Trust News Western Australia February 2016

TRUST NEWS|WESTERN AUSTRALIA EDITION 01 | FEBRUARY 2015 - APRIL 2016

Julian Donaldson takes helm as CEO National Trust of Australia (WA) Chairman Michael Murray announced in January, the appointment of Julian Donaldson to the top job of the National Trust in Western Australia.

“I am delighted to announce Julian Donaldson has agreed to accept our offer of appointment to this important leadership role for a five year term,” Mr Murray said.

Mr Donaldson has had a long association with the highly successful Perth International Arts Festival as General Manager and has been instrumental over a decade in delivering to Perth audiences, a captivating line-up of leading international performances.

“His entrepreneurial and leadership skills are well demonstrated in this capacity and I am sure he will find The Giants hard to top in his new role as the CEO of the Trust. We look forward to the Trust being the beneficiary of his undoubted vision and management skills,” he said.

Mr Donaldson said it was a privilege to be appointed to the position and he looked forward to the role with a great deal of excitement, enthusiasm and admiration for the wonderful work the Trust does.

“I look forward to working with the Council, staff, members and the broader community in tackling the important priorities of increasing the commitment of stakeholders to heritage projects and programs and in working to increase the resource to meet capital and recurrent investment for heritage projects, programs and the maintenance of places,” Mr Donaldson said.

Mr Donaldson replaces long serving CEO, Tom Perrigo who led the Trust through enormous organisational

ABOVE: Julian

Donaldson, new CEO of National Trust of Australia (WA). G Pickering

transformation over 25 years and retired at the close of 2015.

The Trust recently marked its gratitude for Tom Perrigo’s outstanding service by the award of only the third National Trust Fellowship in the history of the National Trust in WA. “We are, however fortunate to have

secured his continuing service to the Trust over the next few years, as a special projects consultant, and we look forward to receiving the benefit of his service in this new way,” Mr Murray said.

Julian Donaldson commenced his new position as CEO at the National Trust of Australia (WA) on the 18 January.

Inside this issue PERSPECTIVES

INNOVATION

PLACES CATALYST

PLACES

OUT AND ABOUT OUT ‘N’ ABOUT

Perspectives

Acting CEO’s Message

ENZO SIRNA AM | ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Since being invited to assume duties as A/Chief Executive Officer on 1 July 2015, it has been an intense but very productive period.

Work has been ongoing on our current major conservation and interpretation projects and very much to schedule.

It is anticipated that the adaptive reuse of Old Perth Boys’ School (Alumni Office) and 57 Murray Street (Law School) for Curtin University will both be completed early in the New Year. The adaptive reuse of the Artillery Drill Hall, as the proposed new ‘Freo Social Hall’ is estimated for completion by October 2016. Gallop House, with the intended re-use as a ‘composer-in-residence’ place, is estimated to be completed by April, thanks mainly to a generous contribution by the Feilman Foundation.

In September, the National Trust had an opportunity to present its

submission regarding the proposed Heritage Bill 2015. The National Trust commended the efforts of the Heritage Council in working towards an open and transparent new Heritage Act. A copy of the National Trust submission is available on our website.

Furthermore, the National Trust is also actively collaborating with Her Excellency, Kerry Sanderson AO, Governor of Western Australia on two exciting projects, the Commonwealth Walkway Project and the National Parks and National Environment initiative. The Commonwealth Walkway in Perth will be one of one hundred such walkways in cities of Commonwealth countries around the world. The Walkway is a way of celebrating the

A Prime Ministerial round table The Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) hosted a two day meeting in September 2015 of the Network of Prime Ministerial Research and Collecting Agencies at Old Parliament House in Canberra.

Prime Ministerial Libraries and collections relating to Alfred Deakin, Bob Hawke, John Curtin, Malcolm Fraser, John Howard, Gough Whitlam, participated. Staff from several major collecting institutions including the National Archives, National Library of Australia and the Museum of Australian Democracy were in attendance in addition to representatives of the historic homes of Ben Chifley, John Curtin and Joseph Lyons.

These round table meetings are held annually and was in Perth in 2012 with a full day at Curtin Family Home. The purpose is to explore avenues for collaboration and to work on joint projects wherever possible. This year the main topic of

Commonwealth Charter and the role played by Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II in her 63 years of reign and will be marked by about thirtysix plaques of her personal cypher.

The National Parks and National Environment initiative is aimed at increasing community involvement in the conservation, accessibility, understanding and enjoyment of our national parks and conservation reserves.

