REPORT
Your Trust in Action A year in review for National Trust of Australia (NSW) supporters who have invested in the conservation, education, protection and celebration of heritage in New South Wales.
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Your Trust in Action – 2020
Our Giving Vision To create a culture of philanthropy in support of heritage conservation and the National Trust of Australia (NSW)’s vision and mission.
The newly restored flèche sits atop the stables at Cooma Cottage, Yass. Cover: Riversdale Goulburn.
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Your Trust in Action – 2020
FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Your Trust in Action provides our donors, whether they be Patrons, Guardians, partners, sponsors or members of the Annie Wyatt Bequest Circle, with a review of the positive impact of investing in the National Trust of Australia (NSW). Our vision of bringing the heritage of New South Wales to life for future generations, is not possible without the generosity of our supporters. The National Trust has had a record year of fundraising, which is a testament to the strength of the community’s belief in our commitment and effectiveness in emphasising the importance of heritage conservation, education and advocacy. I often hear that it is assumed we are a governmentfunded organisation. It is true that we receive government support through various grants and service delivery agreements – approximately 10% of our income. In addition to this, we are supported in a variety of ways including gifts in wills, the Patrons & Guardians Program, regular giving and through our fundraising appeals for specific initiatives. Your investment in the National Trust is always valued and particularly so in the context of the last year. From severe drought, to wild storms, savage bushfires and COVID-19, it has certainly presented its share of challenges. However, we remain optimistic about the future and our place in it. To all of you who support the ongoing work of the National Trust, thank you.
Debbie Mills
Your Trust in Action – 2020
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2020: A Year Like No Other! Take a journey through an extraordinary year at the National Trust (NSW) in advocacy, collections, conservation, property projects and exhibitions.
JULY 2019
AUGUST 2019
SEPTEMBER 2019
• In a treat for Dubbo locals, a touring exhibition of our Georgian Glass collection (pictured) featured items dating from 1700 to 1840. The collection was placed on display at Dundullimal Homestead in July and continued its tour to Darling Point in Sydney, Armidale and Maitland. As well as showcasing over 40 rare and delicate glass items bequeathed to the National Trust by Dean Donald Havelburg in 2014, the exhibition included a program of engaging educational talks.
• Each year, we host an exhibition featuring the winning entries of reconciliation-inspired art and writing from the Schools Reconciliation Challenge in partnership with Reconciliation NSW. The exhibition visits towns including Dubbo, Yass, Armidale and Maitland, with the aim of inspiring school children to learn more about the principles of reconciliation. In August, the 2019 exhibition, ‘Our Voices, Our Future!’ was displayed at Everglades House and Garden in the Blue Mountains. Artwork by Alanna Dutton pictured.
• With growing concerns over plans to raise the Warragamba Dam wall, our Advocacy team made a compelling submission to the NSW Legislative Council Inquiry. The team argued that it would adversely affect the environment so sacred to the local Aboriginal community as well as compromising the survival of rare flora and fauna.
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Your Trust in Action – 2020
• After sitting above the fireplace in Woodford Academy for over 150 years, the mid-18th century mantel mirror received a major restoration which significantly improved the frame and its blue glass border.
OCTOBER 2019
NOVEMBER 2019
DECEMBER 2019
• At Old Government House in Parramatta, we showcased the stories of women who worked, lived and influenced the history of this World Heritage Listed site. Our curators brought the varied lives of these women into sharp focus. In preparation for the exhibition, a portrait of Emily Phillips (c. 1830) underwent a restoration, generously funded by her descendants.
• Using funds raised by the Women’s Committee, donors and a generous bequest, work began on Lindesay at Darling Point (pictured). The huge project of repairing external original timber joinery and painting was completed during the COVID-19 closure. The new colours were in keeping with those used at the time of its construction and the works are reflective of this grand house’s historic past.
• The National Trust submitted a proposal to Transport for NSW’s consultation process on the Great Western Highway Upgrade Program between Katoomba and Lithgow. The proposal highlighted the 21 properties and two landscapes that would be compromised as a result of the current proposed plan.
• Vienna Cottage (pictured), a hidden heritage gem in Sydney’s Hunters Hill, had its entrance verandah reconstructed and new signage displayed using bequeathed funds, a grant, and money raised by its volunteer committee. The Cottage now has a greater street presence and easy trip-free access for visitors.
• Much-needed museumgrade shelving was installed at Old Government House to store our extensive collection of 19th and early 20th century garments and accessories. This was the final step in a rigorous program of cataloguing these beautiful items so they can be enjoyed and admired for years to come.
