Members will this week begin receiving their copy of the National Trust Magazine with the Board Election Voting Packs. All National Trust members who were active at the time nominations closed (8 October), are entitled – and strongly encouraged – to vote. Please ensure that your ballot paper and envelopes are filled out correctly, and they are sent in by the required date (COB 16 November). To access the candidate information and voting instructions on our website please click here . As we prepare for the “Our Place” National Trust Festival in 2008, readers are invited to submit their stories and an image, about a place that resonates for you. “Our Place” can be a beach, a club, a street, a house, a shop, a school, a park, a wilderness, or even a future place. Email your story (maximum 200 words) and image to kwestaway@nsw.nationaltrust.org.au or see below for more information. Selected stories will be published in future issues of enews. Finally, I would like to farewell and thank our Conservation Director, Jacqui Goddard who will be leaving the Trust shortly to take up a position with a leading architectural firm. Over the past 7 years Jacqui has been actively involved in countless issues and campaigns, and been a highly effective spokesperson for the National Trust and its conservation cause. She will be greatly missed.

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

Stop Press: Trust receives $172,565 in Commonwealth Water Grant Funding
As part of its Sustainability Program, the Trust submitted four applications to the Commonwealth Government for water harvesting initiatives at Trust properties. The following amounts were annouced today: Lindesay ($44,545), Norman Lindsay Gallery ($45,455), Everglades ($45,147) and Woodford Academy ($37,418). The successful applications were organised by senior garden staff Will Smith and Guy McIlraith, and Lindesay volunteer Patrick Tingwell.

Welcome to a new member benefit - National Trust Wine Service
We are delighted to introduce a new wine service for our members, where each case sold helps support the National Trust throughout Australia. In association with Wine People (who run the National Trust UK’s wine service) we are committed to bringing you ‘real’ wines you might otherwise struggle to find – offering quality, value and most importantly, enjoyment! Members can save up to $70 and receive 3 FREE bottles of Barossa Shiraz worth $47.97 with the introductory offer. We’ll also include a complimentary set of informative Tasting Notes, giving you the inside story on each wine, plus cellaring tips and serving suggestions. The National Trust Wine Service is designed for members of the National Trust, so there is no commitment or joining fee, and every bottle is covered by a 100% money-back guarantee. To find out more and to order your wine call 1300 551 668.

You are invited to a very special Member-get-Member event at the S H Ervin Gallery
The National Trust (NSW) is delighted to invite you and your friends to a special social evening at the S.H. Ervin Gallery, Watson Road, Observatory Hill, The Rocks, Sydney to be held on Thursday 1st November at 6pm. Meet National Trust Board members and hear about the latest Trust projects, as well enjoying an exclusive viewing of the Portia Geach Memorial Award 2007 exhibition. Membership is the backbone of the National Trust, so please feel free to bring along guests who may be interested in joining – there will be a special membership discount on the evening. We hope you are able to join us and share a wonderful social evening with your friends. Please RSVP by Monday 29 October by emailing your name and guests names to staleski@nsw.nationaltrust.org.au or call 02 9258 0137.

Welcome News on Blue Gum High Forest  
The Trust welcomes the announcement by Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Malcolm Turnbull and Minister for Defence and local MP for Bradfield, Dr Brendan Nelson, that the Commonwealth Government will help Ku-ring-gai with a $350,000 funding contribution to help purchase a rare Sydney Blue Gum High Forest remnant in St Ives. Founder of the National Trust, Annie Wyatt, had a vision of making it “a forest for time”, and along with the Friends of Blue Gum High Forest, Ku-ring-gai Council and local community groups, the National Trust has been working to save this vital remnant of critically endangered forest.

