National Trust of Australia (Victoria) pms347
Annual Report 2012-13
Message from the Chairman I am delighted to introduce the 2012/13 Annual Report of the National Trust of Australia (Victoria). Our CEO will describe our financial result for 2012/13 of $74,700,000 in detail, including the Board decision to bring our property assets into our accounts which has contributed so significantly to our annual result. Our vision is for the Australian community to understand, value, and enjoy the built, natural and cultural heritage that creates our national identity. This report marks a year in which we have clearly focused on that vision, building upon the investment and critical decisions our Board has made in recent years. Our exit from farming operations, begun in 2011/12 and completed this summer, was one such difficult decision. Whilst inevitably painful for some, our action has significantly reduced Trust exposure to risk, improved management of our cash flow and enabled a clear focus on our core conservation activities with long term benefits to the Trust. Whilst our year end operating result is once again a deficit, our underlying position continues to steadily improve. Adjusted for a number of one off and restructuring costs our result is ahead of budget and our costs continue to be well controlled. Illustrating the strength of our steady improvement there is no better example than a third consecutive annual profit over $1m at Old Melbourne Gaol, a result which now enables the Trust to undertake a great deal more core activity and invest in other sites.
Trust Resources Heritage Advocacy This year has seen the Trust further consolidate its advocacy position. We have strengthened our conservation team with a number of specialist appointments. As a result the Trust has increasingly been able to work in innovative new ways often embracing new media and technology, to undertake a range of community based advocacy programs and campaigns. We have supported the creation of another new branch covering Beechworth and surrounding areas and have been active in Victorian communities, supporting grass roots community based activity at planning panel hearings and providing specialist advice and legal support for common sense heritage outcomes. Our activity in conservation advocacy is detailed later in this year’s report but some highlights include: building upon our success with the community in securing the future of the Bacchus Marsh Avenue of Honour to develop a range of new campaigns in the lead up to the centenary of ANZAC; the delivery of Australia’s first national significant tree database; launching two highly successful smart phone apps – Melbourne’s “Lost” at the start of this year, and “Our City” at the end; and being contracted to deliver coordination of content and promotion for the Commonwealth Government’s new community heritage portal – www.communityheritage.net.au.
Stewardship of Properties and Sustainable Development Our role as a committed manager of our cultural heritage has seen the Trust deliver our largest single program of works in recent years with the majority of expenditure $1.3m on Rippon Lea house. This project followed success in securing a Commonwealth community grant in 2012 and continuing generous support of the Andrews Foundation managed Rippon Lea Endowment Fund. More than $5m of works for this property have now been delivered in the last six years. The restoration of the roof, improved rainwater management and installation of solar panels strengthens our commitment to sustainability. The installation of solar will meet the annual electricity needs of the house. Additional investment delivered at Rippon Lea this year included approval and fitout of an enhanced cafe, delivery of a new children’s garden with Attica restaurant and Friends of Rippon Lea’s support, preparation for a major new exhibition program and our first major partnership exhibition at Rippon Lea with ABC television and Every Cloud Productions just after year end, and a refocused commercial wedding and garden event business. We are confident that we will see Rippon Lea contributing revenue to our core operations from next year. Rippon Lea is one of numerous heritage places we have invested in over the past year that, as I stated at last year’s AGM, are designed “to get our house literally in order, deal with maintenance backlogs, find new partnerships and uses for
Dr B
lackman our sites, invest in with Den ise Lovett Chair of the Victo , facilities to ensure rian Abor iginal our long term Heritage Council sustainability whilst supporting a continued resurgence in Trust advocacy, education and the celebration of heritage.” We have held true to that commitment this year and as Rippon Lea and the recent reopening of Como with a revitalized café and new operator illustrates, we are ensuring our properties are in far better order, welcome innovative partnerships, are more accessible and subject to creative and sustainable new uses.
Trust Foundation Focused on Growth The launch of our Foundation last year has created a great opportunity for the Trust. Our largest corporate donation in many years, $100,000, was secured for the Trust Foundation thanks to the generosity of John Swire Pty, parent company of Cathay Pacific. The donation will support the long term stewardship of Barwon Grange in Geelong. As promised last year the Trust was able to formally recognise our supporters and the Foundations efforts at a Rippon Lea launch event post year end to mark the start of the Miss Fisher exhibition and completion of the roof restoration. Our first Foundation accounts are consolidated into our Trust Accounts this year for members’ information. The latest information from the Foundation shows that close to a quarter of a million dollars has now been secured, a great start to providing a secure long term endowment for the Trust.
