was later named Barangaroo. The same year, the Millers Point and Dawes Point village precinct was listed on the State Heritage Register. In 2006 the Iemma Labour Government announced the 99 year lease of 16 Millers Point properties. It was intended to be a small release, but the prices attracted by the leases combined with the growing costs of maintaining tenanted properties prompted a radical rethink regarding public housing in the area. Subsequently the O’Farrell government announced it would sell almost 300 public housing properties at Millers Point, The Rocks and Gloucester Street, and that tenants would be relocated. The rest is history – or rather, a threat to it Given that the NSW Government appears to be determined to divest itself of properties at Millers Point, the Trust has urged that future sales of properties at Millers Point be by 99 year lease, convertible to freehold upon satisfactory completion of restoration works. A submission has been put to the State Government on this proposal.
The National Trust of Australia (New South Wales) Upper Fort Street, Observatory Hill, Millers Point, Sydney 2000 GPO Box 518, Sydney 2001 | P - 02 9258 0123 F - 02 9251 1110. www.nationaltrust.org.au/nsw COVER IMAgE: ‘Miller's Point, 1875’ PRESIDENT: Dr Clive Lucas OBE CEO: Brian Scarsbrick AM EDITOR: Angela le Sueur
DESIgNER: Jessica Ferian EDITORIAL COMMITTEE: Brian Scarsbrick AM, Angela le Sueur, Anne Weinman
The NSW National Trust Magazine is published by the National Trust of Australia (NSW) in February, April, July and November. Published articles reflect the opinions of the authors and are not necessarily those of the Trust.
MAY-JULY 2016 – WINTER EDITION
FroM THE PrESiDENT Dr clive lucas oBe DEAR MEMBERS, Half a century ago, the then newly formed Women’s Committee held a magnificent exhibition called ‘No Time to Spare’, in the David Jones Art Gallery focussing on the Trust’s then 34 ‘A’ listed buildings. A Trust Register of listed items had been published for the first time in 1963. The exhibition resulted from the Trust’s failed campaign to save Hannibal Macarthur’s Vineyard (aka Subiaco), at Rydalmere. After Elizabeth Bay House, this was the most magnificent of John Verge’s mansions built in the 1830s. It came down for the Rheem hot water factory, and nothing of it survives save its Doric columns given to us as a sop and now incorporated in a pergola at the University of NSW. Today we are still fighting but now it is ‘Land Grab’ so perhaps it is time for another exhibition! ‘Land Grab’ was coined by the former Prime Minister Paul Keating in connection with the proposal to double the footprint of the NSW Art Gallery in what remains of the city’s quite small and precious Domain. In my life time we have built an expressway through it, built oil tanks, doubled the size of the Art Gallery and the Conservatorium, built the Domain Car Park
and sections of the Eastern Suburbs Railway. The same pressure is on the equally precious Parramatta Domain. Cumberland Oval has doubled in size, we have built an R.S.L Club where once there was a small zoo and, as well, built the Parramatta Leagues Club House opposite Roseneath (one of the exhibits in ‘No Time to Spare’), and now there are proposals to develop Greenway’s Female Factory and other sites at the northern end of the Domain. Closer to the city there is the equally important Moore Park – the Trust applauds the idea of improving public transport with light rail, but can’t it be done without cutting down mature and magnificent trees and damaging our finest boulevard, Anzac Parade, and especially in the centenary year of Anzac. There was even a proposal to build a stadium on Kippax Lake, and we have already built the intrusive Cotter footbridge. This could surely have been a low key underpass. The Trust first listed Moore Park about 30 years ago. On quite a different tack there has been the gutting of a recently sold 1840s terrace house in Argyle Place (see cover story on page 2). This led me to write to the Premier and letters have also gone to the Hon Andrew Constance, NSW Minister for Transport
and Infrastructure, about Moore Park. An open letter has been published in the SMH about moving the Powerhouse Museum to Parramatta and I have had a meeting on that and a number of other matters with the NSW Minister for Environment and Heritage, the Hon Mark Speakman. Clearly there are more realistic solutions for a satellite museum. The Louvre has one at Lens in northern France (220km from Paris). The Tate has one in Cornwall and so on. So why can’t we do that here? No city is really great without museums. I have had interviews with Wendy Harmer, Richard Glover and the Advertiser newspaper at Parramatta. So - busy times. In February our former President Ian Carroll OAM announced his resignation from the Board. We applaud the work he put in over so many years. Ian has kindly written a piece on his term as the 21st President. Four hundred members also attended a most enjoyable 70th Anniversary reception (see Report and photos). So, write to your MP. There is NO TIME TO SPARE.
FroM THE cEo Brian Scarsbrick am
TO OUR VALUED MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS, I would like to congratulate and welcome our newly elected President, Dr Clive Lucas OBE and his Deputy, Mr Brian Powyer. Dr Lucas is an experienced President having been appointed inaugural past President of The Historic Houses Trust (now Sydney Living Museums), and is a highly respected heritage architect who will greatly assist the Trust’s important advocacy roll in particular. Clive’s earlier 20 years service on the Board of the National Trust (10 years as Deputy President),
ensures that he brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Brian Powyer’s role as President of the Parramatta Branch of the National Trust and his past experience in education, bring important talents to his new role as Clive’s Deputy. I am pleased to announce that the National Trust (NSW) has ‘turned a corner’ financially. While there is still more to do at the operational budget level, the wider community is increasingly regarding the National Trust (NSW) as a ‘safe pair of hands’ to manage and respect the intentions of bequest, gifts and donations made to the Trust’s new Heritage Foundation. This is evidenced by the increasing trend of bequests and gifts being received: • 2012/13 - $ 10,000 • 2013/14 - $350,000 • 2014/15 - $2.4 million • 2015/16 - $1.2 million (so far) In addition I am also very pleased to announce that James Fairfax has decided to gift his outstanding Bowral property, Retford
Park, valued at $18 million to the National Trust (NSW) with an endowment of $10 million placed in our Heritage Foundation. Our thanks go to Board Director Alan Kerr for the excellent work he has done to help facilitate this favourable outcome. I wish to pay tribute to our outgoing President Ian Carroll’s initiative in establishing the National Trust of Australia (NSW) Heritage Foundation. Ian’s leadership, legal background and ready availability made the major contribution to the changes that had to be made to the culture and governance of the National Trust (NSW) to ensure its survival and recovery. Outgoing Deputy President Ross Griffith was a solid supporter of Ian Carroll and made important contributions to the Trust as Chairman of the Governance Taskforce and member of the S.H Ervin Gallery Advisory Committee and Properties Taskforce.
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NATIONAL TRUST MAGAZINE
trust action By Graham Quint, Director Advocacy
The protection of all kinds of heritage at risk is a key concern of the NSW National Trust. The following is an update on current issues which have prompted Trust Action. WestConnex motorway
The Trust has been assured that Ashfield Park (1885) and the John Bibb designed 1856 villa house and historic gardens Yasmar will no longer be affected by the WestConnex motorway, but 61 houses will be demolished in Haberfield, 20 of which have been individually heritagelisted. Haberfield is built on the Yasmar Estate, Australia’s first successfully planned ‘model suburb’. There are now indications that more homes are threatened in Rozelle, Lilyfield and Camperdown. The Trust has called for the abandonment of the WestConnex Motorway and the re-allocation of its $30 billion funding to the improvement of public transport as a less damaging and more efficient way of relieving road congestion and improving travel times.
Moore Park
Concerns that a new stadium may be built over Moore Park’s Kippax Lake have been allayed by the State Government with assurances that no development application has been lodged for such a construction. However, the Trust will continue to monitor the situation as the Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust still appears to be promoting this concept.
Removal of Fig trees to allow light rail
The Trust’s President has written to the Minister for Transport endorsing considerable expressions of community concern and the opposition of both Randwick and Sydney City Councils to the removal of Moreton Bay Fig Trees on Alison Road, Centennial Park and Anzac Parade, Moore Park, along the route of the proposed light rail system. The Centennial Park Landscape Conservation Area was listed on the National Trust Register in 1976 and the removal of 32 trees along Alison Road has had a major adverse impact on the historic and landscape significance of one of Australia’s most significant parklands. It appears that a less damaging route for the CBD and South-East Light Rail Project was available, but not chosen.
Millers Point
Given that the NSW Government appears to be determined to divest itself of properties at Millers Point, the Trust has urged that future sales of properties at Millers Point be by 99 year lease, convertible to freehold upon satisfactory completion of restoration works. A submission has been put to the State Government on this proposal.
Boulton & Watt Steam Engine, Ultimo Powerhouse Museum. Photo: David Maciulaitis, Flikr Creative Commons License
Powerhouse Museum
It appears that the NSW Government is continuing to proceed with its proposals for closing down the Ultimo Powerhouse Museum and moving this institution to Parramatta. The National Trust believes that Parramatta should have its own Museum of NSW displaying much of the 97% of the collection currently at the Discovery Centre, Castle Hill. The Ultimo Powerhouse Museum is a major Sydney tourism icon well sited adjacent to the University of Technology.
Thompson Square, Windsor
The National Trust maintains its strong opposition to the construction of a new Windsor Bridge which would have major adverse impacts on historic Thompson Square. The Trust supports a bypass option for Windsor in the same way that other key historic towns have been treated, such as Berrima.
Avoca Beach Picture Theatre
Allianz Stadium across Kippax Lake. Photo: burroblando, Flikr Creative Commons License 4
The National Trust has undertaken detailed comparative analysis on the heritage values of the Avoca Beach Picture Theatre and research on its architect and innovative audio equipment installed at the cinema. Consequently, the Trust has nominated the Avoca Beach Picture Theatre for listing on the State Heritage Register, putting the view that the theatre meets all seven potential listing criteria.
May-July 2016 – WINTER EDITION
Sirius Building, The Rocks
The NSW Heritage Council has unanimously accepted the National Trust’s nomination for listing on the State Heritage Register of the Sirius Building in The Rocks. The Trust is urging the Minister for Heritage to proceed with the listing, to conserve the building and ensure that any future development includes an affordable housing component, much needed in this part of Sydney and reflecting the building’s historic origins.
The Rocks
The Trust has also nominated The Rocks for listing on the State Heritage Register. Although Millers Point has long been recognised through two listings on the State Heritage Register, the only current listings for The Rocks have been for individual buildings. The Trust believes that Millers Point/ The Rocks / Dawes Point are also worthy of listing on the National Heritage List.
Sirius Building. Photo: Jim Barlas
Coal mining in heritage-listed landscapes
Geological Heritage Sites
The Geological Heritage Society of Australia has approached the National Trust, seeking assistance in the nomination of significant geological heritage sites for State Heritage Register Listing. Since 1976 the Trust has listed eleven such heritage sites on its Register, most recently Cliefden Caves at Mandurama. The Register of the National Estate listed 107 geological heritage sites but this Register is now of archive status only, and only two sites are presently protected by State Heritage Register Listing.
Protection for local heritage listings The Trust is closely monitoring local
Cliefden Caves. Photo: Phil Maynard
government Local Environmental Plans and NSW Government Heritage Lists and Registers in the light of upcoming possible local government amalgamations, to ensure that listings for heritage items and places are not ‘misplaced’ during these changes. The Trust will also nominate to the NSW Heritage Council places of state heritage significance which have been overlooked for State Heritage Register Listing.
The Trust is strongly opposing a proposal for a coal mine beneath the Trust listed Exeter – Sutton Forest Landscape Conservation Area, which contains 51 individual properties also on the Trust Register. The development has the potential to damage creek-lines and bore water supplies, while heavy truck movements and associated surface facilities will also have a negative impact. Open cut coal mining is having an increasingly damaging impact on Hunter Valley and Upper Hunter landscapes, many listed on the National Trust Register. Coal mining operations are expanding and increasing, despite low export coal prices and their impacts on agricultural lands.