In conclusion, on behalf of the Administration of the National Trust, I would like to recognise the significance of Tom Perrigo’s twenty-five years of dedicated service and legacy to the National Trust. His recognition as Fellow of the National Trust was most deserved. Congratulations Tom.

SARAH MURPHY DIRECTOR, CONSERVATION

ABOVE:

Members of the Network of Prime Miniterial Research and Collecting Agencies work towards a better understanding of Australia’s leaders. Museum of Australian Democracy

discussion was a new national website that focuses on Australian Prime Ministers. The website is being created by the Australian Prime Minster Centre at MoAD and will have a strong focus on collections and places.

Curtin Family Home has a small collection of 140 artifacts comprising furniture and household

items that are testimony to the domestic side of the life of Prime Minister John Curtin, his wife Elsie Curtin and their two children. The website will provide a central platform through which this collection may be showcased and sit within the broader realm of prime ministerial collections. It will be launched in the first half of 2016.

TRUST NEWS | 2 | WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Perspectives

Heritage Watch FIRE DESTROYS IWANOFF HOUSE Paganin House in Floreat, designed by renowned architect Iwan Iwanoff in 1965, was destroyed by fire on 21 December. The place was unoccupied at the time and the alarm was raised too late to save unique home. The cause of the fire is not believed to be suspicious. Born in Bulgaria in 1919, Iwanoff migrated to Perth in 1950. He became famous for a number of stunning examples of the modernist style, most notably his creative use of concrete blockwork. Paganin House had changed hands only once since it was built and damage to this place is estimated at $2 million. Iwanoff died in WA in 1986, but his designs have been widely recognised and appreciated.

Paganin is a great loss to WA’s architectural heritage.

ABOVE: Iwanoff

House destroyed by fire. S Murphy

WA SUPREME COURT RULES ROE 8 EPA APPROVAL ‘INVALID’

NEW AUSTRALIAN HERITAGE STRATEGY LAUNCHED

The WA Supreme Court threw out the approvals provided by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for the Roe 8 highway extension on 16 December. The ‘Save Beeliar Wetlands’ group filed the application challenging the approval of the Roe 8 extension, as the North and Bibra Lakes are home to more than 220 plant species and 123 bird species, and contain a site registered under the Aboriginal Heritage Act for its ethnographic significance.

Also impacted by the proposed development, would be the ruins of an Australian Women’s Army Service camp, built at Bibra Lake in 1941 and believed to have once been home to 200 women who were posted to searchlight operations and gun stations around the city during World War II. The Environment and Heritage Minister, Hon Albert Jacob MLA, has ordered an independent external review of the EPA in the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling, and the future of Roe 8 remains unclear.

The Federal government has launched a new strategy for natural, historic and Aboriginal heritage. The Department of Environment states the national strategy ‘supports the work of individuals, organisations and governments by providing a common direction for the recognition and protection of Australia’s heritage’. Launching the strategy, Hon Greg Hunt MP, Minister for the Environment, revealed a range of new funding sources would be explored, including the feasibility of adapting the United Kingdom’s national lottery model, which this year alone, generated $780 million (375 million pounds) for heritage projects across the UK. This interesting funding enticement comes as the Federal government also flagged the need ‘to make heritage management a “shared responsibility” between national, state and local governments, private owners, businesses and the local community’.

Inside this Issue 2 PERSPECTIVES Acting CEO’s Message A Prime Ministerial round table Heritage Watch 2015 Annual General Meeting Christmas Carols

9 CONNECTIONS

13 PLACES

A few of my favourite things

10 CATALYST

Property wrap

14 OUT ‘N’ ABOUT

Beneath old f loors

What a difference a day makes

A Monumental move Conserving stone

5 INNOVATION Discover & Rediscover A cast of characters on the Terrace Sound from the Ground stirs spirits at East Perth Cemeteries

Scan the code to access the National Trust of Australia (WA) home page.

TRUST NEWS | 3 | WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Perspectives

2015 Annual General Meeting

CHANTELLE DANIELS | EDUCATION ACTING COORDINATOR

The multi-award winning National Trust property Wanslea was the idyllic setting for the 2015 Annual General Meeting for National Trust members. Held on the evening of 11 November, the event was attended by more than seventy members.

Prior to the commencement of the AGM, Councillors and members were given an opportunity to tour the recently conserved building which is now the home of the Cancer Wellness Centre.