Trust Commitment to Reconciliation Our first National Trust Reconciliation Action Plan was formally recognized by Reconciliation Australia this year. The Trust is committed to embracing a cross-cultural understanding of identity that encompasses both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples and our mutual responsibilities in building a shared sense of place. We recognise the importance of working collaboratively to achieve this. I am personally proud that the Trust has built upon this strong commitment this year joining in an inaugural partnership with Aboriginal Heritage Council in the delivery of our Heritage Festival this year and securing the employment of our first indigenous staff member in our long history with the support of a grant from the Commonwealth. This has enabled the Trust to undertake the assessment of three of our sites, Mooramong, Endeavour Fern Gulley and McCrae homestead to assist the Trust in their interpretation and management.
Building on Heritage Partnerships I have continued to act as Chairman of the Melbourne Heritage Restoration Fund with the Trust acting as administrator this year. The fund is a unique partnership between the Trust and State government through Heritage Victoria & Department of Planning and Community Development, Melbourne City Council. It continues to support the restoration of buildings in the city of Melbourne and increasingly through innovative partnerships outside the city including a pilot project in the City of Yarra which is now in its second year. The Trust has actively argued for wider consideration of this model in Victoria and we have worked to maximise the benefit to our heritage from such innovative cross sectoral partnerships. We are confident that this effort will present real opportunities in our next financial year. Finally, this annual report heralds the culmination of our existing Strategic Plan 2009/13. We have devoted considerable time to reviewing our programs and strategies in developing of our strategic plan for 2014 and beyond. The growth of our Foundation, a focus on education and community, bringing life into all our historic sites through programs and interpretation, embracing innovation and most importantly delivering an increasingly engaged advocacy role are all priorities. Whilst the Trust will always have considerable work to do, we are confident of our growth and development moving forward in partnership with our members and stakeholders. Dr Graeme L Blackman OAM
contributing revenue to our core operations from next year. Rippon Lea is one of numerous heritage places we have invested in over the past year that, as I stated at last year’s AGM, are designed “to get our house literally in order, deal with maintenance backlogs, find new partnerships and uses for
Whilst the Trust will always have considerable work to do, we are confident of our growth and development moving forward in partnership with our members and stakeholders. Dr Graeme L Blackman OAM
Message from the CEO continued Annual Resulthas been a stand out performer, enhanced this year Rental revenue now theChairman Trust has highlighted leased the Mooramong As our our overall farming reportedoperations financial at net revenue of $277,000. Further rental revenue of $132,000 for result for 2012/13 of $74,700,000 whilst impressive, requires Glenfern tenancies was applied a total 2013 explanation. This major changein inendowments, result reflectsmaking the decision rental by of $611,000. This isduring set to grow further with the completion taken the Trust Board the year to recognise the value lease agreements at have year end the Como café andfor catering of new our property assets. We nowfor brought valuations the operationofset toproperties increase rental $700,000 per majority our into significantly the accountsover in line with accounting annum. OurThe investment in enhancing the value of House, rental sites in standards. exceptions, which include Como Glenfern support of ourland heritage with $60,000 allocated and all crown Trustproperties managedcontinues sites including Tasma Terrace, in 2013 refurbish our accounts. Glenfern tenanted properties. Revenue are also to detailed in the The decision to recognise the from operations remainsthat on athe parTrust with last year despiteand a significant value of the properties owns, operates makes $200k bequest donation and take up of desire a majortoproperty bequest of accessible to the public illustrates our more accurately $1.53mthe in 2011/12. very encouraging result. reflect significantA stewardship role that the Trust undertakes with limited core government funding.
Control of Expenditure Operating Overall costsResult of running our operations fell by $400,000 this year
with the majority that control being exercised our major result Whilst our overallofreported result is positive, ouratoperational properties costs were down $273,000 was whistreceived overall revenue is a deficit where of $348,000. A total of $183,000 during wasyear up by the for$251,000. the National Trust of Victoria Foundation and is now deposited in our Foundation reserve but included in our combined Cost of administration of the National Trust finished the year better result the 2012 Foundation balance was just $15K resulting in an than budget by $230,000 and last year by $114,000 reflecting overall Trust operational deficit of $531,000. A number of one off strong expenditure control. events and deferred revenues are included in this figure including the revaluation of livestock following Results flow from Investment in exit our from Sitescommercial farming - ($175,000) and the cost of the property valuation exercise Major investment totaling in excess of $1.4m has been focus at ($75,000). Allowing for these the resulting variance to aapproved Rippon Lea this year across several projects as mentioned by our annual budget was positive. Chairman. Whilst there was disruption to the house and functions from scaffolding, along withonincreased expenses earlier in the Annual Operating Result year, this is now2012/13 firmly behind us. We are building on the major Trust Activity 2013 investment and a resulting revised opening structure at the site and Operating Revenue $ 6,100,342 the property has gone from strength to strength. Non Operating Revenue $ 2,116,313 Total Revenue
$ 8,216,655
Current Liabilities
$ 3,961,216
Expenses
$ 7,576,507
Non Operating Expenses
$
Total Expenses
$ 8,564,621
988,144
Overall Result
-$
347,966
Revenue continued to increase and remained positive overall thanks to strong costs control in what has been a generally difficult market for heritage sites and attractions in Victoria this year. Old Melbourne Gaol’s finish to the year indicates the strength of the Trust’s operations moving forward, with a June year to date result $110,000 better than the previous year and profit of $1.1m. The introduction of a major exhibition in partnership with Channel 9, the “Squizzy Taylor” exhibition was developed during the year and had a positive impact on revenue post year end.
