The Trust is currently reviewing the likely impacts of global warming on the 11,000 places on its Register, the bushland it manages through its Bush Management Program and the ecosystems it has consistently campaigned to protect, such as wetlands and rainforest. Key issues include sea level rises, greater storm activity and damage, higher temperatures, bush fires, and prolonged drought. In this context, the Trust is also developing a policy on energy alternatives to reduce climate change.

The Trust strongly supports the principles of water conservation and has installed rainwater tanks at a number of its own properties. Media reports that the Trust had opposed the installation of rainwater tanks at the Prime Minister’s Sydney residence, Kirribilli House, were incorrect. The Trust strongly urges governments at all levels to support water recycling projects and to assist homeowners to install rainwater tanks. These were a common feature of historic properties before the introduction of town water supplies.

The Trust strongly objects to plans in train to remove Maritime NSW’s longstanding role promoting public access to the foreshore and environmental controls such as size limits on jetties and pontoons. The Trust had supported former Premier Bob Carr’s actions to protect Sydney Harbour from a proliferation of marina developments for very large vessels.

Recent media reports incorrectly stated that the Trust was “missing in action” on the sale and redevelopment of Currawong, land adjoining Ku-ring-gai National Park on Pittwater. The Trust listed Currawong on its Register in 2001, and was recently part of a deputation to State Parliament with the Friends of Currawong urging that the site be purchased by the Lands Department for addition to the National Park. Regrettably the Department was instructed to withdraw a bid they had made for the purchase. The Trust now urges Minister for Planning Frank Sartor to list Currawong on the State Heritage Register to ensure its long-term protection.

The property “Yasmar” on Parramatta Road at Haberfield was listed by the National Trust in 1976 and is the last surviving villa estate on Parramatta Road. Its garden is very significant and intact but the property is falling into serious disrepair. The Trust is also concerned at the lack of community consultation on the future use of the property and the process relating to a recent call for expressions of interest in the property.

The Trust is delighted to hear the news that the recent Land & Environment Court hearing into a proposal for further massive sandmining on the Kurnell Peninsula has dismissed an appeal against the rejection of the development. The Trust has consistently opposed sandmining at Kurnell and gave evidence at the Inquiry. The appeal was rejected because of the development’s impacts on four endangered ecological communities and because it was contrary to the provisions of the Regional Environmental Plan for the Kurnell Peninsula.
Visit www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au for information on the National Trust's sand mining policy.

Following objections by the National Trust, Maitland City Council has rejected a Development Application to demolish the former Matthew Talbot Hostel in East Maitland. This building was constructed in the early 1850s and has a two storey brick stables and coach house. The Trust congratulates Maitland Council on this decision and the provision of funding to investigate the condition of the building.

Tickets are still available for the launch event of our ‘Treasures of the Trust’ series. The first and greatest of Australian celebrity cooks and National Living Treasure will be our special guest for ‘Table Talk: lunch with Margaret Fulton’. Join her in conversation with Joanna Savill, participate in Q&A and enjoy a three-course lunch designed by Margaret. 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.

Join us at Observatory Hill from 10am-6pm to celebrate the first National Trust Day, designed to raise awareness of the Trust’s conservation mission. Enjoy international food, exhibitions, celebrities, entertainment and more. The Day coincides with the 75th Anniversary of the Harbour Bridge, when thousands of people will cross it on foot ending at the Trust Centre’s doorstep. Visit the popular Salon des Refuses exhibition at the SH Ervin Gallery, or lunch at the Trust Café. Volunteers are urgently needed for the day – we would appreciate your support. Please call 9258 0123 for more information. Visit www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au/events/festival/trustday for details of the day.

With over 430 events statewide – talks, garden and architectural tours, exhibitions, concerts, family open days – the 27th National Trust Heritage Festival is the biggest yet. The festival looks at natural landscapes from perspectives such as sustainability and climate change, and at cultural landscapes – the community’s interaction with places and their social histories. The festival’s prestigious EnergyAustralia National Trust Heritage Awards will be presented at The Westin, Sydney, on Monday 12 March. Visit www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au/events/festival for the full program.