Retiring CEO Tom Perrigo’s twenty five years of service were acknowledged and his many accomplishments celebrated. His passion and dedication were recognised with the presentation of a Fellow of the Trust, the highest National Trust of Australia (WA) accolade awarded. The efforts of many others were also recognised.

The McLarty Award acknowledges five years of support and contribution to the National Trust and was awarded to current president Max Kay AM citWA and to Linda Brown-Davies. Alice Adamson, volunteer and former Councillor, received the Forrest Award which recognises ten years of service to the National Trust.

Councillors Gregory Boyle and Helen Cogan were also recipients of the Forrest Award. Ann Sippe has made invaluable contributions to Peninsula Farm and her time and assistance was acknowledged with a

ABOVE: Alice

Adamson and Max Kay were recognised for their outstanding service to the National Trust. S Murphy

ABOVE: Retiring

CEO Tom Perrigo was honoured with a Fellow of the Trust by Chairman Michael Murray. S Murphy

Certificate of Appreciation. John Viska, received a Certificate of Appreciation for his invaluable support at Samson House. Prof John Stephens was recognised for his contribution over fifteen years at the National Trust with the Stirling Award.

Special guest John Dowson addressed members about an exciting collaboration with the National Trust resulting in the production of copies of a facsimile of the Western Mail first printed in

Christmas Carols This year’s Christmas carols at Peninsula Farm attracted more than 300 people on a warm December afternoon. Carol Foley provided a Welcome to Country and Councillor Colonel (retired) Robert Mitchell was Master of Ceremonies for a festive occasion overlooking the Swan River.

Tuxedo Junction led the crowd with a mix of Christmas carols at the event which was attended by many families with young children.

1915. The special Edition includes reports, images and advertisements from a significant period in the history of Western Australia and provides an insight into some of the effects of the war felt at home. It is available at the National Trust. The evening concluded with refreshments in the beautiful gardens at Wanslea where members enjoyed the opportunity to chat with members of Council and staff.

GINA PICKERING

National Trust President Max Kay also performed a popular rendition of John Williamson’s Home among the Gum Trees.

National Trust volunteers helped children re-enact the Nativity scene on the lawn outside the Hardey’s former 1830s home, while the Rev Caroline Gepp provided a Christmas blessing.

TOP LEFT: The

Nativity scene at Peninsula Farm.

K Lomas LEFT: Afternoon

delight at the NationalTrust 2015 Christmas Carols. K Lomas

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Innovation

Discover & Rediscover JULIE HUTCHENS | HERITAGE FESTIVAL COORDINATOR

When discussing the National Trust’s Western Australian Heritage Festival with a local natural heritage organisation rep, she was surprised to find it was possible to register a flora & fauna focused tour as an event. My response was an emphatic yes, particularly in light of this year’s theme Discover and Rediscover.

As the coordinator of the festival in WA since 2013, I’ve seen real growth and passion in the community for the festival. However, I am still surprised how many people don’t realise that they have events that could be registered. I take my hat off to Christine Elaine, History/Museums Officer at the City of Cockburn. Each year, Christine has considered all of Azelia Ley Homestead Museum’s attractions and registered them accordingly.

As a result, the Homestead Museum has received hundreds of additional visitors, which have continued for months after the festival finished. In 2014, Christine reported, “this was a very successful time for the Museum, with seniors tours booked for later in the year and school tours also arranged.”

A year later, staff were experiencing more of the same. “We are flat tack with tours associated with enquiries from participating in the festival. It raised our profile as a museum. It opened up our displays to a wider audience who didn’t realise the breadth of the content.

We have had more donations, for instance heritage costumes and the like as a result.”

RIGHT: Two of the restored turn of the century dresses ready to view at the Azelia Ley Homestead Museum. Azelia Ley Homestead Museum

NATIONAL TRUST

presents THE

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN

HERITAGE

FESTIVAL 2016 DISCOVERY DISCOVERies

16 APRIL - 18 MAY

You can still register events in the festival to appear on the Festival website up until the end of March at www.nationaltrustfestival.org.au. The festival celebrates Australia’s historic, natural and Aboriginal heritage and in 2015, with 170 events in the program, the festival attracted over 145,000 visitors across Western Australia.

In 2016, the festival runs 16 Apr – 18 May in WA and has the theme: Discovery & Rediscoveries.

Festival programs will be available from late March or download a PDF copy from the website.

The Australian Government supports the National Trust Heritage Festival through funding and promotion of events on the Australian Heritage Week website.

