As I continue my series of tours around regional NSW, I am more and more impressed by the commitment, passion and expertise of committees, branches, friends and staff of the National Trust. It has been a privilege to be welcomed by them, and to have the opportunity to hear their views on matters of importance to the Trust, such as our values, governance, and our work in advocacy, conservation and education. All of this invaluable information will be brought together and distilled to inform the development of our new strategic plan in the first half of next year.

One message coming through clearly is the need for strong lines of communication and inclusiveness of the regions in all Trust communications. Below, we have introduced a new section of enews, Regional Roundup. This is a place where regional news, advocacy, projects and events will be represented each month – we want to spread the word about the extraordinary, though often unsung, work of Trust groups throughout NSW, and encourage involveme nt in and growth of the Trust network. Contact details for where to submit your news are given in the Regional Roundup section below.

Also to note this month is that voting closes on Saturday 22 November for the Board elections. Members will have received voting papers in the last two weeks in National Trust Magazine. Please do take the opportunity to vote and have a say in the Trust’s future directions. And a reminder, the AGM will be held at 10am on Saturday 29 November at the S.H. Ervin Gallery, Observatory Hill.

Finally, I hope to see as many of you as possible at our flagship National Trust Heritage Lecture, 6.30 pm on Thursday 13 November at the State Library. Our special guest speaker is eminent social researcher Hugh Mackay. Please see the link below for details and tickets.

John Neish
Executive Director

National Trust Heritage Lecture – Thursday 13 November, 6.30pm
A one-off opportunity to see Hugh Mackay at the NSW State Library speaking on “Sense of place and its role in the formation of our cultural and personal identity”. Not to be missed.
Read more and book your tickets.

Advocacy

Rally Against Inappropriate Development
Hyde Park’s RAID event organised by the Friends of Currawong and attended by concerned community groups across NSW was strongly supported by the National Trust. Executive Director John Neish spoke on the Trust’s long-term involvement in such key issues as Catherine Hill Bay, Eveleigh, Currawong and the Ku-ring-gai Urban Conservation Areas. Jack Mundey spoke on the need to change the state’s planning laws to achieve a better balance between conservation and development. Thanks to those Trust supporters who attended and helped out at the Rally. See photos from the rally.

National Trust Congratulates Planning Minister on Callan Park Decision
The National Trust welcomes the announcement by NSW Planning Minister Kristina Keneally that the State Government will hand over control and management of the Callan Park site to Leichhardt Council under a 99-year lease. The Trust strongly supported the original Callan Park Act intended to permanently conserve these historic parklands and had expressed concerns at development proposals that would have required amendments to this legislation. This decision is in keeping with the overwhelming majority of submissions opposing the draft land use plan and the Trust notes the Minister’s recognition that the development proposal “would not have delivered an outcome the community could support”. Click here to read the Trust’s media release.

Millers Point Post Office
The Trust has lodged an objection to the Sydney City Council against a proposal for a three-storey dwelling at the rear of the Millers point Post Office. In the Trust’s view the proposed building makes no sympathetic use of, or reference to, the design elements, scale and proportions that contribute to the State Heritage Register listed Millers Point Heritage Conservation Area. While the Trust does not oppose development on this site, per se, such development on a small parcel of land, in so prominent a location and such an important conservation area demands a much higher level of consideration.

Alstonville Eco-Road Show
The National Trust, through its local representative Jane Ainsworth, was pleased to support the Anglican Parish of Alstonville in its recent weekend Eco Road Show and Floral Display aimed at raising environmental awareness in the parish and wider community. St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church, designed by noted Sydney architect Alexander Jolly, was listed on the Trust Register in 1993 as a fine Federation Gothic Church quarried from local sandstone.

Conservation

Parramatta's Foundation Day
2008 celebrates the 220th anniversary of the founding of Parramatta on 2 November 1788. This year's celebrations were held in Parramatta Park and were geared to children and families with the theme of 'Survival' - of the settlement and its indigenous and British cultures. Old Government House and Experiment Farm Cottage staff were involved with hands-on activities such as planting crops, colonial children's games and crafts and tours about life at Old Government House in the early years of the colony.

