Trust News Western Australia November 2016 by The National Trusts in Australia

Trust News EDITION 04 | NOVEMBER 2016 - JANUARY 2017

Lotterywest backs new future for Ellensbrook Historic Ellensbrook near Margaret River will be conserved and made more accessible to the community and visitors with $676,291 funding from Lotterywest.

ABOVE: Ellensbrook provides a unique opportunity for new visitor experiences in the state’s southwest. S Murphy

Environment Minister the Hon Albert Jacob presented a cheque on behalf of Lotterywest to National Trust of Western Australia Chair the Hon Michael Murray AM QC on 29 September 2016 at the Old Observatory, National Trust Headquarters.

of Western Australia’s colonial heritage, rural development and relationships with Aboriginal people.

National Trust Chairman, Michael Murray Save a Grave said he was delighted to receive support

from at theEast Minister Lotterywest the Some 10,000 burials took place Perth and Cemeteries in thefor19th A National Trust team century will leadyet the important work at Ellensbrook, which is today only 745 gravemakers and railings survive. The wood, marble,liaising slate and stone havesignificant been subject extremes our harsh conservation of Ellensbrook, for to its the wide rangingofnatural, climate, to broader a fire in 1920 thatAboriginal burned for and two hours, well-intentioned closely with the Aboriginal and historicand values. butbusiness sometimes inappropriate repairs. communities as well as in the “The Lotterywest funds will go towards Margaret River region to ensure visitors stabilising timberprecious conservation, Your donation can help us conserve thewalls, remaining memorials can enjoy this very special place in and ensure there is a future drainage for our past. and removing inappropriate sustainable ways. restorations which are damaging the conservation under the watchful eye of our own heritage experts Environment Minister Careful Albert Jacob said original building, as well as landscaping, will ensure the graves at East Perth Cemeteries will continue to remind restoring the 1857 homestead was providing facilities and more us of the people they were erected for more so many years ago. important because the life of the Bussells experiences for visitors,” Mr Murray said. at Ellensbrook added to thegift understanding Your over $2 is fully tax deductible.

“Archaeological and historical research are part of the scope and will look more closely at the Aboriginal significance of the site, leading to further understanding about the shared experience of Aboriginal people and the first European settlers of the area.” There are five registered Aboriginal heritage sites at this location, which is situated in within the Leeuwin-Naturalist National Park, an A Class reserve managed by the Department of Parks and Wildlife. “The Aboriginal name for the area which includes Ellensbrook is Mokidup and for at least 37,000 years Wardani people used it as seasonal camping ground,” Mr Murray said. continued page 2

INSIDE THIS ISSUE PERSPECTIVES

PLACES

PLACES CATALYST

CONNECTIONS

OUT AND ABOUT OUT ‘N’ ABOUT

PERSPECTIVES

CEO Message

JULIAN DONALDSON | CEO NATIONAL TRUST OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Welcome to Trust News Western Australia. I am thrilled to share with you the very exciting news about the Lotterywest Funding for Ellensbrook in the state’s south. The funding will provide a very tangible investment in the conservation and valuing of this exceptionally significant heritage place in Western Australia.

projects such Sound from the Ground, a composer in residence program at East Perth Cemeteries, the Trust’s wide ranging expertise in adaptable reuse, the conservation of Old Perth Boys’ School, Conservation work with Prisoners and a model for interpreting capital city rivers.

Ellensbrook is in urgent need of a range of conservation works to ensure its ongoing preservation. While essential maintenance has been carried out, it requires a range of works to ensure significant heritage fabric, currently under threat of deterioration, may be conserved for at least the next quarter of a century.

Finally, the 2016 Annual General Meeting is scheduled for 9 November at 5.30 at the Constitutional Centre in West Perth and I invite all National Trust members to attend and join us for refreshments.

Ellensbrook is a key property in the National Trust’s portfolio located in the leading tourist destination of Margaret River, in an A Class Reserve and adjacent to the Cape to Cape Track bringing some marvellous opportunities. Consultation with the community is underway in the region and the Trust places a strong emphasis on listening to locals and the business community about this extraordinary place. A Survey is now on the National Trust website and I would encourage you to complete it if you would like to have our say on the future of Ellensbrook. https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/wa/ Ellensbrook is linked intrinsically to the Wardandi people who refer to the area as Mokidup. The Bussell family who made this district their home developed dairy farming, cattle grazing and pioneered tourism in the area, while the Ellensbrook Farm Home for Aboriginal Children operated over 18 years until 1917.