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Innovation

A cast of characters on the Terrace

GINA PICKERING

Some extraordinary characters have emerged from Old Perth Boys’ School in St Georges Terrace, Perth over the past twelve months as exhibition elements were developed for the new fit out at this intriguing place which is a new home for Curtin University.

There are substantial links with education from 1854 until 2016 including Perth Boys’ School, Perth Technical School, Perth Technical College, Western Australian Institue of Technology (WAIT), the National Trust and Curtin University.

However, it is the people who have with their energy and diversity, warmed this place and will continue to do so.

A very long time before an ecclesiastical design was imagined by William Ayshford Sanford for a school building, the Noongar people were already passionate about the place.

‘One of the favourite camping grounds was actually in St George’s Terrace under a very large and wide spreading jarrah tree situated not far from the spot where the Technical School now stands.

There was a large pond and a spring from which water flowed readily where now stand many of the Technical School workshops.’ (John Watson, former student)

That large pond and spring plus on site engineering from Henry Reveley were used to power the Swan River Colony’s first mill.

There has been much innovation at 139 St Georges Terrace over more than 160 years. Artists such as the acclaimed James WR Linton, whose work is featured in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London the National Gallery of Australia was instrumental guiding local artists at Perth Technical College from 1902-1931.

He influenced and encouraged some outstanding women including Mattie Furphy, who is well respected for her Arts and Crafts work and whose achievements were exhibited in London. Another extraordinary multi -skiller is Loui Benham, who aside from being appointed as the Perth Technical College Instructor in Art Needlework in 1904, flourished in embroidery, design, wood carving, painting and pyrographer. There seemed no end to her talents.

The West Australian, Saturday, July 8, 1933.

TRUST NEWS | 6 | WESTERN AUSTRALIA

When Perth Boys’ School was outgrown by its students, it was occupied by the groundbreaking Geological Survey team.

It also had important links to wartime and post-war training before it was eventually transferred to the WAIT. The National Trust had an important stint at Old Perth Boys’ School too, when it served as the Trust’s headquarters from 1977.

The new interpretation at Old Perth Boys’ School introduces former student, WA’s first Victoria Cross recipient Fred Bell, as well as eight year old William Glanville who drowned in the same pool that showcased the Swan River Colony’s first engineer Henry Reveley.

Lunchtime talks on the place and its people will be held on the 10 and 17 May. Check the Heritage Festival program for details.

BACKGROUND: Leschenaultia,

Loui Benham. Courtesy of D Erickson

INSET ABOVE RIGHT: Loui

Benham. State Librabry of Western Australia, The Battye Library, 6519B INSET LEFT PAGE: James

WR Linton. State Librabry of Western Australia, The Battye Library, 6505B_8

LEFT PAGE: The arts studio was part of Perth Technical College.

State Librabry of Western Australia, The Battye Library, 6522B_1

TRUST NEWS | 7 | WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Sound from the Ground stirs spirits at East Perth Cemeteries GINA PICKERING

Guitarists Dr Jonathan Fitzgerald and the Perth Guitar Quartet present a world premiere original composition by Duncan Gardiner alongside international music repertoire at this year’s Heritage Festival.

ABOVE:

The musicians and composer bringing Sound from the Ground to life at East Perth Cemeteries.

S Smith

St Bartholomew’s Church is the evocative and unique venue for a musical exploration of what were the main burial grounds for the Swan River Colony from 1829 to the end of the 19th century in two extraordinary concerts on 29 and 30 April

Classical guitarist Dr Jonathan Fitzgerald said he is researching those buried at the cemeteries using the National Trust’s central archival database which includes many familiar names relating to Perth’s suburbs, streets and lakes.

The National Trust of Australia (WA) launched its new artist in residence initiative for East Perth Cemeteries in November 2015 as part of its commitment to valuing Perth’s heritage.

“I’m informed by the extraordinary repository of material on these graves and burials that has taken half a century to compile, while also considering music played internationally and locally at the time. From this rich context I’ll assemble a repertoire on which the performance and new composition will be based,” he said.

Director of Conservation, Sarah Murphy said the residency appointment of outstanding classical guitarist Dr Jonathan Fitzgerald, will bring a new understanding of the lives of the former residents of the Swan River Colony, culminating in a contemporary composition and community performance.

“The collection of graves at East Perth Cemeteries represents a thought provoking cross section of Perth society from the 1830s until the 1890s,” Ms Murphy said.

“Music is a universal language which offers all kinds of people an emotional connection to the thousands of lives that played out for better or worse in Perth’s earliest formational years, while providing a worldwide context through the music of the day,” she said.

