National Trust (NSW) Magazine - April to June 2021 by The National Trusts in Australia

NATIONAL TRUST NEW SOUTH WALES APRIL – JUNE 2021 MAGAZINE

IN THIS ISSUE ART CONSERVATION SAVING NEWCASTLE'S HERITAGE PARRAMAT TA ROAD – BEING VERSUS GOING

CONTENTS

Inside Welcome to our second edition of the New South Wales National Trust Magazine for 2021. In this edition, we showcase efforts to rescue some beautiful artworks in our properties. We explore the heritage of Newcastle and consider how to bring about renewal while conserving heritage. And we ask what’s the difference between a street and a road. We hope you enjoy this edition, and we look forward to sharing more stories of heritage throughout the year.

What’s in a list? Neil Wykes OAM and Debbie Mills

Update National Trust News

Protect Saving Heritage at the Heart of Newcastle

Conserve Windows into our Past

Reflect Parramatta Road – Being Versus Going

Explore Heritage Holiday with Mum

Calendar April to June 2021

Tours Upcoming Tours

Member Moments In Conversation with Emily Pont

National Trust (NSW)

Cover image G.F. Gregory's beautiful 1895 watercolour, Seven Kookaburras, is one of many National Trust (NSW) artworks needing treatment as part of our 'Rescue. Revive and Repair' project. Read more about our art conservation efforts on page 8 (photograph by Julie McCarthy).

National Trust (NSW) Observatory Hill, Millers Point, Sydney 2000 GPO Box 518, Sydney 2001 Telephone: (02) 9258 0123 Fax: (02) 9251 1110 www.nationaltrust.org.au/nsw President: Mr Neil Wykes OAM CEO: Debbie Mills Editor: Andrew Sedger Designer: Lauren Sutherland Editorial Committee: David Burdon, Nicole Crabb, Debbie Mills, Susan Hunt, Anja Stride, Lyndal Stuart, Jane Watters, Anne Weinman. The New South Wales National Trust Magazine is published by the National Trust of Australia (New South Wales). Published articles reflect the opinions of the authors and are not necessarily reflective of the views of the National Trust. This magazine is printed by Enviropress, a division of Bright Print Group, on paper that is independently certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), carbon neutral and made with 100% recycled post-consumer waste in a chlorine-free environment.

VISION

What’s in a List? BY NEIL WYKES OAM AND DEBBIE MILLS

Dear Members, In February, the Federal Minister for the Environment, the Hon. Sussan Ley, and the Hon. Don Harwin, Minister for the Arts in New South Wales, jointly announced that the 100-hectare site referred to as the ‘Governors’ Domain and Civic Precinct’ in Sydney had been added to the National Heritage List. The precinct includes the eastern side of Sydney’s Central Business District, the First Government House site, Hyde Park Barracks, the Conservatorium of Music, the Mint and Parliament House, Hyde Park, the Domain, Macquarie Place and the Royal Botanic Gardens. NSW Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said, “Many individual places within the precinct are already state listed, however National Heritage listing unites the shared history and better links the buildings as a heritage precinct.” The National Trust encourages the Federal Government to include other significant heritage precincts on the National Register, including Indigenous heritage precincts.

Above Neil Wykes OAM, President and Debbie Mills, CEO (photo by Nicole Taylor)

The heritage of this area of Sydney is of great significance to the story of the National Trust. Saving the Macquarie Street precinct from demolition was one of the first successful heritage protection campaigns championed by our founding members 75 years ago, so we strongly support this area’s listing. We created a National Trust Register in 1949 for a very good reason, and we believe that the federal and state lists are vital – for heritage everywhere. The rigour, research, expert analysis and due diligence that goes into getting something on the National Trust Register are considerable and provide a crucial point of reference about the significance of heritage sites throughout New South Wales. Without this point of reference, there would be no grounds upon which to protect our heritage. The state and federal government lists serve this purpose and guarantee an additional layer of statutory and regulatory clout. The lists matter. They ensure we have on record what matters to us all.

Neil Wykes OAM, President

Debbie Mills, CEO April – June 2021

Update

National Trust News Your essential update on the latest campaigns, appeals and initiatives to conserve and protect the heritage of New South Wales. In this edition, read about the progress we're making following the incredible support for our Ready for Rain appeal. Plus, find out what's happening at Westmead and North Parramatta, in the Mulgoa Valley and at Central Station.

GENERAL NEWS

Ready for Rain Repair works are well underway at three regional National Trust (NSW) properties to ensure they are ready for rain, thanks to generous donors who supported the the National Trust's 2020 Drought Appeal. Engineering investigations have commenced at Saumarez Homestead so its historic underground cistern can be repaired to once again store and supply water, and gutters and downpipes are being renewed on the visitor centre building. Drought-proofing projects are also in hand at Riversdale and Dundullimal Homestead (pictured), including installing new water tanks and guttering.

Bushland Management Services The National Trust’s Bushland Management Services has been awarded contracts for two Sydney projects. Staff will soon be working on a waterways rehabilitation program at Lucas Creek in Loftus, to improve the ecological value of the riparian zone by creating a defined channel, reducing soil erosion, removing weeds and revegetating stream banks. Restoring bushland at Lieutenant Cantello Reserve in Hammondville is another significant undertaking. This reserve marks the location of a United States Air Force plane crash in June 1942, during the war-time defence of Sydney.