• On 20 December, the Gospers Mountain bushfire posed an immediate threat to the Norman Lindsay Gallery and its collection of artworks. The collection at Faulconbridge was evacuated by contractors, volunteers and staff (pictured). Thanks to some amazing teamwork and co-ordination, the artwork was safely placed in climate-controlled storage before being returned to the Gallery. Your Trust in Action – 2020
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JANUARY 2020
FEBRUARY 2020
MARCH 2020
• Following the devastating summer bushfires, damage assessments were carried out at the Australian Wildlife Sanctuary in Bargo. As a result, buildings, fencing and many burnt trees required professional removal. Focus then shifted to rebuilding animal accommodation, including protection for dingoes rescued from the blaze.
• Throughout her lifetime, Margaret Olley AC gifted works of art to collections around Australia including pieces by European masters as well as Australian, Japanese and Papua New Guinean artists. The S.H. Ervin Gallery exhibited 65 of these works in celebration of Olley’s generosity and support for the arts. A fine example is Cressida Campbell’s 2000 work, White Waratah (pictured), a gift from the Margaret Hannah Olley Art Trust in 2002 to the Art Gallery of New South Wales. ©Cressida Campbell.
• The Coronavirus pandemic meant we had to close our heritage properties to the public, volunteers and members. Heritage collections were shrouded in protective covers to prevent dust build up (see Retford Park above). National Trust staff regularly opened properties for airing and took the opportunity to undertake renovations, deep cleaning and property maintenance.
• Due to carpet beetle and moth infestations found in Miss Traill’s House in Bathurst, framed works and furniture were relocated to an air-tight tent (pictured) and received a chemical free treatment. By replacing oxygen with nitrogen and creating an atmosphere in which no insects or their larvae could survive, the fragile objects have been given a new lease of life.
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Your Trust in Action – 2020
• While closed as a result of bushfires, Norman Lindsay Gallery and its gift shop were renovated using funds raised from the 2019 Norman Lindsay Gallery Appeal.
• We nominated the historic Ultimo Tramsheds (part of the Powerhouse Museum) for listing on the State Heritage Register. • Funds from a generous bequest were used to restore and reinstate the original flèche that once sat atop the historically significant stables at Cooma Cottage in Yass.
APRIL 2020
MAY 2020
JUNE 2020
• Winter is the favourite season for rodents to find refuge in old homes, so we took the opportunity during the pandemic-related closure to inspect and treat unwanted activity. This will make our properties cleaner and safer for our collections and visitors.
• We ran a survey on the heritage significance of the Powerhouse Museum to build the case for placing the site on the State Heritage Register. We received over 1,300 responses and published the results online. The results showed that 98.6% believed the Powerhouse Museum should remain open in Ultimo and 98.2% think that the Ultimo buildings and the Museum’s permanent collection should be listed on the State Heritage Register.
• Restoration began on the original desk of Woodford Academy’s founding headmaster, John McManamey. The desk is unusually small for an experienced headmaster but is in keeping with the modest size of the Academy (pictured). The Academy is of state heritage significance and the restoration will help give visitors a unique glimpse of life in this former school.
• We made a submission to the Independent Bushfire Inquiry. The submission detailed the National Trust’s longstanding knowledge of bushfires through our Bushland Management Services as well as highlighting the specific cases of heritage destroyed and under threat during the bushfire season including the Australian Wildlife Sanctuary (pictured) and other heritage sites around NSW.
• The National Trust nominated the Powerhouse Museum at Ultimo (pictured) for listing on the State Heritage Register.
• Uralla residents contacted the National Trust regarding the potential impact that a proposed supermarket development would have on the main street. Following our involvement, Uralla Shire Council restricted the proposal and introduced conditions to ensure the valuable heritage streetscape would not be compromised by the development.
Your Trust in Action – 2020
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General Funds Do Make a Difference When people give a lot or a little, regularly or just once, during their lifetime or as a gift in their will – it all makes a big difference to what we can achieve as an organisation. CREATING OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCIES As a not-for-profit, we are always looking at ways to improve our running costs and this year saw the commencement of our Strategic Plan 2020–2024. This year, in an effort to reinvest in our infrastructure, we started with upgrading our systems in the National Trust Centre at Observatory Hill. Already this has resulted in a marked increase in productivity and the streamlining of our work flow. COPING WITH COVID-19 The pandemic has had a significant impact on the National Trust as we have had to close our properties to visitors. As part of our response and in the interests of keeping our staff, volunteers and visitors safe, we have implemented enhanced safety procedures and digital booking systems at properties as they begin to re-open. These measures have come at a substantial strain on our resources. Gifts in wills have played a critical role in providing financial relief to the sharp drop in our income and will continue to do so next year as we recover from the financial impact of COVID-19. In 2020, our general funding 8
Your Trust in Action – 2020
has been generously supported by bequests, including those from Neville Grace and former National Trust members, Heather Korber and Donald Taylor. GETTING OUR REGISTER ONLINE The long-running project to digitise over 11,590 listings in the National Trust Register, and ensure their accuracy and completeness, continues. The Register dates back to 1946 and includes landscapes, townscapes, buildings, industrial sites and cemeteries throughout NSW that the National Trust determines, through a rigorous selection process, to have heritage significance. We aim to complete the digitisation process by December 2023. Once complete, the Register will be securely stored, integrated with Google Maps, and easily accessible as a valuable asset for the community and industry. Our Register has a long-standing reputation for being an evidence-based reference and knowledge source constantly used by governments at all levels, the building and design industry, students and academics. This project ensures the Register’s currency and quality continues in a digital age.