BACKGROUND:

“I see this work as a rare privilege because it’s a contemporary musical response reflecting all aspects of life.

Those who attend the performance at East Perth Cemeteries will become part of its narrative in a unique way,” said Dr Fitzgerald.

The project is funded by the Department of Culture and the Arts Connect Community Collections Program and the performance will feature prominently in the 2016 Western Australian Heritage Festival.

Check out www.nationaltrust.org.au/ news/sound-from-the-ground-ep-1/ ollow the project on F #gravenotes

Angel adorning the Monger grave at East Perth Cemeteries. G Pickering

TRUST NEWS | 8 | WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Connections

A few of my favourite things CAROL SMITH, WOODBRIDGE VOLUNTEER

Just inside the kitchen door at Woodbridge, there is a very ordinary wooden box that has been upended and covered with a piece of carpet. Rope has been threaded through from each side to form handles for the box.

Reportedly, this very practical piece of equipment was used by Fanny Harper for either bathing her children or feeding them.

ABOVE:

Box used by Fanny Harper at Woodbridge. D Klofverskjold

The beautiful two storey home that Charles Harper built for his family in 1883 was a very fine home indeed, and the original pieces of furniture that remain in the house suggest that it was tastefully furnished. We know that the Harpers entertained important business and political contacts but their descendant Judy Hamersley writes “It should be stressed at all times that Woodbridge was a working farm, not a ‘stately mansion’ or a social centre.

Neither Mr nor Mrs Harper had any taste for town life”.

Then the wooden box in the kitchen begins to make sense to me. Fanny Harper must have been a very practical woman.

With her husband away on business, she was often left alone to run the farm, dairy and orchard and care for ten children. I can picture her now carrying the box to wherever she was required to be at the time, taking care of her children’s needs and then moving on to the next task. I wonder what she would make of all the labour-saving devices that we have today. I imagine that she would be the envy of some of today’s mothers who would love to be at home sitting on a wooden box and tending to their children’s needs.

TRUST NEWS | 9 | WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Catalyst

Beneath old f loors

GINA PICKERING

An inspection to assess the under floor archaeological significance at the 1895 Artillery Drill Hall, Fremantle has revealed some highly valuable finds.

A new report by Winterborne Heritage Consulting has detailed three layers of interest including a strata deposited prior to the construction of the building in 1895, a deposit containing mid 19th century artefacts, including dark olive bottle glass and butchered beef bones and a third phase of material deposited between about 1980 and the present.

Dr Sean Winter has reported the mid 19th century deposit should be considered of very high archaeological significance as it represents occupation of the site in an undisturbed state.

Underfloor deposits were assessed in eight different places in the main hall pest control hatches and lifted floorboards. Artefacts include jewellery, a broken drumstick, pieces of mirror, Aluminium ring pulls, tickets and an unusual wooden spindle.

ABOVE: Inside

the Artillery Drill Hall. S Winter

ABOVE: Hatch

one showing the spoil heap from excavation. S Winter

“The environment is clearly dry and conducive to the survival of fragile material,” Dr Sean Winter said.

Underfloor deposits develop in most buildings with original floors and survive because of the protection the floor affords.

ABOVE: Wooden

spindle. S Winter

TRUST NEWS | 10 | WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Catalyst

A Monumental move

SARAH MURPHY | DIRECTOR CONSERVATION

The Rev David Shearer (born 1832, Caithness, Scotland) initially worked as a teacher and was ordained in 1872. He was commissioned by the Established and Free Churches of Scotland to establish the Presbyterian Church in Western Australia and arrived in 1879 with his wife Margaret and children. He served for twelve years as Pastor of St Andrew’s Church and was a leading reformer in education. In 1891 Rev Shearer died of endocarditis and was buried the following day in East Perth Cemeteries.

ABOVE: Specialists

from Perth Monumental Works carefully cut the memorial into three sections as part of the removal process. S Murphy

In 1937 the monument that marked the final resting place of the Reverent David Shearer was moved from East Perth Cemeteries to the western side of St Andrew’s Church on the corner of St Georges Terrace and Pier Street, Perth. The church and its adjoining hall has now been sold to a developer, most likely for a new use as a hotel, providing a perfect opportunity to once again relocate the memorial, but this time back to its original location.