2016 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The National Trust of Western Australia 57th Annual General Meeting will be held at The Constitutional Centre of Western Australia 40 Havelock Street, West Perth

The cultural landscape demonstrates the successive impacts of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal settlement and the Trust is aiming towards a truly sustainable outcome for Ellensbrook which welcomes the community and visitors from around the world. I am also very pleased to report that six of the National Trust Staff presented at the Peoples’ Ground Conference in Melbourne in October at the biggest gathering of heritage professionals and community advocates Australia has seen. The National Trusts of Australia, ICOMOS Conference provided a forum for some of our best and recent work to be showcased, including innovative

continued from page 1 “Ellensbrook is in one of the world’s 34 international biodiversity hotspots. It is on the Cape to Cape Track and provides stories that are vital to understanding Western Australia about innovation, strong women, great cheese, a shipwreck and most importantly a shared history.” If you’d like to have your say on Ellensbrook visit: www.surveymonkey. com/r/C7MNJRF

On Wednesday 9 November 2016 commencing at 5.30pm All Members are invited to attend Please RSVP by Monday 7 November 9321 6088 or rsvp@ntwa.com.ay

Meantime community involvement is already underway. Hardy volunteers planted 3,000 native seedlings at Ellensbrook in August. The soggy conditions were a dream for the new plants which have a new home thanks to this joint Department of Parks and Wildlife and National Trust of Western Australia initiative. RIGHT: Heritage Minister Albert Jacob presents National Trust Chairman Michael Murray with much needed funding for Ellensbrook. G Pickering

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PERSPECTIVES

Heritage Watch MILLS RECORDS – 22 ADELAIDE ST, FREMANTLE

GRAND CENTRAL HOTEL LISTING DELAYED

EDITH COWAN’S HOME PROTECTED

Five storey tourist accommodation is proposed at 22 Adelaide St, Fremantle opposite the Fremantle Town Hall. The application is one of many in and around the Fremantle Town Hall, or King’s Square Precinct. The City of Fremantle’s Municipal Inventory describes the place as a modest example of a commercial building dating from the first decades of the twentieth century that forms part of a group of similar places and makes a contribution to the Fremantle Town Centre streetscape. Currently occupied by Mills Records, the place at one time belonged to Fremantle Hospital, which sold it to raise money to assist the aged, due to a stipulation in the Will of the donor. The building retains a high degree of integrity, with a compatible current use (record shop and creative space), and high long term sustainability. Mills Records has been a tenant in the place for more than 20 years and are themselves a Fremantle institution. Demolition is not proposed, but rather the addition of three storeys of glass and concrete above the place. Mixed use development within city centres should be encouraged provided that any detrimental impacts to the building or precinct are appropriately managed.

City of Perth has not resolved the issue of heritage listing for 379 Wellington St, Perth. Known as the Akara Hotel, the place was formerly the Grand Central Hotel and also the Coffee Palace (b. 1900 onward). Owned by the Lord Mayor of Perth, Lisa Scaffidi and her family, 379 Wellington St faces demolition. Mr Scaffidi stated the place would be subject of a development application “for the total redevelopment of the property in the very short term”. It forms part of the (unlisted) City of Perth Central Precinct, and is in fair to good condition. The InterWar Art Deco style four-storey brick building gained additional retail frontage to the west following the loss of the Railway Hotel and associated buildings. The street facade and return walls of the Grand Central Hotel have been rendered and colour washed, altering the former founding design style, but evidence of the physical heritage values of the building are revealed from the side and rear elevations of the building. The cultural heritage of a ‘coffee palace’, built during an alcohol fuelled gold rush, is unique. A previous 1997 demolition application for the Coffee Palace was not progressed. Its status and potential protection now lie with the City’s administration, which is investigating. The place is not Classified by the National Trust, but was assessed by the Trust’s Art Deco Committee.