Saumarez Farmers’ Market The highly-anticipated ‘Harvest to Heritage’ Armidale Farmers’ Market has returned to Saumarez Homestead, allowing visitors to experience the magic of this property throughout autumn. In addition to purchasing fresh local seasonal produce, visitors may enjoy the homestead’s significant gardens and explore the two-storey Edwardian mansion, which is once again open to visitors as part of the markets, held on the second Sunday of every month (until June), from 9am to 2pm.

National Trust (NSW)

Update

ADVOCACY NEWS

Westmead & North Parramatta The NSW Government has produced a Westmead Place Strategy to guide the transformation of this important precinct, including land in Parramatta North. The National Trust (NSW) is reviewing the proposal to ensure it follows best practice when it promises to conserve and sensitively update and activate the Parramatta North Heritage Core. Recent heritage losses in Parramatta warrants such vigilance. The National Trust will also continue to oppose ‘relocation’ of the demolished Willow Grove building into this important precinct of national heritage significance.

Mulgoa Valley The significant house, Fernhill (pictured), and St Thomas’ Church at Mulgoa were individually listed on the very first list of places worthy of preservation produced by the National Trust in 1946. It is important that the setting for these places also be protected, so the National Trust’s Landscape Conservation Committee is reviewing the Mulgoa Conservation Area (first listed in 1986) to ensure this important heritage protection instrument can respond to current threats such as surrounding urban development and the new Western Sydney Airport.

LEGEND Adjacent Proposed Envelope

Central Station

Tower Envelope Proposed

Proposed tower developments within the State Heritage Register boundary of the Central Railway Station Group will have a major impact on the character of this place and the surrounding area. The National Trust has strongly objected to a 200-metre tower over the Parcels Post building, and another proposed directly on top of the Former Inwards Parcel Sheds. To facilitate their construction, it is also proposed to demolish the original 60-metre sandstone and brick ramped roadway leading to Railway Square under the guise of ‘rebuilding’ it later.

Opposite from top Dundullimal Homestead property manager, Karen Hagan (L) and National Trust volunteer, Sis Honner (R) (image by National Trust (NSW)); BMS installing jute matting on the banks of Ewey Creek, Miranda to prevent erosion (image by National Trust (NSW)); Saumarez Farmers’ Market (image by National Trust (NSW)).

WANT MORE NEWS AND UPDATES? @nationaltrustau @nationaltrustau @nationaltrustnsw

Above from top The Female Factory is a key part of the Parramatta North Heritage Core (image by National Trust (NSW)); Fernhill estate at Mulgoa Valley in Sydney's west (image by National Trust (NSW)); Impression of proposed towers (image by Urbis).

April – June 2021

PROTECT

Saving Heritage at the Heart of Newcastle BY DAVID BURDON, CONSERVATION DIRECTOR

The original inspired and intimate town plan for Newcastle is coming under increasing threat from development in the name of ‘renewal’, however the adaptive re-use of several important historic buildings offers its heritage a glimmer of hope.

National Trust (NSW)

On 10 September 1797, Lieutenant John Shortland was on his way to Port Stephens in the Governor’s whaleboat. He was in pursuit of runaway convicts who had seized the Cumberland, “the largest and best boat, belonging to Government”. Although it was raining, Shortland decided to pull into the mouth of a river where he made a short stay and prepared a sketch. The simple drawing noted a “very fine coal river”, long beach, steep topography to the south, and occupation of the country by the Awabakal and the Worimi people, who knew the river as Coquon. Shortland named the river after Governor Hunter, but for a long while it was referred to in despatches by Governor King as the Coal River. In 1799, Australia’s first commodity export left its banks — a shipment of coal bound for Bengal. In 1804, Governor King ordered Lieutenant Charles Menzies to establish the town of Newcastle, not only to exploit the area’s natural resources, but also as a home for recalcitrant convicts. Menzies took with him a prefabricated timber-framed building that had been assembled earlier in Parramatta, and other modest buildings soon followed. The city grew, and as Barry Maitland and David Stafford note in their excellent Guide to Newcastle Architecture, there was one development in the 1820s which was to have “a profound effect upon the future character of the city”. Governor Macquarie decided to commission Government Surveyor Henry Dangar to do what had proved impossible in Sydney — stamp an orderly plan on the disorganised street pattern of the free town that had grown inland from the wharf. Dangar produced a modest grid of three streets running east-west and seven running north-south, with a large central public axis stretching from Christ Church Cathedral down to the water. To the east was the Pacific Ocean, while to the west expansion was limited due to Macquarie’s granting of more than 2,000 acres to the newly-formed Australian Agricultural Company.

A chance for historic ‘renewal’ The steelworks and indeed even the railways have now come and gone from Newcastle, and yet still the clarity and scale of this unique city remains largely intact. For now. The human dimension of Newcastle is at great risk as the rallying cry for ‘renewal’ sweeps across the city. The railway was removed in 2016 under the guise of reconnecting city and waterfront. Now the never-to-be-built-upon rail corridor is increasingly disappearing under apartments and office buildings, creating a far greater visual barrier than the railway ever offered physically.

From left The state-heritage listed Newcastle Signal Box, built in 1936, is now a restaurant (image by Alamy); An Eye Sketch of Hunter’s River, by John Shortland, 1797 (image courtesy of Hydrographic Department, Ministry of Defence, U.K).

