NATIONAL TRUST OF AUSTRALIA Heritage in Trust
(ACT)
November 2013
_________________________________________________________________
Centenary of Canberra Rally
One Hundred Years Of Motoring In The ACT: National Trust Centenary of Canberra Rally After months (and years for some) of planning, the National Trust’s Centenary of Canberra Rally took place on the weekend of 19-20 October 2013. The rally symbolically brought together Jervis Bay Territory, originally envisaged as the port for the Federal Capital Territory, and Canberra during this, the year of the ACT’s centenary. On a beautiful spring morning, on Saturday 19 October, a small number of “classic cars” were flagged
off from Jervis Bay Territory by Rally Chair Scott McAlister.
Inside From the new President Travels with the Trust Heritage Diary From the outgoing president Building Australia
p 5 p 9 p 8 p 16 p 18
Heritage In Trust
November 2013
From the editors Welcome to the November edition of Heritage in Trust. Our feature article is on the Trust’s very successful Centenary of Canberra Rally which was coordinated by former Trust CEO Chris Wain. Due to the Trust’s difficult financial position, the completion of the rally has meant the end of Chris’s contract as Executive Director. We will have a tribute to Chris’s work with the Trust in the next edition of Heritage in Trust. Peter Dowling writes about the National Trust’s involvement in the TV series Building Australia which screened on Foxtel’s History Channel earlier this year. Our outgoing president reviews his period as ACT National Trust president and our new President writes on the future of the Trust.
Mick Gentleman being flagged off by Scott McAlister
by National Trust and other volunteers, ensured vehicles were well prepared, fed and watered before they set off on the longest stage of the rally. Our Rally Ambassador Mark Carmody started here on his Honda CT 110 “postie bike” and rode it all the way back to Canberra, albeit at a slower pace than some other vehicles! Mark is pictured below (left) at HMAS Albatross with Mick Gentleman MLA.
The Trust will still be providing activities and tours for the benefit of members, which you can read about in our Heritage Diary on page 8. We hope to see you at the Christmas Party at Huntly and wish all members a prosperous and healthy Christmas and new year. As usual, we look forward to hearing your views on the new on-line Heritage in Trust. Please email (info@nationaltrustact.org.au) or write to the Editors with your views and suggestions.
The first car to leave was the Holden 48/215 of Mick Gentleman, Member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and car enthusiast. From Jervis Bay Territory, the vehicles proceeded to HMAS Albatross, Australia’s largest operational Naval establishment and the Navy’s only Air Station. There they joined around 120 other vehicles for the next stage of the rally. Naval personnel at the base, assisted
Heritage in Trust
The rally travelled along Main Road 92, winding through pine forest and countryside with some gentle grades, up through the beautiful Sassafras Valley to Nerriga, where participants had an informal stop for coffee and egg and bacon rolls from the local pub. For many this was the first time they had travelled this route and they were pleasantly surprised by its quality, the relative lack of vehicles and the scenery. From Nerriga, the rally continued on to Tarago for a morning tea stop at the sportsground where local community groups welcomed entrants with food,
www.nationaltrust.org.au
Page 2
Heritage In Trust
November 2013
competitions, period dress, displays and even specially prepared cakes! Another 100 or so vehicles joined the rally at Tarago before the group set off for the next stop at Bungendore. After a short lap through Bungendore village, cars entered Frogs Hollow. A few more vehicles joined the rally at this point, so by now there were more than 200 vehicles, old and new, in the rally making a great display of motoring history for spectators who turned up to admire and take photographs. Drivers were able to enjoy sausage and steak sandwiches provided by the local Scouts or venture into the village where there is a wide range of cafes and shops.
The theme at Old Parliament House was 1913-2013 – although we were fortunate to have one 1912 vehicle in the rally! Cars were piped in by Highland pipers of the Burns Club Pipe Band and there were performers, cars, motorcycles and a couple of vintage caravans to view on the lawns. There was food and coffee and face painting for the kids. Some participants and spectators were dressed in period gear for the judging of “best dressed” in different periods.
Earthly Delights Historic Dancers
During the day, judging also took place for the Concours d’Elegance events. In the afternoon, participants took off for other Canberra100 events, sightseeing or to make their way home.
Rally participants at Frogs Hollow, Bungendore
From Bungendore, participants were able to travel at their leisure into Canberra to join the Canberra 100 Spin events at various venues around the city. However, as the ABC requested to film some cars in Canberra, an informal drive into Canberra and across Commonwealth Avenue Bridge was hastily organised and led by Mick Gentleman in his 1950 Holden. On Sunday 20 October, while volunteers were preparing the area in front of Old Parliament House, the vehicles gathered at Exhibition Park in Canberra for the motorcade. They were flagged away by Katy Gallagher, Chief Minister of the ACT, and proceeded down Northbourne Avenue, escorted by Australian Federal Police.
