The Trust is extremely disappointed that the amendments to the Planning Legislation were passed by only one vote in the Legislative Council earlier this week.

Disappointed but not disheartened!

I want to particularly thank all people who campaigned so hard by writing letters and sending emails and talking with family and friends about the issues. In particular we thank the Coalition Parties in the House, the Greens and the Reverend Gordon Moyes for their support.

Long time campaigner and supporter Jack Mundey said at the recent public meeting that the campaign for conservation and protection of our heritage in NSW starts now, and that is true.

Recent history has many examples of governments taking major decisions out of step with community values and in the face of intense opposition and in each case it can be said that the community won the day.

Please be the eyes and ears of the Trust and let us know of any community examples where these legislative changes lead to a degradation of the historic, cultural, scenic and scientific values of our suburbs, towns, cities and natural areas.

Help us keep the Campaign alive!

Steve White
Acting Executive Director

Your last chance to win a Captain Cook Cruise worth up to $1,900!
The current National Trust $2 Raffle is coming to an end. You must purchase your tickets by Monday 30 June. First prize is your choice of a 3 night Murray River Cruise or a 2 night Sydney Explorer Cruise, from Captain Cook Cruises. There are also 5 other great runners up prizes to be run – click here for a detailed prize listing. To order your tickets now please call 02 9258 0123 or download a booking form and send it in via fax or post. Don’t miss your chance to win – buy your tickets now!

An update on the position of Executive Director
Advertisements for the position of Executive Director have appeared in The Australian and the Sydney Morning Herald.  The position has also been advertised on ApplyNow.com.au/Jobs6291. The response to date has been excellent and the initial interviews will be conducted during the next four weeks. Applications will be accepted until 3 July 2008. The Board hopes to finalise the selection by the end of July.

The planning law changes have now become inevitable with the Legislative Council approving the new planning legislation by a majority of one vote. The Coalition joined with the Greens and the Reverend Gordon Moyes to call for an enquiry, but the combined votes of the ALP, two Shooters Party members and the Reverend Fred Nile approved the Bill.

The public meeting held by the National Trust at the Sydney Masonic Centre in early June, with the support of the Local Government and Shires Associations, was a very successful event. It generated a great deal of media comment, demonstrated the co-operation of the Trust, local government, the community and the environment movement in opposing the planning law changes and unanimously moved a motion calling for the Legislative Council to support an inquiry into the planning system and legislative changes. The resolution was in turn transmitted to Upper House members (ALP, Coalition, Greens, Christian Democrats and Shooters’ Party). The details of the Trust meeting and the resolution were read in the Legislative Council by Marie Ficarra MLC (Liberal Party). The Opposition indicated that its members would oppose the legislation and support calls for an Upper House Inquiry. With the support of the Greens and the Reverend Gordon Moyes, two more votes were required to delay the legislation and put in place the inquiry.

The Minister for Planning, Frank Sartor wrote to the Trust President claiming that the Trust was misrepresenting his “reform” proposals. The Trust President responded indicating that the Trust was very careful to make statements and submissions that were accurate and factual. The Sydney Tower and Sydney Showground were given to the media as examples of ‘significant buildings which were not on the State Heritage Register’, a list requested by the media. If such obvious examples have been overlooked, then it was equally possible that other less conspicuous places of heritage significance, such as the diminutive but historic ‘house-next-door’, could also be overlooked.

In the words of one of those attending the Trust’s Masonic Club Public Meeting, “the battle won’t stop with the passing of the legislation – Work Choices was ultimately defeated after the legislation was passed and its true impacts were recognised and publicised.”

Seidler Home Listed on State Heritage Register

The family home of architects Penelope Seidler and Harry Seidler, designed by them in 1966-67, is to be listed on the State Heritage Register. The Killara home was listed by the National Trust in early 2007 as a finely designed and executed example of Modern residential architecture. The home is part of the body of residential works of one of Sydney’s most prominent architects Harry Seidler, as the residence of Harry and Penelope Seidler till his death in March, 2006 and as the continuing residence of Penelope Seidler. It demonstrates his contribution to Australian culture and its significance was acknowledged in 1967 when it received the Royal Australian Institute of Architects Wilkinson Award.  The house also has significance as an on going venue for the Seidlers’ contribution to Australia’s cultural life.

