Sydney may lose a large part of its railway heritage under plans to revamp Redfern and Waterloo. The Trust is particularly concerned over the fate of the railway yards, tracks and warehouses in North Eveleigh, most of which date from 1887. The Redfern Waterloo Authority is not obliged to adhere to heritage orders because it has powers to override the Heritage Act. Go to http://www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au/news/redfern.asp for the Government’s recently released redevelopment plan.

RTA plans to demolish properties throughout Enmore for an extension of the M6 have now become public. The Trust is working closely with local residents to protect the Enmore Urban Conservation Area. For more information goto www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au/motorways/

At the recent hearing in Sydney Trust President, the Hon Barry O’Keefe AM QC, presented a forceful and compelling case for why voluntary heritage agreements would not afford effective protection for heritage. See the Productivity Commission’s full report at www.pc.gov.au/inquiry/heritage. Go to www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au/productivity.asp to post your views.

Recently mailed to schools across NSW and the ACT, the 2006 National Trust Schools program sponsored by the Commonwealth Bank aims to educate and inspire students about our rich heritage. Working closely with the Department of Education, the programs bring subjects as varied as history, geography and visual arts to life at National Trust properties across the state. Bookings can be made through our website on www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au/schoolsprogram

The Blue Mountains is host to two great National Trust events on the evening of Saturday 25th February 2006.  Mellow out with Jazz in the Garden, hosted by the Friends of Norman Lindsay Gallery, which will feature the legendary band, Galapagos Duck. Ring the Gallery for bookings on 4751 1067. Or enjoy Sunset on the Silk Road at Everglades Gardens, with an evening of multicultural dance with fire, veils, swords, drums and guitars. See www.evergladesgardens.info for further information.

Congratulations to Margaret Royds who recently received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her services to the Braidwood community through the preservation of historic properties. Part of the Trust family for over 30 years, Margaret and her husband Roger were instrumental in Braidwood being listed on the National Trust Heritage Register. The town is now being considered for inclusion on the State Heritage Register, which the Trust strongly endorses. They have also restored their own historic property, Bedervale, looking after an original collection of furniture, china and silverware owned by the National Trust. Open to visitors by appointment, see www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au/properties/bedervale

Leanne Maslen, Director Corporate Services, who has been with the Trust for nine years, is leaving to start her own business. Leanne has made a huge contribution over this time with unstinting commitment and enthusiasm. Thanks also go to our Education Officer, Julie Petersen, who is starting at Mosman Gallery and Cemeteries Officer, Catherine Brew, who is off to the UK. We wish them well in their new ventures.

There are vacancies for the new positions of Fundraising Programs Manager and Regional Network Coordinator, as well as the positions of Executive Coordinator and Education Officer. See www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au/jobs for further details. Please pass this on to anyone that may be interested.