Other continued Sinceproperties Novemberwhich the site has improved monthly results and has tobroken improve their overall result records post year end. Rippon Lea visitation and revenue year on yearhas include Comoexponentially this year increasing by education increased House. opening 1763 Targeted children or 162%and to 4762 children through our facilitated a focus on eventsfunded led to a and externally education programs. The children’s garden result $51,000 better thanend theas the major roof renovation was was launched post year previous year but for members completed, and considerable media attention surrounded the post and stakeholders year end launchtrying of theto Miss Fisher exhibition which welcomed over understand the change thatfour is weeks of opening. The exhibition 14,000 visitors in its first still required at the Trust, the was extended to a third month at the time of writing due to its property was still in a deficit of $170,000. popularity. We have focused considerable Board and staff effort on the future to 2014 ofLooking Como thisforward year, reopening the site to visitors at year end and Our annualthe report for 2012/13 illustrates accomplishments progressing planning and permit issues the which have held back and challengesdeficit we have faced, and we20 have delivered and encouraged operations forinvestment the site over years. to ensure continued improvement in 2014. The postthe year Considerable legal work has been undertaken during year as a end performance of theplanning Trust stimulated by exhibitions and prelude to formal master being pursued with Stonnington programming exceptional andprovision I am confident that it will Council in 2014.has Ourbeen ultimate aim is the of a sustainable lend further impetus to our strategic direction next With this and strong community focused site. The reopening ofyear. the Como prediction, in programming and facilities at our “Stables” caféthe at expansion year end following a competitive expression of properties, ourresulted strongerin conservation advocacy team and the major interest process a significantly improved commercial success initiatives such as the National rental andof massively increased visitation upHeritage to 1300 Festival people which over visitors to over branded atattracted weekends. As 345,000 a result the original Trust1500 shopTrust has now beenevents across Australia all aligned to aalong new strategic plan which refurbished and isthis set year, to reopen in spring with house tours. will build on our last five years of effort, I am sure you will agree The major sites have increased profitability and revenue every that we can look forward with some excitement to the coming year. month since November with the exception of March and Easter / It seems apt that the theme next year’s Trust festival holiday timing difference. Thisfor indicates the potential for awhich very Victoria will once again coordinate be Journeys. I strong performance in 2013/14. Pollynationally Woodsidewill operations result thank you as supporters, stakeholders or perhaps just someone who improved year on year by $95,000 despite the site being closed for is interested in our cultural your interest in our due shared three months over the spring heritage holidaysfor amid safety concerns, our efforts to offer a vibrant andadjacent exciting cultural tojourney, floodingand mitigation works by Major Projects to our site. in all that National Trust was is engaged with. A heritage focus onexperience school bookings and the holiday programs particularly successful with school bookings up 300% in the last two months of Martin Purslow CEO the year pointing to strong growth in 2013/14. Minor Properties finished the year $100,000 down to budget largely due to expenditure during the year on sites including Mulberry Hill to bring them back into sustainable operation. Many smaller sites are now doing well including La Trobe’s Cottage the new Martinwhere on the roof with Government House Tour launched this year and managed by the Sean, a lead beater, Trust and volunteers has now sold out to the end of 2013. Labassa during the rest orhave ation continues to perform well as do the Portable Iron Houses. All strong and committed volunteer support. Membership revenue as reported appears down by $66k from the previous year. However this is the result of the introduction of a new three year membership category with $48k deferred revenue not accounted for in this year’s report, so year on year is only an $18k minor variance. We remain the largest Trust by membership in Australia. Message from the CEO continues on next page.
nchelsea Barwon Park, Wi
National Trust Australia (Victoria) Annual Report 2013
Message from the CEO continued Rental revenue has been a stand out performer, enhanced this year now the Trust has leased the Mooramong farming operations at net revenue of $277,000. Further rental revenue of $132,000 for Glenfern tenancies was applied in endowments, making a total 2013 rental of $611,000. This is set to grow further with the completion of new lease agreements at year end for the Como cafĂŠ and catering operation set to increase rental significantly over $700,000 per annum. Our investment in enhancing the value of rental sites in support of our heritage properties continues with $60,000 allocated in 2013 to refurbish our Glenfern tenanted properties. Revenue from operations remains on a par with last year despite a significant $200k bequest donation and take up of a major property bequest of $1.53m in 2011/12. A very encouraging result.