Heritage Conservation Areas within Newcastle will continue to come under increasing pressure from larger developments that will drastically alter the grain of these places. However, recent projects featuring adaptive re-use of historic buildings offer glimmers of hope. The Signal Box restaurant, Ireland Bond Store apartments, and the conversion of the City Administration Centre into a hotel, show what can be achieved when heritage is meaningfully retained. The planned restoration of the Victoria Theatre, the oldest theatre still standing in New South Wales, is another wonderful opportunity that must be grasped. Newcastle is one of Australia’s oldest cities, arguably with the best location, and it needs to be treated with care. Newcastle can and must benefit from some well-designed new projects, so that it can indeed become a thriving place to both live and visit. Nearly two hundred years ago, Henry Dangar came up with a plan for a unique city on a unique scale. A sudden rash of inappropriately scaled and poorly sited developments risk undoing all his good work.

It was an inspired plan, on a smaller and more intimate scale than the street grids that followed for Melbourne and Adelaide. With John Horbury Hunt’s later cathedral as the crowning apex, Newcastle offered a mix of unique natural features, considered planning and good architecture. April – June 2021

CONSERVE

Windows into our Past BY REBECCA PINCHIN, COLLECTIONS MANAGER

The National Trust is on a mission to 'rescue, revive and repair'. We are undertaking a major art conservation project this year, which will bring dozens of distinctive oil paintings, watercolours, etchings, engravings and drawings back to their former glory. Many of these historically significant items have adorned the walls of our heritage properties for generations. This is their story.

The National Trust (NSW) collection contains more than 60,000 objects including thousands of paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures and objet d'art. Many pieces depict the early days of colonial New South Wales and helps us connect visually and conceptually with our pioneering past. Works in the collection can be appreciated for both their artistic excellence and for providing a cultural context for our heritage properties. They are windows through which we can experience the colony’s formative years, learn about the sensibilities of past generations and hear the stories of our early settlers. Most of the artwork continues to inhabit the rooms of their original homes, now National Trust heritage properties, where they delight visitors and help bring our past to life. The collection includes many works depicting flora, fauna and the customs of Aboriginal people, and also features some marvellous portraits. One such piece is a wonderful portrait of Mary King, the youngest daughter of the third Governor of New South Wales, Philip Gidley King. Mary was born in 1805 and her portrait, dated 1815, is part of the Old Government House collection. Mary went on to marry Robert Lethbridge and live on land granted to her near Penrith. The oil on canvas was one of a number of significant objects generously donated by businesswoman and philanthropist, the late Gladys Penfold Hyland (née Lethbridge). Fittingly, Gladys was Mary’s granddaughter. 8

Many Australian artists with established reputations feature in our collection. Among them is Neville Henry Cayley (1853 –1903), a British-born painter best known for his meticulous and attractive watercolours of Australian birds. Cayley’s watercolour of the dying woodcock bird in flight, c. 1897, is a version of his highly successful and popular image. The sudden movement of the bird, feathers flying above the long grass below, is one of the artist’s most iconic images. One artist influenced by Cayley was G.F. Gregory. His beautiful 1895 watercolour, Seven Kookaburras, is after Neville Cayley’s 1888 watercolour of the same name. Gregory’s work is housed in Saumarez, a 30-room Edwardian mansion in Armidale, home to the White family for more than a century. As well as being a masterful study of native birdlife, the painting is indicative of the White family’s passion for Australiana, which is further reflected in the homestead’s furnishings and memorabilia. At the Sydney waterfront manor, Lindesay, lives an 18th century portrait of Queen Henrietta Maria, the French princess who married Charles I of England. The work was donated by Ken Bernard-Smith, who was a leading figure in the development of our collection, especially the early colonial furniture on display at Old Government House. The National Trust’s art collection also stands as witness to colonial landowners in unfamiliar landscapes and provides an insight into their cultural and social aspirations. A fine example

National Trust (NSW)

of this is a series of watercolours of the upper Hawkesbury region from 1835. The paintings, by an unknown artist or artists, feature the villa and agricultural land of Solomon Wiseman, a convict who was granted a 200-acre lease on the Hawkesbury River in the area now known as Wiseman’s Ferry. One of the watercolours appears to be an architectural rendering of Wiseman's villa, and the others are naive images either of the competed villa or interpretations of it, suggesting there were possibly three artists. Wiseman was an ancestor of well-known author Kate Grenville and his story, as well as these watercolours, served as inspiration for her critically acclaimed novel, The Secret River. At the National Trust, we take great joy in researching, educating and inspiring the community with our collection. We see it as an integral part of our commitment to conserving, interpreting and engaging with the cultural history of New South Wales. As the custodians of the artworks, we wish to recognise the generosity of our donors, the work of our volunteers caring for the collection and the support of our members who enjoy our exhibitions and programs.

Many of our artworks were cherished possessions of early colonial governors, squatters, grocers, innkeepers and explorers. Many continue to hold sentimental value given their pathway into our collection. Our Rescue. Revive. Reveal. project will ensure that these artworks will continue to delight and entertain

From top Artist unknown, East View of Mr Wiseman's Villa c1835 watercolour, S.H. Ervin Gallery collection. Gift of the Garden Committee 1981 (photo by Paul Green); Conservation in action (photo by International Conservation Service Pty Ltd).

our audiences for many years to come. April – June 2021

REFLECT

Parramatta Road – Being Versus Going BY DR ELIZABETH FARRELLY

What’s the difference between a street and a road? National Trust (NSW) Board member, author and architecture critic, Dr Elizabeth Farrelly, believes that it is about being versus going: where a road is a conduit, a street is a place to be – to mill, to socialise, to explore.