ABOVE: Pier

Street is closed off as the crane is positioned. S Murphy

The massive operation started at 6pm with road closures in the city to allow for the enormous crane to pull up adjacent to the church. The memorial was cut into three pieces along existing joins and each section was carefully hoisted onto the truck. Almost five hours later the memorial arrived safely in the yard of Perth Monumental Works.

The marble has been damaged by pollution and inappropriate cleaning in the past and will require some conservation. New footings are being designed and it is anticipated the enormous memorial will be returned to the Rev Shearer’s grave early this year.

TRUST NEWS | 11 | WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Catalyst

Conserving stone

MARLISE DOSSIN AND DIANA FRYLINCK

Two graves located at East Perth Cemeteries are being conserved by a qualified conservator thanks to family donations.

The Smith grave is a sandstone headstone with the surface stone delaminated in a few areas. The conservation works involved pre-consolidation of the surface, cleaning between the exfoliated stone face to remove debris accumulated in the voids and filling with lime mortar by injection between the delaminated layers.

The process of consolidation was repeated a few times, and then the stone was carefully cleaned to remove stains from organic sediment.

The Finnerty grave is a marble headstone with a Celtic cross on top of three marble blocks. The cross had been poorly repaired in the past and was broken again in the same place as previously restored.

First the grave stone base was levelled, the old adhesive resin was removed from the surfaces with micro pneumatic chisel and after that, the whole headstone was cleaned to remove sediments of dust, organic growth and vegetation pollution.

Finally the cross was bonded together with the insertion of fibreglass pins and epoxy resin and the joints were filled with a lime putty mix and micro silica sand.

And to have a bit of family story, Charles and Elizabeth Finnerty came to Western Australia when transportation was introduced to solve the colony’s labour shortage. Captain Finnerty, who had fought in the Crimean War, was a retired army officer. Retired soldiers were recruited to accompany convicts on their voyages to Western Australia, and encouraged to stay with small grants of land. Captain Finnerty was the second Staff Officer of these retired soldiers known as the Enrolled Pensioner Guard, taking over from Captain John Bruce. He served in the Mediterranean, West Indies and Malta before coming to Australia with his wife Elizabeth and five children on the Sultana in 1859, with a daughter born en route. Several of their children married leading families in the colony and their third son, John Michael, became well known as a warden and magistrate on the Eastern Goldfields.

ABOVE: The

damaged Smith grave at East Perth Cemeteries. M Dossin

ABOVE: Lime

ABOVE: A

ABOVE: Final touches to the Finnerty headstone.

M Dossin

Celtic cross in need of attention.

M Dossin

mortar is injected between delaminated stone. M Dossin

TRUST NEWS | 12 | WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Places

Property wrap Artillery Drill Hall The National Trust is in negotiation with the City of Fremantle regarding the development application for proposed new works by Sunset Events and finalising budgets prior to going to tender for the works. Original drills undertaken in the Hall have been identified with assistance from the Army Museum and will inform the interpretation of the place.

Gallop House Tenders have been received for conservation and adaptive reuse works at Gallop House in Dalkeith. The quote received is under budget, which bodes well for the project. Colgan Industries has been contracted to undertake the work which will be completed by April 2016. Paint scrapes are being undertaken to discover the original painting scheme for the house which was built in the 1870s. Rich archaeological finds, including the discovery of the foundations of a building are under analysis by The University of Western Australia.

Goldfields Water Supply Scheme (GWSS) As part of the federal grant received for the GWSS, Archaeological and Heritage Management Solutions (AHMS) has been contracted to undertake an archaeological investigation of No 8 Pump Station which 48km east of Coolgardie. The report will provide an indication of its potential to yield further information about the heritage values of the place.

Old Perth Boys’ School Major conservation, interpretation and adaptive reuse works at the Old Perth Boys’ School in St George Terrace, Perth, are nearing completion with fit out expected to be ready by February 2016. The place has long standing links to education including the first purpose built Government School in Perth and most recently a new city location for Curtin University.

Whitby Falls Farm Hostel The National Trust remains in discussion with Murdoch University regarding securing the onsite hostel building, managing site contamination issues, and finding a solution to the Trust’s collection storage needs.

East Perth Cemeteries

57 Murray Street Fitout works are nearing completion at 57 Murray St in preparation for occupation by Curtin University’s Law School in 2016.

Curtin University is leasing the property which was a former Public Health Department Building and Offices for Chief Protector of Aborigines AO Neville.

Old Farm, Strawberry Hill Work is underway on the Heritage Orchard Project to design an interpretive orchard at Old Farm, Strawberry Hill, Albany. The project will deliver better conservation and understanding of rare heritage fruit in WA and feature up to 50 apple and pear varieties.