Edith Cowan’s former home at 31 Malcolm Street has been given a reprieve from the wrecking ball. Built for Edith Cowan and her family who lived in the house several times between 1883 and 1919, the 130 year old place was included on the State Register of Heritage Places as an interim registration in the late 1990s until the former Minister for Heritage Graham Kierath removed it in 2000. The impressive Victorian Rustic Gothic building was also significant as WA’s first purpose built private art gallery, a use which continued for decades. Identified for redevelopment an application for demolition was made to the City of Perth to enable a proposed $10 million sevenlevel hotel to be constructed. Public outcry including a stand by Edith Cowan University has led to the house being put back on the State Register. The Trust hopes that any future proposals for the place will be sympathetic and ensure the significance of the place is retained.

6 INNOVATION

9 CONNECTIONS

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 2 PERSPECTIVES Lotterywest backs new future for Ellensbrook CEO Message Heritage Watch

4 PLACES Trust Covenants Contribute to Gondwana Link Property Wrap

Making plans for Christmas

7 CATALYST Community conservation at East Perth Cemeteries Managing and valuing collections Woodbridge Gables Conservation

A few of my favourite things

10 OUT ‘N’ ABOUT Parkwater planting day Rare Woodbridge Nursery Ephemera

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

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PLACES

Trust Covenants Contribute to Gondwana Link MELISSA HOWE | NATURAL HERITAGE COVENANTING OFFICER

Gondwana Link is an inspiring vision to connect 1,000km of country from the forests of the southwest corner of Western Australia to the edge of the Nullabor Plain by protecting remnant vegetation and revegetating cleared lands. Some outstanding National Trust covenant-protected properties lie between the Fitzgerald River and Stirling Range National Parks and they contribute to the Gondwana link. Those actively valuing the rich flora and fauna at these places are contributing to an extraordinary legacy.

‘NOWANUP’ PLACE OF THE MALLEEFOWL, GAIRDNER WA LANDHOLDER: Greening Australia BUSHLAND AREA: 410 Hectares REVEGETATION AREA: ~350 Hectares COVENANT- PROTECTED: 2005

Malleefowl still roam here. Ancient spongeolite breakaways and mesas formed about 40 million years ago rise above the valley floors. Since 2004, Greening Australia has revegetated previously farmed areas, including a range of trials with more than 60 plant species used in over 45 individual patches which will be enriched over time. Nowanup caretaker, Eugene Eades, of the G(K)oreng people, has attracted groups from near and far to experience Nowanup and surrounds. Eugene is renowned for sharing his knowledge of country and vision for Nowanup amidst singing a country tune around a hot mallee-root fire.

‘BOXWOOD HILL’, GAIRDNER WA LANDHOLDER: Norman Pater BUSHLAND AREA: 20 Hectares REVEGETATION AREA: ~300 Hectares COVENANT- PROTECTED: 2005

This is Nowanup’s neighbour. This 326-hectare property was mostly cleared for agriculture in the 1960s. Norman has engaged Restoration Ecologist, Justin Jonson and team to revegetate 10-20 hectares of land each year which will protect existing creekline vegetation and link to neighbouring bushland to provide a valuable wildlife corridor.

MONJEBUP RESERVE, MONJEBUP WA LANDHOLDER: Bush Heritage Australia BUSHLAND AREA: 965 Hectares REVEGETATION AREA: ~60 Hectares COVENANT- PROTECTED: 2006

Monjebup Reserve is part of 3,000 hectares of protected bushland in the area containing a whopping 760 native plant species. Monjebup provides critical habitat for numerous threatened species including the Tammar Wallaby, Blackgloved Wallaby, Malleefowl and Western Whipbird.

ABOVE: Nowanup caretaker, Eugene Eades stands before an ancient 40-million-year-old mesa on Greening Australia’s Nowanup Reserve, Gairdner WA. M Howe

Supporters of Bush Heritage Australia walk through impressive 3-year-old revegetation on Monjebup Reserve in the Gondwana Link, Monjebup WA. M Howe

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Property Wrap Artillery Drill Hall

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION COVENANT? A conservation covenant is a voluntary legal agreement between a landowner and the National Trust that restricts the landowner (and subsequent landowners) from undertaking activities that could damage the natural and cultural values of the land. The restrictions remain on the land in perpetuity. The Trust provides ongoing support for landowners with conservation covenants to maintain and enhance the identified conservation values of their land through the Stewardship Program.

