New President and Deputy President of National Trust
We are delighted to announce that the Board of the National Trust of Australia (NSW) last night elected Dr Zeny Edwards as President. Dr Edwards replaces the Trust’s retiring President, Professor John Niland AC. We sincerely thank Professor John Niland for his dedicated work on behalf of the National Trust, and welcome Dr Edwards as incoming President. Dr Edwards, an architectural historian, is a committed member of the National Trust, with 15 years’ involvement in the organisation. She has worked with passion for the conservation of historic heritage places. She has helped to fund the Old Government House Soft Furnishings Program, and is currently funding restoration work at Everglades in Leura. Dr Edwards has also curated a number of exhibitions for the National Trust, including Heirloom Flowers, Fruit and Vegetables at Old Government House and Sydney Past and Present in the Annie Wyatt Room of the National Trust Centre. She is a recipient of National Trust Heritage Awards (four awards and two commendations). In 2006 her contribution was recognised with Honorary Life Membership of The National Trust. That year, Dr Edwards also received the Mayor’s Centenary Award for Outstanding Community Service in Ku-ring-gai.

Also last night, Julian Bickersteth was elected as the National Trust’s Deputy President, and William Holmes a Court re-elected to the position of Treasurer. We look forward to a productive year ahead with this outstanding team at the helm.

Peter FitzSimons is the special guest speaker at the annual National Trust Lecture for 2007
Peter FitzSimons, respected columnist for the SMH and Sun-Herald, presenter on Fox Sports, and 2UE broadcaster, has interviewed leaders and stars from around the globe and written 17 best-sellers, including biographies of Kim Beazley, Nancy Wake and Steve Waugh. In 2003, his book ‘Kokoda’ topped Australia’s non-fiction bestseller lists and in 2006 'Tobruk' sold 100,000 copies in hardback. The Lecture is a focal point for contemporary public debate on heritage, conservation, environmental and cultural issues. Join us to hear Peter FitzSimons speak about the places and stories in Australia that are important to him. Grand Ballroom, The Westin Sydney, 1 Martin Place, from 6.30pm, 10 December. Tickets $28 National Trust members / $38 non-members. Bookings call 02 9258 0181 or click here to download an RSVP slip.