Heritage in Trust
However, all was not over yet! The finale was a special rally dinner at the National Museum, a superb venue for the 160 people who gathered there and were able to view some of the Museum’s collection in the main hall. Catrina Vigando from the National Museum told guests about the conservation work of the Museum, particularly about the Royal Daimler Project. Some photographs taken over the two days of the rally were projected on a big screen and the audience had great fun identifying their own vehicles. Our guest speaker, Mark Carmody (also our Rally Ambassador), entertained us with stories about his adventures travelling on a postie bike through America, and trophies were awarded to the winners of various categories in the Concours d’Elegance, a fitting end to a great weekend!
www.nationaltrust.org.au
Page 3
Heritage In Trust
November 2013
Such a big event was a relatively new project for the National Trust (ACT), and could not have taken place without huge support from many people. Our main sponsor was the ACT Government, as part of Canberra 100, and the NSW National Trust also made a significant financial contribution. Other sponsors included NRMA Insurance, Shannons, The Tradies and the Council of ACT Motor Clubs. Thanks for help along the route also go to HMAS Albatross, Tarago Sports Association, Palerang Council and the Bungendore Chamber of Commerce. At Old Parliament House entertainment was provided by the Burns Club Pipe Band, RMC Duntroon Dixie Band, Bush Dancers Display Group with The Bush Capital Band, Christine Wishart Dance Studio juniors’ Maypole Dancers and Earthly Delights Historic Dance Academy. In addition there was a great variety of food and drink stalls, John Lehoczky’s Antique Firearms Display, Natasha Silver’s Face Painting and Leslie Heilikmann’s jewellery. We must not forget the volunteers who helped make the rally a success and who have been recognised collectively as the National Trust (ACT) 2013 Volunteer of the Year. The Rally Committee brought together the National Trust and car people without whom the rally could not have been run. Thanks to the chairs of the Committee at different times, Alan Kerr, Bill Lewis and Scott McAlister, and particularly to Chris Wain, Rally Director and former Executive Director of the National Trust (ACT) , who had the vision and perseverance for the Trust to run the rally. Others without whom the rally would not have been a success include Liz McMillan and the team in the office who were involved over many months - sending out information, answering inquiries, registering and recording entrants, preparing participants' packs and many, many other tasks. In addition, volunteers on the day of the rally from Jervis Bay, HMAS Albatross, Tarago and Bungendore assisted participants along the way and on Sunday more volunteers turned out to help at Old Parliament House as well.
Heritage in Trust
Would we do it again? We certainly learnt a lot and could improve! Maybe for the Bicentenary of Canberra?!! Mary Johnston Mary Johnston has been a Councillor for one year and is a long term member of the Trust. She is particularly active with Trust events and tours. Photos: Graham Gittins
Contents One hundred years of motoring in the ACT: National Trust Centenary of Canberra Rally ____________ 1 From the new President _____________________ 5 Trusted Recipe ____________________________ 6 Heritage Diary _____________________________ 8 Travels with the Trust - Australia _____________ 9 Travels with the Trust - Overseas _____________ 10 Trust Tour Reports ________________________ 12 From the Outgoing President_________________ 16 Report on INTO conference __________________ 17 Building Australia __________________________ 18 Rally photographs __________________________ 20
The National Trust acknowledges the support of our Corporate Members and Benefactors: Old Parliament House Library Patinations Conservation Services ContentGroup Slater & Gordon Benefactor: Mr Rob McL. Johnston
Do you have a friend travelling overseas? Tell them about the advantages of joining the National Trust including free entry into over 2000 National Trust properties around the world.
www.nationaltrust.org.au
Page 4
Heritage In Trust
November 2013
From the New President Hello Members As you may already know, our long-standing President, Eric Martin, stood down from the role at our recent AGM and I have accepted the Council’s invitation to take over as President. I will also be retaining the role of Treasurer. For those who have read or have access to our latest annual report, have a look at page 1 and you will see that Eric has served the NTACT for 30 years. The next longest serving (current) Councillors have nine years, then me with four years! It goes without saying that Eric’s service and commitment to our organisation are unrivalled in recent times and I’m sure you will all join me in sincerely thanking him for his efforts. The positive news for us is that Eric will continue as a Councillor focusing on heritage advocacy and I look forward to having his continued expertise available for NTACT and its members.
Finally, with the exception of our Office Manager, NTACT is now a purely volunteer organisation and I commend and thank all of you who have provided your services to our cause both recently and in the past. Without you we cannot exist – it’s as simple as that. Our business plan will require additional support from volunteers to implement some of the strategies and I ask that you consider helping where possible to share the load. One of our first priorities is to develop and maintain a database of volunteers and their skills, contact details etc so that we can both seek your support and keep you, as volunteers, engaged. So please give us your details. We saw with the Centenary of Canberra Rally that when volunteers are given specific tasks they take to them with a rare amount of passion! Scott McAlister President
It would be remiss of me not to also acknowledge the efforts of a number of retiring Councillors who have also contributed tirelessly to NTACT over a long period of time: John McDonald (28 years) who has been Secretary and Treasurer for various periods, Helen Cooke (eight years), Linda Roberts (five years), Di Johnstone and Sandy Blair (three years each) and Sally Brockwell (one year). These individuals have brought their own unique skill sets to the Council and their experience and passion will be sorely missed. Having said this, I know that they will continue to work on members’ behalf behind the scenes and I welcome their continued support of the NTACT cause. I have written previously about NTACT’s deteriorating financial position but I want to focus on the future. The Council’s decision not to renew the contract of our Executive Director has significantly reduced our operating expenses and we have commenced the implementation of a business plan that has identified a number of areas that Council feels can generate long term income streams that can support our reduced level of operations. It’s a long road ahead but I am confident that we have now stabilised our financial position and we can focus on consolidating our reputation as a leading advocate for built, natural and aboriginal heritage both locally and nationally.