Heritage Act Review
The Trust’s submission to the recent Heritage Act Review can be viewed on the Trust’s website. A number of submissions by Trust Committee members are also available for viewing on the website http://www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au/heritageactreview

Lismore Urban Conservation Area under threat
The Trust has lodged an objection to a two storey building (with garages below) proposed by a government department in the regionally significant Girards Hill Precinct in Lismore, northern New South Wales. The houses in this area are distinctive in their consistent use of timber and iron and the area’s townscape value is enhanced by the steep terrain. Given Lismore Council’s consistent application of guidelines for residential redevelopment it would send a poor signal for a government department’s unsympathetic development to be approved.

Former Baradine RSL Club
The Trust is supporting local residents in their campaign to save the former Baradine RSL Club from demolition by its new owners, the National Parks & Wildlife Service. The site was purchased in the 1940s funded by donations and the proceeds of social events. Further donations and voluntary labour enabled the club’s construction and it became an active and very supportive element in the town funding the local schools, hospital and other community ventures. Locals are hoping to buy back the site and to revive the facility but nonetheless the building should be sensitively adapted for the Service use rather than demolition and rebuilding, particularly in view of current community concerns to achieve sustainable development.

Coal River Precinct nomination for the National Heritage List
The Trust is strongly supporting the nomination by the Coal River Working Party of the Coal River Precinct in Newcastle to the National Heritage List.  This precinct marks the beginning of coal mining in Australia, an important transition from convict to free labour and from natural to modified landscapes. The precinct comprises Nobby’s Head, the Breakwater, Camp Shortland and Fort Scratchley at Newcastle East.

Cumberland Plain Vegetation Remnants
The Trust is closely monitoring a present federal government audit of various commonwealth owned land on the Cumberland Plain including important remnants of rare and endangered native vegetation which have been long listed as Landscape Conservation Areas by the National Trust. The Trust believes that such areas of highest nature conservation significance should be permanently protected from development for housing or commercial/industrial uses.

Listing of Rooty Hill on the State Heritage Register
The National Trust applauds the recent listing of the Rooty Hill on the SHR. Rooty Hill has a place near and dear to the heart of the National Trust. It was the birthplace in 1886 of our founder Mrs Annie Wyatt. In a 1956 memoir she wrote of Rooty Hill – “It is my firm belief that if such a childhood as mine could be the lot of most children there never would have been the need for a National Trust - because everyone in full possession of their senses would be a conservationist and a defender of all art and beauty”. For more information please about this listing please click here.  

Annie Wyatt’s Childhood home “Fairholme” at Rooty Hill.

Canterbury Council Recognises Ashbury Special Character Area
In 1998 the National Trust listed two Urban Conservation Areas at Ashbury in Canterbury Local Government Area following a major study of interwar period housing. In the 1920s Canterbury and Bankstown jointly accounted for twenty percent of Sydney’s population increase. The Trust strongly supports Canterbury Council’s adoption of a Development Control Plan for the Asbury Special Character Area. The Plan identifies contributory and non-contributory buildings. It encourages the retention and adaptation of the contributory houses and for those properties which do not contribute to the special character of Ashbury the Plan encourages sympathetic new development or alterations and additions to enhance their appearance.

Gala night at Sir Henry Parkes Memorial School of Arts
On 20 October Trust Patron and Governor of NSW, Professor Marie Bashir was guest of honour at a dinner held at the Sir Henry Parkes Memorial School of Arts in Tenterfield. The event marked the 50th anniversary of the Trust’s acquisition of the property, the first in our now extensive portfolio. The celebrations were coordinated by local Trust members through the Friends of the School of Arts Committee ably led by local historian, Ken Halliday. This historic occasion coincided with the annual Sir Henry Parkes Oration which is organised by the Sir Henry Parkes Foundation, an organisation that includes a number of Sir Henry Parkes' descendants. This year’s oration was delivered by former Western Australian Premier, Professor Geoff Gallop. Read his speech on English nineteenth century radicalism and its impact on the Australian political system http://www.parkesfoundation.org.au/Projects_oration2007.htm