We seldom think of streets as places to be. Yet Sydney, like London before it, has a tradition of magical high-streets. (And no, this is not some colonial straitjacket we need to shrug off. It’s a glorious past from which to grow a still-more glorious future). Consider Oxford Street from Woollahra to Darlinghurst or King Street from Darlington to St Peters: defined by two-storeyed shophouses quite as charming as London’s Camden High Street or Singapore’s Neil Road – and admired and beloved for their qualities of being-there, of dwelling.

terraces and boarded-up shops…” that was “congested even on a Sunday morning.” Little has changed, despite small flowerings of restaurants and bridal shops – conspicuous in their snowy whiteness – along the way. Will e-vehicles change this, reducing noise and pollution? Or autonomous cars, reducing the carriageway by enabling closer packing of cars? Or the government’s proposed $100m in council grants to support planting and street furniture? Would a heritage paint scheme, like the City of Sydney’s for King Street Newtown, make a difference? Perhaps. Just such smallscale improvements helped turn Cleveland Street Redfern into a pedestrian experience that, if not pleasant, is at least bearable. But the key to civilising Parramatta Road is to change our collective perception of it from a traffic sewer into a series of places. Even now, behind the soot and above traffic-level, are kilometres of late 19th and early 20th century shop houses. The key to changing this perception is to prioritise foot-people over car-people.

The Parramatta Road, as our most venerable highway, is every bit as well-endowed in physical terms. Yet it’s seen in a very different light. Despised as filthy, noisy and congested, the Parramatta Road is avoided by both shoppers and drivers – be-ers and goers. Would renaming it Parramatta Street help? A road is named for the place to which it leads. It’s about going, not being. In 1973, Ruth Park described Parramatta Road as a line of “endless used-car yards… dejected 10

National Trust (NSW)

It’s not impossible. First, widen footpaths – not by redeveloping buildings to eight storeys which will encourage driving and worsen the traffic problem – but by narrowing the carriageway. This would enable tree-planting, to reduce the urban heat island effect, sequester carbon and generate oxygen. True, this would inhibit traffic. That’s a plus, not a minus, and should be accompanied by enhanced public transport. Indeed, a fast, clean, frequent light-rail route flanked by only two traffic lanes (or, better still, bike lanes) would go a long way to civilising the street and encouraging us to live smaller, less frenetic but more socially enriched lives in this global city of ten-minute-walkable villages.

From left The historic buildings themselves are not enough to make Parramatta Road a place for people, not cars, but they offer a good starting point for the human scale that is required (photograph by Tony Rodd, Flickr); The condition of Parramatta Road led returning veterans of the First World War to liken it to the conditions they had experienced in Europe (courtesy City of Sydney Archives).

Such favouring of Sydney’s foot-people would bring multiple spin-off benefits. It would enhance physical fitness, boost immunity and improve mental resilience, since walking deepens thought and fights depression. People would start to appreciate the intimate texture of the old street. They’d shop locally and on foot, every day or two instead of once a fortnight by car, and would nurture the person-to-person connections that generate community wellbeing and shared creativity.

April – June 2021

But it must happen soon. The demolition by neglect of so many fine shop-houses along the Parramatta Road would be a terrible loss. Personally, rather than generating street-long uniformity via “heritage” colour schemes, I’d deploy these fine shop-houses to demark the individual villages along the street, each with a discernible flavour. Thus, as beads upon a necklace, Parramatta Street Lewisham would feel different from Parramatta Street Auburn, or Camperdown, or Harris Park. The alternative, for which developers are already pawing the ground, is the erasure of all this by serried lines of dead-eyed eight-storey cheap-build apartments. This erasure of history would undermine all other mental benefits, depleting the sense of purpose that derives from ancientness and gives a connection to the sacredness of place – that is, a sense of home. Dr Elizabeth Farrelly, a recently elected board member of the National Trust (NSW), is trained in architecture and philosophy, has a PhD in urbanism, is a former City of Sydney Councillor, a former Associate Professor (Practice) and a weekly columnist for the Sydney Morning Herald. She is the author of several books including Blubberland; the dangers of happiness (2007) and, most recently, KILLING SYDNEY; the fight for a city’s soul (2021).

EXPLORE

Heritage Holiday with Mum BY SALLY AND JESSIE BODOR, MOTHER AND DAUGHTER

For National Trust (NSW) Relationship Manager Jessie Bodor, Mother’s Day provides the perfect excuse to explore the heritage, culture and natural wonders of the State with her mum, Sally. In celebration of that special day in May, mother and daughter share their love of the richly diverse Southern Highlands — its historic villages, buildings and gardens, and the pleasure of discovering something new with every visit.

SALLY My parents were long standing country members of the National Trust in Victoria and Trust publications were always sighted on the coffee table. My father, a forester and environmentalist, was instrumental in the preservation of historic trees, gardens and their surrounding environment. We often discussed natural conservation issues and those times contributed to my existing interest in antique objects, old buildings and early country towns. It was particularly pleasing to see Jessie’s eyes open to a world of the past when she was a child and for that interest to continue into adulthood. Living and travelling in Europe, along with being involved in the antiquarian book world, augmented my understanding of history. I frequented busy London auction houses, which consolidated my appreciation for antique furniture, fine objects and paintings from around the world. Provenance was always key, offered intrigue and helped set the value of an item. My first questions were important to establish an item's history, its creators, past owners and uses. Those judgements I carry with me today, especially when exploring rooms in heritage places. Seeking places of historical interest in the Southern Highlands is something Jess and I have particularly enjoyed over the years. Scenic roads winding through the hills promise adventures for the two of us. Dropping into little cafes, galleries or a National Trust property is always a highlight. Both Retford 12