New design directions are taking shape for the Artillery Drill Hall in Fremantle over the next few months. An architect specialising in breweries has come onboard to assist in the delivery of a new vision for a nano-brewery to complement a live music venue. The work underpins an overall business plan for the site and expected construction next year. Avondale

A recent Bush Reserve Volunteer Day at Avondale provided the opportunity to plant 800 native seedlings and install 16 new bird boxes on site to encourage nesting in the bush reserve.

‘YARRAWEYAH FALLS’, MONJEBUP WA LANDHOLDER: Bill and Jane Thompson BUSHLAND AREA: 695 Hectares REVEGETATION AREA: ~100 Hectares COVENANT- PROTECTED: 2008

‘Yarraweyah Falls’ adjoins Monjebup. The Thompsons are well-attuned with nature. They appear to summon Malleefowl out of the bush. They have planted about 25,000 seedlings and direct-seeded a 100-hectare site establishing some 800,000 plants consisting of ‘roughly’ 286 species. 12,000 seedlings have also been planted along eroded creek lines.

Since 1999, the National Trust has covenantprotected over 18,000 hectares of high conservation value lands through the Natural Heritage Conservation Covenant Program. It is uplifting to visit bushland with permanent protection and to see covenanters going above and beyond the terms of their National Trust conservation covenants to enhance their bushland. For more information about a conservation covenant for your property visit www.nationaltrust.org.au/ services/covenanting/ Contact the National Trust’s Natural Heritage team on trust@nationaltrust.com.au or call 9321 6088.

ABOVE: New nesting boxes ready for installation at Avondale. K Rippingale

The Avondale Bush Trail is being realised with the installation of new signage to help visitors the Trust’s most significant native landscape within the Avon region. Featuring outstanding flora and fauna, the trail will soon be cleared to facilitate a safe and enjoyable visitor experience. Bill Sewell Complex

Electrical works are underway to upgrade the power supply to a number of buildings on the Bill Sewell Complex Site in Geraldton. These works will provide improved services for tenants. Goldfields Water Supply Scheme

The future of the nationally listed Goldfields Water Supply Scheme has received a boost with a successful funding application from the Protecting National Historic Sites 2015/16. An historian has been engaged to undertake new research into No 1 Pump Station, No 4 Pump Station, No 6 Pump Station to refresh conservation plans and inform new on site works. Meantime, Conservation works at No 8 Pump Station and House at Dedari, 80km west of Kalgoorlie are in the final stages of planning. The works will involve structural remediation, roof repairs and painting with internal works taking place at the house to provide upgraded bathroom and kitchen facilities. Old Farm Strawberry Hill

A major waterways project was underway in October, which sees the National Trust collaborating with a number of local community organisations to rehabilitate the creek which runs through the property at Old Farm, Strawberry Hill. Organisations such as GreenSkills and the Aboriginal Green Army are ready to undertake the works starting shortly.

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INNOVATION

Making plans for Christmas

LISA STURIS | COORDINATOR HERITAGE SERVICES

Generous feasts, two metre high smoking joss sticks and the offering of sacrifices to flames are all part of the Hungry Ghost Festival held in the eighth month at Christmas Island. The event pays respects to deceased ancestors and aims to ease the suffering of wondering ghosts and spirits. It’s also an indicator of the unique mix of cultures at Christmas Island comprising Chinese, Malay, Cocos Malay and European Australians.

ABOVE: A rich spread of cuisine and beverages is prepared and offered to the lost souls of Christmas Island during the Hungry Ghost Festival. L Sturis

While Christmas Island is well known for its outstanding natural wonders, its community and culture are also unique. The industrial and rail heritage associated with the development of phosphate mining since the 1890s, the Chinese and Malay communities which reflect the historical development of the Island and defence heritage including occupation by the Japanese during WWII and the arrival of the “Unknown Serviceman” by Carley float all contribute to this complex and fascinating history. The Trust has been involved with Christmas Island since 2013 and has a substantial understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the Island and its heritage. Supported by a grant from the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development, a team from the National Trust has worked with the Christmas Island community to develop a strategy for managing the Island’s heritage.

ABOVE: Giant joss sticks mark a festival hotspot at Poon Saan, Christmas Island. G Pickering

The island’s remote location 2,600km from Perth and 500km south of Indonesia brings some unique challenges to the project, however community support and enthusiasm from statutory agencies has led to some clear and creative initiatives. Many see the potential of the Island’s heritage and its links to economic and social benefits. At the same time, there is a fear the stories and traditions which contribute to this heritage may be lost without coordinated and clear interventions. A Heritage Policy and Strategy has been produced by the Trust to provide a plan of action for the Island’s heritage. This has considered existing statutory requirements, the roles of different organisations and the priorities for the community. Input from organisations and individuals has also shaped the actions to ensure these are practical and achievable.