Corporate Breakfast – 19 November: Guest Speaker Justice Michael Kirby AC CMG, Justice of the High Court of Australia
Justice Michael Kirby was admitted to the NSW Bar in 1967, serving as Deputy President on the Australian Conciliation and Arbitration Commission. In 1983 he became a judge in the Federal Court of Australia and was the youngest person appointed as a Federal Judge. He was appointed President of the NSW Court of Appeal, the highest court in our state’s legal system, before being appointed to the High Court of Australia in 1996. Michael Kirby is one of the National Trust’s 100 Living Treasures. The Corporate Breakfast will be held at The Tearoom, 3rd floor, North End of the QVB, at 7.30am. Tickets: $80 for non-members, $60 for members and $600 for a table of ten (including GST). Click here to download the booking form.

Portia Geach Memorial Award – National Trust S H Ervin Gallery - until 4 November
Now in its 43rd year the Portia Geach Memorial Award, valued at $18,000, is the richest art prize for women in Australia and an exhibition of finalists is now on view. The prize is given for portraiture by contemporary Australian women artists. It was established in 1961 to commemorate Portia Geach’s (1873-1959) many achievements. Like the Archibald, the prize is awarded on an annual basis to the “best portraits painted from life of some man or woman distinguished in Art, Letters or Science by any female artist resident in Australia”. Click here for more information.  

Image Right: Zuza Zochowski - Self Portrait 2007

Trivia Night – Saturday 27 October, 7.30pm
How much knowledge do you have about Sydney bridges – mainly the old coat hanger and the ‘new fangled’ concrete structure called the Gladesville Bridge? Put your knowledge to the test. Join the After Hours Committee, along with Quizmaster, Steve White, Finance Director of the National Trust, at Gladesville RSL Club (4-6 Linsley Street) for a night of fun and hopefully a chance to raise funds for the National Trust. Cost: $30 includes hot supper and a glass of wine. Seating: 8 per table or mixed tables. For bookings call Elvira on 02 9258 0126 or click here for more information

SwanSong Storytelling – Saturday 27 October, 1-3pm
Bring all the family to Experiment Farm Cottage, Harris Park, to listen to fascinating stories from the Cherokee, Cree, Mohawk and Ojibway tribes. Denise Miller, a ceremonial drummer, singer and storyteller from Canada will be performing, as well as Australian storytellers Steve Martin, Jo Henwood, Sue Alvarez with musical interludes. Organised by the Australian Storytelling Guild (NSW) and the National Trust. Cost: adults $6, concessions $4, families $14 on the day. Call 02 9635 5655 for enquiries.

Opera in the Garden at Norman Lindsay Gallery – Saturday 27 October, 5pm
The Friends of the Norman Lindsay Gallery, encourages opera lovers everywhere to bring their picnic rugs and champagne and sit back and enjoy the delightful repertoire presented by The Very Small Opera Company, within the grounds of the National Trust’s Norman Lindsay Gallery, Faulconbridge. The evening will feature seven performers, with a splendid selection of opera ensembles, trios, duets and much loved solo arias. Tickets - $25 adults; $22 Friends & NT members; $15 children 5-16yrs. Bookings are essential, call the Gallery on 02 4751 1067.

Vienna Cottage Christmas Boutique: 2 – 4 November
Huge variety of stalls selling Christmas gifts and luxury items. A great opportunity to purchase Christmas gifts for the whole family. National Trust President Emeritus Professor John Niland will officially open the Boutique on Friday at 7pm. Opening times - Friday: 6pm-9pm; Saturday & Sunday: 10am-4pm. Enquires: 02 9817 2235.

Flight Centre Discover Europe Travel Show – Sunday 4 November
Travellers won’t have to search far for an early-bird bargain as all the savings are under one roof at the 2008 Discover Europe Travel Show in Sydney this year. The free travel show will see Europe’s leading travel companies come together to unveil their latest range of products at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre. All customers who book and make a deposit at the Show will go into the draw to win great prizes. The Sydney Discover Europe 2008 Travel Show will be held from 10am to 4pm on Sunday 4 November, 2007. Admission is free. For more information please visit the Flight Centre website.

