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The proposed changes to the planning laws in New South Wales are now before Parliament for determination.

The unseemly haste to push these amendments through Parliament by the Government, in our view without adequate public representation or debate, demands that the Trust take action to bring the effect of the proposals into the spotlight of public scrutiny.

This is not only about the fight to preserve our precious heritage in New South Wales.  It is about the right of every individual citizen to have a voice in the determination of the character of their street, suburb, town or city.

It’s your neighbourhood, it’s your sense of place, it's about the unique identity of each town and suburb which is vital to our sense of belonging and it’s your children’s inheritance.

What will they remember of their home?

Come and join the voices of protest on 3 June 2008. Support the Trust, Support Local Government and Support Community Rights.

This may be your last chance to influence these decisions. It’s up to you!

Steve White
Acting Executive Director

Conservation Issues

TAKE ACTION! – Public Meeting on Tuesday 3 June, 6pm

Your chance to support calls for an enquiry into the Planning and Legislation changes.

A public meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 3, from 6pm at Sydney Masonic Centre Grand Lodge Room, 66 Goulburn Street (corner Castlereagh Street), Sydney. Speakers will include:

Genia McCaffery – President, Local Government Association. Mayor, North Sydney Council
Graham Quint –  Conservation Director National Trust NSW
Nick Ebbeck –  Mayor, Ku-ring-gai Municipal Council
Jeff Angel –  Director, Total Environment Centre
John Mant –  Lawyer, Urban Planner
Jack Mundey –  Activist

Sustainability Spotlight

An open letter from Mrs Cherry Jackaman, First Woman President of the National Trust (NSW) 1977-1981

‘No Time to Spare’

'No Time to Spare’ was the first National Trust exhibition held in 1962. Unfortunately then, there was not enough time to save from demolition Australia’s most important buildings such as Subiaco. With the present rapid rate of development in this country many historic places are threatened. The National Trust is trying very hard to protect our heritage but with minimal government funding and rising inflation the Trust’s work is in trouble. On behalf of the National Trust I ask you to make a one off donation which is tax deductible. Thank you for your help.
Yours sincerely,

Cherry Jackaman
Past President, National Trust of Australia (NSW) 1977-1981

Donations can be made by calling 02 9258 0156 or by visiting our website.

Events, Exhibitions & Travel

Gala Dinner at Government House was a great success!
The Heritage@Risk Appeal at the Charity Gala Dinner at Government House on Wednesday, 21 May was a great success and helped raise much needed funds! The launch of the Trust’s Heritage@Risk Appeal raised a total of $61,000. Trust Patron, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, hosted the dinner in the beautiful ballroom of Government House. Click here to read more about the Gala Dinner.

Ambre Hammond – National Trust Youth Ambassador
We wish to thank our National Trust Youth Ambassador Ambre Hammond, whose performance of Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody captivated guests at the National Trust Heritage@Risk Dinner, held last week at Government House. We commend Ambre for her talent and significant personal achievements. She learnt to play the piano at the age of 3 and was the youngest person to obtain her Associate and Licentiate Diplomas at the age of 12. Four years later she won first prize at her first International Music Competition in Argentina. The following year she was invited back to Argentina to perform the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No.3, a performance that is now acclaimed as one of the best recordings of this piece ever made. Ambre has performed with the SBS Youth Orchestra, the Australian Chamber Orchestra as well as orchestras in Switzerland, Argentina, England, Italy and Spain. Her current project includes collaboration with jazz great James Morrison.  We are very grateful for Ambre’s support an d look forward to opportunities for her to perform at future National Trust events.  Please follow this link to hear samples of Ambre’s music and view her current program of performances.

Woollahra Day House Inspections – Tuesday 10 June
Join the Women’s Committee Woollahra house inspection day. Trust members will have the opportunity to visit 3 lovely private homes.  Morning session: 10.30am – 12.30pm or afternoon session: 1pm – 3pm. This event is for National Trust members only. Tickets still available by downloading a Ticket Application Sheet. Cost: $28 or $18 for youth tickets (12 – 18 years). Tickets close 3 June.