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The framework provided by this Strategy led to other projects including the development of an Interpretation Strategy which provides initiatives for communicating the Island’s extraordinary cultural heritage values, the documentation of more than 20 Temples and Shrines scattered across the Island as well as guides for heritage management and archaeology. This project supports the National Trust’s objectives to contribute to a sense of community wellbeing by connecting community with its identity.

CATALYST

Community conservation at East Perth Cemeteries MARLISE DOSSIN | CONSERVATION PROJECT OFFICER

Three headstones at East Perth Cemeteries have a new lease on life thanks to generous community donations to the East Perth Cemeteries Appeal. The Margaret Shearer grave, a marble headstone with a concrete base, positioned next to the recently relocated Reverend Shearer Memorial, was broken at the top and at the bottom where it was connected to the base and was soiled from dirt and biological deposits. Conservation works consisted of transporting the headstone to the studio conservationist, applying a biocide to remove lichens and organic growth, cleaning and re-leading the missing lettering. The headstone was reattached with fibreglass pins and epoxy resin at the base point and the top. The James Coats Fleming grave is a rectangular marble stone, which was originally set horizontally on top of some bricks. Most of the stone and particularly the inscription was obscured by organic growth and dirt. The stone was carefully hoisted from the ground and the scope of works comprised cleaning and re leading the inscription. A new concrete slab with a corrugated surface was installed with a slight inclination to prevent pooling of rainwater. The marble stone is now protected from the damp conditions by the new concrete slab base.

ABOVE: Carefully lifting grave 580 for transportation to the conservator’s studio. M Dossin

The James Broun Roe grave features a marble cross on pedestal plinth with a surrounding stone kerbing. There were approximately 50 lead letters missing due to weathering of the adjacent stone. Meantime, the stone kerbing was eroded and broken in a few places. The works consisted of spraying the marble and stone plinth with biocide to remove the lichens and organic growth and then

cleaning with water and non-ionic detergent. Kerbing was levelled, the gravesite area was cleared of weeds and a new weed mat secured. Blue metal was replaced with the same light colour gravel used at recent conservation works for St Bartholomew’s Church.

Your Gift can help Save a Grave

Your donation can help us conserve the remaining precious memorials at East Perth Cemeteries and ensure there is a future for our past. Careful conservation under the watchful eye of our own heritage experts will ensure the graves at East Perth Cemeteries will continue to remind us of the people they were erected for so many years ago. Your gift over $2 is fully tax deductible. For further information or to discuss your donation please contact: National Trust of Australia (WA) PO Box 1162, West Perth WA 6005 Tel: 9321 6088 Email: trust@ntwa.com.au Web: www.nationaltrust.org.au/wa/

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CATALYST

Managing and valuing collections

LEANNE BRASS | ARCHAEOLOGIST

Not only is the National Trust responsible for the management of a substantial portfolio of heritage places, it also cares for a large collection of significant furniture, artworks, books, household objects, photographs, archaeological artifacts and other moveable heritage. A project is currently underway to upgrade the documentation associated with these artefacts and to begin the process of photographing each one. The vast majority of the collections are on display at various properties but some are in storage or not sufficiently obvious to visitors. The main objective of the project is to make these collections accessible to the community online. The project has so far focused on collections at Peninsula Farm, Curtin Family Home in Perth and Old Farm, Strawberry Hill in Albany. The work involves ensuring all information associated with each object, including a reference quality photograph, is documented using the Trust’s collections specific database. In doing so there is a focus on highlighting significant objects within the collection and identifying where further research on key objects is needed. Objects in the Trust’s care have the potential to reveal untold personal stories and provide tangible connections to significant events in the history of Western Australia. This project is the first step in the process of revealing some of the stories and ‘treasures’ held within the many significant heritage places in the Trust’s care – a mourning ring owned by the Hardey family, the Curtin family’s tea set, a colonial period chiffonier made for the Superintendent at Rottnest, and

ABOVE: The tea set from Curtin Family Home. NTWA Collection

paintings of Sir Richard and Lady Ann Spencer, are all examples of the breadth and diversity of the collection. It is a large undertaking that will take some time to complete and it is expected records will be made available

incrementally. The most significant artifacts (generally those with direct provenance to specific properties) will be given priority along with those of State significance. TOP OF PAGE: The John Wall Hardey mourning ring. NTWA Collection

Woodbridge Gables Conservation Investigations into rainwater leaking into upper rooms of Woodbridge has revealed extensive cracking to the brickwork of the two western gables. Urgent work have commenced to install reinforcing into the brickwork and conserve the face brickwork. Completion is expected by the end of October.

