On Friday 12 January the former Federal Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell, announced that 11 sites representing Convict Heritage across Australia are being nominated as a ‘serial listing’ for the World Heritage List. The list includes Old Government House and the Governor’s Domain at Parramatta. The Domain is represented by Parramatta Park and together they constitute the ‘command post’ of the convict system. The site is a ‘powerful symbol of the colony of NSW, the inter-connections with convict sites in other colonies and the development of the nation’. For more on the nomination, see www.deh.gov.au.
For more on Old Government House, please see www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au/properties/ogh

For more on current conservation issues and campaigns click here.

It’s the hottest ticket in town, attracting record crowds and media interest. This exhibition surveys the iconic artist’s practice over three decades and includes over 100 pieces relating to his work with Mental as Anything, Mambo, the Sydney Olympics and as an independent exhibiting artist. A full colour 80 page catalogue has been produced; please call 9258 0140 for direct mail orders ($34.95, postage extra; numbers are limited). The animated documentary Golden Sandals, The art of Reg Mombassa (dir: Haydn Keenan; prod: Gai Steele), can be purchased at the Gallery, where it is currently screening, or call 9258 0140 for mail orders ($33, postage extra). Catch the guest talks in the Gallery, 3pm Sundays - see www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au for full details including talks program.  And make a note that the Gallery will be open on Australia Day with free admission, family activities and a BBQ with Reg. Gallery hours Tues-Sun 11am-5pm (closed Mondays).

Join us at Observatory Hill from 10am-6pm on Sunday 18 March to celebrate the first National Trust Day, designed to raise awareness of the Trust’s mission. Enjoy international food and drink, competitions, exhibitions, celebrities, entertainment and much more. The Day coincides with the historic 75th Anniversary of the Harbour Bridge, which will be closed to traffic, with 250,000 people expected to cross it on foot ending at the Trust Centre’s doorstep. The NRMA will be showing vintage rescue vehicles, and primary school kids from both ends of the bridge will exhibit the best of their decorated coathangers. Take in the popular Salon des Refuses exhibition at the SH Ervin Gallery, or lunch at Trust Café. Please call 9258 0123 if you would like to volunteer for the day. More information at www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au/bridge.asp

With over 430 exciting events across the state – talks, garden and architectural tours, exhibitions, concerts, family open days - the 27th National Trust Heritage Festival promises to be the biggest and best yet. The theme couldn’t be more timely. The festival will look at natural landscapes from perspectives such as sustainability and development, climate change and water conservation. This theme intersects with our cultural landscapes - the community’s interaction with places and their social histories. The festival will send a message that government, business and developers need to understand “places in context” – wholistically - to ensure that our cultural and environmental heritage are protected. A highlight of the festival, the EnergyAustralia National Trust Heritage Awards, will be presented at the Awards Luncheon, The Westin, Sydney, on Monday 12 March. Please see the full festival program www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au/events/festival

This year, we are offering an insight into the passions of some of our 100 Living National Treasures in a series of fundraising events headlined by these eminent Australians. To launch the ‘Treasures of the Trust’ series we present ‘Table Talk: lunch with Margaret Fulton’. The first and greatest of Australian celebrity cooks, Margaret transformed the national cuisine. Join her in conversation with Joanna Savill, participate in Q&A and enjoy a three course lunch with a menu designed by Margaret. Wednesday 7 March 12.30pm, The Tearoom, QVB, Sydney. Tickets: $170 per person, $130 National Trust members. Bookings: (02) 9258 0121. Visit www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au  for more information.

National Trust properties across NSW will offer free entry this Australia Day to encourage Australians to discover and appreciate our rich heritage. Across the state…from Sydney to Dubbo and from Bathurst to Armidale… enjoy Trust gardens and explore our galleries and house museums on Friday 26 January. Some properties will feature special music, exhibitions, guided tours or tasty treats. For each property’s events please visit www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au

A Hans Heysen watercolour, a 1920s beaded flapper dress and a limited edition Picasso lithograph will be amongst the wonderful items up for auction at Everglades in the Blue Mountains, on Saturday, 10 February from 6 pm. Objects of Desire is presented by Everglades Friends and Volunteers to raise money for restoration of the fabulous Art deco Everglades house and stunning five-hectare gardens poised on the edge of the World Heritage listed Jamison Valley. Tickets: $25/$40 per couple – for bookings call (02) 4784 1938.www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au

Bring the family along to Wirrimbirra Sanctuary at Bargo, and get up close to some of these amazing creatures. Renowned wildlife expert, Anthony Stimson, will give shows and talks throughout the day, with plenty of hands-on opportunities for visitors. There will be displays, activities, BBQ, souvenirs and the Native Nursery and White Waratah Café will also be open on the day. For more information visit www.wirrimbirra.com.au

Do you enjoy heritage properties and spending time with children? Volunteer for the new school holiday program at Old Government House, Parramatta. OGH has received $15,000 from Parramatta Leagues Club for a historical school holiday program called ‘A Day In the Life Of…’ Volunteers are needed for tours, craft, old-fashioned games like croquet and jacks, dress up time, and scone and lemonade making. The program will run for two hours each weekday morning during 2007 school holidays. For more information or to register interest please call (02) 9635 8149.

Join the National Trust, or, if you are a member, refer a new member, and you could WIN a luxury European Holiday for two, valued at $12,000, including return transfers from Sydney to London on Gulf Air. All gift memberships also go into the draw - consider purchasing one for your family or friends. Enjoy the benefits membership offers. For how to enter visit http://www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au/europe.asp

Help us raise much needed funds for our work, and go into the draw for this fabulous holiday. For details on how to enter follow this link http://www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au/raffle.asp.

Congratulations to the winners of our far north Queensland holiday, Mr & Mrs Donner of Melrose Park, NSW. Thank you to all our members who referred new members to the Trust. Special thanks to Mary Rossi Travel, Cairns Limousine Service, Voyages and Skytrans Airlines for this fantastic prize, and also to special guest Angela Catterns of Vega fm, for drawing the winner. Please visit http://www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au/europe.asp for your chance to win the 2007 holiday prize to historic Europe, valued at $12,000.

The Trust is offering a 17 day tour to Canada and the Rocky Mountains. The tour features two of the world's great train journeys - The Rocky Mountaineer and the Canadian - with stays at luxurious historic hotels and comprehensive touring. Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler, the charming villages of Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise will feature, with stops in Seattle, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Twin Share $10,560, Single Supplement $2190. For bookings phone (02) 9262 4755 Ext 43. for more information on this and other National Trust tours please visit http://www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au/files/tours&traveljan07.pdf