RESTORATION APPEAL The Garrison Church (Holy Trinity Anglican church), Millers Point
Garrison Church, Millers Point. Photo: Jim Barlas
The parish of Church Hill, which includes St Phillip’s in Sydney’s York Street and the Garrison Church at Millers Point has launched a restoration appeal for the Garrison Church. The first stage aims to raise $500,000 to replace the slate roof of the church and church hall. Works began in April this year. The Garrison Church was the first military church built in colonial Australia. Its foundation stone was laid in 1840 and the first service held in 1844. It continues as an active Anglican church, a highly significant element in this historic part of Sydney. This is a National Trust endorsed Restoration Appeal, which confers tax deductible status on fundraising for Trust-approved, community-based conservation projects. Please send your donation to: The Garrison Church, The Rocks Restoration Appeal c/o Parish of Church Hill (St Phillip’s, 3 York Street, NSW 2000. Your tax deductible receipt will be forwarded to you. 5
NATIONAL TRUST MAGAZINE
UNDERSTANDING CONSERVATION: The value of moving slowly By David Burdon
‘It is for all of these buildings, of all times and styles, that we plead, and call upon those who have to deal with them, to put Protection in the place of Restoration, to stave off decay by daily care…’
Holkham Hall, North Norfolk – an opportunity to learn about the upkeep and maintenance of stately homes
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The Bulmer Brick and Tile Company, Sudbury, Suffolk. Handmade facing bricks are made to order 6
n 1877 in a small room in London’s Queens Square, Bloomsbury, William Morris, Phillip Webb and other notable members of the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood held what turned out to be a rather extraordinary meeting. Deeply concerned about the destruction of so many of England’s ancient buildings at the hands of overzealous Victorian Architects, Morris and his contemporaries wrote a manifesto and established what is today the oldest, largest, and most technically expert national pressure group in the UK fighting to save old buildings from decay, demolition and damage - the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, lovingly known as the ‘SPAB’. For Morris, the call to action was urgent. The abbey church of St Alban had just begun what was to become a prolonged period of rebuilding under the insensitive hand of the amateur architect
May-July 2016 – WINTER EDITION
Tewkesbury Abbey, Gloucestershire, one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Britain.
Lord Grimthorpe, whose rebuilding of the entire west front at his own expense and to his own (doubtful) taste had left many convinced that history was disappearing before their very eyes, and at an alarming rate. Morris’ SPAB Manifesto immediately struck a chord: ‘we think that if the present treatment of them be continued, our descendants will find them useless for study and chilling to enthusiasm… those last fifty years of knowledge and attention have done more for their destruction than all the foregoing centuries of revolution, violence and contempt.’ The SPAB philosophy remains unchanged today, and its widespread acceptance among the conservation profession in Britain is due largely to the introduction in 1930 of the Lethaby Scholarship, a nine-month, full-time program that has become the training ground for the majority of the UK’s leading conservation experts. Every year, three or four young architects, surveyors or engineers are offered the opportunity to travel the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland, meeting on site with the leading expert professionals in building conservation to learn first-hand the SPAB philosophy of conservative repair. The scholarship is generally reserved for UK professionals but has occasionally been awarded to overseas applicants, including five Australians. The first six months of the experience is intense but rewarding, making site visits almost every day for six months across the country to talk to leading architects and craftspeople. One day might see the scholars gaining valuable hands on experience in stained glass window conservation at Wells Cathedral, while
the next may be spent at the Penrhyn slate quarry in Wales, learning from a geologist about rock formation in the morning and splitting slates for export in the afternoon. Scholars are exposed to areas as diverse as roof thatching, stonemasonry, historic engineering, cast iron manufacture, drystone walling, limewashing, blacksmithing, and encaustic tile manufacture. The entire program is directed by the London SPAB office, and has no formal assessment. Since 1930, scholars have been expected to attend site visits with their black notebooks and record through text and drawings the knowledge that is so freely shared with them. Generally, accommodation and lodging are provided by the hosts, with scholars sometimes camping in a back garden in Surrey or in a cold Scottish church, and
at other times sleeping comfortably in a Georgian mansion house in Oxfordshire. This means not only long days of study, but prolonged evening discussions, often about the technical detailing of medieval timber frames or the manufacture of crown glass. The total immersion and the practical, site-based nature of the SPAB scholarship are however its greatest assets, and something sadly lacking in many modern conservation courses. While the first six months of the scholarship are dedicated to conservation repair techniques and philosophy, the final three months offer the remarkable opportunity to not only visit, but to stay in the great country houses of Britain and Ireland. What may appear at first to be an indulgence, soon becomes clear as the only way to truly begin to understand the design and operation of these magnificent residences - as Samuel Johnson once said, ‘Description is always fallacious; at least till you have seen realities, you cannot know it to be true.’ Among other places, scholars last year were hosted at Boughton House, Forde Abbey, Broughton Castle, Owlpen Manor, Holkham Hall, and Lismore Castle, each different to the next and each an incredible opportunity to learn not only about the buildings themselves but the challenges of their upkeep and maintenance - challenges not only for the great houses of Britain but also for the National Trust in Australia. David Burdon was a 2015 Lethaby Scholar. He is an architect with Hector Abrahams Architects and is the current Chairman of the NSW National Trust Built Advocacy Committee. All photography: David Burdon
At the Charles Laing brass and iron foundry, specialists in architectural and conservation work 7
NATIONAL TRUST MAGAZINE
Sculpture by Michael le Grand. photo: Kim Nelson
THE CHANGING FACE OF HOUSE MUSEUMS By Richard Silink - Director, Trust Properties
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he National Trust in NSW is the custodian of an unparalleled collection of highly significant heritage places and collections across the state. Our places range from the Edwardian grandeur of Saumarez in Armidale in the north to the Hamilton Hume’s rustic Palladian inspired Cooma Cottage on the outskirts of Yass. The Trust is also the keeper on behalf of the community of a vast collection of moveable cultural heritage in excess of 60,000 pieces that relates to our places and other unrelated items of high significance to the people of NSW. Having recently celebrated 70 years in NSW the Trust is looking at fresh ways of engaging with our guests and the community through our heritage places and collections. Fundamental to our approach is that the National Trust is both a heritage and a cultural institution. This is a subtle broadening in the way we, as an organisation, view ourselves and influences how we seek to engage with visitors and the community externally. The Trust, like all heritage and cultural institutions, faces increased competition for visitation. There is increased pressure to meet rapidly changing expectations and desires in order to attract visitors to our properties and galleries. Nina Simon in her publication The Participatory Museum identifies five commonly expressed forms of public dissatisfaction in the museum experience.
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• Cultural institutions are irrelevant to my life • The institution never changes – I’ve visited once and I have no reason to return. • The authoritative voice of the institution doesn’t include my view or give me context for understanding what’s presented • The institution is not a creative place where I can express myself and contribute to history, science and art • The institution is not a comfortable place for me to talk about ideas with friends and strangers Through a series of innovative interpretation and engagement initiatives, the NSW National Trust is endeavouring to address many of the concerns identified by Simon. Our approach is to understand and explore how our properties and collections can be catalysts for visitors and the community to link in to their heritage and celebrate it. As a cultural institution the Trust aims to be:
Relevant
‘The only way to preserve something over the long term is to make it useful and productive for its community. Then the community will preserve it sustainably over the long term. Everything deteriorates. The only way to truly save something is to make it vital and central to enough people that they will keep investing in it forever.’ Vince Michael, Time Tells Through innovative cultural programs, our aim is to explore and enhance the relevance of our properties and collections to
communities and individuals, so that people are able to connect with, and celebrate their heritage rather than be passive observers. The success of this approach has been demonstrated by the annual Sculptures in the Paddock exhibition in the grounds of Cooma Cottage, run in collaboration with YassArts. The 2015 exhibition brought over 11,000 visitors and locals to the property to enjoy the quirky interpretations created by local artists, many of international renown.
Engaging
The days of simply dressing a room and waiting for the visitors to come through the door are numbered. ‘Status quo is bad for the business of delivering history and is probably another driving force behind the industry’s attendance woes. These places are designed to tell a story for a demographic that doesn’t exist like it did decades ago.’
'Menhir' by Michael le Grand. photo: Kim Nelson
May-July 2016 – WINTER EDITION
‘But people have the Internet in front of them now and can find anything they want and create their own narrative and explore the things that interest them. We have to adapt.’ Paul Reber, former Executive Director, Stratford Hall, Virginia Current day visitors of heritage places don’t wish to view historic interiors from the other side of a velvet rope. The Trust wants visitors to be part of the experience – to touch, understand and become involved. A recent innovative education program developed by the members of the Woodford Academy Committee for high schools students seats the students at the desks of the former school. By using iPads, each student can research the WWI history of his or her assigned Woodford Academy boy. This powerful exercise teaches the students primary research skills while creating a ‘relationship’ with the student who is long gone. The connection is made more poignant by the initials carved by former students into the wooden desks.
Contemporary and challenging
The Trust has recently benefited from a series of innovative artistic collaborations to explore the significance of our heritage places. These collaborations have created new ways for people to sense the deeper dimensions of the place, while changing installations which provide new interpretations encourage repeat visitation. Throughout 2015/15 Woodford Academy Committee entered into a series of collaborations with artists and theatre groups to explore the rich stories of the place. The Committee published a publication of these Collaborations as part of the Mountains Made initiative. ‘I noticed while upstairs that an immense, almost immeasurable, amount of sadness was present. Grief was present. Loneliness was present. The air was thick with it. ..At the door to one room I was stilled completely...unable to enter, entirely overcome. The presence of these feelings, in the absence of the physical, is what struck me. The history of the building, the history of the family who dwelt there, and what I experienced...helped to create an installation that would reflect all that was there and yet not there. The projected images become indistinct, part of the building... the walls, the ceiling, the furnishings. For a fleeting time they merge with history- reflected and projected – until they too became absent again and the building remains once more with all that is present, in a state of absence.’ From Presence, a photographic installation at Woodford Academy by artist Onza Janzen June/ July 2015
'Presence' - by onza janzen
Conservation not being conservative
The Trust is about celebrating the conservation of our cultural, Indigenous and natural heritage but that does not necessarily mean being ‘conservative’. We seek to use our places and collections to engage and encourage discourse on contemporary issues in society. The 2015 Love Desires and Riches exhibition at Old Government House included a section on same sex unions as well as exhibits from other cultures. It was a poignant inclusion by which, through its collections and programing, the Trust prompted thought about the current political discourse regarding marriage today.
Inclusive
Through revised interpretations of our properties and sites the Trust is challenging what Laura Jane Smith calls ‘the Authorised Heritage Discourse’, where the heritage interpretation of a place has been used to reinforce many aspects of traditional power relationships. We are looking at innovative ways of exploring and interpreting the ‘other’ stories, often overlooked but highly significant; the class, gender, migrant and most importantly the indigenous stories.
A recent example of inclusive programing was held over the weekend of 15 to 17 January, where Old Government House joined in partnership with Sydney Festival to host ‘Fire Bucket’ on the doorstep of Old Government House, Parramatta. Uncle Wes Marne is a 93 yr old Bidgambul man. At the age of nine, the Government walked his family off tribal lands from the Stanthorpe Hills to Deadbird Mission, Ashford, a journey of three weeks. At Old Government House, as he stood on Darug land recently listed as a World Heritage Site for its association with convicts and the expansion of European powers through transportation, Uncle Wes shared his stories – of his grandfather’s dreaming, of bitterness and love, and of his life as an Elder living in Mt Druitt. The Trust was honoured to host the NSW Governor, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret'd), elders Auntie Edna and Uncle Allan Watson and over 80 guests to the site to celebrate the amazing life of an Aboriginal elder. ‘Fire Bucket’ added yet another contemporary layer of significance to a World Heritage listed site rich in indigenous history and stories. It was an important outcome of the collaboration between National Trust (NSW), Parramatta Park Trust and the Sydney Festival. Through innovate interpretation and the development of creative, thoughtprovoking programs - the NSW National Trust is working to connect with people and involve them, rather than the approach which Vincent Michael calls the preservationist impulse: ‘Save it. Remove it from the world. Hide it.’ We intend to make our properties and collections the focus for energy, creativity and involvement – and by so doing, ensure their future.