Heritage in Trust
www.nationaltrust.org.au
YOUR NEW 2014 TRUST COUNCIL
Scott McAlister - President and Treasurer Lisa Norman - Vice President Eric Martin AM Peter Lundy Jim Nockels John Tucker Mary Johnston Graham Carter Dianne Dowling Graeme Crocket
Page 5
Heritage In Trust
November 2013
People and Places Trusted Recipe Canberra Pudding Food is more than a necessity for basic survival. It helps us celebrate significant events, defines our Australian cultural identity, and reflects social and economic changes. Trusted Recipes preserves our history and shows we can have our cake and eat it too. "On 12 March 1913, the foundation stones of the new capital, Canberra, were laid. A luncheon was held to mark the occasion. The menu reflected Australia’s British heritage, with roast turkey; ox tongue; beetroot, cucumber and tomato salad; iced asparagus; and fruit salad. The drinks list, however, was proudly Australian, including local champagne, chablis, port, lager and Colonial ale.” (C. Mann and K.
Method • Mix together flour and baking power. • Rub in dripping and salt. • Add the currants and enough water or milk to make a soft dough. • Roll out the dough on a floured board in a rectangular shape. • Spread a layer of jam over the dough. • Sprinkle sultanas over the dough/jam. • Roll up the dough and place it in a baking dish. • Mix the extra water with the brown sugar and then pour over the rolled up dough. • Bake in a moderate oven until brown.
Trust office new opening hours From 1 December, the Trust Office will be open Monday to Thursday, from 9.30am to 3.00pm.
Abbott, 2008, A feast of food in the Archives in Memento Issue 34, National Archives of Australia, pp6-9. )
This British heritage was still followed for the first two courses in the official lunch menu at the 1927 inaugural opening of Parliament but dessert was Canberra Pudding, presumably specially created for the day or for Canberra. It has been difficult to find the recipe for Canberra Pudding. This recipe comes from ABC Canberra recipes http://www.abc.net.au/local/recipes/2007/05/10/191 9297.htm and was published in May 2007 for the
80th birthday of Old Parliament House. The website states that the historian at Old Parliament House, Michael Richards, was unsure exactly what Canberra Pudding was, but Lorna Fazldeen remembered her grandmother making the dessert for her as a child.
Ingredients • 1 and a half cups of flour • 1 teaspoon baking powder • 2 tablespoons of dripping • A pinch of salt • Half a cup of currants • Enough water or milk to make a soft dough • Blackberry or plum jam • A handful of sultanas • 1 and a half cups of water, extra • ¾ cup of brown sugar
Heritage in Trust
www.nationaltrust.org.au
Annual Members’ Christmas Party at “Huntly” Sunday 8 December 2013 3-5pm Members: $20; non-members: $25 Drinks and refreshments included We are delighted that Lucy Quinn will be our Guest Speaker. Lucy is co-author, with Betty Churcher AO, of the recently published Centenary publication Treasures of Canberra. Copies of the book will be available for purchase. Bookings are essential. Please RSVP by Wednesday 4 December NT ACT Office on 02 6230 0533 or email: info@nationaltrustact.org.au
Page 6
Heritage In Trust
November 2013
People and Places New members The National Trust (ACT) warmly welcomes the following new members: Lesley Band Helen and Tony Beard Carol Croxford and Rebecca Buckley Mirak Ciolek Lee Walker and Dan Clayton Geoff and Jenny Coggins Jennifer Collier Ludwig Deglmann Anthony Halton Roger and Judy Holt Peter Ipkendanz
Glenn and Meryl Jackson Tori and Terry Julien Rhonda and Richard King Christine Maddock Frances and Andrew Miley Graham and Katherine Morgan Peter and Barbara Roberts Kathy and Kevin Stephenson Ron Talbot Joy Robinson and Bob Wood
Thank you for your donations We thank those who so generously donated to our Supporters Appeal and everyone who donated this year. Joan Adler Margaret Aston Keith Bradley Ann and Miles Burgess Kerry-Anne Cousins Dee and Grahame Crocket G M Croker Robyn Duncan Alan Foskett Margaret Frey Mrs Janice Johnston David and Rosemary Kennmore Patricia Kneebone April Leung Mr Peter McDonald Mrs Jean Moran
Heritage in Trust
Michael K Mowat Philip Mulcare Mrs Margaret Murray Mike Ogden PSM Lorraine Wilson Ovington Penny Richardson Peter and Bridget Sack Mr Garth Setchell Gillian Gould and Hugh Smith P Swaffield Elinor Swan Robert and Lynette Swift Helen Todd Wendy Whitham Mrs Muriel Wilkinston Peter Eddington and Joy Williams
www.nationaltrust.org.au
Those donors who wished to be acknowledged are listed. The income from donations will help towards our ongoing aim to protect the ACT’s heritage now and for future generations. A sincere ‘thank you’ to you all. KEEP UP TO DATE Are you up with the latest National Trust happenings? Maybe you have been missing out on our E News bulletins! Make sure you are on the E News list and are kept up to date with events, have access to National Trust media releases and opportunities to contribute to the valuable and important work of the Trust. Email info@nationaltrustact.org.au with the subject heading of: Subscribe to E News
What's on? This year Christmas Drinks and the Volunteers’ Brunch have been rolled into one event – the Christmas party at Huntly. As a thank you to its many wonderful volunteers we would like to invite all Trust and Rally volunteers to attend free of charge. The Volunteer of the Year Award will be presented at the event. We are working on our Speakers events for next year, including an evening with Bill Gammage. For this and other future events look out for your E News. For other heritage events check the Heritage Diary on page 8. Council has agreed to amalgamate the Tours Committee and the Volunteers and Members Committee to form a new Tours and Events Committee. New members for this committee are very welcome. Please contact the Trust office on 6230 0533.