Glebe Buddhist Temple Restoration
At the Trust’s recent Conservation Conference on the theme “A Sense of Place”, discussions were held with the Trustees of the Glebe Chinese Sze Yup Kwan Ki Temple regarding restoration of a section of the temple damaged by fire about eight months ago. It now appears likely that a National Trust tax-deductible appeal will be arranged for the restoration of this important building.

Register your event for the 2009 National Trust Heritage Festival
The National Trust invites you to celebrate Australia’s natural and cultural heritage and to be part of one of the largest and longest running community festivals in the state. In what will be the twenty-ninth year of the National Trust Heritage Festival, 2009 will once again see a fantastic variety of over 400 community-hosted events held across metropolitan and regional NSW from Saturday 4 April to Sunday 19 April 2009. The theme for the festival is ‘Our Place in Space – Under the Southern Cross’, coinciding with the International Year of Astronomy. As the host, the Trust brings together community groups, schools, the business community and local government to create a unique program of events. To register your event, please complete the online registration form by the deadline of Friday 28 November 2008. Click here to download the form.

January Children’s School Holiday Workshops Summer 2009
Enrol your little ones in a series of fun and educational children’s workshops to coincide with the Cressida Campbell exhibition at the National Trust S.H. Ervin Gallery.

Still Life Painting – Thursday 15 January, 1pm - 3pm. Painting & mixed media, suitable for 5-12 years.
Sketching on the Hill – Friday 16 January 1pm - 3 pm. Media: drawing, suitable for 5-12 years.
Lino Printing – Wednesday and Thursday 21 & 22 January, 1pm - 3 pm (2 day workshop). Relief printing, suitable for 10-17 years.
Mono Printing – Friday 23 January, 1pm - 3 pm. Mono printing, suitable for 5-12 years.

Cost: 1 day workshop – $33 /NT members $30. 2 day workshop – $66 /NT members $60. Includes entry to exhibition, materials and tuition. Bookings essential. P: Eleanor Venables 02 9258 0122 or evenables@nsw.nationaltrust.org.au

Regional Round-up

Committees, Friends, Branches, if you would like to submit news and stories from your local region please email the details to staleski@nsw.nationaltrust.org.au

The Blue Mountains Branch concern for Planning and Heritage matters
In April this year, the Blue Mountains Branch made representations to the Minister for Planning, strongly indicating their concern with the proposed “reforms” to the NSW Planning system. The Branch felt that the changes to the Act and the proposed legislation would mean more power to the Minister and a general downgrading of the consideration of heritage and planning matters in NSW, including the dismantling of the Heritage Office.

A reply was received from the Department of Planning, advising that they had reviewed and considered all of the submissions received during the consultation process, and amendments were made to the legislation based on the submissions received. As part of the ongoing implementation of reforms, further consultation with local communities would be undertaken. The members of the Branch found it reassuring to read that the Department of Planning met with the Blue Mountains (Council) staff and the DoP is “making amendments to address the individual requirements of this unique area”.

The Department of Planning clearly sees all of the changes as “improving the system” by addressing transparency, accountability and efficiency, but after a close examination Bob Clarke, Chairman of the Branch, is yet to be convinced. “As a Branch, we will continue to monitor proposed developments here in the Blue Mountains and beyond, and make appropriate comments (and objections) if they are felt to be necessary.”

Cox’s Road
The Blue Mountains, Bathurst and Lithgow Branches of the National Trust are working jointly on the Cox’s Road Project. A project committee is working on a range of strategies to achieve the aim – to facilitate the identification, interpretation and conservation of Cox’s Road. Currently the main task of the committee is gathering information necessary to submit an application to the Heritage Branch of the Department of Planning for listing on the State Heritage Register.

Oberon Council has agreed to provide signage marking Cox’s Road along the Carlwood Road from Fish River crossing the intersection with the Oberon Road near O’Connell. The committee is encouraging anyone with an interest in Cox’s Road to become involved – contact Iain McPherson on 02 6337 5737 or email your request to franceswhite@activ8.net.au.

Macquarie Regional committee campaigns to save the Dubbo Showground Heritage Grandstand
The Macquarie Regional committee’s battle to save the Dubbo Showground Heritage Grandstand is running smoothly. The committee Chair, Peter Davis says they are working closely with local council and things are looking positive. They are hoping to achieve a full-adaptation of the site. A tax-deductible appeal is being set up by the Trust to help support the project.