'fire bucket' - Uncle Wes Marne 9
NATIONAL TRUST MAGAZINE
Sutherland Shire – sandstone drains prevent erosion of the creek beds by dissipating overland flows
NATIONAL TRUST BUSHLAND MANAGEMENT SERVICES
40 years on and flourishing
By Guy Sanacore - BMS Team Leader/Business Development Manager
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his year the NSW National Trust’s Bushland Management Services (BMS) celebrate 40 years of restoring health to native bushland and waterways, with services which now extend throughout the Greater Sydney Region and beyond. As BMS has expanded, its approach to bushland management has evolved to take in new techniques, increasing its effectiveness in creating healthy natural environments for flora and fauna. Changes to its business model, particularly in recent times, mean that BMS now offers highly competitive and successful services to landcare managers and owners, and it remains a main source of income for the National Trust. A great time to celebrate! How it started
The NSW National Trust’s commitment to protection of the natural environment goes back to the mid 1940s, when Annie Wyatt became fired up against the destruction of native bushland in the northern suburbs of Sydney as the city expanded. That, and community outrage about the proposed demolition of colonial heritage in Macquarie Street, led to the formation of the National Trust in 1945; a community-based not-forprofit organisation, dedicated to the 10
preservation of heritage of all kinds. In 1976 the Trust’s Bushland Management Services (BMS) department grew from the efforts of a handful of passionate conservationists. They applied their interest in bushland and botany to pioneer bush regeneration and land management in the northern suburbs of Sydney where Joan Bradley, one of their number, was employed by the Trust to supervise a pilot scheme. It involved using the Bradley method developed by Joan and her sister Eileen to
clear weeds and encourage regeneration of native species using minimal soil disturbance and without chemicals. The method was proving more successful at achieving long-term eradication of weeds than the wholesale clearing previously favoured, which disturbed the roots and fragile growing conditions needed by native species while increasing the sunlight which encouraged exotics to flourish. The Bradley method was put into practice to regenerate a remnant of Blue Gum forest
May-July 2016 – WINTER EDITION
• Regeneration, where there is no potential for regeneration to occur by itself • Conservation of cultural heritage artefacts (Aboriginal and European) • Enhancement of the visual and landscape amenity of bushland so that people can experience and enjoy the natural environment through activities such as bush walking, native flora and fauna spotting and bird watching As part of our current growth strategies, BMS has recently recruited a further seven bush regenerators to join our expanding teams, particularly in western Sydney. All are highly trained, with Work Health & Safety (WHS) white cards, Chemical Application certificates, First Aid skills and formal Conservation and Land Management training. We now have 52 Bush Regenerators working on projects to restore natural environments in the north, south and west of Sydney. As an example of what we can achieve, in conjunction with a Western Sydney Council, we have just completed environmental engineering projects to
improve the health of local creeks. These included strengthening creek banks, drainage systems and the installation of sandstone spillways to dissipate the impact of stormwater. Coir logs, Jutemat and other 100% biodegradable materials stabilised creek banks so that new planting could take hold, and the final stage was to add supplementary indigenous plants. We are looking forward to more projects involving similar environmental construction and restoration in the near future. With the looming prospect of local council amalgamations comes the prospect of changes in preferred suppliers as the new, larger councils refresh their contracts. Great news for the Trust is that, thanks to our dedication and commitment, Bankstown City Council have extended eight of our long-standing contracts through to end June 2017, with a third year plan option, irrespective of boundary changes in that area. The future for BMS looks very good – and that’s good for the environment, and good for the Trust!
at the Trust-owned Ludovic Blackwood Memorial Sanctuary in Beecroft, and proved successful. Over the years the Trust has acquired a number of bushland properties including Ahimsa at Cheltenham, Stella James House in Avalon, and Everglades Gardens in Leura. To help care for these sites, BMS encourages local communities to become involved as trained volunteers (see below).
Forty years on
Today BMS is a service much in demand, continuing to grow and evolve as we become increasingly mullti-faceted, specialising in a variety of natural area restoration disciplines to provide services which help the environment, help clients and bring essential revenue to the National Trust.
The Service aims, wherever possible, to ensure:
• Biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration • Conservation of the educational and scientific values of bushland • Healthy habitats for native flora and fauna, including improved water quality • Protection and retention of remnant indigenous vegetation
Volunteers working on bush clearing
Become a volunteer If you love being outside, caring for native bushland and watching native species grow in healthy surroundings, you will enjoy belonging to one of our volunteer teams. Led by trained supervisors the work is rewarding, and you’ll learn so much about how to identify local plants and fauna, basic strategies for controlling weeds, and what not to do. For more information, please contact the Trust on (02) 9258 0176 or send us an email to bms@nationaltrust.com.au For more information about the National Trust’s Bushland Management Services please visit our website www.nationaltrust.org.au/ services/bushland-management 11
NATIONAL TRUST MAGAZINE
FAREWELL as PRESIDENT From Ian Carroll OAM
Ian Carroll OAM
To NSW National Trust Members, Volunteers and Supporters
I
t was with very mixed feelings that, at the November 2015 Annual General Meeting of the NSW National Trust, I announced that I would be stepping down as President of the Trust and as a member of the Trust Board after seven years as President and seven and a half years as a Board member. Always a role which takes far more time and energy than one might imagine, the position of President carries much of the considerable responsibility for articulating a clear vision and direction for the Trust, as well as steering a safe path through financial and regulatory obligations. As I soon learned, my seven years in office as President were to bring many significant challenges. Nevertheless, it has been a great privilege and pleasure to act as President of the Trust and I thank you all for that honour and for the support and friendship which you have given to me during my term of office. As I have noted on a number of occasions, since the formation of the NSW National Trust in 1945 there have been profound and far-reaching changes in Australian society - including demographic, ethnological, technological, economic, industrial and regulatory changes. It was essential for the Trust to acknowledge and adapt to these changes, and the potential challenges which they presented, if it were to remain relevant and viable, and capable of continuing to perform its role as the leading community-based heritage organisation. I am delighted that our Trust members, staff, volunteers and supporters so readily acknowledged the need to respond to these changes and embraced appropriate cultural change within the Trust. The challenge of these changes was greatly compounded when, in 2008, the Global Financial Crisis struck. Australia may have fared well in comparison with other countries, but for the Trust and other
12
Australian not-for-profit organisations, there was an immediate decline in cash flows from donors, sponsors and other supporters. With 15 House Museums and Galleries, a portfolio of other properties, some 60,000 collections items and crucial programs such as advocacy and conservation to maintain and support, it was necessary for the Trust to re-visit its then recently-adopted 20/20 Strategic Plan, and to radically re-assess its priorities, which resulted in major cuts in programs and staffing. It is a tremendous tribute to all Board members, staff, volunteers and supporters that, by 2012/13, the Trust had achieved its first balanced budget for some years, arresting a downward trend that could not be allowed to continue and could not have been sustained. Board members, staff, volunteers and supporters rallied, putting in untold hours to continue essential maintenance of Trust assets and to develop new and innovative approaches to revenueraising. For the first time, a number of our properties produced a financial surplus during that financial year, with others following suit in the following year. We were also fortunate at that time to receive much needed NSW Government funding, which enabled substantial works at eight of our properties and provided further ongoing revenue for essential works programs. While the financial position of the Trust has greatly improved, it is vital to its future and its effectiveness that it have a reliable and maintainable source of revenue and reduce its exposure to the uncertainty of fundraising events, sponsorship and government funding, particularly as the last two-mentioned are commonly tied to specific projects and outcomes, and are not available to meet the recurring operational and administrative costs of the Trust. To this end, the NSW National Trust Foundation has been established into which will be deposited tax-deductible donations (made to the Foundation rather than to the Trust); bequests; and the proceeds of sale of non-core Trust assets. The income generated from the investment of these moneys will be available to support the work of the Trust. In parallel with the establishment of the Foundation, the Trust has embarked on a program of identifying non-core properties and offering them on long-term leases, customarily 99 years, for which the lessees/ tenants will pay the Trust upfront capital sums and assume responsibility for the
ongoing maintenance of the properties in accordance with the relevant Conservation Management Plans. The Trust will derive several benefits from such arrangements – it will receive capital sums which will, as a general rule, be deposited into the Foundation for investment; it will be relieved of the ongoing maintenance costs of the properties which will be off-loaded to the lessees/tenants; and it will retain ownership of the properties which will enable it, as lessor/landlord, to oversee the tenants and ensure that they comply with the terms of their leases, especially those terms relating to the conservation of the properties. I firmly believe that these initiatives will provide a significant underpinning of the work of the Trust into the future.
Advocacy
As in 2009/10 we pared back programs, staff and essential works to the bare minimum, our advocacy resources were stretched to the limit by threats to heritage of all kinds. As Sydney embarked on the redevelopment of the harbourside CBD site named after Barangaroo, the extreme environmental sensitivity of the site, its cultural associations, proximity to The Rocks and Millers Point and the slating for demolition of existing heritage structures were just some of the factors which prompted constant scrutiny, negotiation and protest from the Trust. We had many wins and some losses, but overall our intervention independently, and in collaboration with other concerned heritage groups, has achieved results and demonstrates clearly the ongoing need for the National Trust.
With the then NSW Governor and Patron of the NSW National Trust, Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO. I presented her with a white camellia, a species she loves, during a gala dinner in her honour in the S.H. Ervin Gallery. Photo: Malcolm Lyons
May-July 2016 – WINTER EDITION
From left: Will Holmes à Court, Lois Rasmussen, Philip Rasmussen and myself at the completion of works celebration, Old Government House (September 2010)
In 2011 the first reform of the NSW planning system in 31 years by the newly elected Coalition Government held high hopes for a better deal for heritage in this state. The Trust contributed to the independent review chaired jointly by the Hon Tim Moore and the Hon Ron Dyer and a number of our key recommendations were adopted. However the review has not fulfilled our hopes that heritage would be given a higher status in planning considerations. The Heritage Branch has not been reinstated as an entity separate from the NSW Department of Planning, and heritage and environmental legislation continues to be overridden in the case of major development proposals. The current proposed amalgamations of local government councils also pose threats to heritage. Local government and communities can provide the best protection for local heritage through awareness, and listings on local environmental plans (LEPs). Levels of diligence and success vary throughout the municipalities and shires, but the listings have proved invaluable in alerting communities to heritage significance and ensuring professional evaluation of heritage affected by development proposals. The Trust must ensure that items listed on LEPs are not ‘lost’ in the process of amalgamation, and that larger councils remain in touch with the expectations and concerns of communities. Other concerns, many ongoing, illustrate the wide diversity of threats to heritage. The planning ‘visions’ proposed for Newcastle and Parramatta threaten historic precincts, sight-lines and infrastructure. The proposed replacement of Windsor Bridge and the resultant impact on Windsor’s historic Thompson Square is just one threat posed by regional infrastructure
development. In urban Sydney and inner city suburbs we are seeing Westconnex cut a swathe through historic residential areas, while giant fig trees planted 100 years ago to commemorate the ANZACS are felled to make way for the light rail network. Earlier, Catherine Hill Bay was saved from the devastation of massive over-development of its fragile coastal environment and community, but over-development continues to plague the established northern suburbs of Sydney. ‘Contemporary’ heritage remains unidentified, unprotected and vulnerable. We watched in dismay as the internationally acclaimed, Cox-designed, Sydney Convention Centre and Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour disappeared almost overnight – to be replaced with unremarkable albeit larger structures. It seems that nothing is safe, and we cannot relax our vigil for a moment.