To celebrate and close the exhibition, The art of Chris O’Doherty aka Reg Mombassa, join Reg Mombassa and Peter O’Doherty in their band Dog Trumpet for an evening of music and art at the Trust’s S H Ervin Gallery. Cost: $25 / $22 Trust members. Last minute opportunity for a private exhibition viewing, and to purchase the exhibition catalogue, Dog Trumpet CDs, postcards and five digital prints (editions of 100, signed, prices start at $300). Pre-booked ticket sales only, numbers strictly limited. Call: 02 9258 0140. Enquiries: shervingallery@nsw.nationaltrust.org.au

Last days! See this record breaking exhibition featuring Chris’s evocative landscapes and portraiture as well as his prolific work for Mambo. National Trust S H Ervin Gallery 11am-5pm Tues – Sun. Entry $6 / $4 Trust members, seniors, concessions. www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au

Image - Chris O’Doherty, Ghost Cars, 2005

Volunteers at Grossmann House have pulled a few strings to get the Irish harpist and singer Claire Roche along for a special National Trust concert recital during her 2007 tour of Australia. Claire is a musician in the bardic tradition, performing soulful Celtic music. She even holds permission to put the poetry of William Butler Yeats to music. The concert will be held in the hall at the Trust’s Brough House, the twin Regency townhouse next door to Grossmann, from 7pm Cost: $25. To book ring Grossmann House on (02) 4933 6452.

National Trust property Lindesay, overlooking the harbour at Darling Point, will hold a special open day from 10am – 3pm on 3 March. There will be tours of the house and a photographic exhibition showing the early cultural and historical development of the area. Adults $6, children $3 at the door. Free for Trust members. For enquiries call 9363 2401.

The National Trust membership department will be attending the Ku-ring-gai Garden Expo on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 March. We urgently need volunteers to help recruit and sign-up new members at the Expo. If you are available, we would be very grateful for your assistance. Call Silvana on 9258 0137 or email staleski@nsw.nationaltrust.org.au  to register your interest.

As part of the Trust’s Skills Training Program the next Homeowners course will take place at Willoughby Park Centre. Topics covered will include causes and repairs of rising damp, dealing with pests, cracking and movement, methods of repair to plaster walls and ceilings, repairs to joinery and colour selection and types of paint. This is a full day program of expert opinion and advice – includes morning tea and lunch. Cost: $55 NT members and $98 for non-members. Bookings to be made through Willoughby Park Centre on 9967 2917.  

Enjoy the sublime sounds of the country’s premier orchestra when the Sydney Symphony stages a free celebratory concert in the stunning surrounds of the historic Parramatta Park, from 5.30pm – 7.30pm. The National Trust’s Old Government House is located within Parramatta Park. Old Government House has been nominated for World Heritage Listing as part of a ‘serial listing’ representing Convict Heritage in Australia. For details of the event call 8833 5000 or www.ppt.nsw.gov.au

The Trust is saddened to learn of the death of WA author and National Living Treasure, Professor Elizabeth Jolley AO. Jolley, 83, was a leading figure in Australian literature, best known for her novels about alienation, social misfits and loneliness. Her 14 novels and four short-story collections received many awards including The Age Book of the Year and the NSW Premier’s Award. The Well won the 1986 Miles Franklin and was filmed in 1997 – the same year Jolley was declared a Trust National Living Treasure. She received her AO in 1988. “She was a compelling writer who brought us wonderful stories of the Australian landscape and its people. She will be greatly missed,” said Executive Director, Tina Jackson.

Kevin Fahy, a pioneer in research and appreciation of Australiana, passed away on 2 February, aged 73. Kevin was responsible for tracking down all the furniture for the National Trust’s Old Government House during the 1960s and 1970s, now recognised as the nation’s finest collection of Australia colonial furniture. Kevin was an active supporter of the National Trust and recognised as the decisive authority on Australiana. He will be sorely missed.