Mr Sartor said the reinforced concrete and glass residence was among the best examples of the architect’s domestic work.  “This home is a pure expression of Harry Seidler’s architectural and design philosophies,” Mr Sartor said. “Throughout the house, the Seidlers have used raw materials such as stone, glass, wood and reinforced concrete to create unique, large-scale interflowing spaces and dramatic shapes. “It demonstrates many features of modern art and architecture, and is widely regarded as the most outstanding Australian example of a house adopting a ‘modernist’ methodology.  “The couple lived in the Killara home for almost 40 years, and it has acted as a backdrop to the family’s contributions to the State’s architectural, cultural and artistic life. The property remains within the Seidler family.”

On hearing news of the heritage listing, Penelope Seidler said: “The house grows more wonderful everyday. Our family is so pleased that the house is protected and will be preserved for future generations.” Two other Seidler designed residences - the “Igloo House” in Mosman and the “Rose Seidler House” in Wahroonga (both of the 1950s) - are already listed on the State Heritage Register.

Wirrimbirra Sanctuary Rare Film Footage

The Trust Archive has a collection of older deteriorating 16mm and 8mm film and video in outdated formats. The high cost of cleaning, repairing and copying this material for viewing purposes has been prohibitive. However the Trust recently had one of its 8mm films restored and copied to DVD format for viewing by Paul Perry of Aureola Productions who very generously provided the Trust with this conversion free of charge. This 8mm film home movie copied to DVD shows rare footage of Trust property Wirrimbirra Sanctuary in 1962 with close-ups of ring tail possums, birds and native flowering shrubs in a walk through the reserve by conservationist Thistle Stead. Please go to the Aureola website for a glimpse of this footage.

National Heritage Issues

Murray Darling Basin pleads for relief

The Australian Council of National Trust’s has identified the Murray Darling Basin as a ‘region at risk’ that requires urgent action. The Murray Darling Basin comprises 14% of Australia's land area and accounts for 34% of Australia's agricultural production. It has at least 35 endangered bird species with 16 endangered mammals; 20 mammal species are already extinct. 95% of the Murray River is in a degraded state primarily due to over allocation of water for irrigation. This includes the internationally significant Lower Lakes and Coorong near the Murray mouth, where lack of flows and excessive salt levels are endangering plant and animal populations. In order to return the system to health 1500 gigalitres of water must be added to the present environmental flows. The new Commonwealth Water Act 2007, the new Murray Darling Basin Authority and a basin wide plan are a step in the right direction but the failure of all States and Territories to agree has competing interests obstructing good decision making.

World Youth Day Celebrations at the Trust

Catholic Architecture in Australia: 5 – 25 July
This exhibition will trace the history of ecclesiastical architecture in the Sydney region, with particular emphasis on the changing architectural styles and decorative features of Catholic churches from colonial times to the present. The exhibition is open to the public, entry by donation. Open 11am – 4pm, Tuesday – Sunday at the National Trust Centre, Observatory Hill, Sydney. Click here for more information.

A Touch of Bells ‘Pope Benedict XVI Surprise Major’ – St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney, Friday 11 July, 5pm – 8pm

A specially commissioned ‘touch of bells’ will ring for the first time in Australia at a unique event to celebrate the visit of His Holiness Pope Benedict to Sydney. Pope Benedict XVI Surprise Major will be performed by members of the St Mary’s Basilica Society of Change Ringers and will be conducted by John Fryer, the Society’s Ringing Master. An exclusive tour of the bell tower by internationally renowned campanologist, Dr Jim Woolford, will be offered to fifty lucky persons who will be able to witness the actual ringing of the bells in the tower. Proceeds will help the National Trust of Australia (NSW) and the St Mary’s Basilica Society of Change Ringers Conservation Appeals.

Click here for more information.

Special Reception and talk at the Cathedral Hall – cost: $55.
Exclusive tour of Bell Tower to hear the actual Touch of Bells and special reception – cost: $110.
Bookings essential for both events – please call Natalie on 02 9258 0181 or click here to download a booking form. Free invitation to the public to hear the Touch of Bells 6pm at Hyde Park and St Mary’s Piazza – donations welcome.