Strengthening the Board
On a number of occasions I have questioned whether the current means by which Directors are appointed to the National Trust Board are appropriate to bring together on the Board persons with the mix of qualifications, skills and experience necessary for it to lead and guide the Trust in the increasingly complex and challenging world in which we operate. Passion for heritage is certainly an essential pre-requisite, but a mix is needed between conservation-related skills (such as architecture, curatorship and education) and business-related skills (such as finance, law, marketing and communication). The role of Board Director is not only time-consuming but it carries immense responsibilities. Although the position is unpaid, Directors are subject to the same onerous duties as are public and private
company directors, and are liable for the same significant penalties for breach of those duties. Under the National Trust of Australia (New South Wales) Act, 1990, 12 of the 14 Board members are elected by Trust members; one is the Trust CEO and one is appointed by the unanimous decision of the 12 elected Directors, but is eligible to serve only one term not exceeding two years. The 12 elected Directors have the power to unanimously appoint an additional Director to fill an identified gap in the skills mix, but unanimity has on occasions been difficult to achieve. However, a casual vacancy occasioned by death, resignation etc can be filled by a majority vote. I believe that these issues should be addressed, and that the Trust should approach the NSW Government to request an amendment of the National Trust Act.
On a lighter note
As President, I have had the great honour of representing the Trust at countless events throughout the state, not least of which were the considerable number of significant anniversaries celebrated, culminating with our own 70th anniversary in 2015. These have been covered at length in recent issues of this magazine. Opening Nights at the S.H. Ervin Gallery are always special, often packed to capacity as members and friends enjoy the always thought-provoking and often exceptional exhibitions on display in the wonderful 1856 sandstone buildings and their grounds. A highlight was the June 2014 gala dinner held as tribute to the NSW Governor and Patron of the NSW National Trust, Dame Marie Bashir, AD CVO, on the eve of her retirement. It was my privilege to welcome her to the Trust and extend our appreciation of her efforts to protect, conserve and promote Australian heritage. It has also been my pleasure and privilege to call upon His Excellency, General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC who succeeded Dame Marie Bashir as NSW Governor, and who graciously consented to succeed her as Patron of the NSW National Trust. Throughout the years I have had the pleasure of getting to know so many of you, hearing your ideas, sharing your concerns and enjoying your support and friendship. I shall continue to serve my time as an elected Board Director, but would like to take this opportunity to recap what I see as being landmarks over the past seven years, and thank you all for the considerable efforts you have made and continue to make on behalf of the National Trust. Yours sincerely, Ian Carroll OAM 13
NATIONAL TRUST MAGAZINE
AUSTRALIA’S FIRST HOSPITAL
Never a closed door By Caroline Wilkinson
T
Northern Block of the Macquarie Street building, facing into the courtyard
Called to meals by the sound of chimes. Nurses in the dining room of the Nightingale Wing, c1958 14
The Sydney Infirmary and Dispensary, c1865.
his year marks the 200th anniversary of the treatment of sick convicts and free settlers in the ‘new General Hospital on Macquarie Street’, Australia’s first hospital, and the direct forerunner of Sydney Hospital today. It all began with the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788 and the erection of a tent hospital on the western shores of Sydney Cove, established by surgeon-general John White to treat the widespread scurvy and dysentery which were rife among the first arrivals. With the arrival of the Second Fleet in 1790 a prefabricated (wood and copper) hospital was erected, and in 1811, the colony’s fifth governor, Lachlan Macquarie, arranged for a General Hospital to be built. Macquarie’s idea was for a spacious and elegant group of buildings to complement his vision for Sydney Town. Opened in 1816, it immediately acquired the name of ‘the Rum Hospital’ because of the deal Macquarie struck with his contractors. In 1848 it was renamed the Sydney Infirmary and Dispensary and then in 1881, following the enactment of the Sydney Hospital Act, it became Sydney Hospital. In 1894 the central building was replaced with the grand, sandstone buildings on Macquarie Street which are part of Sydney Hospital today. From its humble and controversial beginnings, the hospital has saved lives for over two hundred years, while researching and developing practices which have made a major contribution to medical science. Significant medical ‘firsts’ were introduced in the 19th century while, with the inauguration of the Clinical School in 1909, the hospital
MAY-JULY 2016 – WINTER EDITION
became a teaching hospital at the University of Sydney. By the 1960s, Sydney Hospital had earned a formidable reputation as a centre of excellence, renowned for pioneering developments in medicine, nursing, research and education. In the 1980s, public campaigns saved the hospital from a downgrade bordering on closure, however it suffered severe budget cuts. In 1992 an announcement was made to amalgamate Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital. The Eye Hospital itself has a long and distinguished history which began in 1878 as a ward in ‘the Rum Hospital’ known as ‘the eye beds’. Always under the umbrella of Sydney Hospital, the Eye Hospital operated off-site from 1882 until its return to Macquarie Street in 1996, when the current award-winning Clinical Services Building was officially opened. This book, written for the Friends of Sydney Hospital, is intended as a tribute to the generations of dedicated people who have worked in and for the hospital. It documents their tenacity and vision, the standards they established and the inestimable contribution Australia’s first hospital continues to make to medical knowledge and practice. Despite its sometimes turbulent history, the hospital has never closed its doors, and the words of its motto remain applicable today: ‘Ut Primus sic Optimus’ – As the First so the Best.
the northern gatehouSe in macQuarie Street (1894), home oF the little ShoP. Unless otherwise credited, images are from the collections of Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital, including the Lucy Osburn-Nightingale Museum
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NATIONAL TRUST MAGAZINE
The National Trust of Australia (NSW) celebrates 70 years By Anne Weinman
I
n celebration of the Trust’s 70th birthday, the National Trust Centre (NTC) and S.H.Ervin Gallery opened their doors to supporters, volunteers, staff and members who have worked so tirelessly to make the Trust what it is today. Although a warm and balmy summer’s evening, over 380 people gathered on the lawns outside the gallery to help us celebrate this special occasion, visiting the ‘Destination Sydney’ exhibition, viewing some of the Trust’s historical images of the last 70 years exclusively displayed for the night in the Annie Wyatt room or just relaxing to the jazz tunes of the Lucy Kierly band. The function was opened by our MC for the evening, Mr Jim Maxwell, the ABC’s senior cricketing commentator, who spoke about the heritage of the Sydney Cricket Ground and his own personal family connection with historic property, the Mint. Dr Clive Lucas OBE (President) then delivered some heartfelt words about the origins of the Trust in NSW and the need to be as vigilant towards development today as we were in the 60s, when support for the Trust was at its strongest. The evening culminated in a cake-cutting ceremony with the guests taking home a small piece of National Trust history in the form of a Trust personalised cupcake, as an edible memento. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening and the National Trust NSW would like to thank all its supporters for staying with us through good times and bad. We couldn’t have done it without you. Here’s to the next 70 years!
L to R: Brian Scarsbrick AM (CEO), Dr Clive Lucas OBE (President) & Mr Jim Maxwell
guests enjoying the exhibition in S.H.Ervin Gallery
Bob Goodge
L to R: Jess Ferian and Valentina Fineo enjoying a celebratory drink
Over 380 people came to celebrate 16
Dr Clive Lucas OBE
MAY-JULY 2016 – WINTER EDITION
NATioNAL TruST HEriTAGE FESTiVAL HiGHLiGHTS By eloise hairman
This May, there are still so many events to ‘Discover and rediscover’! With just a few weeks into the 2016 National Trust Heritage Festival, the momentum has not worn out, there is a plethora of exciting events waiting to be discovered. The Heritage Festival continues to inspire communities from every region to have fun exploring our cultural make-up, places, customs, architecture and landscape and histories of our local areas. The theme for the 2016 National Trust Heritage Festival, ‘Discovery and Rediscoveries’, is highlighted by our festival icons. These illustrations,
created by the artist Mulga, are part of the Australian ‘Lazarus Species’, critters we thought were extinct, but rediscovered alive (although some are on the brink). To discover more events and updated information, go to our festival website, www.nationaltrustfestival.org.au
22nd Annual National Trust Heritage Awards
Presented by: National Trust of Australia (NSW) - 06 May Award Ceremony – Join our guest host, Quentin Dempster and keynote speaker, Minister of Environment and Heritage, the
Hon Mark Speakman at the signature event for the National Trust Heritage Festival, the Heritage Awards. This is the day we celebrate excellence in all aspects of heritage protection and enjoyment. Be surrounded by the heritage legends as we acknowledge the dedication and hard work that go into these projects which often don’t get the recognition that they truly deserve. Address: Doltone House, Jones Bay Wharf, Pyrmont - 19/21 Pirrama Rd - Pyrmont. Contact/ Bookings: 02 9258 0143 www.heritageawards.com.au
NATioNAL TruST rEMEMBErS
Janice anD colin
Janice Thorley 1942 – 2016
Everyone connected with Miss Traill’s House in Bathurst will miss Janice Thorley, dedicated volunteer, NT ‘housekeeper’, guide and committee member. From 2002 following retirement she was a volunteering mainstay at the National Trust’s Old Government House and Experiment Farm Cottage then, following a move to Bathurst with her husband Colin, she became a stalwart of the Miss Traill’s volunteer team. Janice also represented Miss Traill’s on Bathurst Regional Council Senior’s Week Committee and was a member of the Bathurst Historical Society. A small plaque in memory of Janice’s service will be placed in the new kitchen at Miss Traill’s House.
kim nelSon, reSPlenDent in PurPle
Kim Nelson d 12 August 2016
Kim Nelson’s untimely death was met with shock and great sadness. Kim moved to the Yass area from Sydney in 1984 and for eleven years was the inaugural manager of the National Trust’s Cooma Cottage before moving to manage Lanyon Homestead for a year. He was also a gifted artist whose work included a number of high profile group exhibitions. He was a generous supporter of Southern Tablelands Arts (STARTS) and in 1996 he founded YASSarts to promote local artists. In 2013 he inaugurated the highly successful Sculpture in the Paddock in the grounds of Cooma Cottage, to promote YASSarts and bring people to the property. In 2013 Kim was named Yass Valley citizen of the year in the Australia Day Honours. He was a gentle and talented person who gave much of himself, and is very much missed.
Joe in celeBratory moDe
Joe Glascott 1931-2016
Heritage lost one of its greatest champions with the recent death of Joe Glascott, journalist and activist for the protection of the built and natural environment. He was a member of the National Trust Board from 1976 to 1988 and continued to support heritage and the Trust throughout his career as a journalist. Based for a while in New York as the paper’s North American correspondent in the early 1970s he is best remembered in Australia as environment writer for SMH covering issues such as the need to keep public housing in The Rocks, the whaling industry, construction of the Franklin Dam and the logging of rainforests. His work raising awareness of the Terania Creek logging led to a ban on logging and the creation of rainforest National Parks. For this he was awarded an OAM in 1982. 17
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Calendar Of Events 18 20 21 23 25 25 26 27
107 PACIFIC ROAD, PALM BEACH
Winter 2016
Looking at Architecture - private house inspections Entertainment Exhibitions - S.H. Ervin Gallery & National Trust Regional Exhibitions Tours and Treks - National Trust Way Holiday Tours & Short Tours Delectable Food, Produce & Mother's Day Specials Open Days Lectures and talks Ticket Application Sheet
LOOKING AT ARCHITECTURE �Private house inspections with the National Trust Women’s Committee
Diary Dates 2016
House Inspections May 7 & 8 Cooma Country Weekend June 7 Palm Beach Day August 9 Millers Point Day September 6 Darling Point Day
Lindesay Events Garden Seminar July 27 Sydney Chocolate Festival July 30 (cancelled)
Ticket cost for Sydney house inspections: Members (only) $35 per person, Youth (12-20 yrs) $20. Bookings are essential. See Ticket Application Sheet on page 27. Enquiries: 02 9363 2401
� Cooma Country weekend Saturday 7, Sunday 8 May
This weekend looks at some of the most spectacular and historic properties on the rolling, treeless plains of The Monaro, gateway to the Snowy Mountains and Kosciusko National Park.