Control of Expenditure Overall costs of running our operations fell by $400,000 this year with the majority of that control being exercised at our major properties where costs were down $273,000 whist overall revenue was up by $251,000. Cost of administration of the National Trust finished the year better than budget by $230,000 and last year by $114,000 reflecting strong expenditure control.
Results flow from Investment in our Sites Major investment totaling in excess of $1.4m has been a focus at Rippon Lea this year across several projects as mentioned by our Chairman. Whilst there was disruption to the house and functions from scaffolding, along with increased expenses earlier in the year, this is now firmly behind us. We are building on the major investment and a resulting revised opening structure at the site and the property has gone from strength to strength.
Since November the site has improved monthly results and has broken visitation and revenue records post year end. Rippon Lea education has increased exponentially this year increasing by 1763 children or 162% to 4762 children through our facilitated and externally funded education programs. The children’s garden was launched post year end as the major roof renovation was completed, and considerable media attention surrounded the post year end launch of the Miss Fisher exhibition which welcomed over 14,000 visitors in its first four weeks of opening. The exhibition was extended to a third month at the time of writing due to its popularity.
Looking forward to 2014 Our annual report for 2012/13 illustrates the accomplishments and challenges we have faced, and investment we have delivered to ensure continued improvement in 2014. The post year end performance of the Trust stimulated by exhibitions and programming has been exceptional and I am confident that it will lend further impetus to our strategic direction next year. With this prediction, the expansion in programming and facilities at our properties, our stronger conservation advocacy team and the major success of initiatives such as the National Heritage Festival which attracted over 345,000 visitors to over 1500 Trust branded events across Australia this year, all aligned to a new strategic plan which will build on our last five years of effort, I am sure you will agree that we can look forward with some excitement to the coming year. It seems apt that the theme for next year’s Trust festival which Victoria will once again coordinate nationally will be Journeys. I thank you as supporters, stakeholders or perhaps just someone who is interested in our cultural heritage for your interest in our shared journey, and our efforts to offer a vibrant and exciting cultural heritage experience in all that the National Trust is engaged with. Martin Purslow CEO
Martin on th e roof with Sean, a lead beater, during the restoration
nchelsea Barwon Park, Wi
ion owing complet Rippon Lea foll novation of it’s $1.3m re
Solar Pane ls at Rippon Lea
Properties Bringing our properties to life through reinvestment, conservation and engagement is a key objective. Throughout the state each of our properties are unique, with their own story which is told in their own way. Conservation and engagement at these properties will always be at the heart of what we do as an organisation. Our charter is to look after these historic and nationally significant places to preserve and protect them for future generations to enjoy. It is through the engagement of new generations that these properties will remain accessible and relevant into the future. Last year as an organisation we spent $1.6 million on the conservation of the places in our care. We understand there is always more to do but we are happy that last year saw a vast improvement in the condition of many properties within our custodianship. Following are some of the most significant developments that took place at our properties.
Rippon Lea House and Garden Rippon Lea House and Garden has been a key focus for the organisation this year with many restoration, conservation and other innovative projects taking place. The main projects that have been undertaken, completed or worked on during the course of the year are: • The Hotham street fence was converted back to the style of the original 1890s fence. The fence features ornate cast iron embellishments. • Commencement of the 1.3 million dollar roof restoration project. Due for completion in September 2013, this project includes major structural repairs to roof structure which has degraded in recent years, remediation and repointing of all chimneys, replacement of all copper gutter systems, replacing all 1960s Marseille pattern tiles with terracotta shingles which have been designed to keep within the original intent of the building and the installation of solar photovoltaic panels which will greatly improve the environmental sustainability and impact of the property. • In May 2013, soil was turned to begin Stage 1 of what has been coined the Children’s Garden at Rippon Lea. Stage 1 is due for completion in September 2013, with successive stages being completed as funds become available. The Children’s garden will be the first of its kind at a National Trust property and is innovative and cutting edge in its design and scope. Key features of the garden are the usage of natural materials, minimal impact to historic landscape, integration within established garden surrounds and an embedded education program to enable imaginative and physical play.
Restored ch imneys at Ri ppon Lea
In early 2013 the Trust embarked on it’s largest restoration project to date with the $1.3 million Rippon Lea Roof restoration.
Award winning splay at interactive di odside Wo the Polly Mulberry Hill Barwo n Grang e, Geel ong
Polly Woodside • Taking the opportunity offered by the repair works to the pumphouse, which required the dry docking of the ship, our ship volunteers completed extensive cleaning, repair works and painting of the hull of the ship. • In September 2012 the Polly Woodside museum was awarded the prestigious Museums and Galleries National Award for Excellence. Judges were impressed at how the interpretation supported living conservation objectives.