UNDERSTANDING OUR COLLECTIONS At the National Trust, a large collection of items are held in trust for the enjoyment and education of the community. This includes over 100 objects on loan to us, often for long periods. A forensic audit was recently completed resulting in over a dozen rare and special loaned pieces joining our permanent collection. Our team is currently completing the cataloguing of a large number of textile items including vintage clothing and tapestries. While our properties have been closed due to COVID-19, we have been able to focus on enriching and updating our records.
“I strongly believe that if we do not take responsibility for our heritage, we will have no heritage. Our successors will be much poorer for that.” – Robert Butler OAM, Moree
Portrait of Emily Phillips (c. 1830) restored
English wool print dress (c. 1850)
Your Trust in Action – 2020
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Conservation Appeals With the overwhelming support of our donors, we raised funds for urgent conservation works at four of our beautiful properties.
NORMAN LINDSAY GALLERY APPEAL
DROUGHT APPEAL
In late 2019, we raised much-needed funds for the restoration of the magical Norman Lindsay Gallery. The original cottage that was the home of the renowned Australian writer, illustrator and artist is over 100 years old. Urgent repairs were needed including structural repairs, painting the verandah, replacing the corrugated iron roof, removing invasive tree roots, repairing and re-laying terracotta tiles as well as extensive internal and external painting across the property.
In response to the environmental damage of the drought, we are currently making three rural properties more drought resilient by investing in new water tanks, improving water collection by replacing damaged pipes and guttering, and undertaking feasibility studies on historic bores and wells. Thanks to the generosity of the community, over $240,000 was raised to upgrade Dundullimal Homestead near Dubbo, Riversdale in Goulburn and Saumarez Homestead in Armidale (pictured). This is one of the largest fundraising efforts for a National Trust restoration project.
We received just over $100,000 in donations to make these refurbishments and improvements to a treasured and much-loved heritage site possible.
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Your Trust in Action – 2020
We have now purchased new water tanks and an engineer has been engaged to conduct a study on the 19th century underground water tank at Saumarez Homestead.
The Year Ahead In October 2019, the National Trust received a generous gift in the will of long standing member and teacher, Cynthia Brew. In keeping with her passion, Cynthia’s bequest was directed to our Education Program. Together with funds from our 2019 Education Appeal, we will enhance and broaden our existing Education Programs to meet modern curriculum requirements which includes employing a Project Education Officer this coming year to reinvigorate the Programs for students engaging with heritage. This is in keeping with our goal to be innovative in capturing the imagination of primary school children and engage the next generation of history enthusiasts. Looking forward, we will be busy completing the restoration works at Norman Lindsay Gallery while the three properties at Dubbo, Goulburn and Armidale will continue to be drought-proofed and ‘ready for rain’.
We will continue the heart of our vision and mission, to safeguard our heritage, through conservation advocacy as a voice for NSW. The NSW Government recently announced the Powerhouse Museum will remain in Ultimo. At the time of publication, it seems likely that a new building will be constructed in Parramatta at the expense of two significant heritage buildings, Willow Grove (pictured) and St Georges Terrace, which we are working hard to save. Our priority actions are to continue the conversation about the construction of the new Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences in Parramatta and to press the NSW Government to take sustainable, measured action by not raising the Warragamba Dam wall. Planning is underway for a large-scale project to photograph, research and value the National Trust collection of ceramics and silver. This will ensure we can provide richer interpretation and documentation of these valuable objects for the community.
Your Trust in Action – 2020
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Thank You Your ongoing support of the largest independent conservation charity in Australia makes it possible for us to continue to realise our vision. You are an invaluable contributor to the National Trust (NSW) and to bringing the heritage of New South Wales to life for future generations.enerations. CONTACT US
National Trust of Australia (NSW) ABN 82 491 958 802 GPO Box 518, SYDNEY NSW 2001 Phone: (02) 9258 0131 Email: info@nationaltrust.com.au nationaltrust.org.au/donate-nsw @nationaltrustau @nationaltrustau
@nationaltrustnsw
A group of our generous donors and Debbie Mills enjoy a lunch on the verandah of the Norman Lindsay Gallery in October 2019 following a tour of both the Gallery and Woodford Academy. Supporter Norman Monshall said “dining on the balcony was a real experience” and that overall it was a “memorable day”.
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Your Trust in Action – 2020