SATURDAY 7 MAY, 10AM – 12NOON AND 2 – 4PM Properties open for inspection
‘Coolringdon’, Cooma, dating from c1845 – by courtesy of the Betty CaseyLitchfield Trust hosted by Penny and Charles Litchfield; the 1880s sandstone ‘Kiah Lake’ at Berridale – by courtesy of Jock and Carolyn Allen ; ‘Springwell’, on land selected by James Litchfield in 1862 – by courtesy of Sid and Lesley Downie, and 1860s ‘Hazeldean’, remodelled by Professor Leslie Wilkinson in 1937 – by courtesy of Jim and Libby Litchfield.
Cooma, built 1880 – by courtesy of Kate Litchfield; No 1 Hilton St, Cooma – by courtesy of Piegee Eber and Bruce Geach. For full details please see the FebruaryMay 2016 issue of the magazine. For bookings please see the Ticket Application Sheet on page 27
� PALM BEACH Day Tuesday 7 June, 10.30am-12.30pm or 1-3 pm
The lovely Palm Beach Peninsula with wooded hillsides rising to the ridge overlooking both Pittwater and the ocean, provides a great variety of spectacular sites with water views over the bay and the ocean beach. Modern technology allows innovative architecture to make full use of steep terrain, once unusable, to reveal new aspects of this remarkable place.
125A PACIFIC ROAD, PALM BEACH by courtesy of Lois Harris
A beach house, recently altered by architect Angela Kent, Kenstrom Design, to create comfortable living spaces for all ages of the family. The house looks over the pool, with magnificent panoramic views over the beach to Barrenjoey, Box Head and Brisbane Water. Ticket holders will be directed to the third property.
� MILLERS POINT DAY
Tuesday 9 August, 10.30am-12.30 pm or 1-3pm
Millers Point took its name in the early days of the colony from 'Jack the Miller', who built his windmills here, while Lt Dawes established his Observatory on the point. This precinct, positioned between Barangaroo, Observatory Hill and the Harbour Bridge contains a variety of architectural styles from early Georgian houses and tiny workmen’s cottages, to the grander 19th Century Victorian Terraces. With much of the area given over to public housing in the 20th century, recent changes in ownership are again breathing life into these early buildings, although the need to ensure any renovation is done sensitively, remains imperative. 14 MERRIMAN STREET, MILLERS POINT by courtesy of the owner
This small, 1837 working man’s cottage, sits on the level crest of the sandstone cliff that forms its foundation on the site where Barangaroo meets Millers Point. Dr Clive Lucas, Clive Lucas Stapleton & Partners, was commissioned to conserve the by then severely dilapidated cottage and to create an imaginative and comfortable home for modern living which respects and retains elements of its early life as a blacksmith’s cottage and workplace. by courtesy of Quentin Dempster and Elizabeth O'Brien
Properties open for inspection
18
In place of an earlier weatherboard beach house, with the help of their trusted architect Judy Bray and much appreciated builder Greig Witney, the owners have created a splendid weatherboard beach house with a colourbond roof echoing its predecessor. Fitting into the hillside, this home has wide views over the valley to the foreshore and ocean.
77 KENT STREET, MILLERS POINT
Sunday 8 May, 9.30am-1pm
‘Koongawah’, 20 Lambie St, Cooma – by courtesy of Peter Boyce; 51 Lambie St,
by courtesy of Michael and Chrissie Crowley
PALM BEACH DAY
‘Winsbury’, dated 1875, is at the centre of a very fine row of three, three-story terrace houses. It features elaborate stucco work
May-July 2016 – WINTER EDITION
the crest. Today the residents appreciate the old and the new, with many surviving examples of the historic buildings that reflect the past while welcoming sensitive, innovative architecture of today. PÉRONNE, 2A GREENOAKS AVE, DARLING POINT by courtesy of Claudia and Michael Stahl
In 1963, this house was built as a duplex comprising two three-bedroom units and two double garages. In 2009 the owners began to plan, with the help of architect Andrew Burges and builder Anthony Gleeson (Ant Building), to convert the property into a spacious family home with an extended, secluded garden. The house is named after a town on the Somme where a great grand uncle fell during the first World War. 77 KENT STREET
on the parapet and cornices, and the window and door surrounds, while the first floor balcony has most unusual, curved cast iron balustrade panels. The handsome tuck pointing on the Kent Street facade has recently been restored by expert craftsmen using authentic materials. The discerning, sensitive and dedicated owners are carefully restoring elements of this fine house: as yet a work in progress.
SWIFTS, 68 DARLING POINT ROAD, DARLING POINT by courtesy of Dr and Mrs Shane Moran
A late Victorian, castellated Gothic Revival mansion (1876), ‘perhaps the grandest house remaining in Sydney’, now restored by Dr Clive Lucas, Clive Lucas Stapleton & Partners. Gardens, verandah and some ground floor reception rooms will be open for National Trust members.
THE HARBOUR MASTER’S HOUSE, 21 LOWER FORT STREET, DAWES POINT by courtesy of Mary Sutton and Andrew Jackson
Built in 1832 for John Nicholson, first Harbour Master, on a land grant he received from Governor Macquarie, this house is in the style of a late Georgian town home. With the help of architect William Smart, the present owners have saved as much as possible of the fabric and existing decorative elements of the house, while making judicious alterations where necessary for modern living.
� DARLING POINT DAY
Tuesday 6 September, 10.30am-12.30pm or 1-3pm
Known to aboriginal people as Yarranabbi this point of land extending into the waters of Sydney Harbour was named after Elizabeth Darling, wife of Governor Ralph Darling who arrived in the colony in 1824. One of her favourite outings was a carriage drive along the bush track to the point: hence the early name Mrs Darlings Point. In the 19th century well-to-do residents built their homes in this idyllic place and as Sydney grew, the late 20th century saw the development of high rise apartments on
Photo: Peter Nixon
72 DARLING POINT ROAD
72 DARLING POINT ROAD, DARLING POINT by courtesy of the owners
An earlier house recently recreated by Mark Cashman, MCK Architects, to suit the needs of the owners and their young family this house is a winner of the prestigious Wilkinson Award and reflects contemporary, international architecture.
� EVENTS AT LINDESAY 1 Carthona Avenue, Darling Point. Please enter via Lindsay Avenue) GARDEN SEMINAR Wednesday 27 July, 9.30am-3pm
The Garden Panel, who maintain the gorgeous grounds of this 1834 Darling Point property, invite you to this day of talks by three highly regarded speakers. Addressing the topic of appropriate planting and garden design for Sydney coastal areas and the built environment will be: Peter Nixon: Plants and design for coastal growing conditions Arno King: Subtropical vegetable gardening Mark Paul: green walls, greening the built environment. Morning tea/coffee and lunch are included. Cost: $70 NT members, $89 friends of members SYDNEY CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL Pure chocolate indulgence! Saturday 30 April, 10am-4pm
This event has been cancelled. We regret any inconvenience.
GUIDES WANTED! Lindesay Management Committee would love to hear from any National Trust member interested in becoming a guide at Lindesay, Darling Point. Lindesay was built from 1834-6 by the colony’s first Colonial Treasurer. Its gardens and fine period furniture reflect this period and place it in high demand for weddings. Lindesay is open one morning a month. Training and notes will be provided. To find out more, please contact Diana Hazzard now – 02 9387 6981. 19
NATIONAL TRUST MAGAZINE
entertainment by Phryne Fisher and her cohorts in the ABC television series Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries. Ticket Price: $65. Bookings: missfisherexhibition.com.au or call 136246
Detective Inspector Jack Robinson & Miss Phryne Fisher
‘Last Tango in Parramatta’: Roaring 20s Dance Party
� Ghost tours
Saturday 23 April, 7pm – 10pm Garden Marquee, Lachlan’s, Old Government House, Parramatta Park
Dance the night away to the big band sounds of the 1920s, featuring The New Empire Ballroom Ragtime Orchestra. Be wined, dined and taught the Tango during this very special night of 1920s music and entertainment. Phryne wouldn’t miss it! Ticket Price: $75. Bookings: missfisherexhibition.com.au or call 136246 Forbes/Parkes Antique Valuation Weekend Saturday 30 April to Sunday 1 May St Lawrence Hall, Johnson St, Forbes
Bring your treasures to this special valuation day, where valuers Raffan Kelaher & Thomas will dispel your curiosity about those items you have wondered about for years. Arrange ahead for home valuations of large items. Bookings: essential, for home evaluations. Bookings/enquiries: 02 6851 1381 or tifbaker@bigpond.net.au
Costume Designer (Marion Boyce) Miss Phryne Fisher (Essie Davis)
‘In Conversation with Marion’ – Lunch and Q&A Saturday 30 April, 12:30pm – 2:30pm Garden Marquee, Lachlan’s, Old Government House, Parramatta Park
Join Award-winning costume designer Marion Boyce over lunch and discover the secrets of her workroom, including how she copes with the pressures of designing to a production schedule and where she gets her inspiration for the stunning designs worn 20
Lawrence is the greatest interpreter of their work. Join Noel, Cole (and Gertie) as they sing and quip their way through the best loved songs to the help the audience decide and declare which of them is, in fact, the king of musical comedy. Cost: $50 NT members, $55 adult. Bookings: essential. Bookings/enquiries: 02 9635 8149 or info@ friendsofogh.com or www.friendsofogh.com
Episode 6: Death at the Grand - Miss Phryne Fisher
‘Making the Music of Miss Fisher’; an Evening with Jack & Greg Saturday 7 May, 6:30pm – 8:00pm Roslyn Packer Theatre, Walsh Bay
Enjoy an exclusive evening with actor Nathan Page (Inspector Jack Robinson) and the composer from the series, Greg J Walker, as they demonstrate with live performances and images on the big screen, how music is used to create character and drama in Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries. Ticket Price: Trust Member $75: Non-member $80. Bookings: missfisherexhibition.com.au or call 136246 Wine and Jazz Festival Saturday 21 May, 12 noon-4pm Norman Lindsay Gallery, 14-20 Norman Lindsay Cresc. Faulconbridge
The legendary Galapagos Duck will energise the spirit and stir the soul with their upbeat talent for performing seriously good jazz. The Winery Circle will feature wineries from the big names to small NSW boutique wineries. This is a much-anticipated annual jazz and wine event, held in the magical grounds of the Norman Lindsay Gallery with their sculptures by Lindsay and bushland surrounds. Bring a picnic and plenty of friends. Cost: $35 adult, $20 child. Bookings: essential. Bookings/enquiries: 02 4751 1067 or info@normanlindsay.com.au, www. normanlindsay.com.au Noel, Cole and Gertie in the Middle
Please note that these tours are not suitable for people under 16 years
Friday the 13th Ghost Tour Friday 13 May, 7.30 and 8.30 pm Woodford Academy, 90-92 Great Western Highway, Woodford (on-street parking Woodford Ave)
Recently featured in the new series of Haunting Australia, the Woodford Academy is renowned for its supernatural activity. Get your ghostly chills and thrills with an intimate one hour behind-the-scenes tour of the Blue Mountains oldest built complex, and hear the tales of those who once dwelled within its walls – and perhaps still do! Cost: $26. Bookings: essential. Bookings/enquiries: NTC – 02 9248 0141 or woodfordacademy@gmail.com Ghost Nights at Old Government House Fridays 20 May, 17 June, 15 July - 7.30-10pm Old Government House, Parramatta Park (Pitt St entrance), Parramatta
As candlelight flickers through the corridors of this 216-year-old house, the ‘presences’ of the first governors of the colony and their households surround you with tales of the site’s long history. Revisit the scene of a tragic accident and visit places where psychics and guides have had ghostly encounters. Maybe you will too! Cost (includes food and drinks): $32 NT members, $35 non-members. Bookings: essential. Bookings/enquiries: Old Government House – 02 9635 8149 or info@friendsofogh.com or www.friendsofogh.com. Visit us on Facebook – Ghost Nights at Old Government House.