Page 7
Heritage In Trust
November 2013 Heritage Diary 2013-2014
A selection of heritage-related events in Canberra Note: CAS is the Canberra Archaeological Society Details of National Trust (ACT) outings are provided in Travels with the Trust, starting on page 9. Date and time
Event and location
Organiser
Contact
Until 31 December
The Original Canberra House – a model version of the original ‘Canberra House’. Cockington Green
C100
www.canberra100.com.au click on “See events”
Until 10 March 2014
Mapping our World – Terra Incognita to Australia – display of international and Australian maps that inspired the idea of Australia
C100
www.canberra100.com.au click on “See events”
Until 17 August 2014
Canberra: Then and Now – an exhibition of historic photos matched with modern day photos. National Library of Australia
C100
www.canberra100.com.au click on “See events”
Sunday 8 December 3.00-5.00 pm
Christmas Party at Huntly (including volunteer recognition). Bookings essential.
Sunday 9 February 2014 7.30am – 6pm
Burnima, Bombala and Delegate bus trip
Sunday 16 February 9am-3pm
Early European Historic Sites in Kowen (postponed from 22 September and 10 November)
National Trust
6230 0533
Sunday 23 February 1-5.30pm
Far South Border Walk
National Trust
6230 0533
Saturday 1 March 1.30-4.30pm
Hall Village walking tour
National Trust
6230 0533
Saturday 5 to Monday 21 April
Canberra and Region Heritage Festival
ACT Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate
6205 0255
TBA
An evening with Bill Gammage
National Trust
6230 0533
1-16 November
Colours of Autumn, Japan
National Trust
6230 0533
Heritage in Trust
www.nationaltrust.org.au
National Trust
National Trust
6230 0533
6230 0533
Page 8
Heritage In Trust
November 2013
Travels with the Trust Burnima, Bombala and Delegate bus trip Sunday 9 February 2014, 7.30am – 6pm Do you want see where the national capital might have gone? Burnima near Bombala and Yarralumla were built by the same builder and Burnima could have been the Governor-General’s residence. The tour will visit the homestead and garden of this 101 year old residence, where we will also enjoy morning tea. Also on the itinerary is Lavender House, an historic engine and machinery shed, onto Delegate for lunch and the old private property of Cambelong. A return stop at Cooma will round off our travels Meet: Car park behind the Deakin Fitness Centre, Deakin Shops. Also a northside pick up at Netball courts, Southwell Park on Federal Highway. Cost: $95 members, $105 non-members Bookings essential: 6230 0533 or online at www.nationaltrust.org.au/act/events
Early European Historic Sites in Kowen NOW Sunday 16 February 2014, 9am – 3pm Luke and Mary Colverwell, both convicts, were the first Europeans to settle at Kowen in 1831. Colin McAlister, a member of the Friends of Glenburn, will lead a tour of the area that will include the oldest marked European graves in the ACT which are those of the Colverwell girls who drowned close to their home at ‘Dirty Swamp’ in 1837. The tour will also include the stone ruin of Colliers Homestead, built for George Campbell of Duntroon, in 1880 on land he did not own; the ruins of Coppins Homestead; the site of Kowen School (1882); and the Edmonds’ Glenburn Homestead, made up of a slab home and pise section, plus more. See the new interpretive signs and the great work the Parks Service and The Friends of Glenburn volunteers have done. Morning tea
included. Not a lot of walking involved. Please bring lunch, water and wear closed shoes. Meet: Canberra Railway Station, Kingston for car pooling. 2WD cars are fine on the well maintained dirt roads. Cost: $25 members, $35 non-members Bookings essential: 6230 0533 or online at www.nationaltrust.org.au/act/events
Far South Border Walk Sunday 23 February 2014, 1pm – 5.30pm Join historian and high country expert Matthew Higgins as we delve deep into Namadgi National Park. The approximately 8km walk is on moderate terrain and will start at the Mt Clear Campground. We will head south along a fire trail to the NSW border passing ruins of early European settlers. This part of the border was surveyed in 1915 by Freddie Johnston and his team. We will return via Westermans and Brayshaws Huts. Refreshments will be provided. Bring water and wear sunscreen, a hat and sturdy walking shoes. Meet: Namadgi Visitors Centre, Naas Road, Tharwa, to then car pool and drive the 35km to Mt Clear Campground. There is some dirt road. Cost: $25 members, $35 non-members Bookings essential: 6230 0533 or online at www.nationaltrust.org.au/act/events
_______________________________________________
_________________________________________________
National Trust of Australia (ACT)
Patron
Office PO Box 1144 Civic Square ACT 2608
President
The Hon. Margaret Reid AO
Scott McAlister
Telephone 02 6230 0533 Fax 02 6230 0544 Email info@nationaltrustact.org.au Net www.nationaltrust.org.au ABN 50 797 949 955 Opening times: Office Location:
Office Manager Liz McMillan info@nationaltrustact.org.au
9.30am to 3.00pm Monday to Thursday 1st Floor, North Building Canberra City [above Canberra Museum & Gallery], entry from Civic Square
Heritage in Trust
The e-magazine, Heritage in Trust, is produced and edited by Maree Treadwell and Wendy Whitham assisted by Dianne Dowling and Mary Johnston.
www.nationaltrust.org.au
Page 9
Heritage In Trust
November 2013 Our tour is designed to ‘hit the high spots’ of central Japan’s spectacular autumn and to visit some of the most important historical and cultural sites.