800 new grave markers in total were installed by a team of volunteers on All Saints Day, Sunday 1 November with a further team effort positioning the remainder just before Christmas. A large number of weeds were removed from graves during the process.

Christmas Island The National Trust continues to work with the Christmas Island Indian Ocean Territories Administration to document works to the Administrator’s House on the island. A team will commence work on an interpretation strategy for the Island early this year.

TRUST NEWS | 13 | WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Out ‘N’ About

What a difference a day makes

ANNE CHAPPLE

John Porter was an ordinary bloke, enlisted in the infantry in Western Australia in September 1914 who set off to war in October 1914. Along with others in the 11th Battalion, Private Porter embarked on the SS Ascanius at Fremantle which joined the convoy sailing from Albany on 2 November.

ABOVE: Come

and take a look at Anzac Cottage which is open to the public 13 and 14 February. G Pickering

The 11th Battalion was one of the first ashore on April 25 and it was on that day that Private Porter suffered a gunshot wound to his left thigh.

As with many of his comrades, John did not receive any medical attention for this injury for four days and was subsequently judged incapable of further service and dispatched back to Western Australia on the HMAR Ballarat.

Meanwhile, in Western Australia, a group of concerned citizens had come together to form the Mt Hawthorn Progress Association.

The chief purpose of this group was to lobby for the extension of the tramways to the new suburb of Mt Hawthorn, however upon hearing of the Gallipoli landing the group decided to build a war memorial.

The Progress Association extended their plans to give the war memorial a dual purpose: as a tribute to those who had perished at Gallipoli and to provide a home for a wounded soldier, Private John Porter and his family.

In late January 1915, 30 men armed with axes and saws set about clearing the bush block in Kalgoorlie St, ready for the construction.

The next week, on February 5, an impressive parade wound its way from the centre of Perth the site. It included 70 drays laden with materials destined to be used in the construction of the Cottage, and was led by the “Soldier’s Queen”, Mrs C Roberts, in her Model T Ford which carried a Metters No 2 stove.

Then on February 12, the citizens of Mt Hawthorn awoke from their Saturday morning sleep at 3:30am by a town crier, ringing his bell and crying “Arise! Arise! ANZAC Cottage is to be built today.”

Two hundred volunteer tradesmen emerged from their homes and set to work to construct this historic home. In the 38 degree heat and cheered on by 4,000 enthusiastic onlookers, the men toiled.

By sunset on that day, the exterior of ANZAC Cottage was all but complete and the “Soldier’s Queen” raised the specially made “ANZAC flag” to signal the success of the innovative plan; a house built in one day for a soldier who only fought for one day.

The Cottage, now owned by the City of Vincent is used as the headquarters for the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia (WA Branch) and the City is proud to be the major sponsor for the Centenary celebrations.

Visit the Anzac Cottage over the weekend 13 and 14 February to enjoy re-enactments of the ceremonies conducted 100 years ago at the opening of the Cottage and to hear the incredible story of the Cottage.

TRUST NEWS | 14 | WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Peninsula Tea Gardens

ENJOY A TRADITIONAL HIGH TEA AND MUCH MORE

TWICE A MONTH ALISON FOX IS A VOLUNTEER GUIDE AT PENINSULA FARM.

ADJACENT TO PENINSULA FARM, JOHNSON ROAD, MAYLANDS WA PH: 08 9272 8894

I have learned a great deal about Perth and its history, and I’ve met some fantastic people. I recommend volunteering with the National Trust.

Open every day including public holidays 8am - 5pm

Contact Gae See to find out more. PH 08 9321 6088

OVERLOOKING THE SWAN RIVER

Central Greenough (historic settlement), Café and Visitor Centre 15 Minutes South of Geraldton on the Brand Highway OPEN DAILY 10am to 4pm

riverside at woodbridge ENJOY DELICIOUS MEALS AND DESSERTS

SEE HOW PEOPLE OF A ONCE THRIVING 1860S AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITY WORKED, LIVED AND PLAYED. FOR GROUP BOOKINGS CALL

ADJACENT TO WOODBRIDGE, FORD STREET, WOODBRIDGE PH: 08 9274 1469

PH: 08 9926 1084 or E: centralgreenough@bigpond.com

Open Thursday to Tuesday 9am to 4pm. Functions by arrangement.