Park at Bowral and Harper’s Mansion at Berrima have lovely, old established gardens with considered plantings of trees, shrubs and borders. As a National Trust member, I can enjoy their delights at any time of the year. Approaching these buildings rewards us with an opportunity to travel back in time and stepping inside them permits us to enter the past. The mere opportunity for such a journey is a privilege I cherish. I particularly enjoy the unchanged historic village of Berrima, with its quaint streets, old gaol, courthouse and former inns sitting alongside today’s galleries, shops and cafes. Golden sandstone buildings, weatherboard cottages and wooded laneways surround the Wingecarribee River. We discuss, occasionally dispute, yet always enjoy analysing the architectural features of the buildings we encountered and the preserved streetscapes. Jess strides at a cracking pace, just like her grandfather, and though I scurry to keep up with her, we park at one end of Berrima specifically to walk through the village, past significant historic buildings and up the hill to Harper's Mansion. Surprisingly, her pace slows as we enter through the gate to be welcomed by the dreamy garden. As we approach the house, the anticipation of more delights invigorates discussion about the detailing and the Georgian windows. Every visit offers something new and adds to my appreciation of the role of the National Trust and all the work the volunteers do to keep these homes open to the public.

National Trust (NSW)

JESSIE Mum and I are close and we have a shared sense of fun. Her love of architecture, gardens, art and collectibles has been the foundation block for my personal appreciation of history. She and my grandparents taught me the irreplaceable importance of heritage.

From top Sally & Jessie enjoying the detailing on the house at Retford Park; Sally & Jessie in the garden at Harper's Mansion (images by Sophie Hordern).

So it’s fitting that we’ve travelled together in Europe, spending days traipsing villages and cities, visiting fabulous old sites and museums. When I lived in the UK, I had a National Trust membership and working for the National Trust in NSW is like coming home. Back in Australia, we continue to wander together through old buildings, galleries and gardens, and we enjoy bantering about periods or styles, whether it’s fabrics, books or paintings. Mum loves the Southern Highlands for its cool climate, its peaceful landscape and its picturesque towns. She always jumps at an excuse to head off on Saturday mornings to a market, nursery, gallery or garden. After taking in the monthly Exeter markets, we often wander across the road to St Aidan’s Anglican Church, which is an unusual style, built of local basalt and Bundanoon sandstone. The surrounding grounds include old oaks and elms and provide a peaceful escape from the bustling market. As part of the 75th Anniversary celebrations for the National Trust, I’ll be heading down to Harper’s Mansion, Golden Vale and Retford Park. I have an affection for the Golden Vale house and garden, especially given that it is not open regularly. The sandstone homestead is in Sutton Forest, an early settlement town, and is surrounded by an English-style garden with a view of Mount Gingenbullen. I look forward to sharing this special place with mum.

Membership for Mum This Mother's Day, give your mum a National Trust (NSW) membership and receive a free, limited edition 75th Anniversary Madura Tea Caddy. Further details on page 20 or visit our website nationaltrust.org.au/mem-gift

April – June 2021

Calendar

Calendar Last year we were starved of fun things to do to enjoy heritage. So now we’re bringing you a feast. On 18 April the Australian Heritage Festival kicks off with events all around New South Wales, including the National Trust Heritage Awards. The festival and the awards are proudly supported by the NSW Government through the Heritage Council of New South Wales. We’re also celebrating our 75th Anniversary with a program of special events taking place at National Trust properties. These events are generously supported by principal sponsors the Australian Government, Laithwaites and Edelman, major sponsors the City of Sydney, NSW Government and Tenterfield Shire Council, and with the support of Museums and Galleries of NSW, Bathurst Regional Council, The Diggers Club and Budget Direct. Welcome back to the celebration of our State's heritage. Australian Heritage Festival events

TREE OF LIFE: A TESTAMENT TO ENDURANCE S.H. ERVIN GALLERY, MILLERS POINT 10 APRIL – 30 MAY, 11AM – 5PM* (EXCEPT MONDAYS & PUBLIC HOLIDAYS) What remains of the natural world is the one beacon in a perilous age of drought, fire, floods and plague, exacerbated by the constant reality of climate change. This major exhibition led by indigenous and non-indigenous Australian artists concerned for the future of the environment radiates a fresh, positive energy towards the reclamation of diminishing natural resources. Tickets: Members $4, general admission $12, children/ concession $10. Visit nationaltrust.org.au/whats-on-nsw * To celebrate the National Trust’s 75th Anniversary and the Australian Heritage Festival, entry to the Tree of Life exhibition will be free on 8 MAY, 11AM – 5PM. Tickets: Register at nationaltrust.org.au/75years-calendar

75th Anniversary events

ENQUIRING MINDS: EXPLORATION AND DISCOVERY IN COLONIAL NEW SOUTH WALES OLD GOVERNMENT HOUSE, PARRAMATTA 27 FEBRUARY – 28 NOVEMBER, TUESDAY TO SUNDAY, 10AM – 4PM A fascinating and thought-provoking exhibition, which delves into 18th and 19th century voyages of discovery combining exploration of the great southern land with scientific advances in navigation, astronomy, mapping and botanical collecting. Tickets: Members free, general admission $15, concession $10, family $35 Visit nationaltrust.org.au/whats-on-nsw

SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS IN BLOOM

BETWEEN FRIENDS NORMAN LINDSAY GALLERY, FAULCONBRIDGE 1 APRIL – 25 JULY, THURSDAY TO SUNDAY, 10AM – 4PM ‘Between Friends’ documents the friendship between artist Margaret Coen and Norman Lindsay. The exhibition features a wonderful selection of watercolours and oils by Margaret Coen, and a sampling of the letters between her and Lindsay. Tickets: Members free, general admission $17, concession/children $15 Visit nationaltrust.org.au/whats-on-nsw