Tour of Ecclesiastical Buildings in Pennant Hills, Rouse Hill, Parramatta and Harris Park – Wednesday 23 July, 9am – 4pm
A guided tour of Narana Boys Centre, Pennant Hills; Stanhope Gardens, Rouse Hill; St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta; Our Lady of Lebanon, Harris Park and a tour and lunch at Old Government House, Parramatta. The tour will be hosted by architect John O’Brien. Cost: $85 including lunch. Bookings essential – please click here to download a booking form.

Events, Exhibitions and Travel

Blue Gum High Forest Tour – Sunday 29 June, 1.30pm
Join the After Hours Committee for a guided tour through the intact Blue Gum Forest at St Ives. Afternoon tea will be provided. Cost: $30. Tickets still available – download the Ticket Application Sheet. Closing 23 June.

July School Holiday Workshops at the S.H. Ervin Gallery
Holiday workshops on Thursday 10, Friday 11 and Thursday 17 July for your little ones to coincide with the exhibition – Abstract Earth: The photography of Richard Woldendorp. Each workshop costs $33/ $30 National Trust members. Bookings essential – email evenables@nsw.nationaltrust.org.au or call 02 9258 0122. Click here for more information about the workshops.

Christmas in July at Everglades – Saturday 19 July, 6.30pm
Join the Friends of Everglades amongst decorations and a cosy open fire for a Christmas in July dinner with Dawn Egan on Celtic Harp. A three course traditional Christmas feast will be served, preceded by Glogg and Gingerbread. Cost: $55. Bookings: contact Everglades 02 4784 1938, Elizabeth 02 4757 2694 or Sandy 02 4784 2280.

July Bush Christmas at Don Bank Museum – Sunday 27 July, 1.30pm
Join the After Hours Committee for a bush Christmas in July at the oldest timber house in North Sydney – Don Bank Museum, 6 Napier Street North Sydney. Cost: $35. Tickets still available – download the Ticket Application Sheet. Closing 21 July.

Special Member Promotions and Announcements

Save up to $30 when you join the National Trust on or before 30 June!
The National Trust is offering a special discount for E-news subscribers who join the Trust by Monday 30 June 2008. Just mention this E-news offer and we will waive the joining fee* on all new memberships. This is a saving of $30 or $20 for concession memberships. If you are already a member, please pass this email on to family or friends who may be interested in joining! All new and referring members will also go into the draw to win an $18,000 Italian holiday for two people**. You can join online now (quote promotional code ENEWS) or call 02 9258 0156.

*Annual membership fee still applies. **Authorised under Permit No. LTPS/07/28277. Click here for terms and conditions.

Retreat to The Westin Sydney during the wintry months.
Welcoming yet never overwhelming, The Westin Sydney is architecturally inspiring and thoughtfully designed, uniquely combining Sydney’s historic General Post Office with a modern 31 storey tower, where guests may choose from 416 beautifully appointed tower or heritage rooms, complete with the latest in room guest entertainment. The Westin Sydney ensures a truly unforgettable experience. Indulge you and your loved one and allow your senses to come alive. From $290 per night, your experience will include luxurious overnight accommodation in a Tower Superior King Room, breakfast for two in Mosaic Restaurant and complimentary access to the Health Club.* For that special occasion, there is no need to even step outside to dine, Mosaic Restaurant offers fresh, innovative Australian cuisine with a Mediterranean influence. Located on level one balcony of the hotel, underneath the stunning glass atrium that stretches across to Sydney’s historic General Post Office, Mosaic Restaurant is delighted to offer a special two or three course menu price of $75 and $95 per person. For further information or to make a reservation, please visit www.westin.com.au or call (02) 82231111 and quote NATIONAL TRUST.

Education Programs at Parramatta Properties – Volunteers needed
Kerry-Anne Bornefeldt, Education Coordinator for Parramatta Properties is currently developing new eduction programs for Experiment Farm Cottage and Old Government House. In anticipation of increasing education visits for these two properties we are calling for volunteers eager to assist or deliver education programs to students of varying ages. Kerry-Anne can assure you a fabulous training program will be provided.  All those interested or would like to find out more can contact her on 02 9635 5655 or exfarm@bigpond.net.au