Make a difference

Old Farm, Strawberry Hill

YOUR GIFT OF A DONATION MEANS THAT WE CAN HELP CONSERVE AND INTERPRET WESTERN AUSTRALIAN HERITAGE PLACES FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY.

Donate online www.nationaltrust.org.au/wa Post your donation Freepost 1162 National Trust of Australia (WA) PO Box 1162 WEST PERTH WA 6872 Donate with your membership renewal Include a bequest in your Will.

ON THE BANKS OF THE SWAN RIVER.

NATION EXPLORE ABORIGINAL CONNECTIONS, THE NEW EXHIBITION AND CONSERVATION WORK AT WESTERN AUSTRALIA’S OLDEST FARM.

174 MIDDLETON ROAD, ALBANY PH: 08 9841 3735

Open every day between 10am and 4pm TRUST NEWS | 15 | WESTERN AUSTRALIA

National Trust places

you can visit for a GREAT day out!

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Kalgoorlie Coolgardie

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Perth

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90M

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5. No 1 Pump Station, Mundaring

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4. C entral Greenough (historic settlement), Greenough

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3. Ellensbrook, Margaret River

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2. Samson House, Fremantle

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Geraldton Greenough

1. Old Farm, Strawberry Hill, Albany

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York Mundaring Jarrahdale Pinjarra

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Busselton Margaret River

Bridgetown

Albany

PERTH East Perth Cemeteries: Bronte Street, East Perth. Tel: 08 9221 4022.

Open Sunday 2 to 4pm. Groups by appointment.

Kep Track: Starts at Mundaring Weir Hall, Mundaring Weir Road, Mundaring to Northam. Multi-use trail open every day.

Tel: 08 9321 6088 No 1 Pump Station: Open Saturdays and Sundays and most public holidays 12noon to 4pm. Open for group bookings during the week by appointment.

Tel: 08 9321 6088

O’Connor Trail: Starts at Mundaring Weir Hall, Mundaring Weir Road, Mundaring.

5.3km (2.5 hr walk approximately). Open every day.

Tel: 08 9321 6088.

Peninsula Farm (Tranby): Johnson Road, Maylands.

Tel: 08 9272 2630. Open Friday to Sunday 12.30pm to 4pm.

Weir Walk: Starts at No 1 Pump Station, Mundaring Weir Road, Mundaring.

1.9km (1 hr walk approximately).

Open every day. Tel: 08 9321 6088.

Woodbridge: Ford Street, Woodbridge.

Tel: 08 9274 2432. Open Thursday to Sunday 1pm to 4pm. Café open 9am to 5pm Thursday to Tuesday.

WITHIN 90 MINUTES DRIVE OF PERTH Jarrahdale Heritage Park: Jarrahdale Road, Jarrahdale. Tel: 08 9525 5255.

Open every day.

Old Blythewood: 6161 South Western Highway, Pinjarra. Tel: 08 9531 1485.

Open Saturday 10.30am to 3.30pm, Sunday 12.30pm to 3.30pm.

York Courthouse Complex: 132 Avon Terrace, York. Tel: 08 9641 2072.

Open Thursday to Monday 10am to 4pm.

WITHIN 3 HOURS DRIVE OF PERTH Ellensbrook: Ellensbrook Road, Margaret River. Tel: 08 9755 5173.

Open Friday to Monday 10am to 4pm.

Wonnerup: Layman Road, Busselton.

Tel: 08 9752 2039. Open 10am to 4pm Thursday to Monday.

OVERNIGHT Central Greenough (historic settlement): Brand Highway, Greenough Tel: 08 9926 1084. Open Monday to Sunday 9am to 4pm. Café open during nominated opening hours. Closed Christmas Day only.

Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail: Extends across 650km from Mundaring to Kalgoorlie. Tel: 08 9321 6088 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.au/wa

No 8 Pump Station: 80km west of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, at Dedari. Open by appointment. Tel: 08 9024 2540 Old Farm, Strawberry Hill: 174 Middleton Road, Albany. Tel: 08 9841 3735. Open 7 days per week 10am to 4pm.

Mangowine Homestead: Karomin North Road, Nungarin. Tel: 08 9046 5149.

Open Thursday to Tuesday 1pm to 4pm.

Property opening times were correct at the time of print and are subject to change.

The National Trust recommends you check directly with the property to confirm.

Warden Finnerty’s Residence: 2 McKenzie Street, Coolgardie.

Tel: 9026 6028. Open Thursday to Monday. Phone for opening times.

Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday.

NATIONAL TRUST www.nationaltrust.org.au/wa