Travels with the Trust Hall Village walking tour Saturday 1 March 2014, 1.30pm – 4. 30pm Hall Village is named after Henry Hall who obtained a land grant of about 3,500 acres in the Ginninderra district in 1833 and was the first resident landholder of the district. The village dates from 1882 and was developed using a rectangular grid layout which still exists today. Hall has a distinctive village character which this tour will explore. The National Trust (ACT) has previously visited the cemetery and churches of Hall so this tour will concentrate on other heritage features of the village. It will be led by Tony Morris, a long term resident of Hall with direct family ties to early settlers taking up or purchasing land in the district. Tony will be able to relate some aspects of early village life from details given to him by older and past family members. We will finish with afternoon tea provided by the Hall Progress Association in the school grounds. Meet: TBA Cost: $25 members, $35 non-members Bookings essential: 6230 0533 or online at www.nationaltrust.org.au/act/events
International Tours 2014 and 2015 Colours of Autumn – Japan 1 to 16 November 2014 Colourful leaves (koyo) are to the Japanese autumn what cherry blossoms are to the Japanese spring. The viewing of autumn leaves has been a popular activity in Japan for centuries and today it draws large numbers of travellers to famously beautiful ‘koyo’ spots, both in the mountains and in the cities. Some of the most famous Japanese gardens have been designed with the blending of autumn colours in mind.
The tour leader will be Michael Hodgkin, President of the Australia Japan Society (ACT), and the travel agent is Travelmakers of Kingston. Highlights Tokyo: the Capital of Japan and one of the world’s biggest and busiest cities, but also the site of the Imperial Palace and some of the most famous temples and gardens Mt Fuji and Hakone Kyoto: Nijo Castle and numerous temples, including the famous Golden Pavilion Nara: Canberra’s ‘sister city’ and a former capital with beautiful temples and gardens Matsumoto and Takayama Hiroshima and the Peace Memorial Museum Kurashiki and Himeji Castle (the best of the original castles of Japan) Ride the famous ‘bullet’ trains – the shinkansen Stay in a traditional ryokan hotel and relax in an ‘onsen’ (hot spring) Group size: minimum 10, maximum 16 Cost: (ex Tokyo) is expected to be between $7200 and $7500 (twin share) - single supplement extra
Each year, starting in mid-September, the autumn colours move southwards from the northern island of Hokkaido until they reach the lower elevations of central and southern Japan towards the end of November. Some trees around Tokyo and Kyoto remain colourful into early December.
Heritage in Trust
www.nationaltrust.org.au
Page 10
Heritage In Trust
November 2013
International Tours cont Inclusions: Accommodation in 3-4 star hotels with private facilities Sightseeing noted above, tour leader and English speaking local guides Entrance fees to museums and historical sites listed Land transport on coaches and bullet trains All breakfasts, 2 dinners, 3 lunches Tips where required
The tour will be around 21 days and is scheduled for MayJune 2015, but we are calling for expressions of interest for the tour so we can plan well ahead. Our travel agent will again be Gay at Travelscene Canberra City and we will be following the same format as the other tours we have done:
Exclusions: Airfares Beverages with meals Laundry and telephone
Reservations: To seek more information and lodge an expression of interest, please contact the National Trust Office on 6230 0533 or info@nationaltrustact.org.au ____________________________________________
Germany
The tour group will have an accredited Englishspeaking guide throughout the tour. Travel through Germany will be primarily by coach but may include a river cruise. Accommodation will be at least three star rated hotels or higher Breakfasts will be provided each morning with lunch and dinners occasionally throughout the tour according to finalised itinerary. The tour will focus on selected UNESCO World Heritage listed places, but other places of national significance to the history and cultural development of Germany will be included.
Dr Peter Dowling, historical archaeologist, will be the group leader and Dianne Dowling will be assisting the group throughout the tour.
May-June 2015 for approx. 21 days The Tours Committee of the ACT Trust is organising another of its historical and archaeological tours for 2015.
If you are interested please contact the ACT National Trust Office on (02) 6230 0533
After successful tours of Turkey, Egypt, Greece, Italy and Scandinavia, we are going to Germany to experience the history and culture of this country. We will follow the country’s history from the Iron Age through the Roman era, Medieval period and into modern times.
Heritage in Trust
www.nationaltrust.org.au
Page 11
Heritage In Trust
November 2013
Trust Tour Reports Blandfordia 5 Sunday 13 October The walk was described as taking place, rain, hail or shine. It did occur without rain or hail, but with lots and lots of wind. The area has many tall trees, creating welcome wind breaks. Our group included many U3A members as well as National Trust members, making 15 participants in total, all fit and interested. The house where Brendan Nelson lived in the converted garage while Defence Minister was an amusing point of interest. Many of the street trees and hedges in the area have had to be replaced, but Bass Gardens still remains the same, with only a small number of tree replacements. Those of us who grew up in Canberra were able to share memories of tree climbing there. Thanks to our walk leader, Brendan Priess, we received a clear explanation of housing design and heritage requirements, and viewed homes that were renovated sympathetically and not so sympathetically. Brendan explained the design layout of the streets, with the deliberate tantalising aspect of not seeing the end of the road. He also pointed out the placement of houses on the blocks, some straight on to the street, others on the corners being diagonal.