LEFT: Martin Tallon masonry specialist of contractor Colgan Industries Pty Ltd. E Hancock FAR RIGHT: Peter Baxendale structural Engineer inspecting for rusting lintels. E Hancock

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CONNECTIONS

A few of my favourite things CHRIS CORRY-THOMAS | NATIONAL TRUST VOLUNTEER

Woodbridge volunteer Chris Corry-Thomas has a strong appreciation for the design and aesthetics of the decorative tiles at Woodbridge which are laid in the Entrance, Billiard Room and feature in mantles around the house. He’s explored the origin of the tiles and discovered some fascinating links to Perth and the terracotta exports of British manufacturers between 1840-1940. The latest London style decorative tiles began in the 1830s in an attempt to revive the medieval art of inlaid tile making, one of the most successful being Herbert Minton of Stoke-on-Trent earthenware manufacturers. Minton exported its wares from the 1790s. The tiles rapidly became fashionable as mass production became possible with the introduction of dust-pressing, allowing tiles to be made of coloured clay particles. Tiles made by Minton and Maw were imported regularly by the end of the 1860s. Charles Harper’s long association with the lower Woodbridge Farm began in the 1880s and construction of the present house began was completed in March 1886 by local architects and contractors. Wright Brothers & Co invoices from the year 1883 from firms in England for furniture, parquet flooring, listed in detail mantles with tiles, fenders and hearths and other fittings including floor tiles. Some of the earliest Minton tiles were exported through Cardiff, Wales to Australia and were laid at some of the earliest ecclesiologically correct Churches including St John The Baptist,

Woodbridge originally formed part of Sir James Stirling’s country estate (1829-1883), before becoming the center of Charles Harper’s farming activities (1883-1941). Harper’s family home, a two-storey Victorian Filigree style English bond brick house, on stone footings with a galvanised corrugated iron roof was designed by architect Francis Bird and constructed in 1884. It was later used as a private school and then State care of the elderly (19421964) and a National Trust heritage place open to the public from 1968.

Buckland, Tasmania built in 1846/7. Herbert Minton made a personal gift of encaustic tiles to a church in Geelong. These tiles were also used in 1857 in a pavement in the Lady Chapel at Melbourne’s St Francis Church and St Andrew’s Cathedral, Sydney (1867). Minton’s products were laid in Parliament House, Brisbane (1868). Maw’s tiles eventually appeared in Perth’s Parliament House in (1902-4). Similar in shape and design to the tiled flooring in the Entrance and Billiard Room (Old School Room) at Woodbridge are those recorded at a Sydney house, made by JH Barratt & Co of Stoke-on-Trent. From this, I believe that the Woodbridge tiles came from Stoke-on-Trent and exported through Cardiff, Wales and so have been presumed Welsh. If you would like to contribute to a few of my favourite things drop the Editor a line at trust@trustnews.com.au Woodbridge Open THURS –SUN 1pm-4pm.

Conservation works currently in progress will see stainless steel Helifix reinforcing bars inserted and sealed into the mortar joints to provide strengthening of the brick gables. All of the brick gable faces are being repointed (replace top 30mm of failing mortar) with lime mortar. Failing roof rainwater flashing adjoining the gables will be replaced and a lead roof cover will be installed over the nonaccessible gable balconies to prevent water ingress.

