Please note that our Annual General Meeting is to be held at the National Trust Centre, Observatory Hill at 10am on Saturday 24 November. We do hope to see as many of our members there as possible. Also in this issue, the exciting new National Trust/American Express Partners in Preservation program is launched today. The community can vote for the site(s) they believe most deserve funding for conservation, from a shortlist chosen by a panel of cultural and conservation leaders. Online voting starts today –  I would like to encourage all of you to participate in the program and help support your favourite heritage site. Please see the item below. And just a reminder – the deadline for registration of events in 2008’s ‘Our Place’ National Trust Festival is coming up on 30 November. Please click here to download your registration form and read more about the event. Finally, with Christmas a few weeks away, now is a great time to start thinking about gifts. National Trust membership makes a great gift for loved ones at Christmas. We also have a selection of wonderful National Trust Christmas cards and gifts available. Please click here to  BUY a gift membership now and click here to see our catalogue of Christmas cards and gifts.

Tina Jackson
Executive Director
tjackson@nsw.nationaltrust.org.au

It’s Time for a Commitment
The Trust calls for all parties contesting the upcoming Federal election to commit to improved funding for the protection and conservation of our heritage. Over the last decade funds provided by the Federal government for historic heritage work have been drastically reduced. Regional communities take great pride in their heritage places and many are struggling to remain viable in the face of recent pressures related to the drought and declining rural populations. The recent Productivity Commission Report highlighted the plight of local government and private owners of heritage places in particular. Our heritage, both built and natural is vital to us as a nation and it is time for a Federal government to embrace this vision. Click here for the media release from the Australian Council of National Trusts.

Partners in Preservation - Voting has now started!
Voting has now started and anyone can register and vote once each day for four weeks for the site(s) that you believe should be chosen to receive funding from the National Trust / American Express Partners in Preservation project for conservation. Visit the Partners in Preservation Website and vote for one or more of the following sites – Balmoral Beach Rotunda, Bondi Surf Pavilion, Bondi-Waverley School of Arts, Clifton Gardens Pool, Macquarie Place (Sydney), Glebe (Foley Park) Wireless House, Macquarie Obelisk, Mosman Cross Street Drill Hall, Sydney State Theatre Butterfly Room and Waverley Cemetery Gates. Voting closes 14 December.

Bass Hill Drive-in Theatre closes
Bass Hill Drive-In Theatre opened in November 1956 and is Australia's oldest continually operating drive-in theatre. Immaculately maintained by the Greater Union organisation, the theatre continues to be a popular and almost unique attraction for families with the Blacktown Drive-in being the only other such theatre in Sydney. The National Trust is finalising the listing of this theatre on the National Trust Register, however a Development Application has been lodged with Bankstown City Council for its demolition and replacement with housing.

Currawong recommended for listing on the State Heritage Register
It was recently announced that the Heritage Council has recommended the entire Currawong site for listing on the State Heritage Register. Currawong meets 5 of 7 of the Heritage Council’s criteria for significance. The nomination has been before the Council since 1999. The recommendation will go before the Minister for Planning, Frank Sartor. The Trust listed Currawong on its Register in 2001.

Richmond River Lighthouse
The Trust has expressed its concerns to Ballina Shire Council that a Master Plan for the Richmond River Lighthouse at Ballina and its surrounding lands does not address the likely impacts of various development options on this key historic site. This lighthouse, built in 1866 and designed by colonial architect James Barnet, was classified by the National Trust in 1978.

Northbridge Suspension Bridge
Reports that traffic lights may be installed directly in front of the 1892 gothic style sandstone towers of the Northbridge suspension bridge are of great concern to the Trust. The traffic lights are associated with a housing development adjoining the bridge in a fire-prone bushland area and would degrade the appearance of this Sydney landmark which is used constantly as a backdrop for tourist and wedding photographs.

Kogarah Jubilee Oval
There has been an extraordinary public response to the listing of Jubilee Oval / Kogarah Park, Kogarah on the Trust Register. Kogarah Park is historic in its own right as a very early Sydney metropolitan park originally designed by Sir John Sulman. The listing heralds the approach of the 2008 National Trust Heritage Festival Theme “Our Place” which will highlight the range of places which are important to today’s community. Jubilee Oval is likely to be ‘rare’ at a state and national level of significance as the site of the St George Rugby League Football Club’s unprecedented 11 straight premierships (1956-1966), thought to be a world record in any elite sporting achievement. Click here for more information.

Peter FitzSimons is the special guest speaker at the annual National Trust Lecture for 2007
Peter FitzSimons, respected columnist for the SMH and Sun-Herald, presenter on Fox Sports, and 2UE broadcaster has interviewed leaders and stars from around the globe and written 17 best-sellers, including biographies of Kim Beazley, Nancy Wake and Steve Waugh. In 2003, his book ‘Kokoda’ topped Australia’s non-fiction bestseller lists and in 2006 'Tobruk' sold 100,000 copies in hardback. The Lecture is a focal point for contemporary public debate on heritage, conservation, environmental and cultural issues. Join us to hear Peter FitzSimons speak about the places and stories in Australia that are important to him. Grand Ballroom, The Westin Sydney, 1 Martin Place, from 6.30pm, 10 December. Tickets $28 National Trust members / $38 non-members. Bookings call 02 9258 0181 or click here to download an RSVP slip.

Lindesay Christmas Fair – last day Saturday!
Held in historic ‘Lindesay’ and its charming gardens overlooking Sydney Harbour, this annual Fair is an opportunity to buy unusual Christmas gifts and gourmet foods for the Christmas season. With over 60 stalls and exhibits there is something for everyone and every budget. The traditional Courtyard Kitchen will serve delicious lunches and offer home made morning and afternoon teas. Cost: $5. Lindesay, 1 Carthona Ave, Darling Point (please enter from Lindesay Ave). Click here for more information.