GOLDEN VALE, HARPER’S MANSION AND RETFORD PARK 10 APRIL, 10AM – 4PM With exquisite landscapes across the Southern Highlands book a weekend trip and enjoy the stunning heritage properties and gardens of three stellar homes who have opened their doors for free to ticket holders. Afterwards explore the best that the Southern Highlands has to offer with its abundance of wonderful wineries and beautiful scenic walks. Tickets: Registration free Visit nationaltrust.org.au/75years-calendar

National Trust (NSW)

Calendar

OLD BOLWARRA HERITAGE WALK

HARVEST TO HERITAGE: ARMIDALE FARMERS’ MARKET

BOLWARRA, MAITLAND 18 APRIL, 2PM – 4:30PM

SAUMAREZ HOMESTEAD, ARMIDALE 11 APRIL, 9 MAY & 13 JUNE, 9AM – 2PM Saumarez is thrilled to see the return of its farmers’ market bringing the local community up to 30 mouth-watering fresh produce and plant product stalls. Visitors can also explore the Edwardian mansion and parts of the stunning garden. Afterwards, relax on the lawn with music (hopefully live!), coffee and seating.

Be guided through the historic leafy streets of the "gentleman's suburb" of Old Bolwarra, containing numerous fine examples of mid to late 19th century architecture, followed by a charming afternoon tea at Brough House. Tickets: Members $20, general admission $25 Visit nationaltrust.org.au/ahf/nsw

Tickets: Free entry to stalls and garden (donation appreciated), House entry tickets: Members and children under 5 free, general admission $15, concession $10, family $35 Visit nationaltrust.org.au/whats-on-nsw

KURNELL VILLAGE FAIR CAPTAIN COOK DRIVE, KURNELL 18 APRIL, 10AM – 4PM Visitors will be delighted by the many carnival rides on offer and a large number of stalls to browse, from hand crafted goods to food produce from different cultures. Tickets: Free. Visit nationaltrust.org.au/ahf/nsw

EVERGLADES HOUSE OR GARDEN TOUR LEURA 19 APRIL TO 14 MAY, MONDAYS (GARDEN) 11AM & 1:30PM & FRIDAYS (HOUSE), 11AM

SUTHERLAND SHIRE 18 APRIL, 10AM – 5PM

Everglades is opening up its garden for guided tours every Monday throughout the festival to show off its designer gardens and postcard perfect valley views to the public. Alternatively, every Friday throughout the festival, Everglades opens its heritage-listed doors for visitors to marvel at the exquisite Art Deco interior.

This popular annual event showcases the Shire’s history through the ages, allowing you to ride a vintage Sydney bus which takes you to a number of local heritage venues, including the Historical Society Museum and the Sydney Tramway Museum.

Members and children under 5 free, general admission $15, concession/children $10, family $35 (This is the same price for both house or garden tour) Visit nationaltrust.org.au/ahf/nsw

SUTHERLAND SHIRE CITIZENS’ HERITAGE FESTIVAL

Tickets: Free. Visit nationaltrust.org.au/ahf/nsw

EARTH AND SKY OLD GOVERNMENT HOUSE, PARRAMATTA 18 APRIL, 10AM – 4PM

GARDEN PARTY AT LINDESAY DARLING POINT 24 APRIL, 10AM – 4PM

Enlightenment-era grand home featuring a new exhibition, Aboriginal sand painting demonstration on the lawn, sciencethemed activities for the kids and garden games.

Enjoy the picturesque gardens, live music and garden games. Relax with a picnic in the stunning grounds, savour a coffee or gelato, or enjoy a complimentary glass of wine * with a meal purchase. *18 years and over only. One glass per person, per day.

Tickets: Registration free Visit nationaltrust.org.au/75years-calendar

April – June 2021

Calendar

ILLI LANGI (MEANS HOMELAND) THE ROCKS ABORIGINAL DREAMING TOUR THE ROCKS 25 APRIL, 10:30AM – 12PM AND 1:30PM – 3PM Discover a rich cultural appreciation of Sydney Aboriginal Dreamtime beginnings, from an Aboriginal guide sharing their ways of thinking about Aboriginal connection with nature, flora–fauna ecology, conservation & sustainable practices. The tour is delivered by an authentic Aboriginal-owned business and is suitable for locals to Sydney or visitors to the city. Tickets: Members $44, general admission $59, concession $44, children $13 Receive a 25% discount using promo code HERITAGE Visit nationaltrust.org.au/ahf/nsw

NATIVE BEE WORKSHOP

HERITAGE ON THE HARBOUR

RETFORD PARK, BOWRAL 29 APRIL, 9:30AM – 11:30AM

SYDNEY HARBOUR 24 APRIL, 1 MAY, 9 MAY & 15 MAY Wave goodbye to boring boat trips; with Sydney Heritage Fleet you will explore Sydney Harbour as never before, offering visitors four different cruises with entertaining guides aboard one of their restored heritage vessels.

Enjoy a passionate and informative introduction to the importance of honeybees to our ecosystems, then after morning tea you will be shown how to make a bee hotel to take home. The event finishes with a tour of the stunning Retford Park garden to look at ways to make your garden more bee friendly.

Times and prices vary per event Visit nationaltrust.org.au/ahf/nsw

Tickets: Members $55, general admission $65, concession $60 Visit nationaltrust.org.au/ahf/nsw

This year, help us

RESCUE. REVIVE. REVEAL.

