This issue includes an interesting range of conservation items, including some major wins, such as the protection of an important tract of Blue Gum High Forest in Wahroonga from development, and concerning losses, such as the go ahead for the Hunter’s Anvil coalmine. These examples show that ongoing vigilance to protect our shared heritage is necessary, and, on occasion, rewarded. We also report on our efforts to conserve mature native trees in Kangaroo Valley, and our listing of the home of leading architect Harry Seidler, and the few remaining Sydney suburban market gardens. Membership is the backbone of all this work. If you’d like to join or give the gift of membership, consider doing so by Friday 29 June and the joining fee will be waived. Call 9258 0156 or go to  www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au . Also, as we approach the end of the financial year, just a reminder that donations to the Trust’s new Sustainability Program – to support our environmental advocacy and help us begin environmental retrofits of our heritage properties – are tax deductible. Please see www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au for more and to donate online (instantly receipted).

Tina Jackson
Executive Director
tjackson@nsw.nationaltrust.org.au

Stop Press: Listing of the Sydney Opera House on World Heritage List
Word has just been received from New Zealand that UNESCO has added the Sydney Opera House to the World Heritage List. The listing recognises the Sydney Opera House as being of “outstanding universal value”, representing “a masterpiece of human creative genius”. The recommendation report states that the Sydney Opera House “stands by itself as one of the indisputable masterpieces of human creativity, not only in the 20th century but in the history of humankind.” This is a fitting testament to the genius and dedication of all those involved in the creation of the Opera House especially architect Jørn Utzon and the extraordinary teams of architects, engineers, builders and craftsman. The National Trust placed the Opera House on its Heritage Register in 1983.

National Trust Way
Last days to book Coast to Coast: Indian Pacific Tour, September 12 – 29
One the world’s greatest train journeys. Travel from Sydney in comfortable Gold Kangaroo Class, stopping at Broken Hill, spending 3 days in Adelaide wineries and the Hills, and continuing to Perth and on to Broome, with many spectacular experiences on the way: the Pinnacles, the dolphins at Monkey Mia, Ningaloo Reef, the Pilbara and Cable Beach. Cost: $5,990 per person twin share; $7,420 single.
Enquiries: please call Linda at Goway Travel on 02 9262 4755 ext 45.

Rippon Grange Saved
The Trust is delighted that the Land & Environment Court has rejected a development proposal for Rippon Grange, Wahroonga, which would have adversely impacted on the critically endangered Blue Gum High Forest on the property and its landscape context. The decision vindicates the community’s efforts to protect this site, and Ku-ring-gai Council’s rejection of the DA. Heartfelt thanks to those who gave evidence at the hearing including Trust Deputy President Dr Zeny Edwards. The Trust urges that the developer of the last privately owned block of High Forest adjoining Dalyrymple Hay Reserve, Pymble – the subject of protection campaigns since the 30s – accept a public buy-out, and is supporting approaches to the commonwealth for funds for the purchase. In 2006, the NSW Government funded the buy-out of another privately owned block.

National Trust disappointed at Anvil Hill coalmine approval
The Trust is very disappointed at the approval of the Anvil Hill coalmine. The mine will take thousands of megalitres of water from the Upper Hunter needed for drinking, farming, grazing and wine-growing, and contribute 25 million tons of greenhouse gases annually, counteracting the State’s greenhouse gas emissions trading scheme. Local residents have commenced Federal Court action on the grounds that the area’s biodiversity is threatened.

National Trust lists Seidler home and neighbouring bushland reserve
The Trust has listed Seidler House, Killara, designed and built by the late Harry Seidler and his architect wife Penelope, and its adjoining bushland. The house is significant as a key residential work of a pre-eminent Australian architect, for its integration with its natural context, and for its striking modernist design. The adjoining reserve was gazetted as the Harry Seidler Reserve by Ku-ring-gai Council. A special Trust event on 24 June, attended by Penelope and children Tim and Polly, celebrated the listing.
(L to R) Trust Executive Director Tina Jackson, Penelope Seidler & daughter Polly, deputy mayor of Ku-ring-gai Anita Andrew, deputy Trust president Dr Zeny Edwards

Information Session – Proposed World Heritage Listing of Old Government House 4 July, 4pm – 6pm
You are cordially invited to a public information session on the nomination by the Australian Government of the National Trust’s Old Government House in its Domain, Parramatta Park, for the World Heritage List as part of a serial listing of 11 Australian Convict Sites. Venue: the Marquee at Lachlan’s Restaurant, OGH, Parramatta, limited parking available. RVSP Mara Barnes on 02 92580161 or mbarnes@nsw.nationaltrust.org.au or contact the Parramatta Park Trust. For more on OGH click here.

Rockdale Market Garden Conservation Area
Three market gardens in Kyeemagh, Banksia and Kogarah have been listed by the Trust. They are amongst the oldest and last surviving examples of market gardens, cultivated first by European settlers like the Cornish, Irish and Germans, and later by the Chinese. The listing includes West Botany Street Market Gardens, the Toomevara Lane Market Gardens and the Occupation Road Market Gardens, representative of market gardens throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

Kangaroo Valley Scenic Drive Tree Clearing
The Trust has expressed its strong opposition to a proposal by the Roads and Traffic Authority to cut down more than 95 mature trees along the Moss Vale Road in Kangaroo Valley which has been designated as a Scenic Drive. The proposal is being put forward to address safety concerns but the Trust is arguing that lower speed limits, signage and specific works at major curves is a more appropriate response in this landscape listed by the National Trust.