Borobudur and Beyond, September 2013 On arrival at Denpasar we were greeted and taken in hand by Robbie, the owner of TX Travel, the tour company which had organised the Indonesian side of the tour. This proved to be a foretaste of things to come because Robbie gave us priority care the whole time we were in Indonesia. Our first night’s accommodation was in the Pertiwi Resort Hotel, Ubud and after a fairly lengthy bus ride we arrived there at around 3 o’clock. Some people opted to wander down to the ‘monkey forest’, others did a bit of early shopping and others decided to take a rest before the evening meal (I decided to find a shop selling swimwear having forgotten to pack a swimming costume! – then had a swim in one of the two resort pools). We were entertained during the evening meal with some traditional Balinese dances, including a ‘frog dance’ with some of the ‘frogs’ coming to make our acquaintance!
This is an area that can only be fully appreciated on foot, but it would be nice to be in a high bus and see what is behind all those high hedges. The “sticky beak” in all of us would enjoy it. Lynn Parry
Next morning there was time for a stroll around town before heading back down to lunch at ‘Kudeta’, on the beach front in Seminyak, then off to the airport for the plane to Yogyakarta and our ‘home’ for the next three days, Rumah Budayah hotel at Tembi on the outskirts of Yogyakarta. Poster of Blandfordia. Photo: National Library of Australia
Heritage in Trust
www.nationaltrust.org.au
Page 12
Heritage In Trust
November 2013
The becak ride to the restaurant
Our Yogyakarta experiences started the next day with a visit to the ‘Kraton’ – the palace of the Sultan – then the Tamansari, the private baths built by a former sultan (unfortunately no longer in use, so no chance for a swim although the weather would have made a dip very welcome!). The ‘becak’ ride to a local restaurant for lunch was an interesting experience and lunch itself was a bit of a surprise when we discovered that the ‘restaurant’ was actually the private home of the Sultan’s sister (the lady in the centre of the photograph)!
In the afternoon we met representatives of the National Trust of Indonesia and were shown around central Yogyakarta, including the central mosque, a truly magnificent wooden building a mere 130 years old.
Heritage in Trust
We wandered on and some of us tried our hands at batik making (and batik shopping!!)
before heading back to Tembi and a magnificent ceremonially served ‘ricestaffel’ meal at a hotel/restaurant in the same village.
Thursday was a ‘temple tour’ day – Candi Plaosan, Candi Ijo, Candi Kalasan and various others (‘Candi’ is Indonesian for temple), before ending up at Candi Prambanan.
www.nationaltrust.org.au
Page 13
Heritage In Trust
November 2013
Yogyakarta was the centre of a number of Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms for many centuries and the temple ruins in and around Yogyakarta are a mixture of both religions. While some of them were lost in the jungle or buried in volcanic ash and all of them have been shaken by repeated earthquakes, the Indonesian government has spent a lot of effort (with international assistance) restoring many of them. The two most famous are, of course, Borobudur and Prambanan. Next day involved a very leisurely 12 noon start, a few more temples, an exceptional lunch at a very classy hotel overlooking Borobudur, an afternoon visit to Borobudur itself, then overnight at the Plataran Hotel Resort near Borobudur. It was a very nice hotel, but some of us found the steep climb up to the restaurant a bit of a struggle, particularly after having climbed to the top of Borobudur that afternoon!
Above: Borobudur Below: Floodlit Candi Prambanan
A few brave souls rose before the dawn to do the traditional visit to Borobudur to see the sunrise from the top of the temple.
Our evening meal with the floodlit Candi Prambanan temple ruins in the background was a memorable experience, followed by watching a spectacular performance of the Ramayana Ballet.
Saturday was a ‘volcano’ tour! Well, we didn’t actually climb the volcano, since it is fairly active and very steep, and climbing it is strictly for the enthusiast, but we toured some of the sites where the volcano had devastated the surrounding countryside in its most recent eruption. It was slightly nerve wracking to venture so close to a volcano that was still busily smoking, but we were assured that nothing was likely to happen to us!
Lunch was at a little village community centre which, although the village was extensively damaged by the last eruption, was now the centre of a program
Heritage in Trust
www.nationaltrust.org.au
Page 14
Heritage In Trust
November 2013
demonstrating how a community can recover after disaster if the right people get involved. Back down in Yogyakarta we stayed the night in the Phoenix Hotel and dined out in the ‘nonya’ restaurant across the road. The Phoenix is a magnificently restored colonial building, originally built as a private residence but now a five star luxury hotel. VERY comfortable!! Sunday was our last day in Yogyakarta. Some people elected to add to their batik collections before we headed off to the Hyatt for ‘brunch’, others were just content to loll around the Hyatt pools and make use of the water slide. Sunday brunch at the Hyatt is one of the ‘must dos’ of Yogyakarta: the smorgasbord is wonderful and the Hyatt’s complex of pools is one of the best in Indonesia.