Mulberry Hill Over $275,000 worth of works were completed during the year to significantly improve public access to Mulberry Hill with the construction of a new car park space which has been designed to accommodate disabled and coach parking. Extensive works were also completed within the grounds of the 29 acre property. Mulberry Hill is scheduled for reopening to the public in early 2014.
Barwon Grange In April of this year John Swire & Sons donated $100,000 to establish a sub fund within the Foundation specifically for the preservation and conservation of Barwon Grange. Held in perpetuity, this generous donation will support the long term sustainability of this important Geelong property.
Future – Next 12 months. Work being carried out to the hu ll of the Polly Woods ide
In the next 12 months we will see the Trust continue to deliver large scale projects that have long lasting impacts on the properties under our custodianship. The Trust seeks to reopen and reactivate several key regional properties through engagement with new markets and refined business models that will enable balancing out long term financial sustainability and access.
The Old Melbourne Gaol welcomed 176,487 vistors during the year.
National Trust Australia (Victoria) Annual Report 2013
National Focus Heritage Festival 2013 The Victorian National Trust Heritage Festival attracted a huge audience of 83,000 people this year. Hosting 180 events between 18 April and 19 May, the Heritage Festival continues to be one of the Trust’s largest celebrations of heritage and community engagement. The Heritage Festival is a national event that was, this year, coordinated by Victoria enabling unprecedented national branding and promotion. The 2013 theme was Community Milestones celebrating the Centenary of Canberra, a significant milestone to the national community and one that is echoed through events exploring community and their achievements throughout the festival. In Victoria we were proud to celebrate our own milestone in presenting the Festival with the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council and committing to the celebration of our shared heritage. On the 18th April, the International Day of Monuments and Sites, the National Trust hosted our inaugural National Education Forum exploring youth engagement with Indigenous heritage. The Heritage Festival was supported by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities through the National Trust Partnerships Program. From this support the Trust leveraged $1,249,556 of sponsorship and inkind support whilst speaking through social and conventional media to 42,059,099 people.
National Register of Significant Trees In Victoria the Trust led a national initiative funded by the Commonwealth’s National Trust Partnership Program to create a register of significant trees for Australia. The Trusts in Australia have classified around 2,500 trees or groups of trees, with half of those being classified by the Significant Tree committee in Victoria. The new national register has been launched: www. TrustTrees.org.au. The process of adding all 2,500 national records will be undertaken in 2013-14. New Community Heritage Portal
Delegates at the Tr ust’s National Confe rence 2013 - Cooktow n
Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) The Trust’s first Reconciliation Action Plan was implemented this year and we have started to see a much more dynamic commitment to our shared heritage. Direct engagement with the RAP has enabled 2 firsts at the Trust in Victoria. Indigenous Heritage Advocate, Rueben Berg was appointed to help undertake our first targeted survey of Indigenous cultural heritage significance at our properties. This project, Reconciliation Through Place, will actively involve the relevant Indigenous groups and people associated with McCrae Homestead, Mooramong and Endeavour Fern Gully in discussing the significance of the sites, and how best to interpret and share this information with the wider public. It is hoped that facilitating greater social participation in these discussions will lead to ongoing relationships, which may in the future involve the interpretation of additional NTAV sites, not included in this application. This project and appointment is an Indigenous Heritage Program Project, supported by the Department of Sustainability, Water, Population and Communities.
Commonwealth Heritage Portal The Australia’s Community Heritage website www. communityheritage.net.au was developed by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities and scoped and populated, promoted and launched in an innovative contract with the National Trust Vic. The site was launched in July by the then Australian Government Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Water, The Hon Mark Butler MP. Minster Butler said the website is a unique offering that can be shared by all. “Australia’s Community Heritage website allows Australians to tell us what is important to them. This is a free, community-focussed site, where people can upload the stories that are important to them and their community. For the first time, this website creates a national portal dedicated to heritage information and stories, whether it is about historic sites, important cultural stories or places of natural beauty that make up our local communities,” Content on the site includes family stories, personal histories and anecdotes, historical information from Australia’s indigenous community, an eclectic assortment of biographies, the history of a number of community groups around the country, heritage listed buildings and places, stories about Australia’s natural surrounding and accounts of historic events.