The Lithgow Branch Committee is seeking new members
The Lithgow Branch Committee is looking for National Trust members from the Lithgow region to join the committee. If you are passionate about the National Trust and would like to get involved please contact Dan Whitty on 02 6355 1216.

Music in the Garden at Miss Traill’s
Miss Traill’s House and Garden started the month of October with the wonderful Claire Roche Concert held in the garden on Monday 13th October.  The evening was very warm and storms held off, providing a pleasant evening of Irish songs and Gaelic Ballads. The following Sunday the Macquarie Male Singers performed to a very large crowd in the gardens at Miss Traill’s House.  The event to raise awareness of Mental Health in the Bathurst region was very successful and was enjoyed by all who attended.

Miss Traill’s House and Bathurst’s Spring Spectacular
Once again Miss Traill’s House was the centre of attention for one of Bathurst’s most popular weekends – The Bathurst Spring Spectacular.  The weekend showcased 11 of the best Bathurst Gardens including National Trust property, Miss Traill’s House and Garden, which had 1,500 visitors. To celebrate the opening of the Bathurst Spring Spectacular a morning tea was held in the grounds of Miss Traill’s House and Garden.

The official guest speaker, Mr Ian Kiernan, was very impressed with the house and our volunteer guide Mr Ron King. Ian was quoted as saying “The whole thing is absolutely breath taking. To view the remarkable furniture and contents that we are so fortunate to have preserved clearly connected me to the history of the convict family and its success as it prospered in this significant district. “

O’Connell Anzac Memorial Avenue
Friends and supporters of the O’Connell Anzac Memorial Avenue have formed a community action group called the Community Guardians of the O’Connell Memorial Avenue, campaigning to save the living war memorial. Recently the Bathurst Branch of the Trust successfully applied for the Memorial Avenue to be separately listed as an item on the Trust Register rather than being mentioned as part of the O’Connell landscape. The Community Guardians have been very concerned about the lack of community consultation in the development options for changes to the road.  Of particular concern was the decision by Oberon Council to support the option of removal of the trees on the eastern side of the avenue and the widening of the road, prior to any broad community consultation. Representations were made to local member Gerard Martin MLA and to the RTA requesting that the RTA implement its own policies in relation to community consultation and the management of heritage matters. For further information visit the website www.oconnellmemorial.com.

Syndicate of Seven immortalised at Broken Hill
On Saturday 1 November in an impressive ceremony the ‘founding fathers’ of Broken Hill and also BHP were recognised in the city that history notes is the biggest silver, lead and zinc mine in the world. Several hundred people gathered to see the unveiling of the seven busts on marble columns of David James, James Poole, Charles Rasp, George McCulloch, Phillip Charley, George Urquhart and George Lind in front of the City Council Chambers.  About 25 descendants of the famous seven travelled to the city for the auspicious occasion. Historian Geoffrey Blaney described Broken Hill as “the hill that changed a nation” and the economic benefit to the industrial wealth of Australia is well recognised. 

The unveiling was the final event for the 125th anniversary celebrations which began in September and was indeed a ‘grand finale’ and a lasting dedication to these early pioneers who had the initiative and foresight to push ahead with what they believed in – under very harsh conditions.  Professor Ian Plimer who addressed the gathering said they didn’t become rich “they became filthy rich”.

Three members of the National Trust Broken Hill Branch who were part of the 125th birthday celebrations committee which organised the sculptures attended and they were Fran McKinnon, Don Mudie and Bobbie Pickup.

Events, Tours and Exhibitions

National Trust Heritage Lecture – Thursday 13 November, 6.30pm
Hugh Mackay is a social researcher and novelist who has made a lifelong study of the attitudes and behaviour of Australians. The Heritage Lecture is the focal point for contemporary and critical public debate on heritage, architecture, conservation, environmental and cultural issues. This fascinating talk is a not to be missed opportunity to see Hugh Mackay live, talking about “The sense of place and its role in the formation of our cultural and personal identity”. Bookings are essential as spaces are limited. Metcalfe Auditorium, NSW State Library, Macquarie Street (next to Parliament House). Bookings: Natalie on 02 9258 0181 or download an RSVP form to book your spot by Wednesday 5 November. Cost: Members $28 / Non Members $38

Darling Point Day – 11 November. Last chance for tickets!
Join the Women’s Committee for this members only house inspection day. Known to Aboriginal inhabitants as ‘Yarra-nabbee’, and later as Mrs Darling’s Point, this small promontory running down to the waters of Sydney Harbour has been a favourite place for generations of Sydney-siders. Cost: members only $28, youth (12-18yrs) $18. Bookings: Tickets available by downloading and completing the Ticket Application Sheet. Closing date: 4 November.