We flew back to Bali in the afternoon and booked into the Mercure resort at Sanur beach. Although navigating around the complicated groupings of apartment blocks in the resort proved a bit of a challenge, it is ‘a very nice pub’ with lovely swimming pools and a very good restaurant. Next day we ‘did’ the adjacent sights of Bali – a visit to the Garuda Wisnu Kencana for lunch and to watch some Balinese dancing, viewed the gigantic Garuda statue under construction, visited the Uluwatu Temple on the cliffs overlooking the ocean (be careful of the monkeys!),
Balinese dancing
, visited ‘Dreamland Beach’ and had an icecream, stopped off to try ’crispy duck’ for dinner, then a bit more batik shopping near the airport before heading for the plane home. I don’t know what everyone else thought, but I thoroughly enjoyed my flying visit to Indonesia. I hope to do it again some time soon and, perhaps, visit some more and different sights. Does anyone want to join me? Michael Hodgkin (Photos and text) Michael Hodgkin is a former Councillor and Executive Officer of the Trust and has led a number of fascinating international tours. Details of his new tour to Japan in November 2014 are on page 10.
Heritage in Trust
www.nationaltrust.org.au
Page 15
Heritage In Trust
November 2013
From the Outgoing President The 38th AGM of the National Trust of Australia (ACT) was held on 29 October 2013 at the National Archives. A good number of members attended and after the formalities enjoyed a fascinating talk on Japan's traditional and industrial heritage. At that meeting, our long term president Eric Martin stood down. The outgoing President here reflects on the changes affecting the Trust during his 30 years as a Councillor and most particularly over the last decade as President.
A Reflection on Nine Years as President Although I have been involved in the heritage industry for an extended period it is useful to reflect on the period as President of the ACT National Trust from 2004. When Ken Taylor, president of the National Trust resigned and passed the role to me I recall his words: “I am pleased that over the period of my presidency I leave the National Trust in a better position than when I started”. Unfortunately I cannot offer the same words. The past nine years have seen a vastly different environment evolve through a series of factors:
the global financial crisis perceived need to have development at all costs reduced government support for and interest in heritage at all levels, Federal, State/Territory and local. This has resulted in less staffing and fewer financial opportunities for non-government organisations, especially for general administration.
are taken for granted, accepted and worked within. It is a proven fact that heritage conservation areas increase the value of houses. Commercially this story is not as clearcut and it varies greatly. This changing situation has resulted in a heavy reliance on volunteers, and the heritage industry has many including the National Trust. Even statutory bodies such as Heritage Councils do not get remuneration commensurate with the time and commitment they make. The strength in our communities and the challenge is how to engage and share their voices and how organisations can collectively reinforce the fact that there is a large group of people who believe “this place matters” even though the places often vary from individual to individual. With this collective community strength the voice can be heard and listened to. It is not an easy challenge but one we must strive for. I firmly believe our past is important in appreciating today and must be made available to future generations, and that we must passionately press on. The challenge is not small but we must try. Eric Martin AM
2014 DESK DIARY – Jenny Phillips’ Australian Botanical Artists $22.50 NT members; $25.00 non-members. Available in the office in Civic NOW! These and NT Christmas cards are also available in the Combined Charities Card Christmas Shop .
The other change facing the National Trust is an ageing population including among our members, and the competition of engaging with a younger generation. Associated with this is the strength of social media as a communication tool and how the National Trust can better use, interest and develop these networks to expand interest in heritage and Trust membership. There are many people who are passionate about heritage, who are strong supporters of the National Trust and invaluable contributors, and we must nurture them and give them strength. There are many that see heritage as a negative to development when in fact it can be an aid to development and at worse nothing more than another control, not unlike the planning and building controls that
Heritage in Trust
Combined Charities Christmas Card Shop A reminder that the Combined Charities Christmas Card Shop is operating at the Uniting Church Centre, Pilgrim House on Northbourne Avenue until Thursday 12 December.
www.nationaltrust.org.au
Page 16
Heritage In Trust
November 2013
2013 INTO conference, Entebbe, Uganda 30 September – 4 October 2013 on Cultural Diversity for Responsible Development Eric Martin AM reports on his attendance at this conference. INTO, the International Organisation of National Trusts, brings together more than 60 national trusts and equivalent organisations from across the world, globally diverse but united by a shared commitment to serving and sustaining our shared heritage – built and natural, tangible and intangible.
The INTO Conference delegates endorsed the ‘Entebbe Declaration’, which will call upon governments, intergovernmental and non-governmental authorities worldwide to place a much greater emphasis than is currently the case on the importance of preserving and promoting tangible and intangible heritage especially within developing nations in the quest for sustainable and responsible development. A few pertinent points related to culture and engagement of a younger generation were: 1.
Engage families in local heritage as parents are part of the teaching process. Find a common interest.
Through cooperation, coordination and comradeship between the international community of national trusts, INTO works to develop and promote best conservation practices, increase the capacity of individual organisations, establish Trusts where they do not presently exist, and advocate in the interests of heritage conservation.
Promote a program of 50 things you need to do before you are eleven and three quarters among children. Establish this within local areas and include heritage related items and then promote it. Engage with children at the earliest possible age. Develop and use social media on a regular basis and have someone to contribute to and monitor it daily. See what excites and promote these. Put stories onto the social networks and see what generates interest. A social media acceptable use policy for the NT should be established.
Every two years, INTO organizes an international conference. This year the conference took place in Uganda, the 'Pearl of Africa' and a foremost tourist destination. It provided an opportunity for delegates to share and explore new insights on the diversity and relevance of global well-being. It also looked into strengthening the heritage movement, including in those areas where cultural assets are under increasing threat.