Saturday 28 May, 2-4pm Old Government House, Parramatta Park (Pitt St entrance), Parramatta
Noel Coward and Cole Porter each discover that the other has been declared the ‘king of musical comedy’ and that Gertrude
Haunted Woodford Academy. Photo: Camille Walsh
May-July 2016 – WINTER EDITION
exhibitions � S.H. ERVIN GALLERY Open Tuesday-Sunday 11am-5pm Closed Mondays, public holidays and for exhibition changeover
Watson Road, Observatory Hill, The Rocks, Sydney P: 02 9258 0173 OR E: shervingallery@nationaltrust.com.au OR www.shervingallery.com.au GENESIS OF AN ARTIST: GUY WARREN AT 95 15 April – 29 May
GUY WARREN: courtesy Olsen Irwin, Sydney
Guy Warren – ‘a portrait’ By Jane Watters, Director, S.H. Ervin Gallery
To celebrate the milestone 95th birthday of artist Guy Warren in 2016, the S.H. Ervin Gallery is pleased to present a special
focus exhibition of works from the 1950s and 1960s produced during his London years and early after his return to Sydney, together with paintings from recent years sourced from public and private collections. An early love of art reached its epiphany in 1941, while Warren was training in the Queensland rainforest as an AIF volunteer. He fell in love with it, and was later overwhelmed by the mysterious beauty of Bougainville, where indigenous people decorated their bodies so that they could disappear and reappear at will. This became the leit-motif of his vision and the essential metaphor for him of the quintessential secret nature of painting: a notion of nature’s camouflage within which questions of our existence may be hidden and found. Warren studied at the National Art School as a rehabilitating soldier and spent the 1950s in England where one of his most intriguing encounters was with David Attenborough, who had featured decorated dancers of the New Guinea Highlands in a BBC TV production. Returning to Australia in 1959, in addition to his painting he pursued a successful
� National Trust regional exhibitions Weekends and public holidays, 10.30am-4pm Harpers Mansion, 9 Wilkinson St, Berrima JOSEPH FOWLES: The Barb (1866). Photo: Chris Shain
furniture, paintings and artefacts that Miss Traill gathered around her, to delight in them herself while protecting them for posterity. Cost: $10 adult, $8 conc. $6 child, $26 family. Bookings/enquiries: 02 6332 4232 or atkinson1@southernphone.com.au
Treasures at Miss Traill’s
Hume’s Heyday Festival at Woo Back 2
Saturday 23 to Monday 25 April, 12noon-3.30pm
Cooma Cottage, 756 Yass Valley Way, Yass
Miss Traill’s House & Garden, 321 Russell St, Bathurst
Miss Ida Traill was proud of her heritage, which included the achievements of her grandfather, George Lee, who bred horses legendary in Australia’s equine history. The collections she bequeathed to the National Trust are displayed along with the genteel
GUY WARREN: Mother and Child. 1955. Oil on canvas
wagons and colonial games. Spectacular countryside, iconic heritage – and heaps of fun. Cost: entry to Heyday Festival free with your Woo Back ticket: $5 NT members, conc and child, $10 non-members. Bookings: no. Woo Back tickets/enquiries: 0412 644 230 or woobackyass@gmail.com
First Fleeters
An exhibition featuring books, documents, charts, maps and memorabilia relating to the journey of the First Fleet which arrived on 26 January 1788, with its cargo of convicts and military who established the first European settlement here. Cost: free entry to exhibition. House admission fees apply. Enquiries: 02 4862 4849 or selmans@bigpond.com
career as an editor, writer and speaker. This exhibition is curated by Barry Pearce, Emeritus Curator of Australian Art, AGNSW, who was inspired by the quality of the works from the 1950s and ‘60s era which he saw on a visit to the artist’s studio. Their robustness combines with the sonorous delicacy of Warren’s language about place, obsession with the emergence and submergence of the figure in relation to its background, and the poetry of being that is evident throughout his oeuvre to the present day.
Sunday 24 April, 9am-3pm
A joint event with Woo Back 2. Watch the Clydesdales as they aim to break the current Guinness World Record for the most draught horses ploughing simultaneously. Then get into the swing of explorer Hamilton Hume’s Heyday Festival in the grounds of the home he loved, Cooma Cottage. Enjoy the horse and carriage rides, bullock
Riversdale Heritage Fair Sunday 24 April, 10am-3pm Riversdale Homestead, Twynam Drive, Goulburn
Dress up and pretend for a day that you’re back in the 19th century, at Riversdale’s fabulous Heritage Fair. Enjoy the games, old-fashioned food and fun. Lots to buy and lots of surprises. Tour the house and view the annual Riversdale Photographic exhibition. The People’s Choice will be announced on the day. Cost: $8 adult, $6 conc. Under 18s free. Bookings: no. Enquiries: 02 4821 4741
Riversdale Heritage Fair 21
NATIONAL TRUST MAGAZINE
MISS FISHER’S MURDER MYSTERIES COSTUME EXHIBITION, series 3 To 19 June. Open Tuesday - Sunday 10am-4pm Old Government House, Parramatta Park (Pitt St entrance)
ISOBEL BOWDEN: ‘Blue Mountains Botanicals’. Courtesy of the Bowden family
Mary White
Rediscovering Miss Mary White Sunday 1 May, 9.30am-12.30pm Saumarez Homestead, 230 Saumarez Rd, Armidale
An exhibition featuring Miss Mary White’s garden journals, photos, travel documents and cases, recently given to Saumarez Homestead by the White family who gifted the property with its collections and some 20 outbuildings to the National Trust in the 1980s. Guided tours. Cost: $30 NT members and conc, $40 non-members, $20 child, $100 family. Bookings: essential. Bookings/enquiries: 02 6772 3616 or saumarez@nationaltrust.com.au The 1880 Bathurst Base Hospital Tuesday 3 May, 5pm-6.30pm Bathurst Base Hospital, Howick St, Bathurst
awareness of the unique flora of the now World Heritage listed Blue Mountains National Park, and the need for its protection. Watercolours donated to the Springwood and Mitchell Libraries by the Bowden family. Cost: $2 NT members, $6 non-members, $4 child and conc, $15 family. Bookings: no. Enquiries: 0411 123 729 or woodfordacademy@gmail.com
Miss Fisher’s Costume exhibition is bigger, brighter and ALL NEW! This ‘must see’ display of exquisite costumes, dramatic stories and drop dead glamour transports you into the world of the Honourable Phryne Fisher as never before. Complete with extensive stage props and furniture, you will be transfixed when you see behind the scenes of acclaimed Costume Designer Marion Boyce. With an equally glittering array of ‘Miss Fisher’ inspired events that accompany the exhibition, bring your friends and make a fabulous day of it. Or take in the exhibition at your leisure and then relax over lunch or High Tea at Lachlan’s in the grounds of Old Government House.
‘HEART OF A HORSE’ To 29 May, Tuesday – Saturday 11am-3pm Dundullimal Homestead, 23L Obley Road, Dubbo
Celebrated equine and war artist Amber Martin exhibits a new collection of her work at Dundullimal Homestead. Amber has always loved horses. Her passion for Equine Art and War Art marries in well with the ‘Heart of a Horse’ equine exhibition, developed to support the Mates4Mates Equine Therapy Program which provide rehabilitation programs for current and ex-serving men and women of the Australian Defence Force. No cost; no bookings. Enquiries: dundullimal@ nationaltrust.com.au
Miss Phryne Fisher
For more details visit the website www.missfisherexhibition.com.au ‘Stories on Country’ Museum Exhibit/Art Exhibition Opening: Saturday 2 July, 1-2pm Art Exhibition open 2, 16 July, 20 August, 10am-4pm Woodford Academy, 90-92 Great Western Highway, Woodford (on-street parking Woodford Ave)
The exhibition Stories on Country celebrates the opening of a new, permanent museum exhibit that provides an important indigenous perspective of local history within the Blue Mountains’ oldest building complex. Featuring indigenous works from The Blue Mountains Artists Camp and a chance to meet artists. Made possible by a Federal Government ‘Your Community Heritage Program’ grant. Cost: $2 NT members, $6 adult, $4 conc, $2 child, $15 family. Bookings: no. Enquiries: National Trust Centre – 02 9258 0141 or woodfordacademy@gmail.com
Opening in November 1880, this large Victorian complex overlooking the Bathurst plains is one of the architectural highlights of Australia’s first inland settlement. Recently conserved, it now houses specialist clinics and education areas, and represents a landmark in the history of hospital care. Cost: free. Enquiries: 1800 681 000 Blue Mountains Botanicals Saturday 21 May and Saturday 18 June, 10am-4pm Woodford Academy, 90-92 Great Western Highway, Woodford (on-street parking Woodford Ave)
An exhibition featuring the intricate botanical art of Isobel Bowden, a pioneer conservationist dedicated to raising 22
AMBER MARTIN: ‘The Goal’ from ‘Heart of a Horse’
CHRIS TOBIN: From ‘Stories on Country’
May-July 2016 – WINTER EDITION
TOURS AND TREKS National Trust Way Holiday Tours Anchored in Balfours Bay, Mull
J
oin a National Trust Way Holiday Tour to enjoy travelling in comfort and style to some of the world’s most beautiful and intriguing locations. Collect memories you will never forget, of exotic gardens, spectacular scenery, historic sites and buildings, wonderful food and wines – and friendships you will make in our small groups of people who share your interests and love of travel. By taking our tours, you know you are supporting the National Trust – and heritage everywhere. For all enquiries, detailed itineraries and bookings, please ring David Smith, Travel on Capri – 1800 679 066 SPECIAL FEATURE – SCOTTISH ISLES AND HIGHLANDS TOUR 17-30 September, 2016
Following the success of this exclusive small group tour in 2015, we are repeating it in September 2016. This unique tour combines a coach tour of some of Scotland’s most ancient castles and historic sites, starting from Edinburgh and travelling west via St Andrews, Aberdeen and Orkney to the west coast port of Oban, gateway to the islands. There we board a traditional wooden fishing boat, lovingly converted to combine romance with luxury, which takes us to the Hebrides and Mull, one of the most unspoiled and beautiful natural environments in the world, rich in history, culture and wildlife. No tour of Edinburgh would be complete without a visit to its castle and shopping along the Royal Mile. Then on to castles including National Trust of Scotland (NTS) properties, Falkland Palace, seat of the Stuart dynasty, Crathes Castle with its ancient Horn of Lys given in 1323 by Robert the Bruce, and Fyvvie Castle with its superb interiors. Enjoy the romantic and picturesque Scottish scenery with its lochs, misty mountains and battlefields as we travel. On the fourth day we make
permitting) visit to Fingal’s Cave, Ulva, Geometra and Loch na Keal. Your final day will transfer you from Oban to Glasgow airport for the return home. Bookings strictly limited to 10. Tour Leader: Lorraine Collins - 0439 947 479. For bookings and all enquiries please ring David Smith, Travel on Capri, 1800 679 066 Myanmar Dining – special food in an informal setting
a final stop at The Castle of Mey, property of the Queen Mother, before boarding the ferry to mysterious, ancient Orkney, on the northeastern shores of Scotland. Your tour includes the 5000 year old Skara Brae, and Stromness, one of Scotland’s most picturesque villages. Driving across the top of Scotland you will see will the majestic Ben Loyal and Ben Hope mountains, breathtaking wilderness and ancient ruins, before arriving at the spectacularly beautiful Loch Ness. Will you be among those who swear to have seen the monster? On 24 September you will board the Majestic Line vessel which will take you through the waters off Scotland’s west coast (google Majestic Line to see more information). The beautifully converted traditional fishing boat with its five double ensuite cabins and three outdoor decks is designed for comfort and style, while its size allows it to navigate delightful and remote areas not accessible to typical cruise vessels. Every day there are new stops, and every night you will enjoy delicious seafood and other regional specialities in a new anchorage. The tour focuses on the Island of Mull, the second largest island in the Inner Hebrides. Highlights include a visit to Governor Macquarie’s Mausoleum, a shopping visit to Tobermory - a picturesque anchorage with colourful harbour buildings and distinctive crafts - dolphin and bird spotting. Other islands to see include Iona, with its ancient Abbey, Staffa with a (weather
5 – 15 November 2016 Featured in the February-May 2016 issue of the magazine
Join us on this exciting new tour and experience the rich cultures and unspoilt treasures of Myanmar (Burma) as it reopens welcoming arms to visitors after many years of isolation. The Buddhist temples and pagodas are among the most captivating and beautiful places to visit in Asia. This magical journey starts in Yangon, with its fascinating legacy of Victorian architecture, then on to Mandalay on the old trade route between China and India, with its lively market, Royal Palace and cottage industries. From there we visit the city of Bagan on the Irrawaddy Rover, once called the ‘city of four million pagodas’, then Inle Lake with its floating gardens. This ancient land with its gentle people, untouched coastline and plains, colourful local markets, riverside cities and communities is the fascinating jewel of Asia. Tour Leader: Jill Bunning – 0439 321 164. For bookings and all enquiries please ring David Smith, Travel on Capri, 1800 679 066.