On The Heysen Trail – an S.H. Ervin Gallery group exhibition, 14 November – 21 December
In May 2008, nine artists spent eight days travelling one of the world’s great long distance walks, The Heysen Trail, in the spectacular landscape of the Flinders Ranges, South Australia, to capture their impressions for a group show. The resulting exhibition features paintings & drawings from Lucy Culliton, Euan Macleod, Reg Mombassa, David Keeling, Elizabeth Cummings Neil Frazer and Leo Robba with ceramics from Adrienne Richards and David Usher. On The Heysen Trail group exhibition, celebrating S.H. Ervin Gallery's 30th Anniversary Year.  Selected works will be for sale. Public Program of Guest Talks Sundays at 3pm. Image: Lucy Culliton - Haystacks

Lindesay Christmas Fair, Thursday 20 – Saturday 22 November, 10am – 4pm
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 home made morning and afternoon teas. Lindesay, 1 Carthona Avenue, Darling Point (please enter from Lindsay Avenue). Cost: $5 per person, no booking required. P: 02 9363 2401

Vienna Cottage Christmas Boutique: Friday 21 – Sunday 23 November
Vienna Cottage will open its Christmas Boutique on 21 November from 6pm – 9pm, refreshments will be served. The cottage will also be open over the weekend from 10am – 4pm. Vienna Cottage, 38 Alexandra Street, Hunters Hill. P: Marie Johnstone 02 9809 0015.

Join Paul Cave for Breakfast at the Queen Victoria Building – Tuesday 2 December, 7.30am
Join the National Trust for the final in the 2008 Corporate Breakfast series. Our guest speaker will be Paul Cave, Chairman and Founder of BridgeClimb. Following a career in Marketing and General Management, Paul founded and created the Amber Group, which  became Australia’s largest tile and paving retailer. In 1989 he helped conduct a YPO (Young Presidents Organisation) World Congress in Sydney, including a climb over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The personal dream to share the Summit of the Bridge with everyone, was born. After selling his interest in Amber in 1996, he officially launched BridgeClimb in 1998. In 2008 BridgeClimb was awarded the highest national tourism accolade, winning the Australian Tourism Award for Major Tourist Attractions. Paul will be speaking on “Entrepreneurial Skills v Risk Management”.
The Tearoom, Queen Victoria Building. Cost: $60 NT Members, $80 non members or $600 table of 10 (includes GST). Download a booking form.

 ‘Drip in a Bucket Series’ exhibition: Saturday 8 November – Sunday 14 December,
10am – 3pm weekends
A once in a lifetime opportunity to view and purchase an original painting. Nine local artists have painted ten celebrity sitters from the Hunter region in order to raise money to fix the leaking roof in Brough House. The celebrity sitters are: Margaret Sivyier OAM, Former Director Maitland City Art Gallery; Victoria Woods, Deputy Mayor Maitland; Mahla Pearlman AO, Former Chief Judge, Land & Environment Court; John Turier, sculptor; Frank Celtlan, artist; Bob Geoghegan, Maitland Councilor and State Liberal candidate; John O’Brien, screenwriter; Ray Dinneen, news presenter NBN Television; Carol Duncan, ABC Radio Presenter; and Hilton Grugeon, Property Developer. Brough House, Church Street, Maitland. P: 02 4933 6452.

Frog Day at Wirrimbirra Sanctuary: Sunday 9 November, 10am – 3pm
Bring the family along to Wirrimbirra Sanctuary and learn just about everything you want to know about frogs. Frog shows at 11am, 12 noon, 1pm and 2pm with wildlife expert Anthony Stimson. There will be stalls, face painting and plenty of hot and cold food. Entry by donation. Wirrimbirra Sanctuary, 3105 Remembrance Drive, Bargo. P: 02 4684 1112.

