Update

National Trust News

Catch up on the latest heritage news and advocacy in New South Wales. Read about the revised National Trust rules, the outcome of the Everglades House appeal and the recent win to retain heritage shopfronts in Pitt Street. Stay up-to-date with the National Trust's election priorities and the campaign to protect cultural heritage in and around Barangaroo.

GENERAL NEWS

New Rules adopted

At the Extraordinary General Meeting on 20 August 2022, members voted to adopt the revised National Trust rules. The new rules will ensure the National Trust keeps pace with changes caused by technological advancements, the pandemic and other factors. Improvements include better connection with members through technology and virtual meetings, greater clarity of committee and branch structures, and closer alignment with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission governance requirements.

Everglades House appeal update

Thank you to everyone who donated to our recent Everglades House restoration appeal. We were delighted to exceed our target, raising more than $211,000 thanks to the generosity of members and donors! Works will commence soon to re-create the home’s 1930s glamour, including bespoke cabinetry and furnishings, electrical work, and windows and bathrooms maintenance. Thank you to all who supported the appeal – we will keep you updated on our progress.

Open for spring

After winter closures, we’re delighted to announce the re-opening of three of our properties this spring. Saumarez Homestead in Armidale, Riversdale in Goulburn and Cooma Cottage in Yass have all reopened their doors to visitors and are well worth a visit in the warmer weather. Check each location for opening days and times at nationaltrust.org.au/places-nsw

ADVOCACY NEWS

A win for Pitt Street’s heritage

A row of historical commercial terraces will now be retained thanks to National Trust advocacy. A recent design at 372-382 Pitt Street, Sydney, proposed to completely demolish the row of Edwardian-era shops. Following a National Trust submission and City of Sydney advice urging retention, the developer amended the plans to retain the complete front portion of these terraces and their individual shops below. This is a great outcome for Pitt Street’s heritage and a testament to the ongoing importance of advocacy.

NSW election advocacy

The National Trust is developing a set of priorities to make heritage an election issue in 2023. The State election is a prime opportunity to influence politicians, raise public awareness and garner election promises for heritage in NSW. We are developing an election ‘Heritage Priorities’ platform to highlight the State’s key natural, cultural and built heritage issues, which we will share with members in the coming months.

Update on Central Barangaroo

The National Trust is campaigning against the proposed development at Central Barangaroo. This project has attracted much public criticism due to the inclusion of a 73-metre tower directly blocking iconic public views to and from the Sydney Observatory. Alongside local residents, State MPs, astronomers and the City of Sydney Council, we are fighting to preserve this important heritage view for Sydney.

Opposite from top New rules (photo via iStock.com); inside Everglades House (photo by Georgie Conyngham Greene); Saumarez Homestead in spring (photo by lightcatcherimages).

From top The historical terraces on Pitt Street (photo by the National Trust); Experiment Farm Cottage in Parramatta (photo by the National Trust); visualisation of potential impact to public views (image by Millers Point Residents Action Group).

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