Bacchus Marsh Avenue of Hono ur
Prep class from Hamilton (Gray Street ) Primary and Marcus Winter-Cooke (Murndal), Hugh Delahunty (Minister for Veterans Affairs), Peter Whitelaw (Hon. Chair Gallipoli Oaks Project), Dominic Romeo (NTAV RSL Board member), Paul Roser (NTAV) and Peter Smith,
Advocacy and Conservation Gallipoli Oak Project As part of its commitment to celebrate and preserve our environmental heritage, the National Trust of Australia (Vic), has identified the Gallipoli Oak tree (Quercus coccifera subsp. calliprinos) as a symbolic link between the Centenary of ANZAC, the people of Turkey and the primary school children of Victoria. To bring this link to life we are propagating up to 2000 juvenile Gallipoli oaks to be planted in Victorian primary school grounds during remembrance ceremonies in the period between 2015 to 2018. The project will include interpretive material that will communicate the story of the Gallipoli Oaks during World War 1, the process of propagation and convey our enduring relationship with the Turkish people. Our committee of stakeholders includes the RSL and Department of Early Learning and Childhood and is Chaired by Peter Whitelaw, Life Governor of the Shrine of Remembrance. On 2 May 2013 the Victorian Government Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Hugh Delahunty, visited Murndal, a property near Hamilton that is home to a Gallipoli Oak planted by a soldier in 1916. Attended by a prep class from nearby Hamilton (Gray Street) Primary School, Minister Delahunty announced $10,000 funding for the Trust from the Veterans Council Grants Program for the National Trust’s Gallipoli Oaks Program. The funding is supporting propagation of juvenile oaks.
Nearly 200 Victorian primary schools have registered to be included in the Gallipoli Oak project.
Avenues of Honour Pilot Awareness and Commemoration Project A $15,000 grant from The Youngman Trust is assisting the development of our Avenues of Honour work. Laura James, a PhD candidate from Monash University, is employed to work with three communities in Sandringham, Bacchus Marsh and Woodend to liaise with primary schools, RSLs, Councils and local history groups to develop a pilot study with communitybased outcomes. The results of this pilot will be used to assist other communities develop their own commemoration programs. Hugh Delahunty (Minister for Veterans Affairs), Peter Whitelaw (Hon. Chair Gallipoli Oaks Project), and preppie from Hamilton Gray St Primary School
Our People
Short Story Competition Awards at Portable Iron House s
The Trusts people have always been the lifeblood of the organisation from its members and volunteers to staff and the Board. The Trust simply could not operate without the huge amount of support and dedication provided by its people. This year has seen a number of positive developments to the Trust’s people including the establishment of a commercial department, the expansion of the conservation team and new corporate volunteering partnerships. The formation of the commercial team is part of an overall plan to secure the future of the Trust through the establishment of a robust commercial department who are responsible for generating income for the Trust which can then be fed back into the properties.
Anna
This year has also seen the appointment of the National Trust’s first Indigenous Heritage Advocate, Rueben Berg. This position is solely for engagement with Indigenous cultural heritage and management of the Reconciliation Through Place Project. “ Rueben will oversee the Reconciliation Through Place Project, the first targeted rather than incidental research into Indigenous cultural heritage at National Trust sites. The project, supported by the federal government, will explore the Indigenous cultural heritage at National Trust properties McCrae Homestead and Endeavour Fern Gully on the Mornington Peninsula and Mooramong in Skipton. The project will enable the development of new interpretation in consultation with traditional owners and the creation of shared heritage sites. The conservation team also welcomed Anna Foley as Environmental Heritage Advocate. Anna, an ecologist, will be the Trusts advocate for significant landscapes and the “green” environment and delivering grant-funded projects. Anna will have a crucial role helping the Trust unlock the off-set potential at some of the rural properties. The Trust has also harnessed the opportunity to work with business through their corporate volunteering programs. This has led to the establishment of strong partnerships with the ANZ and NAB who have provided volunteers for a number of key events and maintenance programs throughout the year.
In 2012-13 over 500 volunteers provided over 60,000 hours of voluntary service
Ruben
ing Volunteers enjoy eak a well earned br
ANZ volunt eers worki ng on the Polly Woods ide
Technology Our City The Commonwealth Government supported iPhone app, and the Trust’s 4th, Our City was released in June. The app is a social history walking tour of the Melbourne CBD incorporating filmed interviews, photos and textual information on sites of interest. This project would not have been possible without the support of the Your Community Heritage Program through the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, the State Library of Victoria and the participation of our fabulous Melburnians.
National Website The National Trust launched a new national trust web portal on 28 August 2012. In this period to the end of the financial year the new website has had 948,963 page views, 281,066 visits and 192,325 unique visitors. The Victorian homepage on the new national portal is the second most visited page with five of the top ten pages visited being Victorian web pages.
Education Online The website is also now an integral part of our Education program delivery as schools are now able to book online through the website. A range of online education resources have also been developed including specific pages for level 2 students who need to research or visit local sites.
Mobile Technologies The Trust is one of the first cultural organisations in the world to use a new Google process to create complete interactive tours for the web using 3D images. Rippon Lea, Polly Woodside and Old Melbourne Gaol all let the public “walk” through all their spaces online. The Trust has also embraced the use of tablets in the delivery of tours and exhibition interpretation information with iPads being introduced to Rippon Lea for guided tours by our volunteer guides and the use of android tablets as personal tour guides to the Underbelly: Squizzy Exhibition.