The collection of art held by the National Trust (NSW) across our heritage properties offers a unique window into Australia’s pioneer past. We urgently need funds to rescue our most fragile art treasures and restore them to their former glory. Without conservation treatment, these pieces will fall into disrepair and their stories will fade. Help us revive our art and let their stories live on.

Please donate today at www.nationaltrust.org.au/donate-nsw National Trust 2021 Art Restoration Appeal 16

National Trust (NSW)

Calendar

FOCUS ON FEDERATION SIR HENRY PARKES MEMORIAL SCHOOL OF ARTS, TENTERFIELD 1 MAY, 10AM – 4PM Visit the Sir Henry Parkes Memorial School of Arts in historic Tenterfield where the entire cultural precinct will join the celebrations, with tours of the museum, gallery and library, with live music in the theatre and documentaries outlining 75 years of the National Trust (NSW) and the evolution of the School of Arts. Tickets: Registration free Visit nationaltrust.org.au/75years-calendar

EARTHLY INCARNATIONS: INTRODUCTION TO THE FUNGI KINGDOM RETFORD PARK, BOWRAL 5 MAY, 9:30AM – 4PM This highly interactive workshop includes an overview and history of the major types of fungi, a delicious picnic style lunch and a foray through the magnificent gardens of Retford Park to search for species of interest and learn how to identify them. Tickets: Members $140, general admission $155, concession $145 Visit nationaltrust.org.au/ahf/nsw

HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR, LUNCH & BUBBLES AT THE FENWICK BALMAIN 2 MAY, 10:30AM – 1:30PM Winner of the Heritage Awards 2019 Adaptive Reuse category; The Fenwick Balmain invites you to experience waterfront dining, sparkling wine and a historical walking tour to discover the hidden treasures of the Balmain foreshore with one of Sydney’s best historical walking tour groups. Tickets: $105. Visit nationaltrust.org.au/ahf/nsw

MUSIC, CARDS & COMFORT IN THE 1800s MACQUARIE REGIONAL LIBRARY, DUBBO 3 MAY, 11AM – 12 PM A talk at Macquarie Regional Library by Lyn Campbell and Karen Hagan about the social importance of the piano, the card table and the ottoman in the Dundullimal Homestead collection and their conservation. Tickets: Free entry. Visit nationaltrust.org.au/ahf/nsw

TOUR OF LINDESAY DARLING POINT 8 MAY, HOURLY TOURS 10AM – 3PM Reminiscent of former times, visitors will be guided round the restored Georgian interiors, antique furniture and elegant grounds with harbour views. Visitors will also enjoy stories outlining the history behind this classic mansion; the first house built on Darling Point in 1834. Tickets: Members free, general admission $10 Visit nationaltrust.org.au/ahf/nsw

April – June 2021

Calendar

MISS PORTER’S HOUSE AS ARTISTS’ MUSE MISS PORTER’S HOUSE MUSEUM, NEWCASTLE WEST 8 & 9 MAY, 10AM – 4PM An exhibition in the historic Porter family home of works by the Athena Art Group. See how artists respond to objects within the collection of the Miss Porter’s House Museum, ranging from printmaking to ceramics, from textiles to mixed media. Tickets: Members/concession/children $8, general admission $10, family $25. Visit nationaltrust.org.au/ahf/nsw

BIRD BREAKFAST AT RETFORD PARK RETFORD PARK, BOWRAL 11 MAY, 9AM – 11:30AM Join Retford Park for breakfast and a morning bird walk in the beautiful grounds. The resident bird expert, James Luck, will help you identify birds and show you some of the strategies they’re using to encourage birds. Tickets: Members $55, general admission $65, concession $60 Visit nationaltrust.org.au/ahf/nsw

WORKING 19th CENTURY VILLAGE WILBERFORCE 16 MAY, 10AM – 4PM Step back in time as you enter ‘The Australiana Pioneer Village’ and experience the atmosphere and activities of life over 100 years ago. Attend an old-fashioned school lesson, watch blacksmith demonstrations and sam ple traditional cooking over an open fire in the authentic cottages. Tickets: General admission $5, children $3, concession $5 Visit nationaltrust.org.au/ahf/nsw

OPERA AT DUNDULLIMAL DUNDULLIMAL HOMESTEAD, DUBBO 16 MAY, 12:30PM – 4PM A delightful afternoon of musical magic from favourite operas and musicals by Mozart, Verdi, Bizet, Puccini, Strauss, Rodgers, Gershwin and more. Bring your own picnic or purchase refreshments on-site. Presented by Macquarie Conservatorium and Dundullimal Homestead National Trust (NSW). Gates open at 12.30pm and concert starts at 2pm. Enjoy scrumptious cakes from the onsite café and coffee from the onsite coffee van.

COUNTRY AND CULTURE AT DUNDULLIMAL

Tickets: Members/concession $26, general admission $30, family $59. Visit nationaltrust.org.au/75years-calendar

DUNDULLIMAL HOMESTEAD, DUBBO 15 MAY, 11AM – 3PM Believed to be the oldest surviving sophisticated slab house in Australia, Dundullimal Homestead and its sandstone stables, timber church and shed are a living illustration of rural life on an isolated property. Experience the homestead and property tours, music, blacksmith demonstrations, outdoor games and Wiradjuri cultural demonstrations. Tickets: Registration free Visit nationaltrust.org.au/75years-calendar

CONVICT HERITAGE AT DUNDULLIMAL MACQUARIE REGIONAL LIBRARY, DUBBO 17 MAY, 11AM – 12PM Many of the people who worked at Dundullimal Homestead in the 1800s were convicts or former convicts. This talk by Karlyn Robinson at Macquarie Regional Library tells some of their fortunate and unfortunate stories. Tickets: Free entry. Visit nationaltrust.org.au/ahf/nsw