John R Walker: Journey through Landscape – until 15 June
S.H. Ervin Gallery presents the first opportunity to examine the landscape oeuvre of John R Walker, one of Australia's foremost painters. Even though Walker is a five times Archibald Prize finalist, landscape is his first love. Walker’s intimate knowledge of the bush along with his acute visual memory allows a deep engagement with the landscape. Looking at work from the past decade, this exhibition features paintings, gouache and artist books. Major works are on loan from important private & public collections and there are selected works not previously exhibited before this. Click here for more information about the exhibition and our series of guest talks every Sunday.

Join Ian Kiernan for Breakfast at the QVB – Thursday 19 June, 7.30am
Join Ian Kiernan, AO, Founder and Chairman of Clean Up Australia and Clean Up the World – a community based organisation which aims to inspire and work with communities to conserve our environment. Clean Up the World partners with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to inspire individuals and communities from every corner of the globe to make their environment a cleaner, healthier place to live. Ian will be speaking on “The importance of planning and architecture for the benefit of the environment”. Cost: (incl GST) $60 NT Members, $80 non members, $600 table of 10. Click here for more information and to download a booking form.

Gala Private Collections Night at Everglades – Saturday 21 June, 7pm
Members and friends are invited to attend an elegant black tie soiree at Everglades, Leura. Guests will be served champagne and canapés and have the opportunity to view a never before seen collection of rare artworks, including Norman Lindsay originals and a painting from the Namatjira family. The artworks have been donated for the evening from private collections and a number of works will be for sale, including the raffle of a Norman Lindsay reproduction vase. Cost: $40 per person. Cheques made to NT Blue Mountains Branch sent to PO Box 7345, Leura NSW 2780 with stamped self-addressed envelope. Proceeds go toward the Blue Mountains branch of the National Trust. For more information, please call Rhona Leach 02 4757 2424 or Diana Nelson 02 4757 1033.

A talk on ‘Community, Heritage, Conservation and Design Responses’ – Sunday 22 June, 2pm – 4pm
The Vienna Cottage Committee has organised a talk by local architect, Tony Coote, at the Hunters Hill RSL, corner of Alexandra and Ady Street. Tony has been involved with heritage matters with the Hunters Hill Trust and with our council’s heritage committee for many years. Cost: $12 or $10 concession – includes refreshments. P: 02 9817 2510 or 02 9817 5632.

July School Holiday Workshops at the S.H. Ervin Gallery
Holiday workshops for your little ones to coincide with the exhibition Abstract Earth: The photography of Richard Woldendorp. Each workshop costs $33/ $30 National Trust members. Booking essential – call 02 9258 0122 or email evenables@nsw.nationaltrust.org.au
Abstract Painting – Thursday 10 July, 1pm – 3pm. Media: acrylic on canvas (7 – 14 years)
Mapping the Hill – Friday 11 July, 1pm – 3pm. Media: drawing and mixed media (5 – 12 years)
Eco-Art Collage – Thursday 17 July, 1pm – 3pm. Media: collage & mixed media (5 – 12 years)

Christmas in July at Wirrimbirra Sanctuary, Bargo – Saturday 5 July, 7pm
Enjoy a winter Christmas in the beautiful bushland surrounds of Wirrimbirra. Traditional Christmas dinner, lots of fun and prizes, and Santa will be calling in. Cost: $25 adults, $10 children under 13. Bookings essential, call 02 4684 1112.

Fashion Retrospective 1850 – 1980s – Friday 18 July, 6:30pm
Those with an interest in fashion and the gracious style of times gone by will not want to miss the Yass fashion show organised by The Friends of Cooma Cottage. This large and varied collection of garments has never been assembled before. Dating back to the 1850s, the garments make a fascinating historical record as each item holds clues to the occupation and social status of the owner and the cultural mores of the time. Several items are said to be from the family of the famous explorer Hamilton Hume who lived at Cooma Cottage. Guests will be served canapés whilst they peruse the static exhibition that includes children’s garments, toys and accessories. All funds raised will go toward the restoration of the garden at Cooma Cottage. Cost: $25. For tickets contact Helen Johnston 02 6226 3665; Bimbi Turner 02 6227 6182; or Corrine Chalmer 02 6226 5482.

Everglades Christmas in July – Saturday 19 July
Everglades is hosting a Christmas in July Dinner – turkey, ham and Christmas pudding will be served in stunning Art Deco surroundings warmed by an open log fire. Guests will savour a glass of champagne and nibbles whilst enjoying harpist, Dawn Egan’s delightful Celtic music.  6:30pm start for 7pm. Cost: $55 per person.  BYOG.  Bookings essential – Everglades Gardens 02 4784 1938, Elizabeth Reyswood 0418 206899 or Sandy Luxford 02 4784 2280.