In its first year the new National Trust website received 948,963 page views, 281,066 visits and 192,325 unique visitors.
Events Heritage Awards The National Trust Heritage Awards program, developed in partnership with local councils, has continued to strengthen our strategic advocacy relationships at a community level. In 2013 we have worked with the Cities of Ballarat, Greater Geelong, Greater Bendigo and Shires of Indigo, Mt Alexander, Mornington Peninsula and Bass Coast to celebrate heritage conservation, advocacy and sustainability.
Exhibitions The Trust hosted a number of exhibitions in our gallery at Tasma Terrace throughout the year, including the Art of the Underground – an exhibition by Christian Pearson of underground photography 80m below Melbourne, A Natural Curiosity exhibition of Victorian curiosities regarding the natural world drawn from the NT Victoria collection and the When you go to Melbourne exhibition of Maree Coote’s artworks of Melbourne landmarks.
Elizabeth A nya-Petrivna , National T rust curato r setting up th e Underbell y Squizzy Exh ibition
The Old Melbourne Gaol played host to the Heads Examined phrenology exhibition. which was a unique exhibition of the death mask collection at Old Melbourne Gaol placed in twelve cells with a Behind-the-scenes collection tour
Open House Melbourne Tasma Terrace, the Portable Iron Houses and La Trobe’s Cottage again opened their doors as part of Open House Melbourne in 2012 on 28-29 July. This annual event provides the public with a free and rare opportunity to discover a hidden wealth of historic buildings around the city. In 2012 the program extended into the City of Port Phillip with 100 places open and 135,000 visitors.
Cells for Writers This successful programme, supported by Writers Victoria, sponsors two cells at the Old Melbourne Gaol as writers studios. There has been fabulous media coverage of the quirky program and the Cells for Writers are in great demand by budding and established writers alike.
Youngster enjoying Teddy Bears Picnic
The next twelve months will also see the introduction of a robust, innovative and diverse program of exhibitions that will be targeted at a broad ranging demographic to maximise visitation. Many of the exhibitions will be held throughout our properties. We will also continue to grow our calendar of events that will see our properties being open and accessible through the full course of the year.
In 2012/13 the Trust welcomed over 400,000 visitors. 42,000 of which were on education visits.
ion at te Exhibit Maree Coo allery Tasma G
National Trust Australia (Victoria) Annual Report 2013
Mooram ong
ibition hers Exh Miss Fis n Lea at Rippo
ea Rippon L s n e Childr asc M n e Gard
Trust Vision, Mission and Aims During 2012-13 the Trust continued to work under the strategic direction outlined in the National Trust Strategic Plan 2009-2013. The aims of this plan are outlined below:
OUR VISION
OUTCOMES
For the Australian community to understand, value and enjoy the built, natural and cultural heritage that creates our national identity.
Outcome 1 Capable Custodian
OUR MISSION To inspire the community to appreciate, conserve and celebrate its built, natural and cultural heritage.
OUR CORE VALUES ARE • Celebration and enjoyment of our built, natural and cultural heritage • Identity and creativity
1) Implement best practice conservation and property management 2) Review the National Trust’s acquisition and de-accession policies for collections and properties Outcome 2 Community Engagement 1) Create effective stakeholder engagement programs 2) Create opportunities for learning and education
• Trust
Outcome 3 Respected Advocate
• Innovation and learning
1) Maintain the Trust’s independence
• Accountability
2) Develope our advocacy role
• Resourcefulness
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Outcome 4 Financial Sustainably 1) Implement business best practice 2) Develop our commercial potential to support core activities 3) Create an independent funding revenue stream Outcome 5 Employer of Choice 1) Develop a cooperative and collaborative culture 2) Implement sustainable business units 3) Develop a creative and innovative workplace The 2014-2018 Strategic Plan is currently in production and will be released in late 2013.
LaTrobe’s Cottage
A school excursion at Rippon Lea
Sponsors and Supporters The National Trust would like to acknowledge the generous support of our partner organisations, government bodies and philanthropic trusts in helping us deliver some of our most dynamic projects.