Views of and from Kurrajong Heights – Sunday 23 November, 1pm – 5pm
Organised by the Hawkesbury Branch, this tour will take in various sites and buildings which illustrate the history of Kurrajong Heights from its beginnings in the 1820s through its heyday as an orcharding area and as a retreat from the city during its guest house period. Buildings from the 1820s through the rest of the 19th century will be included, as well as a former pleasure garden and lookout, and a property where Louisa Atkinson, ‘botanist of the Kurrajong’ and pioneer woman novelist, had her house. Cost: $20.Bookings: Send cheque with a stamped self-addressed envelope to Hawkesbury Branch, PO Box 737 Richmond 2753. P: Julia Thorp 02 4573 1381.

Gala Private Collection Night at Everglades – Saturday 15 November, 7pm
Put this one in your diary, as it will be a night to remember and one to put on your “glad rags” for. On show in the house at Everglades will be a wonderful variety of art works from the private collections of members of the committee and friends, as well as the works of two local artists. A champagne supper with a great range of gourmet finger foods will be served during the evening.Bookings: Send a cheque, made out to the Blue Mountains Branch, National Trust, together with a stamped self-addressed envelope to The Booking Officer, PO Box 7345, Leura NSW 2780. Cost: $40. P: Sarah 02 4739 6769 Rhona 02 4757 2424

Organic Gardening Workshops at Norman Lindsay Gallery
The National Trust is conducting a series of one day gardening workshops at the Norman Lindsay Gallery in the Blue Mountains. Workshop subjects include weed control without chemicals, introduction to OH&S, mulching trees and garden beds, compost making, building vegetable and herb gardens, organic pest control and tool selection and maintenance. The workshops will begin on Saturday 29 November, 10am – 5pm and will continue to run on selected Saturdays until March. Click here to download an information flyer.

Opening of the ‘Night before Christmas at Woodford’ – Friday 5 December, 7pm
The house will be decorated for a Victorian colonial Christmas Eve. Seasonal goodies and drinks will be served. The house will also be open over the weekend with children’s activities and entertainment, from 10am – 4pm Saturday and 12pm – 4pm Sunday. Woodford Academy, Great Western Highway Woodford.
Bookings (opening night): Send a cheque, made out to the Blue Mountains Branch, National Trust, together with a stamped self addressed envelope to The Booking Officer, PO Box 7345, Leura NSW 2780. Cost: Opening night – $20. Weekend – adult $5 and children $2. P: Sarah 02 4739 6769 or Rhona 02 4757 2424.

National Trust Way tour of Tuscany, 19 May – 1 June 2009
This tour of Tuscany for National Trust members is always popular as you only unpack twice! For the first half of the tour we stay in a charming hotel in the centre of the small Renaissance town of Pienza, and then stay in another historical hotel in the heart of San Gimignano for the remainder of the tour. Each day we explore a different part of Tuscany with highlights including small hilltop villages, gardens, villas and markets. Memorable meals include dinner in a 16th century farmhouse, a cooking demonstration with lunch hosted by a well known local chef, and a picnic lunch in the countryside. Our local hosts ensure we enjoy meeting local people and experience the warmth and hospitality of Tuscany. More National Trust Way tours.
Bookings: David Smith, Travelscene on Capri 1800 679 066. Tour Leader: Loma Priddle - 02 9412 2875

Promotions and Announcements

Sydney Swans ‘Lucky Rug’ presented to coach
During the National Trust’s Diamond Jubilee in 2005, a Knit-a-thon was held with volunteers knitting diamonds from donated wool to make rugs for charity. A four-leaf clover was sewn into this red and white rug and presented to the Paul Roos, coach of the Sydney Swans as a ‘Swans Lucky Rug’. The National Trust hopes that it brings the Swans luck in the new year, and looks forward to working with them on future joint initiatives. Executive Director John Neish, Sydney Swans coach Paul Roos and Director of Corporate Services, Steve White

Gift Memberships – the perfect gift idea for Christmas
Consider a National Trust gift membership - the perfect gift for Christmas. A gift to your friends and family is a gift to the whole nation for today and tomorrow – consider a gift membership today. If you are a Trust member and purchase a gift membership, you both will receive a special gift a National Trust tote bag 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 luxury Italian holiday for two, valued at $18,000*. Competition closes on the 5 December 2008.  For details call 02 9258 0156. *Terms and conditions.