Second Cut: RAIA Awards “Salon des refusés”, from 2 July – 2 August
We have teamed up with the RAIA NSW and the Australian Architecture Association to present the inaugural Second Cut exhibition, featuring a representative selection of entries to the 2007 RAIA NSW Awards. As with the S H Ervin’s Salon des refuses, the alternative Archibald, the selection criteria are quality, diversity, experimentation and wit. Annie Wyatt Room, National Trust Centre Observatory Hill, 2 July – 2 Aug, 10 am – 5pm Mon – Fri. Catalogues: $10. Vote for your favourite entry in the People’s Choice Award. For details of architects’ talks program and Sulman book raffle, click here.

From here to Eternity: contemporary tapestries from the Victorian Tapestry Workshop S.H. Ervin Gallery, 29 June - 12 August
The National Trust S.H. Ervin Gallery launches its winter program with a stunning exhibition of 52 contemporary tapestries from the renowned collection of The Victorian Tapestry Workshop, established in 1976. This touring exhibition showcases the Workshop’s collaboration with many of Australia’s leading artists including Davida Allen, Jon Cattapan, Alun Leach-Jones, Reg Mombassa, Gareth Sansom and Martin Sharp. For more, click here.

S.H Ervin Gallery Public Program series of guest talks, Sundays at 3pm.
1 July - Robyn Cass, Head Guide, Victorian Tapestry Workshop. 8 July - ABC 702’s Simon Marnie in conversation with exhibiting artists Martin Sharp & Chris O’Doherty (Reg Mombassa). 15 July - Alun Leach Jones, the first artist to have a painting translated and woven by the Victorian Tapestry Workshop. Please click here for updates on Public Program speakers.

Woodford Wizard Academy – launch of Harry Potter book on Saturday 21 July
To mark the eagerly-awaited Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, little witches and wizards can hop on a London double-decker bus at Leura’s Megalong Books and be whisked to the Trust’s 1830s “Woodford Wizard Academy” where they will concoct potions, make magic supplies, explore wizardry lore and participate in a treasure hunt. Two sessions: 8.30am - 2pm and 2.30pm - 8pm; 70 children each session. Cost: $85. Bookings essential, call Megalong Books on (02) 4784 1302. Potter book, lunch and show bag included. Click here for more.

Win tickets to July screenings of Evening
Evening is a film about the moments in life that define us, and the timeless love that binds mothers and daughters, sisters and friends. The film explores the romantic past and emotional present of Ann Grant, a woman nearing the end of her life, and her daughters. Ann reflects on the time in her youth when she met the love of her life, and her daughters learn that decisions made at an impulse can affect a lifetime. Evening stars Claire Danes, Toni Collette, Vanessa Redgrave, Glenn Close, and Meryl Streep. In cinemas July 19, 2007. Courtesy of Hopscotch Films and National Trust we have 100 double passes (valid Friday 13, Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 July, 2007) to giveaway. To WIN simply email your full name and mailing address details to Kylie Westaway at kwestaway@nsw.nationaltrust.org.au.

Land at Golden Vale sold for over $1 million
On 23 June the National Trust auctioned 95 acres of the historic property ‘Golden Vale’ near Sutton Forest, part of 300 acres recently very generously gifted to the Trust by the late Hon. W.G Keighley OAM and his wife Karin. We are very grateful to the Keighleys for this extraordinary gift - Golden Vale has been home to the Keighley family for over 60 years, and Mrs Keighley and a manager still look after the day to day care of the property and homestead. The money raised will go into an endowment fund to preserve Golden Vale’s homestead and garden.

To the manor…reborn
We recently held a delightful membership evening at Boronia House, an impressive manor in Sydney’s Mosman. This heritage jewel is a great venue for elegant cocktail dos, wedding receptions, birthday parties, intimate luncheons, formal dinners and community/business events. Boronia House was listed by the National Trust in 1987. To book an event ring on 02 9969 2099 or visit www.boroniahouse.com.au

Change of opening hours for Dundullimal Homestead
From August, the National Trust’s Dundullimal Homestead in Dubbo will be open to the public every Tuesday from 10am – 4pm. The homestead will open at other times for pre-booked functions, school groups, bus tours, special events, weddings and parties, with the plan to focus on Dundullimal as a functions centre for the region. The property will be closed during July for maintenance and volunteer training, click here fore more information.

National Trust President awarded RAIA 2007 President’s Prize
John Niland, National Trust President, and David Chesterman, were last week awarded the 2007 President’s Prize by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects. The award was given in recognition of their contribution to the University of NSW Kensington Campus, transforming it into a high quality public space with award-winning architecture.

Last days to save up to $30 off National Trust membership…
The National Trust of Australia (NSW) is waiving the joining fee on new memberships until Friday 29 June as a special offer for e-news subscribers. Please call Membership NOW on 02 9258 0156 and mention this special e-news offer to receive up to $30 off your membership!

Donate to the National Trust and help preserve our heritage for future generations.
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