National Trust (NSW)

Calendar

EXPLORING THE SOUTHERN STARS OLD GOVERNMENT HOUSE, PARRAMATTA 5 JUNE, 6PM – 9PM Starry-eyed wonderers are invited to a special evening of astronomy. Visitors will view the southern stars in the same location as they were originally recorded 200 years ago; next to the foundations of Parramatta Observatory. There will also be a talk on the history of the Observatory. Tickets: Registration free, gold coin donation at the door Visit nationaltrust.org.au/whats-on-nsw

ART OF PETER PINSON VIENNA COTTAGE, HUNTERS HILL 22 MAY, 10AM - 4PM Cottage tours and an exhibition of the art of the late Professor Peter Pinson, OAM (1943-2017). Artist and Curator Peter Pinson was Emeritus Professor of Fine Art at University of NSW from 1991 to 2008 and Director of Pinson Gallery from 2008 to 2014. Tickets: Registration free Visit nationaltrust.org.au/75years-calendar

OUR AVIATION HERITAGE – ATTACK AIRCRAFT HARS AVIATION MUSEUM, ALBION PARK 24 JUNE, 10AM – 1PM

BEYOND THE GRAPES: DISCOVER THE HUNTER TOMAGO HOUSE, GROSSMAN & BROUGH HOUSE AND MISS PORTER’S HOUSE 29 MAY, 10AM – 4PM

Due to popular demand, HARS Aviation Museum is again offering the ‘Attack Aircraft’ specialist tour to members and friends. With a senior HARS member as your guide, explore selected artefacts of Australian military aviation heritage. Includes morning tea and a light lunch. Tickets: Members $80, general admission $90, children under 14 $65 Visit harsmuseumshop.com.au/collections/event-tickets

With historic walking tours of Newcastle and Maitland, house and garden tours, afternoon teas, music and a staged play reading. There is so much more to the Hunter than just the grapes! Step back in time at Miss Porter’s House with a ‘A Walk With The Porters’ through historic Newcastle West, nibble on snacks while watching live reading of ‘Voices from Tomago’ at Tomago House and enjoy afternoon tea with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine* in the garden at Grossmann and Brough House, following a walking tour of historic Maitland.

RIDDLE COLLECTORS CHALLENGE FOR CHILDREN

18 years and over only. One glass per person, per day.

Tickets: Members free, general admission $15, concession/ children $10, family $35 Visit nationaltrust.org.au/whats-on-nsw

Tickets: Prices vary at each property Visit nationaltrust.org.au/75years-calendar

OLD GOVERNMENT HOUSE, PARRAMATTA 26 JUNE – 11 JULY (EXCEPT MONDAYS), 10AM – 4PM As part of the Enquiring Minds exhibition program; this event is a riddle challenge for children. Enquiring young minds are challenged to solve a collection of clues and find the items each riddle describes in the grounds of Old Government House. Includes entry to the house and exhibition.

April – June 2021

Calendar

The gift that will suit Mum to a tea This Mother’s Day, treat your Mum to a National Trust Gift Membership. As well as free admission to some of Australia’s finest homes, galleries and gardens, every Gift Membership comes with a special pack of our 75th Anniversary tea. Offer ends 30 June. Purchase your Gift Membership today at nationaltrust.org.au/mem-gift or call (02) 9258 0156

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National Trust (NSW)

Tours

National Trust Way Holiday Tours National Trust (NSW) guided holiday tours take you to special heritage places around the world to experience different cultures, environments and histories in comfort and style.

MAY GIBBS’ NUTCOTE 3 JUNE 2021, 10:30AM Do you remember the iconic Australian children’s story, The Complete Adventures of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, written and illustrated by one of Australia’s most treasured authors, May Gibbs? This tour visits the beautiful harbourside cottage and garden of Nutcote, built at Neutral Bay in 1925, where she lived for 44 years. Tickets: Members $50, general admission $55 (includes morning tea). Bookings through Eventbrite. Find the event by typing “National Trust NSW Eventbrite” into your favourite search engine. Enquiries: Jill Bunning, Tour Leader, phone 0439 321 164

CANBERRA: THE EVER-CHANGING CITY

NORFOLK ISLAND

17 – 21 MAY 2021

15–22 OCTOBER 2021

Enjoy five days exploring unique treasures and much-loved places with private tours of our nation’s capital. We will visit the beautiful Gardens of Government House, the historic Lanyon Homestead, the amazing Rose Gardens of Old Parliament House, the award-winning National Arboretum, the National Gallery of Australia for the Botticelli to Van Gogh Exhibition masterpieces exhibition, and the Australian War Memorial, which includes participation in the wreath-laying Last Post Ceremony, plus much more.

Treat yourself to a taste of paradise with a week on this tiny Australian island in the South Pacific Ocean. Defined by its pine trees and jagged cliffs, this magical island is not only rich in colour but also in history, serving first as a convict penal settlement in the late 1700s. The tour includes visits to the various museums on the island and the award-winning Cyclorama. Meet the locals, enjoy a swim or a stroll through the National Park, or take in the stunning views from the World Heritage-listed Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area.

Bookings: David Smith, Travel on Capri, phone 1800 679 066 Enquiries: Jill Bunning, Tour Leader, phone 0439 321 164

Enquiries/ expression of interest: Phone David Smith (Travel on Capri), 1800 679 066

April – June 2021

National Trust (NSW) Magazine - April to June 2021

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