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OUT ‘N’ ABOUT

Parkwater planting day

SHERRY THOMAS | NATURAL HERITAGE COVENANTING OFFICER

A community planting initiative at Parkwater Estate, Cowaramup will create a linking corridor to encourage birdlife and enhance a walk with creek side glimpses and vistas for residents. Funded by Royalties for Regions and the National Trust the project is transforming a weed invested location into something better for people and creatures. Workshops in ‘Weed Identification and Eradication’ and ‘Landscaping and Revegetation with Native Plants’, held prior to the event had residents prepared for the planting during September at Wandoo Rest in the estate. A band of fifteen participants including youngsters worked hard to ensure the seedling were in place and protected in their new homes. The plants are all species endemic to the area, consisting of reeds and sedges for the wetter areas along the creek and kangaroo paws and coral vine for along the walkways and seating areas. There are also some taller species that will give privacy to residents whose houses back onto Wandoo Rest, while giving greater habitat possibilities for native wildlife. While the creek dries out in summer, the area should be beautiful all year round once the newly planted seedlings have established themselves.

ABOVE RIGHT: The picturesque winter creek at Parkwater estate was the focus of planting by residents. P Jovic RIGHT: New sedges along the edges at Parkwater. S Thomas

Rare Woodbridge Nursery Ephemera JOHN VISKA | CHAIRMAN AUSTRALIAN GARDEN HISTORY SOCIETY (WA)

A rare postcard and order form recently discovered by John Viska, Chairman of the WA Branch of the Australian Garden History Society (AGHS) were highlights of a talk on Charles Harper and his association with the Nursery and Fruit Growing Industry. The rare nursery ephemera was enjoyed on Sunday the 28 August, when 40 people attended a joint function between the AGHS and the National Trust of Western Australia’ historic Woodbridge, former home of Charles Harper 1842 - 1912. Using archival photographs, the location of the nursery and orchard that operated from 1894 to 1917 was shown and compared to the location today. Illustrations from nineteenth century fruit culture manuals were shared to explain the various propagation techniques used in the nursery, while reminiscences of Thomas Price informed how the Harper children helped in the orchard and nursery when he was in charge from 1894 to 1899. A rare 1908 Woodbridge Nursery Company catalogue was used to detail the wide range of fruit trees, roses and ornamental trees that were supplied to the developing orchards and gardens of Western Australia. ABOVE: A rare 1908 catalogue of the Woodbridge Nursery Company courtesy. J Viska

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Curtin Family Home Lecture 2016

On the seventy-fifth anniversary of John Curtin becoming Prime Minister, Associate Professor Deborah Gare explores how the influence of John Curtin’s actions against conscription in the First World War shaped his approach to Australia’s involvement in the second. 1916: Curtin’s war against the state Assoc Prof Deborah Gare, University of Notre Dame Hosted by Member for Fremantle, Josh Wilson The Grove Library, cnr Stirling Highway and Leake St, Peppermint Grove Thursday 17 November, 2016 5.45pm for a 6pm start $25 members, $30 non members RSVP: rsvp@ntwa.com.au

GUILDFORD TO GALLIPOLI The story of Gresley and Wilfred Harper. Letters from the infamous Gallipoli trenches and an inspiration for Peter Weir’s iconic film Gallipoli. Join the National Trust at the historic house Woodbridge from 2pm Sunday 13 November for a glimpse into these extraordinary short lives. Bookings for this event 9321 6088 or rsvp@ntwa.com.au

Come and Volunteer at the National Trust

OLD FARM, STRAWBERRY HILL

The National Trust of Western Australia appreciates the great contribution by all its volunteers. Volunteering opportunities are available in our gardens, in caring for our collections and in greeting visitors at our places. If you’d like to contribute to Western Australia’s heritage through the National Trust, we would be delighted to hear from you. We have vacancies available at all our places. Please contact the National Trust of Western Australia on 9321 6088 or at trust@ntwa.com.au during office hours.

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

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National Trust places

you can visit for a GREAT day out! 1

OVE

RNI

T S T

3 H OU

90M

FRO

Perth 5

M PER T

Kalgoorlie Coolgardie

5. N o 1 Pump Station, Mundaring

4. Ellensbrook, Margaret River

3. E ast Perth Cemeteries

2. Old Farm, Strawberry Hill, Albany

1. C entral Greenough (historic settlement), Greenough

Geraldton Greenough

York Mundaring Jarrahdale Pinjarra

Busselton Margaret River

Bridgetown

Albany

PERTH East Perth Cemeteries: Bronte Street, East Perth. Tel: 08 9221 4022. Open Sunday 2pm 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.

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.

Peninsula Farm: Johnson Road, Maylands. Tel: 08 9272 2630. Open Friday to Sunday 11am to 3pm.

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

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

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

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.