Special Member Promotions & Announcements

National Trust $2 Raffle – Win a fabulous Captain Cook Cruise worth up to $1,900!
Purchase tickets now in the National Trust $2 Raffle. Tickets cost $2 each or $18 for a book of 10 (minimum order is 5 tickets). Purchase your raffle tickets here or call 02 9258 0123.

1st prize - choice of either a 3 night Murray Princess Cruise OR 2 Night Sydney Explorer Cruise for two adults.
2nd prize - 3 play subscription for two people at Glen Street Theatre.
3rd prize - a dozen Tamburlaine Reserve Wines.
4th prize - Jenolan mid-week one night stay and caves pass.
5th prize - 2 annual YHA NSW memberships and accommodation vouchers.
6th prize - Agatha Christie’s Poirot Series 1 DVD box set.
Prizes donated by Captain Cook Cruises, Glen Street Theatre, Tamburlaine Wines, Jenolan Caves Trust, YHA NSW and Acorn Media. Raffle terms and conditions.
Ticket purchaser must be 18 years or over

Join the National Trust today and enjoy three months’ FREE membership
A reminder to join The National Trust today and receive 15 months membership for the price of 12.  National Trust Membership entitles you to free entry to over 800 properties worldwide, access to National Trust, events, tours and exhibitions.  Simply phone 02 9258 0156 NOW and mention this e-news offer to receive three months FREE* or join online at www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au and quote promotional code EN3MF before Monday 30 June 2008.  By joining now you have a chance to win an $18,000 Italian holiday for two.  Existing members can also refer new members, and receive a gift and go into the draw to win the trip to Italy.  *Three month free offer valid for new members only.

50% off your partner with Captain Cook Cruises, for National Trust members and subscribers
Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to take your partner cruising the Murray River or Sydney Harbour for half price. As a special offer to National Trust Members, Captain Cook Cruises is offering these special cruise deals for June, July & August 2008. Sydney Top Deck Lunch – Cruise aboard Sydney's flagship MV Sydney 2000. Enjoy stunning views from the upper deck, superb dining and attentive service. Simply Sydney's best lunch time venue. Sydney 2 Night Weekender Cruise – Join a small group of passengers for a weekend aboard the MV Captain Cook's Explorer and really get to know both contemporary and historical Sydney. Murray River 3,4 & 7 Night Cruises – There's no better way to see the Murray River and a slice of the hauntingly beautiful and dramatic Australian outback. To take advantage of this special offer please visit www.captaincook.com.au

Charles Dutoit Conducts the Sydney Symphony – Sydney Opera House
Join us as the Sydney Symphony performs with one of the world’s greatest conductors, Charles Dutoit, in a spectacular program of music.  Come and hear Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony and Richard Strauss’ An Alpine Symphony in the majestic Sydney Opera House Concert Hall.  Dates – Fri 30 May, Sat 31 May, and  Wed 4 June, 8pm. Click here for more information. Special ticket offer for National Trust members – Save 10% on A, B and C reserve tickets.  Tickets start from $59.* To book, call the Box Office on 02 8215 4600. *Terms and conditions apply.  Valid for bookings from Sydney Symphony Box Office only. To get the discount, please mention that you are a member of the National Trust.  This cannot be used in conjunction with any other special offer or concession.

50% off your partner with Captain Cook Cruises, for National Trust members and subscribers
Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to take your partner cruising the Murray River or Sydney Harbour for half price. As a special offer to National Trust Members, Captain Cook Cruises is offering these special cruise deals for June, July & August 2008. Sydney Top Deck Lunch – Cruise aboard Sydney's flagship MV Sydney 2000. Enjoy stunning views from the upper deck, superb dining and attentive service. Simply Sydney's best lunch time venue. Sydney 2 Night Weekender Cruise – Join a small group of passengers for a weekend aboard the MV Captain Cook's Explorer and really get to know both contemporary and historical Sydney. Murray River 3,4 & 7 Night Cruises – There's no better way to see the Murray River and a slice of the hauntingly beautiful and dramatic Australian outback. To take advantage of this special offer please visit www.captaincook.com.au

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.