Etihad Airways launches ‘Early Bird’ fares to Europe for 2009
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is offering Australian travellers the chance to escape the cold next year and heat up their lives with a northern European summer with the launch of special discounted ‘Early Bird’ fares to Europe for 2009. Fares in economy start from $2051* for flights departing Sydney to Dublin and $2094* from Brisbane to Paris. The introduction of flights from Melbourne on 30 March 2009, also provide travellers with sale fares with flights to London from $2160*.

Etihad has an ever expanding European network, offering services not only to the traditional European travel hubs of London, Paris and Frankfurt, but also to a number of unique destinations. The additions of Moscow, Minsk and Almaty to the network also highlights the airline’s commitment to providing travellers with the opportunity to travel to a wide range of destinations. The fares are on sale until 19 December this year for economy class travel between the periods 24 January – 24 March 2009, 5 May – 7 June 2009 and 20 September – 31 October 2009. Business and First class passengers have the opportunity to travel between 24 January 2009 and 31 October 2009. For reservations and enquiries go to www.etihadairways.com or call Etihad Sales on 1800 998 995. *Airfares include taxes, levies and fuel surcharges correct at 09 October 2008 and subject to change

Sydney Flight Centre Discover Europe Travel Show: Sunday 9 November, 10am – 4pm
Catch a great deal to Europe! You won't have to search far for an early bird bargain this year. The Flight Centre Limited Group of travel companies will have a huge range of European savings under one roof at the 2009 Discover Europe Travel Show. The Sydney Travel Show will make it easy for you to grab a bargain as Australia's leading travel companies, wholesalers, tourism bodies come together to unveil their latest range of products, destination information and offer exclusive deals. Experienced travel consultants will be available to offer advice on getting the best price, discuss options and assist with bookings. By attending you will have a chance to win a great travel prize and be able to take advantage of further discounts during Europe's early bird season.  The Sydney Discover Europe 2009 Travel Show will be held for one day only from 10am to 4pm on Sunday November 9, 2008 at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre. Best of all, admission is free! For more information please visit the Flight Centre website.

People

New National Trust Education Co-ordinator for Parramatta
Dannielle McDonald recently commenced as the Education Co-ordinator for Parramatta Properties and Experiment Farm Co-ordinator. She has joined the National Trust full of energy and ideas with a background in education, textiles and food technology. Danielle has previously worked in the local communities of Moree and Orange and we welcome her to Parramatta.

Obituary – Alma Swain
Alma Swain wife of the National Trust’s first benefactor A.N. (Mick) Swain died on September 3 at the age of 103. Mick Swain died in 1973. In 1960 Mick Swain and his wife Alma anonymously donated $36,000 to the National Trust (NSW) for the purchase of a tract of natural bushland in Stanhope Road, Killara. The land had been targeted for development as residential blocks and a roadway. The Swains continued to support and oversee the care of the Swain Natural Reserve so named in honour of his generous donation as a memorial to his father. Alma and Mick Swain had also bequested to the Trust their own well established garden adjoining the reserve and here Alma, a keen gardener, played an important role in its design and maintenance. The Trust later transferred to the local Council the reserve and gardens now known as The Swain Gardens (pictured). Again in 1961 an anonymous donation of $45,000 (later revealed as from the Swains) was given to the Trust to purchase Everglades at Leura. We can thank the Swains for ensuring these two gardens have endured for future generations to enjoy.

and just a reminder...

2008 National Trust Board Elections and Annual General Meeting
We would like to remind members to lodge their vote for the 2008 National Trust Board Elections. All eligible voting members would have recently received their voting packs in the Summer edition of the National Trust Magazine (NSW). We urge all of you to vote. Please refer to your voting pack for the correct instructions on how to lodge your vote. The voting deadline is 5pm Saturday 22 November 2008. The National Trust 2007-2008 Annual Review is also available for viewing on our website. Read the National Trust Annual Review. All members are invited to attend the National Trust Annual General Meeting. The AGM will be held at 10am Saturday 29 November 2008, at the National Trust Centre, Observatory Hill, Sydney.