Lindesay Christmas Fair: 15 – 17 November, 10am – 4pm
Held in historic ‘Lindesay’ and its charming gardens overlooking Sydney Harbour, this annual Fair is an opportunity to buy unusual Christmas gifts and gourmet foods for the Christmas season. With over 60 stalls and exhibits there is something for everyone and every budget. The traditional Courtyard Kitchen will serve delicious lunches and offer home made morning and afternoon teas. The Fair is organised by the Special Events Panel of the Women’s Committee to raise much needed funds for the upkeep of Lindesay. Cost: $5. Lindesay, 1 Carthona Ave, Darling Point (please enter from Lindesay Ave). Click here for more information.

Eryldene Christmas Gift Fair: 24 – 25 November
Choose and buy unique gifts for someone special this Christmas within the ambience of Eryldene’s famous garden. A wide range of goods for sale, including toys, children’s wear, homewares, handcrafted linens, jewellery, cakes and pantry items. Lunch and refreshments will be available in the garden café. Click here for more information.

Register Now for the National Trust Festival – ‘Our Place’ 2008!
In the 28th year of the National Trust Festival, 2008 will see a fantastic variety of over 450 community events across NSW from Saturday 5 April to Sunday 20 April 2008. This year’s theme focuses on Australian life yesterday, today and tomorrow, with a view to a better future. ‘Our Place’ is a home, a club, a street, a business, a playing field, a theatre, a gallery, a restaurant, an historic site, a garden, a mall, a region, the state, our country, our place in the world, a future place. Register your event to join this exciting celebration, and we’ll promote it free via the Trust website and printed Festival program.  Click here and complete the online registration form by Friday 30 November 2007. For more click here or call the Festival Organiser on 02 9258 0181.
Tell us about “Your Place”

To celebrate the ‘Our Place’ National Trust Festival we are inviting individuals’ reflections on places that have resonance for them, in the lead up to the Our Place Festival 2008. Send your entry of maximum 200 words + image to kwestaway@nsw.nationaltrust.org.au Selected entries will be published in our e-news.

Purchase your very own limited edition Norman Lindsay vase
The second in a series of three vases reproduced from originals designed by Norman Lindsay and displayed at the Norman Lindesay Gallery. Hand-crafted in porcelain, the reproduction vases faithfully reproduce both the quality and spirit of the original. Only 300 vases will be issued for sale, each one hand numbered and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. For details, call the Norman Lindsay Gallery on 02 4751 1067.

Newtown’s darker side brought to light by the National Trust
Murder…baby farmers…a dead ringer for Miss Havisham…elaborate hoaxes…rival palm readers…even death by shopping and skipping rope… old Newtown had it all. Want to read about these things and see where they happened? You can wander the narrow streets and lanes of this now-trendy suburb and surrounding areas armed with the National Trust’s new, self-guided tour booklet: The Darker Side of Newtown and Surrounds – A Self-Guided Tour for the Misguided. Click here to purchase the book online for $5 (plus $3.40 postage and handling) with all proceeds going to the National Trust to help fund its advocacy work.

Cooma Cottage – over 170 years old and in need of your help
Cooma Cottage, the historic home of explorer Hamilton Hume from 1839 – 1873, is in urgent need of extensive conservation. Acquired by the National Trust in 1970, the property underwent significant restoration works in 1988. Now some 20 years on, this fragile property is again showing the ravages of time and weather. Your help is urgently needed. The appeal will enable us to: re-plaster several rooms, undertake repairs to the roof structure, limewash external walls, and complete improvements to the adjacent acreage. Please click here to find out more or donate online. Donations are also accepted over the phone by calling 02 9258 0156.

Donate to the National Trust and help preserve our heritage for future generations.
For details of our latest appeal, click here.
To leave a gift to the National Trust in your will please call 02 9258 0182 or click here for further information.

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