Eight years after the last printed edition of the National Trust Register in 1998,
the 18th edition is now available on DVD (or CD if preferred). The National Trust began its listing of important places in 1961-62 with just 36 entries. Over the years the list has grown dramatically to now include over 11,000 places. The updated register includes new features such as searchable database format, information on architects/builders, building materials, architectural styles and dates of construction, and the complete set of classification reports for the National Trust’s 87 landscape conservation areas and 260 urban conservation areas. While the 1998 register was 426 pages of printed information the 2006 DVD contains the equivalent of 2,500 pages of information.

Copies of the 2006 register can be ordered from the National Trust (NSW) website at www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au

The Commonwealth Department of Environment and Heritage has recently agreed to support restoration works to these key features of one of our signature estates, Old Government House, Parramatta. OGH is the oldest existing public residence in the country and was the home of the nation-building Governor Macquarie in the early 19th century. Created by Mrs Macquarie, the Bower is a departure from earlier colonial architecture, which almost buffered inhabitants from the ‘outside’. Reconstruction of the bower will follow evidence found in a 1860s photograph and surviving marks in the walls.

Right Image: Port Jackson Vue de la Maison du Governeur, a Parramatta watercolour copied from Louis de Freycinet's Voyage Autour du Monde, Paris 1825. Source Christie's

The next National Trust Corporate Breakfast will be held on Thursday 31 August at the Hotel InterContinental, Sydney. Joining us as special guest speaker will be The Hon. Bob Debus, the longest serving Minister for the Environment in NSW history and Minister for the Arts. Among many achievements, he has been responsible for the extension of NSW’s national park system, wilderness areas and marine parks.

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

The latest exhibition at the National Trust’s SH Ervin Gallery, Witness to War, is a poignant collection developed by the Australian War Memorial, revealing the work of their most recent official war artists and photographers. The exhibition captures striking images and personal stories of Australian servicemen and women on duty in East Timor, Afghanistan, Iraq and the Solomon Islands. A must see, very important exhibition that is tragically timely.

A series of guest talks will take place each Sunday at 3pm during the exhibition. For more information go to www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au

Dyson (1880-1938) was Australia’s first official war artist, a popular political cartoonist, and brother-in-law to the Lindsays. Entitled The Brother-In-Law: Will Dyson – Etcher, Cartoonist and War Artist, the exhibition will be on display at the Norman Lindsay Gallery in Faulconbridge until 30 September. The etchings and books displaying Dyson’s artworks and cartoons are from a private collection and have not been seen by the public for decades. For property opening times please visit http://www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au/properties/nlg/default.asp

Woodford Academy officially launched its latest exhibition Victorian Elegance at Woodford last week, featuring a unique selection of clothing and accessories from the renowned Darnell Collection. The Darnell Collection consists of over 3,500 pieces, spanning from the 18th century to the 20th century. The collection includes garments from well-known international designers such as Christian Dior, Thierry Mugler, Madeleine Vionnet and Jean Patou. For property opening times please visit
www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au/properties/woodford/default.asp

The National Trust (NSW) classified the Avoca Beach Theatre in 2001 and, following meetings with the theatre’s owners, expressed grave concern at the proposed major redevelopment of this simple and well-loved coastal resort cinema. In view of the broad community concern for the future of this cinema, its social significance and rare architectural character, the Trust is preparing a nomination for the listing of the theatre on the State Heritage Register. National Trust members are invited to support this nomination and provide their own experiences at this theatre via a message board on the National Trust (NSW) website. Go to www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au/news/avoca.asp

Hurstville’s Civic Cinema, the last single-screen cinema operating in suburban Sydney, is up and running again. Screening art-house, foreign language, classic and Australian movies, the theatre is being operated on a monthly basis by a community group – The Film Seen Incorporated. Attendance is on a membership basis and programming details are available on the website – www.filmseen.com National Trust members joining The Film Seen Inc. should quote their National Trust membership number and a proportion of their membership fee will be contributed to the Trust’s ongoing campaign to save historic cinemas.

The Dampier Rock Art Precinct contains the largest collection of standing stones in Australia and the largest concentration of rock ‘carvings’ in the world. Between 6,000 – 40,000 years old, the Dampier Rock Art Precinct is currently on the World Monument Fund’s list of 100 Most Endangered Places in the World. The National Trusts of Western Australia and NSW are holding a forum with the goal of removing the Precinct from the 100 Most Endangered Places List and ensuring the future of the Dampier Rock Art Precinct. The forum will take place from 10am-4pm, Friday 28 July at the State Library of NSW, Sydney. For bookings and further information please visit http://www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au/rockart.asp

The National Trust (NSW) has forwarded a submission to a review on sensitive lands proposed for urban development on the NSW South Coast, focusing on land in the Jervis Bay region at Culburra, Badgee Lagoon and Comberton Grange. Urban development or expansion on these sites would have damaging consequences for Jervis Bay and Lake Wollumboola. The first planned stage of urban expansion at Culburra had been rejected following a Commission of Inquiry and the proposed additional five stages would have similar impacts on the natural environment. The National Trust listed Jervis Bay as a Landscape Conservation Area in 1975 and in 1984, proposed the creation of the Currambene National Park on the western shores of the Bay.

Clive delighted a packed audience at the State Theatre, Sydney, with stories of his experiences with some of Australia’s best-known artists. The first to admit that he was never an expert, Clive’s enviable reminiscences of time spent with Brett Whiteley, Margaret Olley and Jeffrey Smart, described a growing love and deep admiration for those Australian artists who created their own unique niche in the art world. For more information and to view pictures from the event, please go to www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au/clivejames.asp

For the first time since 2002, the Trust Board has resolved to increase membership fees by 10% to keep pace with inflation. The additional 10% is in line with CPI increases over the period and is much needed as a way to help meet the rising costs of property maintenance and other work. To view the new membership subscriptions go to www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au/membership/join.asp

The City of Sydney provides support for individuals and groups whose activities and initiatives aim to improve the quality of the City’s heritage and built environment. The Heritage Grants Program provides grants of up to $10,000 on a dollar-for-dollar contribution basis. This program encourages private owners of heritage items and contributory buildings in heritage conservation areas and heritage streetscapes to undertake new conservation work.

Applications for the Heritage Grants Program 2006/2007 will be accepted until 5pm Friday 28 July 2006. Enquiries contact 02 9265 9563 or communitygrants@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au.