Education is a process and not a happening and needs to be set up well if youth are to be engaged.
One of the unusual features of the conference was a one day learning journey to underscore the conference themes and to provide delegates with an exciting opportunity to explore examples of intangible and tangible heritage promotion work in Uganda. This included visiting a forest site where traditional herbalists and healers are trained to provide important physical and spiritual healing to ordinary Ugandans; and to a National Park where efforts are being made to integrate the cultural values of neighbouring communities in its management. Members throughout the world made new linkages between their more usual work (often the conservation of our built heritage) and issues of sustainable development (in both 'rich' and less well-endowed countries) and people's rights to access and enjoy their culture.
Heritage in Trust
Engagement of a Younger Generation
The values of youth are important. 2.
Culture Culture is not elitist but a popular interest. Culture is important for development and should reduce the fear of heritage. Undertake collaborative research on cultural heritage with universities. Intangible heritage is powerful if taken in small steps and can make a difference.
While we may consider that our heritage issues take prominence I suggest that we can learn from others and such conferences are worthwhile to participate in. The 2015 INTO Conference will be in Cambridge, UK with the theme “Shape a better future from our heritage. New tools for new challenges”.
www.nationaltrust.org.au
Page 17
Heritage In Trust
November 2013
Building Australia Building Australia is a six-episode television programme produced by Bearcage Productions in Canberra with the assistance of the National Trusts of Australia and is presented by TV personality, John Doyle (remember him in Two Men in a Tinnie?)
The National Trust properties shown in the series were Creek Street Dugouts and Paxton Square in Burra, SA; Ayres House, Adelaide; Tasma Terrace, Melbourne; Burnett House, Darwin; and Mangowine Homestead, Nungarn, WA.
The series explores the history of the Australian house in its many temporal and stylistic incarnations from the early terrace buildings in Sydney, the archetypical Queenslander, homesteads of the affluent in cities and regional areas of Australia, Federation style houses, to the classic weekender, the ubiquitous suburban houses and the humble but functional mine worker cottages of Burra in South Australia. The series examines not only the houses but also the evolving historic and social contexts in which they were built and for whom. The series included houses in all the states and territories.
The series premiered on Foxtel’s History Channel on 30 July 2013. It has proved very popular and has received enthusiastic reviews for its historical content and entertainment values. It is now being shown on Foxtel New Zealand.
In 2011 Bearcage Productions approached Mr Eric Martin AM, National Trust (ACT) President, asking the Trust to assist in the production of the programme and seeking the Trust’s permission to use several properties as examples of Australian houses. The Australian Council of National Trusts (ACNT) Board readily agreed and Eric Martin and the ACNT office were tasked to liaise with Bearcage throughout the production stages of the series.
The commercial release of the series on DVD will be in December in time for Christmas gifts, so watch out for it! This project involving the National Trust has provided an extra facet to the Trust nationally. The participation of the Trusts in the production and in the use of properties has been acknowledged in the credits of each of the programmes.
Peter Dowling National Heritage Officer, ACNT
Eric and Dr Peter Dowling (National Heritage Officer) met several times with the Bearcage team throughout the 2012-13 production and filming period assisting with architectural and historical advice. State and territory National Trusts facilitated the use of the specific properties used in the series. In the ACT, the series featured the Manning Clark House, Lanyon and the Tocumwal Houses in O'Connor. These structures were built for the RAAF base in Tocumwal, NSW. The base was built during the Second World War as an inland defence against Japanese invasion. As camouflage, the sleeping quarters for air force personnel were built in the form of houses. After the War, the acute housing shortage in Canberra gave the houses a new purpose.
Heritage in Trust
www.nationaltrust.org.au
Burnett House, Darwin
Page 18
Heritage In Trust
November 2013
National Trust (ACT) First Floor, North Building Cnr London Cct and Civic Square, Canberra ACT 2601 PO Box 1144 Civic Square, Canberra ACT 2608 Telephone (02) 6230 0533 Facsimile (02) 6230 0544 Email: info@nationaltrustact.org.au www.nationaltrust.org.au
You can help us to conserve and safeguard places of heritage significance for future generations by making a tax deductible donation Donations over $2 are tax deductible Name _________________________________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ P/C____________ I wish to make a donation of
$ ______________
Credit Card Payments: Amex
Visa
Mastercard
Expiry ____________ Card No _________________________
Name on card __________ _________________________________________________________________ Signature
____________________________________________________________________________
Cheques should be made out to National Trust of Australia (ACT) Please send me information about automatic payments Cash donations accepted at the office.
About Heritage in Trust Heritage in Trust is published quarterly as an electronic magazine in conjunction with the national magazine Trust News in February, May, August and November. The editors invite articles and letters from Trust members with an interest in the heritage of the ACT and these should be addressed to The Editor, Heritage in Trust, at info@nationaltrustact.org.au.
Heritage in Trust
www.nationaltrust.org.au
Deadlines for copy: 17 January, 17 April, 18 July, 17 October. The views expressed in Heritage in Trust are not necessarily those of the National Trust of Australia (ACT). The articles in this e-magazine are subject to copyright. No article may be used without the consent of the ACT National Trust and the author.
Page 19
Heritage In Trust Centenary of Canberra Rally
Heritage in Trust
November 2013 Photos: Mary Johnston
www.nationaltrust.org.au
Page 20
Heritage In Trust
Heritage in Trust
November 2013
www.nationaltrust.org.au
Page 21