The National Trust welcomed the announcement late last month by the Minister for Planning, the Hon. Frank Sartor, of the listing of the town of Braidwood on the State Heritage Register.  This will allow the historic, architectural and scenic values of this colonial period town to be protected while achieving appropriate and sustainable growth. www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au

Ian Kiernan receiving his Award from
Tina Jackson

The National Trust Heritage Festival, continuing until Easter Sunday 16 April, has been one of our most successful yet, with over 400 events.  Popular events included tours of the old Eveleigh Railway Workshops and maritime sites along Sydney’s foreshore, exhibitions of iconic industrial areas such as Illawarra, Goulburn and Lithgow, and intriguing tours of underground reservoirs and converted flour mills.  Still to come:  Vintage steam train visit in Temora, a tour of the ships of Cockatoo Island and a talk on brickmakers’ lives, and many other events.
www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au/events/festival

The National Trust was very disappointed to hear that Glebe’s historic 68 year old Valhalla Cinema will be converted to offices by its new owner.  While the Trust acknowledges that there has been a downturn in cinema patronage, it is saddened by the loss of another landmark arts venue.  The Trust will be liaising with the architect commissioned to ensure that any changes are reversible for future reuse as a cinema.  On a happier note, the Chauvel in Paddington will reopen officially later this year.  www.nationaltrust.nsw.org.au/

The first event in the National Trust Corporate Breakfast Series for 2006 will be held on Thursday 18 May 2006 at the Hotel InterContinental, Sydney.  Minister for Planning, Frank Sartor, has recently overseen major changes to our planning system, particularly responsibility for local government developments and developments of state significance. 

For further details and bookings, contact kmcewen@nsw.nationaltrust.org.au

One of the best Easter egg hunts takes place each year in Leura in the Blue Mountains thanks to the National Trust property, Everglades.  Children of all ages are invited to the Great Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday April 16. The hunt is followed by egg decorating and egg and spoon races, with the Everglades tearoom serving a pancake brunch, hot cross buns and their famous roast pumpkin soup from 10am. www.evergladesgardens.info

The Trust’s Inverell branch is presenting a guided coach tour of various art sites associated with the famous paintings of Tom Roberts, who visited the area while creating some of his most renowned artworks, including Bailed Up, The Golden Fleece and In a Corner on the Macintyre. Tours to the locations where these and other works were created run from Saturday 22 to Sunday 30 April. www.tomrobertsfestival.com.au/HeritageTour.htm

Two members of the Trust have recently made generous gifts.  Miss Helen Molesworth, a life member, has committed a significant untied sum, enormously valuable for the Trust.  And Zeny Edwards’ generosity will result in the refurbishment of the Annie Wyatt Room at the National Trust Centre, Observatory Hill, beginning with the installation of projection equipment for our popular calendar of talks, presentations and displays.  The Trust is very grateful for their support and commitment.

The final report of the Productivity Commission on Heritage Conservation was delivered to the Treasurer last week, but will not be made publically available for some months.  We will keep you informed as more information comes to hand. www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au/productivity.asp