The Trust was very pleased to hear the recent announcement by Roads Minister Eric Roozendaal that the road reservation through Marrickville between Parramatta Road and St Peters has been abandoned by the State Government. This reservation would have facilitated an extension to the M6 Expressway passing through the centre of the National Trust listed Enmore Urban Conservation Area. If built it would have led to the demolition of many significant properties through this historic area. See www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au/

Trust NSW President Barry O’Keefe at the wall

Explore the places, structures and the people behind our unique industrial heritage during the National Trust Heritage Festival 1 – 16 April 2006. Under the theme Industrial Heritage – Our Working Lives, over 400 events will be held across NSW, including architectural discovery walks, exhibitions, talks on our changing urban landscape, tours of underground and hidden sites, plus events at some of our iconic thriving industrial regions. Key events at the National Trust Centre, Observatory Hill, Sydney, include: the Jane Bennett: Sydney’s Disappearing Industrial Treasures exhibition and an evening lecture, Our Working Heritage Under Threat, featuring eminent speakers including renowned heritage activist, Dr Jack Mundey AO.

National Trust properties around the state will also host a variety of events including the Anecdotes of Our Working Lives initiative, featuring traditional activities from times past and oral histories in association with NSW Seniors Week (free).

For information about festival activities in your local area, visit the website at www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au/events/festival or call 02 9258 0123.

Book now to attend this year’s EnergyAustralia National Trust Heritage Awards luncheon!  The annual presentation ceremony will take place on Monday 3 April 2006 at 12 noon at The Westin, Sydney where projects of excellence within the fields of built, environmental and cultural conservation will be showcased and presented by the Hon. Tony Kelly ALGA MLC, Minister for Lands.

Visit www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au/events/heritageawards for more information and bookings or call the National Trust on 02 9258 0123. 

Come along to a series of fun workshops to celebrate the Salon des Refusés: The alternative Archibald and Wynne Prize Selection currently running from 25 March – 14 May 2006 at the S.H. Ervin Gallery, National Trust Centre, Watson Rd, Observatory Hill. The exhibition comprises contemporary portraits and landscapes by emerging and established Australian artists. Workshops, tours and classes catering for a variety of age groups will be offered, including children’s holiday workshops in April. Other workshops include: Experimental Portraits: a practical and expressive drawing and painting workshop; and A Contemporary Approach to Landscape: plein air drawing from Observatory Hill.

Bookings are essential. $20 for children, $70 for adults. Costs include entry into exhibition, materials and tuition. Workshops are subject to minimum numbers and availability.

For further information contact Eleanor Venables evenables@nsw.nationaltrust.org.au
call 02 9258 0122 or go to  www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au

Ada Mumford, who was farewelled at a cocktail party held at Old Government House Parramatta (OGH) on Sunday 26 March, began as a volunteer guide at OGH in 1990. In 1994 she was elected Chair, Friends of Old Government House. Since this time she has devoted her extraordinary skills to this flagship property, and led the committee through its successful fundraising. Ada personally ensured that a high standard of visitor satisfaction was achieved at all times. Her contribution extended to taking on the roles of Mrs Macquarie and Mrs Ovens the housekeeper, who mysteriously produced batches of freshly-cooked scones for children at OGH education activities. Ada was recently honoured with the National Trust NSW Voluntary Service Award. She will be sorely missed.

Several private collectors have lent their significant watercolours, oils and pen/ink drawings to the Norman Linsday Gallery in Faulconbridge for an exciting 11 week show focusing on works by Lindsay unseen by the public for decades.  Helen Glad, Lindsay’s granddaughter, sourced the paintings and believes they include some of Lindsay’s best works. The exhibition runs until 28 May 2006.

For details on the Gallery including hours see www.hermes.net.au/nlg/ email nlg@hermes.net.au or call 02 4751 1067.