National Trust Partners and Supporters 20th Century Fox
Delta Carpets
John Swire and Sons
Screentime
ABC TV
Department of Environment and Primary Industries
Kimberley Foundation Koorie Heritage Trust
Seaworks Foundation and Committee of Management
Department of Resources, Energy & Tourism
La Trobe University
Shire of Bass Coast
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
Laithwaite’s The Wine People
Shire of Indigo
Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation
Shire of Remembrance
Adelphi Theatre Players Company Albert George and Nancy Caroline Youngman Trust Almond Glass Annette Lowe ANZ Australian Antique and Art Dealers Association Australian Maritime Museum Council
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
Lovell Chen
Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure
Maribyrnong City Council
Australian Shakespeare Company
Destination Melbourne
Avenue Preservation Incorporated (Bacchus Marsh)
Embroiderers’ Guild of Victoria Ceremonial Group
Bakers Delight
Eureka Sky Deck 88
Ballarat Mechanics Institute
EveryCloud Productions
Bar Americano
Ferrari Dry Cleaners
Barengi Gadjin Land Council
Friends of Burnley Gardens
Barwon Park Promoters
Friends of Cerberus
Barwon River Landcare Group
Friends of Gallipoli Inc
Beacon Ecological
Friends of Mt Laura
Beacon Shire
Friends of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens
BMT Design and Technology Bonhams Australia Brintons Carpets Channel 9 City of Ballarat City of Casey City of Greater Bendigo
Dive Victoria Portsea
Friends of the Highett Grassy Woodland Garden City Plastics
M-Design Margaret Herring Maritime Museum of Victoria Mathematical Association of Victoria
Sovereign Hill State Government of Victoria State Library of Victoria Stuart Leslie Foundation Tandem Design Tea Tonic The Andrews Foundation
McCrae Family
The La Trobe Society
Medibank Icehouse
The Weekly Times
Melbourne Convention and Visitors Bureau
Tourism Victoria
Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre
University of Melbourne
Melbourne Water Military History and Heritage Vic Mission to Seafarers Mornington Peninsula Shire Mt Alexander Shire Mt William Advanced Tree Nursery Museums Australia (Victoria) Myer Foundation
Trust for Nature Veterans Unit, Department of Planning and Community Development Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council Victorian Association for the Teaching of English Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine
NAB
Victorian National Parks Association
Geelong Grammar School
National Library of Australia
VLine
Geelong Community Foundation Godden Macky Logan
National Museum of Australia
Warrnambool City Council
City of Greater Geelong
Gold Mines Hotel Ballarat
Nationwide Trees
Warwick Fabrics
City of Melbourne
Greening Australia
Parks Victoria
City of Port Phillip
Wattyl Paints
Halstead Press
Peter Rowland
CNK Catering Concepts
Peter Whitelaw
Werribee Park Mansion
Harwood Andrews Lawyers
Commerce Ballarat
Haymes Paint
Printcess
Committee Incorporated
Helen Mcpherson Smith Trust
Public Record Office Victoria
Commonwealth Government via the National Trusts’ Partnership Program
Henry Stuart Logan Clark Foundation
Reconciliation Australia
Context Pty Ltd
Heritage Council of Victoria Heritage Victoria
Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria
Crush Digital
History Teachers Association of Victoria
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Culture Victoria
IMG Events
RSL Victoria
WSP Digital
Deakin University
Jelly Belly
Ruth Barrett
Yarra Trams
Corangamite Shire
Ritchies Stores
Whitelion Will & Dorothy Bailey Trust Winchelsea Business & Tourism Association Winchelsea Community Bank Winchelsea Lions Club Wiretainers Writers Victoria
New projects developed 2013/14 are: • Albert George and Nancy Caroline Youngman Trust Avenues of Honour (Stage 1) - $ 15,000
• Your Community Heritage (Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities) Our City iPhone App - $ 22,000
• The Kimberley Foundation Mornington Peninsula strategic staff support - $ 10,000 • Indigenous Heritage Program (Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities) Reconciliation Through Place - $ 54,331 • National Library of Australia • Hoddle and LaTrobe Collection - $ 4,400 • Cultural Development Fund (City of Port Phillip) Stories from the Iron Houses - $6,500 • Bringing Heritage Online (Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities) Community Heritage website - $ 68,182 • National Trust Partnership Program (Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities) • National Trust Heritage Festival - $ 82,000 • National Significant Tree Register - $ 22,600
• Rippon Lea Roof & Carbon Footprint Reduction - $ 353,103 • Communities for Nature (Department of Sustainability and Environment) Endeavour Fern Gully Rehabilitation & Revegetation Project $ 150,000 • Myer Foundation Victorian Grasslands Study (joint project) - $ 62,000 • Museum of Australia (Victoria) • The Kelly Remains: 1880-2011 - $ 6,860 • TQUAL (Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism) Old Melbourne Gaol: Planning for re-interpretation & upgrade $ 60,000 • Community Action Grant (Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities) Endeavour Fern Gully Restoration Project: Stage 2 - $ 22,000
These supporters have, through this financial year contributed to projects to the value of $938,976.
Essie Davis as Miss Fisher at Rippon Lea
This document is available online at http://www.nationaltrust.org.au/victoria Copies available from media@nattrust.com.au Or telephone 9656 9800 Design by Green Scribble Printed by Lithocraft
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Š 2012 National Trust of Australia (Victoria) The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) is a registered not-for-profit ABN 61 004 356 192 Tasma Terrace 4 Parliament Place East Melbourne 3002 www.nationaltrust.org.au/vic
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