Celebrating Miss Traill’s House – Sunday 18 November
The National Trust is celebrating 30 years of custodianship of Miss Traill’s House in Bathurst with a Mad Hatters Tea Party in the garden on Sunday 18 November, from 3pm – 5pm. Tasty sandwiches, scones and cakes created by local chefs will be accompanied by tea tastings, with a prize for the best ‘mad hat’ and a house tour included in the $20 ticket price ($15 members). Tickets from Harvey World Travel and the Bathurst Visitor Information Centre. For more information ph: 02 6331 2309 or 02 6332 5930. The Trust is also offering ‘two for one’ admission during November to encourage visitors to see Miss Ida Traill’s fascinating time capsule of a house. For more information on the House  click here.

Puppets and paintings to take their place at Woodford Academy – until 9 December
The National Trust’s Woodford Academy is the setting for a magical exhibition, ‘Shakespeare’s Netherworld’, featuring beautiful textiles, fine arts and puppets at the historic 1830s building. See paintings by award-winning artists Judy Adams, Joanna Jensen and Norah Holman and textile art by Marylin Wright, together with hand-crafted marionettes by puppet maker, Lenka Muchova of Prague, and hand-crafted tinplate toys by John Cervenka. Until 9 December, admission $5.
For more information on Woodford Academy please click here.

2007 The Year in Art – until 16 December
The National Trust S.H. Ervin Gallery’s The Year in Art is establishing a reputation as one of the ‘must see’ annual Sydney exhibitions. The show presents a unique opportunity to revisit the year’s highlights from the Sydney art scene in one dynamic exhibition. This is the perfect opportunity to engage with themes and trends in contemporary art practice. A series of Sunday afternoon talks with exhibiting artists will also be held – on 18 November: James Powditch; 25 November: Neal Smith and Stephanie Valentin; 2 December: Cressida Campbell. Click here for more.

National Trust Wine Service – a new member benefit
We are delighted with the response from members to our new wine service, where each case sold helps support the National Trust throughout Australia. In association with Wine People (who run the National Trust UK’s wine service) we bring handcrafted wines direct to your door – offering quality, value and enjoyment! Members save $70 on the introductory mixed case (it’s just $129.99 plus delivery) and receive 3 FREE bottles of Barossa Shiraz worth $47.97. A complimentary set of informative Tasting Notes, plus cellaring tips and serving suggestions are included – perfect for Christmas entertaining. The Service is designed for members of the Trust, so there is no commitment or joining fee, and every bottle is covered by a 100% money-back guarantee. For more and to order your introductory mixed case, call 1300 551 668.

Gift Memberships – the perfect gift idea for Christmas
Consider a National Trust gift membership - the perfect gift for Christmas. Like many of you, your friends and family will be helping to support the conservation of Australia’s natural and cultural environment for future generations. If you are a Trust member and purchase a gift membership, you both will receive a special gift of your choice. You may choose from: Stylish National Trust tote bag or linen tea towel, both valued at $15. PLUS for every gift membership you purchase, you and your friend will go into the draw to win this year’s holiday prize – a European River Cruise for two, valued at $12,000.* Competition closes on the 7 December 2006.  For details call 02 9258 0156 or BUY a gift membership now *Visit our web site for full terms and conditions.

Purchase your Christmas gifts from the National Trust
Delight your friends and family with special gifts this Christmas while also helping to save Australia’s heritage. Members receive a 10% discount on everything bought, whether through our website, magazine or from our many shops. The range includes National Trust Christmas cards, address book and 2008 desk diary. Please click here to download a catalogue and order form.

Register Now for the National Trust Festival – ‘Our Place’ 2008!
In the 28th year of the National Trust Festival, 2008 will see hundreds of community events across NSW from Saturday 5 April to Sunday 20 April 2008. This year’s theme focuses on Australian life yesterday, today and tomorrow. ‘Our Place’ is a home, a club, a street, a business, a playing field, a theatre, a gallery, a restaurant, an historic site, a garden, a mall, a region, the state, our country, our place in the world, a future place. Register your event to join this exciting celebration, and we’ll promote it free via the Trust website and printed Festival program.  Click here and complete the online registration form by Friday 30 November 2007. For more click here or call the Festival Organiser on 02 9258 0181. We also want to hear your stories about the places and events that have shaped you and how you see yourself as part of Australia – and the history and ongoing activities of your organisation, industry or community. Please send your stories and an image (maximum 200 words) to Kylie at kwestaway@nsw.nationaltrust.org.au Selected entries will be published on the web and in enews.

Portia Geach People’s Choice Award Winner Announced
Congratulations to Melbourne-based artist, Claire Busuttil Bridge, winner of The People’s Choice for The 2007 Portia Geach Memorial Award exhibition. Claire overwhelmingly won our viewer’s choice for her work, Vashti, a portrait of fellow artist, Vashti Bieber. Claire’s portrait of Vashti was one of 55 works selected for the 2007 Portia Geach Memorial Award, now in its 43rd year. Thank you to all who voted in this year’s People’s Choice.

Image right: Claire Busuttil Bridge, Vashti, 2007. Winner - People’s Choice, 2007 Portia Geach Memorial Award.

Donate to the National Trust and help preserve our heritage for future generations.
For details of our latest appeal, click here.
To leave a gift to the National Trust in your will please call 02 9258 0182 or click here for further information.

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