The National Trust welcomes the inclusion of the whole of North Head on the National Heritage List announced on 12 May. The National Trust in association with the Friends of the Quarantine Station nominated North Head in 2004 because of the importance of the place to Australia. North Head contains the former Artillery School, the Quarantine Station, the Police College, St Patrick’s Estate and a National Park containing rare and endangered species. The Quarantine Station in particular, as the world’s largest, most intact and longest serving quarantine station, is arguably of international significance but management has been hampered by a combination of State, Commonwealth and private control over the separate parcels. It is hoped this listing will encourage a coordinated approach to North Head.

Margaret Olley
Portrait in the mirror, 1948.

The National Trust is concerned that BASIX may be abandoned as part of the NSW Government review. BASIX, the Building Sustainability Index, is an environmental performance assessment tool that sets compulsory greenhouse gas and water reduction targets for houses and units.  While the Trust sought modifications to the system, it believes that consideration of environmental performance is vital in all building works.  The National Trust hopes that the review is indeed a review and that a better system will result.

The historic 1858 St Barnabas Church on Broadway, designed by Arthur Crux with 1872 additions by Edmund Blacket, was recently severely damaged by fire. Arthur Stace found the inspiration for his signature ‘Eternity’ graffiti after converting to Christianity at St Barnabas. An English Hill & Son organ installed in 1880 was destroyed. The Trust welcomes the commitment by former rector, now Anglican Bishop of South Sydney, Robert Forsyth, to rebuilding, and has offered to establish tax deductible appeals for the rebuilding and the replacement of the organ.

The Minister for Planning, The Hon. Frank Sartor MP, announced last week that among the grants awarded for conservation works this year is $50,000 for the Dubbo Grandstand. The National Trust President, the Hon Barry O’Keefe AM QC, expressed his relief that after many years of reports about its condition and arguments over its future, much needed repair work will now begin. The National Trust has been lobbying for the conservation of this wonderful structure and was actively opposed to further reporting while the building languished. The Board of the Trust visited the Grandstand in October 2003 and repairs were urgent at that time.

Sign up your artistically inclined kids for July holiday art workshops at the National Trust S H Ervin Gallery, Observatory Hill. Mapping the Hill (drawing/mixed media workshop), Friday 7 & 14 July, 1.30 – 3.30 pm, is suitable for children 5 – 12. Kids will explore the natural and built environment of Observatory Hill through drawing, textural rubbing and orienteering, creating a final group collage artwork. Cost $25. The Photograph as Witness, Thursday 6 & 13 July 1.30 – 4pm, for children aged 8 – 17, will start with an inspiring tour of the exhibition Witness to War: official art and photography. Participants will be provided with tuition and a disposable camera for a walk around the historic Rocks. We will discover and photograph intriguing sites of architectural significance past and present, developing skills in perspective and composition. Cost $35.

Bookings are essential. Call Eleanor Venables on (02) 9258 0122 or email evenables@nsw.nationaltrust.org.au

Complementing our Heritage Festival theme of industrial heritage and working lives, Pat Fiske’s 1985 film, Rocking the Foundations will screen at 5pm on Thursday 25 May at the Theatrette, Parliament House, Macquarie Street. This powerful documentary tells the story of the Builders Labourers Federation from 1940 – 1975. The screening will be followed by a short commentary and discussion with Pat Fiske, Jack Mundey and Dr Meredith Burgmann. For information or to RSVP call Parliamentary Community Relations on 9230 2047. Attendance is free with an optional donation to support a service for the homeless.

In a new sponsorship, Boral Limited sponsored our highly successful and entertaining Corporate Breakfast at the Hotel Intercontinental last Thursday 17 May, addressed by Minister for Planning, the Hon. Frank Sartor. As the Daily Telegraph and SMH reported, Minister Sartor was at his jovial best during his 30 minute presentation, regaling the full house with insights and anecdotes about the people and processes of city planning.

The Scots-flavoured Autumn in the Highland Manor, held last Sunday at Old Government House, Parramatta, attracted 500 people.  Ishbel MacAskill, Gaeldom’s first lady of soul, Chris Duncan and the Police Pipe Band wesre a great success, and kids especially enjoyed the sword fighting. The tablet (a Scottish sweet of condensed milk and sugar) and potato drop scones disappeared fast, as did the sausage sizzle’s black pudding… The event garnered wide media, including ABC Radio and Radio 2GB. Thanks to the Australian Gaelic singers for arranging the entertainment, and the Community Relations Commission for a Multicultural NSW for helping to sponsor the event.

The third annual National Trust Photography Competition aims to capture our industrial heritage, echoing the theme of the highly successful 2006 Heritage Festival. From agriculture to technological industries, we encourage budding and professional photographers to photograph the places and people that shaped NSW’s industrial heritage. Regional finalists’ entries will be exhibited at a National Trust property or community venue in June with prizes in each region and to the overall winner.  Entries close on 31 May 2006.  For further details see www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au

The issues of why conservation skills are disappearing, what can be done to reactivate training in these areas and how traditional materials can be used creatively in modern applications will be tackled at the Annual Conservation Conference, which has been postponed until 16 and 17 June.  Join us for presentations from leading experts in the areas of conservation craft skills and traditional building techniques to discover how we can keep these skills alive in Australia.  For bookings call Mara on 9258 0161 or for further information see  www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au