Myanmar – where Buddhism is a way of life 23
NATIONAL TRUST MAGAZINE
� SHORT TOURS Rediscover Hartley, Lithgow and Wallerawang Saturday 30 April, 8.30am-4.30pm Pick-up from Bonnie Doone, 33 Moore St, Glenbrook
A bus tour to the historic village of Hartley, one of the early settlements of rural NSW, then on to Lithgow with its industrial heritage. Visits to the 1842 cedar and sandstone Eskbank House built by Thomas Brown, and the small Arms factory museum. See how miners, factory workers and their bosses lived and enjoy the amazing vista from the Hassan’s Walls lookout. Cost (includes entry fees, refreshments and picnic lunch): $40 NT members, $45 non-members. Bookings: essential. Bookings/enquiries: Rhona Leach – 02 4757 2424 or bmnt1814@gmail.com Hartley Valley Secret Treasures Tour
NT members, $25 non-members. Bookings: essential. Bookings/enquiries: 02 4757 2424 or bmnt1814@gmail.com Glenbrook Construction Tramway Walk Saturday 18 June, 9.30am Meet at Lapstone Primary School parking lot at 9.30am to start at 10am
The Glenbrook Construction Railway was built c1910 to replace the single line zig-zag line and tunnel from the eastern end of the Mountains, an important upgrade allowing expansion of the line to the west. The walk will take you one way down the tramway to the overlook of Glenbrook Gorge for morning tea. We then walk back along Emu Road where there was a navvies’ camp. Cost (includes morning tea): $10. Bookings: essential. Bookings/enquiries: Rhona – 02 4757 2424 or bmnt1814@gmail.com
Saturday 30 April, 9.30am-4pm
Day Trip to Goulburn, Binda via Crookwell Sunday 8 May
A visit to the National Trust’s ‘Riversdale’ in Goulburn for morning tea, followed by a walk through the historic town of Binda, and a beautifully restored home and garden. Other historic buildings will be open for inspection. This is a full day tour. All details available from mhairiclark@internode.on.net or ring Lyn MacBean on 0418 964 053. Cost: $45 NT members, $50 non-members. Bookings: essential Southern Highlands Branch Discovering Linden Walk Saturday 28 May, 9.30am-12 noon Linden, Burke Rd, Linden
This walking tour in Linden will take you to places you have probably never heard of; a cave, an historic grave, an early road and a cairn. Breath the fresh Mountains air as you learn more of their fascinating history. Cost (includes morning tea): $20 24
architect Graham and heritage consultant Carol Edds will lead a visit of some of these remarkable structures close to Windsor. Thought to be among Australia’s earliest remaining examples of their kind, they offer fascinating insights into bush carpentry techniques. The tour will concude at Australiana Pioneer Village (APV), Wilberforce, for afternoon tea and a visit to Salter’s Barn. Cost (includes admission to APV and handout): $35 NT members, $40 on-members. Bookings: essential, closing date 8 July. Bookings/payment: 02 4576 1209 or nt.Hawkesbury@gmail.com Tour to Maitland, Morpeth and Surrounds
Join coach 10am Lithgow Visitor’s Centre
View the Hartley Valley from Hassan’s Walls new lookout, descend by coach into the valley to visit special features of Hartley’s heritage from 1823 inns, the rarely viewed Fern Hill, heritage-listed barns, roads and culverts. Lunch in the Sorensen garden at the c1833 Forty Bends Farm with an optional walk to the original Convict Stockade cemetery. Cost (includes lunch and morning tea): $60 NT members, $65 non-members. Bookings: essential. Bookings/enquiries: 1300 760 276 or tourism@lithgow.com
Hawkesbury Slab Barn
Tuesday 26 July to Thursday 28 July
Dr Chau Chak Wing, UTS
Dr Chau Chak Wing Building: UTS Business School A National Trust Way Day Tour Wednesdays and 22 June, 10.30am
The Dr Chau Chak Wing buildng, the first in Australia to be designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, is a key element of the $1 billion redevelopment of Sydney’s University of Technology. The design is striking not only on the outside but also, more importantly, on the inside reflecting Gehyr’s concept of a ‘tree house’ where branches provide quiet spaces for learning and research, with formal and informal meeting spaces in the ‘trunk’. The building is within walking distance of Central Station, easily accessible by bus and train. Cost (includes tour and morning tea): $40 NT members, $44 non-members. Bookings: essential (Ticket Application Sheet). Tour Leader/enquiries: Judy Ashton – 0421 630 942 Early 19th century Iconic Hawkesbury Slab Barns: a self-drive tour Sunday 17 July, 9.30am Meeting venue TBA with booking
Following their recent detailed study of 19th century timber slab barns along the Hawkesbury River floodplain, conservation
This small group bus tour will take you to the National Trust’s Grossmann House, Maitland, then Walka Water Works, Maitland Gaol and on to Historic Morpeth. The 1871 Grossmann House is a fine example of a middle class Victorian home, complete with gas lighting and wallpaper faithfully reproduced from fragments. Walka Water Works are notable for their distinctive chimney, ornate brickwork and Victorian Italianate architecture. Maitland Gaol has a vibrant history spanning over 150 years. Enjoy shopping and browsing in historic Morpeth. Take the heritage walk and learn about its transformation from a colonial river port to the lively township of today. Refreshments, meals and accommodation provided. Cost (includes accommodation, meals and transport): $450 per person twin share, plus $40 single supplement. Bookings: essential. Bookings/enquiries: Rhona – 02 4757 2424 or bmnt1814@gmail.com Bus trip: Glenbrook to St Marys Saturday 20 August, 9.30am
Join the Blue Mountains Branch on a bus trip from Glenbrook to St Marys, an area long associated with Governor King’s family and with Samuel Marsden. Its more recent industrial history is also of interest. Cost (includes lunch and morning tea): $40 NT members, $45 non-members. Bookings: essential. Bookings/enquiries: Rhona – 02 4757 2424 or bmnt1814@gmail.com
May-July 2016 – WINTER EDITION
DELECTABLE FOOD, PRODUCE & Mother’s Day specials Visiting the S.H. Ervin Gallery? Why not stop for a lovely light meal or refreshments at the National Trust Café. Salads, cakes with lashings of cream, tea or coffee – and a glass of wine. Bookings: advisable, on 02 9258 0175
non-members, $15 child (6-12). Bookings: essential. Bookings/enquiries: Jo Clarke – 02 9498 2271 or eryldene@eryldene.org.au Riversdale’s Devonshire Teas and Goulburn Homestead Markets Third Sunday of the month: 15 May, 19 June, 17 July, 10am-3pm Special Mother’s Day Devonshire Teas (no Homestead Market) Sunday 8 May, 10am-3pm
Fine china and embroidered linen at Eryldene
Mother’s Day Weekend at Eryldene Saturday 7, Sunday 8 May, 10am-4pm Eryldene Historic House and Garden, 17 McIntosh St, Gordon
Treat your mother and grandmother to a special Celebratory Mother’s Day Tea at Eryldene, in our beautiful historic house and garden. Embroidered table linen, fine china and homemade delicacies set against the backdrop of Eryldene’s picturesque gardens. Cost (includes entrance fee): $24 NT and Eryldene members, $32
Luscious Devonshire teas and a chance to wander through historic Riversdale Homestead, stock up on produce at our Homestead Markets, take a tour of the house and enjoy Riversdale’s gorgeous gardens. Plenty of parking available. Cost: normal entry fee to house applies. Bookings: no. Enquiries: Dawn Giles - 0409 953 859 or Ros - 0414 951 955 or riversdale@nationaltrust.com.au Mother’s Day Morning and Afternoon Tea at the Cottage Sunday 8 May, 10am-12 noon and 2.30pm4pm. Tours of the house 10am and 4pm (monthly afternoon teas resume Sunday 14 August) Experiment Farm Cottage, 9 Ruse St, Harris Park
Wirrimbirra Sanctuary
Enjoy afternoon tea on the verandah of Surgeon John Harris’s Experiment Farm Cottage on the site of the colony’s first land grant, to the convict James Ruse. Delectable foods including scones, dainty sandwiches, mini quiches, cakes and slices. Cost: afternoon tea and tour $33. Afternoon tea only $28. Bookings: essential. Bookings/enquiries: Old Government House - 02 9635 8149 or www.friendsofogh.com Breakfast in the Bush at Wirrimbirra Sanctuary First Sunday of the month: 1 May, 5 June, 3 July, 9-11am. Special Mother's Day Breakfast - Sunday 8 May, 9-11am Wirrimbirra Sanctuary, 3105 Tourist Drive 12, Bargo
Enjoy a lovely hot breakfast and watch as volunteers feed native Australian animals. The café at the Visitor Centre is open from 9am-4pm each Tuesday to Sunday. Native plants and animals to see; plants to buy for your own garden.
open days MISS PORTER’S HOUSE The Magic of Mother’s Day at Miss Porter’s House: Sunday 8 May, 1pm-4pm 434 King St, Newcastle West
Miss Porter’s House is filled with the arts and crafts at which the Porter women excelled. Their afternoon tea settings will be on display in the parlour, kitchen and dining room. Browse the stall with its foodstuffs, needlework and specialty cards. Threads and Fibres: Sunday 12 June, 1pm-4pm. Featuring stencil work, knitting, basketwork, millinery and other arts and crafts made by the Porter women. Also items of interest to men, including a mystery object. The Porters in Newcastle’s West End – an exhibition: Sunday 10 July, 1pm-4pm. Times were very different when the Porters ran a store in Hunter Street (until 1919) and their new house opposite the now longgone gasworks was surrounded by Chinese market gardens and wooden huts. Cost: $8
adult, $6 conc, $20 family, children under 5 free. Bookings: no. Enquiries: Kathryn Pitkin – 02 4927 0202. Please note – there is no shop or café at this property. Camellias come into Bloom: Eryldene Open Weekends Saturday 11, Sunday 12 June, 10am-4pm Saturday 9, Sunday 10 July, 10am-4pm Eryldene Historic House & garden, 17, McIntosh St, Gordon
Wander the garden with its legendary camellia japonicas as they come into flower. Enjoy the special collaboration of architectural and garden design, with the oriental-influenced buildings and garden ‘rooms’ which add to the unique character of this property. Tours available. Garden Café open. Cost (entry only): free NT and Eryldene members, $8 non-members, $6 conc, $4 child (6-15), $18 family (2 adults, 2 children). Afternoon tea from 2pm Sunday (does not include entrance fee): $24
Camellias at Eryldene
adult, $10 child. Bookings: recommended. Bookings/enquiries: 02 9498 2271 or eryldene@eryldene.org.au The Camellia Research Society’s Camellia Show Sunday 17 July, 10am-4pm
Stroll between Eryldene and the Camellia Research Society’s annual show at nearby Ravenswood School Henry St, Gordon. Admission to Camellia Show $7. For entry fees to Eryldene see above. 25
NATIONAL TRUST MAGAZINE
LEcTurES AND TALKS Judy CoVerdaLe: a taLk on GoLden VaLe HomeStead
essential. Bookings/enquiries: 02 4227 4614 or nt_oldcourthouse@bigpond.com
wednesday 27 april, 2pm – 3.45pm
Judy Coverdale, local historian will give a talk on the history of Golden Vale Homestead in Sutton Forest. Golden Vale is the soon-tobe-opened National Trust homestead and property about which Judy has undertaken considerable background research for the last owner Mrs Karin Keighley, and is now writing the property’s history. Cost: $35 NT members, $40 non-members. Bookings: essential. Booking forms/enquiries: mhairiclark@internode.on.net or telephone Sue Barnes on 0400 191 168. VaLuinG our HeritaGe and CuLturaL LandSCaPeS wednesday 27 april, 7pm-9.30pm The Old Court House, Wollongong
Dr Julie Nimmo will talk about the importance of keeping heritage alive as a contribution to contemporary life. She focuses on the development of quality open space and leisure environments. Cost: $10 NT members, $15 non-members. Bookings:
Parramatta BranCH Gm and taLk: PArrAMATTA THEN AND NoW Saturday 14 may, 1-3pm Burnside Public School Hall, Masons Drive, North Parramatta
A chance to meet the Branch and enjoy an illustrated talk on over 50 Parramatta properties and owners photographed in the 1870s, then see what is there now. Learn about how satellites and technologies can reveal the past and compare with today. Legendary afternoon tea. Ample free parking. Cost: no. Bookings: yes. Bookings/ enquiries: Brian Powyer – 0401 181 170 or bpowyer@optusnet.com.au
Government House, biographer Robert Parkinson and historian Sue Eggins will introduce you to the world of 1920s fashion designer, Orry- Kelly. Born in NSW he became one of Hollywood’s greatest costume designers. Discovered in a pillowcase, Orry-Kelly’s long-lost memoirs revealed a cheeky rascal who lived life to the full from Sydney’s underworld, to the glamour of Hollywood. Now a best-selling book Women I’ve Undressed: a memoir by Orry-Kelly, published by Random House. Cost: $10 NT members, $15 adult, child. Bookings: essential. Bookings/enquiries: 02 9635 8149 or ogh@nationaltrust.com.au
diSCoVery and rediSCoVerieS Sunday 29 may, 2pm-4pm
Parramatta LeCture SerieS: orry-keLLy and 1920S faSHion Saturday 21 may, 10.30am – noon Northcott, 1 Fennell St, North Parramatta
To complement the major exhibition ‘Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries’ at Old
Mudgee Museum, 126 Market St, Mudgee
A forum of interesting local identities will talk about what’s special about the region, and stimulate discussion. Bookings: essential. Bookings/enquiries: 02 6373 3051 or jcbentley@ozemail.com.au
Winter reds delivered by National Trust’s wine service SAVE $
102
Yours
FREE Three bottles of intense TWICE Gold winning Barossa Valley Shiraz (total worth $72)
Plus FREE DELIVERY Friends of the National Trust are invited to taste 12 warming winter reds, delivered by the National Trust Wine Service, and at below cellar-door prices. These ripe reds are $139.99 – save $102 – plus receive 3 FREE two-time Gold Barossa Valley Shiraz worth $72 – plus FREE DELIVERY. Stocks can’t last – call 1300 763 403 for these mouthcoating reds, featuring cult RedHeads, iconic Angove and more, quoting code ‘2869002’, then sit back and let the National Trust Wine Service do the rest. Best of all, each purchase helps support the valuable work of the National Trust.
Order now on 1300 763 403 quoting ‘2869002’
brought to you by
(Lines open Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 9am-6pm)
or visit www.nationaltrustwineservice.com.au/2869002 Terms and conditions: Offer valid for new customers only. Maximum three bottles of Thorn Clarke Terra Barossa Shiraz 2014 per household. While stocks last. Orders not accepted (nor will wine be delivered to) persons under the age of 18 years. Most orders are fulfilled within a week but please allow up to 14 days. Unfortunately due to rising postage costs from our carriers we are now unable to ship to the Northern Territory. If a wine becomes unavailable, a similar wine of greater value may be supplied. Normal retail prices provided by the wineries. If you don’t like a wine for any reason The National Trust Wine Service will refund you and arrange to collect the wine. Fulfilled by Wine People Pty Ltd (licence no. 514 00724, LIQP770016550) 90 Chalk Hill Rd, McLaren Vale SA 5171.
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May-July 2016 – WINTER EDITION
TICKET APPLICATION SHEET No telephone bookings accepted Enquiries to ticket secretary: 02 9363 2401 (10am-1pm, Mon-Fri)
Please DO NOT send Ticket Applications to the National Trust Centre at Observatory Hill. The Ticket Secretary is at Lindesay, Darling Point.
Please send your completed Ticket Application Sheet to: THE TICKET SECRETARY The National Trust of Australia (NSW) P O Box 53, Edgecliff NSW 2027 Or fax to (02) 9328 2649
When paying by credit card or cheque, please send: • The entire (completed) Ticket Application page. Please do not cut it up • Enclose a self-addressed, stamped business-size (DL) envelope • Enclose a cheque payable to The National Trust of Australia (NSW), or credit card details to the Ticket Secretary, address above
HOW TO BOOK A PRIVATE HOUSE INSPECTION DAY Bookings are essential. No tickets are sold at the door. To book please use the Ticket Application Sheet on page 27 as directed. Please make one payment only for multiple bookings. Tickets are not transferable. The closing date for tickets is five
Admission will only be allowed on presentation of tickets. Members wishing to attend activities with friends must apply on the same application form in order to receive tickets in the same group. Please use credit card whenever possible. Please use only one payment to cover each group application Refunds will only be allowed with one week’s notice (two weeks for country weekends) and return of tickets for re-sale. A cancellation fee will be charged. Membership fees should not be included with activity payments.
working days in advance. • Private house inspections are for MEMBERS ONLY. Members may bring up to two friends on Country Weekends and special events. • General conditions: No stiletto heels; visitors may be asked to remove their shoes or wear plastic overshoes (supplied). No photography is permitted. Cameras,
video cameras and large bags may not be taken onto the premises. No smart-phone photography is allowed. No children under 12 years. Private homes may not be suitable for wheelchairs or walking frames. For more booking and access information, please phone the Ticket Secretary – 02 9363 2401
Full Name: Membership Number: Address: Postcode: Telephone (home): (business): Email: Other Name(s): Membership Numbers: Please a � Debit my Credit Card: Visa, MCard $
OR
� Cheque/money Order for $
Card No: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Expiry date: a � Repeat order form with your tickets
Card holder’s signature:
OFFICE USE ONLY. DATE RECEIVED AND POSTED Date 2016
Saturday 7, Sunday 8 May
� Wednesday 1 June
Activity
COOMA COUNTRY WEEKEND
No Tickets
Cost $80 members $100 friends (limit of 2) $25 youth [12 -20 yrs] � $40 Friday night dinner � $18 Saturday light lunch � $25 Saturday Gala drinks party � $18 Sunday lunch
Subtotal
Additional Information Please note that you must book for each meal you wish to take. For dinner – please indicate if you wish to sit with friends.
$40 members $44 non-members
Meet 10.30am at 14-18 Ultimo Rd, Ultimo. Close to bus stops on Broadway and George St. Sydney
Palm Beach Day
$35 members only $20 youth [12 -20 yrs]
� 10.30am – 12.30pm � 1.00pm – 3.00pm
Wednesday 27 July
Garden Seminar
$70 members only $89 friends
9.30am - 3.00pm
Tuesday 9 August
Millers Point Day
$35 members only $20 youth [12 -20 yrs]
� 10.30am – 12.30pm � 1.00pm – 3.00pm
Tuesday 6 September
Darling Point Day
$35 members only $20 youth [12 -20 yrs]
� 10.30am – 12.30pm � 1.00pm – 3.00pm
& � Wednesday 22 June
Dr Chau Chak Wing Building, UTS Business School
Tuesday 7 June
(please tick preferred date)
$2 handling fee will be added to transactions by fax
TOTAL NB The closing date for all ticket applications is five working days before the event. Please note that some venues may not be suitable for wheelchairs and people with limited mobility as some surfaces may be uneven and some walking may be required. For information ring the Ticket Secretary 02 9363 2401. 27
POSTAGE PAID IN AUSTRALIA
THE NATIONAL TRUST SPONSORS, SUPPORTERS AND CORPORATE MEMBERS
The National Trust wishes to thank Sponsors and Funding Bodies at all levels for helping to protect our valuable heritage �BRONZE PARTNERS
PRINT POST
Clayton Utz Eakin McCaffrey Cox Department of the Environment, Perpetual as Trustee Holding Redlich Lawyers & Consultants International Conservation Services Sotheby’s �FUNDING BODIES
Australian Government: Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities NSW Government: Office of Environment and Heritage Museums and Galleries NSW Parramatta City Council
WIN!
� CORPORATE MEMBERS
Allen Jack + Cottier Cox Architects Pty Ltd GML Heritage Winten Property Group Design 5 - Architects Pty Ltd Wollongong City Council �MEDIA PARTNERS
Media Monitors Australia �SUPPORTERS
List Guide A AMP Aurora Expeditions Best Buds Florist Capri Tours Chifley Financial Services Clive Lucas Stapleton & Company FDC Fine Music 102.5FM Francis - Jones Morehen Thorp (FJMT)
oldstein and Martens G Grays Online Great Southern Rail HLB Mann Judd John Mulally & Associates Microsoft Australia NRMA Motoring & Services NSW Architects Registration Board NSW Department of Commerce NSW Department of Education and Training NSW Department of Land Richard Dinham Consulting Pty Ltd Laithwaite’s Wine People Winsor & Newton WT Partnership Zenith Informatiochar Management Services
become a member of the National Trust NSW or refer a friend and go into the draw to win Gold Service tickets on The Ghan or Indian Pacific for 2!
FUNDING BODIES
For full terms and conditions of the holiday draw, please visit: www.nationaltrust.org.au. Competition closes 5pm 7th October 2016
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT Changing your address? Let us know! Return this sheet with your new address attached. If undelivered, return to The National Trust of Australia (NSW) GPO box 518, SydneyNSW 2001. Registered by Australia Post. Print post 100008022.