Since my appointment as Executive Director in August 2008 I have undertaken a review of the organisation, travelling extensively to visit National Trust properties and regional committees. Through consultation with the Trust’s key stakeholders and close examination of our operational status, it has become clear that there are a range of issues that must be addressed for the organisation to grow and prosper into the future.

In conjunction with the Board I am currently working on the National Trust (NSW’s) Strategic Plan 2020 which will illuminate our core goals, and set priorities for the next 5 years and beyond. It is planned to complete NT (NSW) 2020 by June 2009.

I am pleased to announce that the Board has approved a restructure plan that will expand the Trust’s operations, and set in place revenue generating programs to fund, amongst other things, the much needed maintenance of our properties.

We will be expanding our area of operations, establishing 7 program areas which will optimise our brand, strengthen our regional networks and promote our 3 core tenets Advocacy, Conservation and Education.

In the context of the restructure we remain committed to operating with fiscal responsibility firmly front of mind. We are exploring the possibility of doubling revenues over the next 5 years. This will require a range of options including the empowerment of front line staff and committees to do so.

Throughout December and January I will continue to visit properties and meet with our regional committees, gathering feedback to be incorporated in our new strategic direction.

The draft outcomes from this process will be available on the Trust’s website in the first half of 2009 at www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au and I welcome our members’ feedback.

The Trust faces many challenges not the least of which is the current financial climate. However, I am confident that with our new strategic direction in place, and with the support of membership, we will be successful in strengthening the Trust and ensuring the organisation’s long term viability.

John Neish, Executive Director

• New National Trust Raffle – win luxurious overnight accommodation at The Westin Sydney in a Heritage Deluxe King Room with breakfast for two in Mosaic Restaurant. Purchase your tickets now!
• National Trust Membership Christmas offer – ‘A Walk in Old Sydney’ book giveaway. Read more
• Please don’t forget we are a charity – we need your support right now. Read more
  
  

Castle Hill Heritage Park
The ‘Castle Hill Historic Site Landscape Conservation Area’ listed on the National Trust Register in 1994 was subsequently listed on the State Heritage Register in 2000 as the site of the Third Government Farm and its history with the events leading to the Battle of Vinegar Hill in 1804. An important view of the site was lost when an adjoining housing development was constructed. Now another vital vista from Old Northern Road across the site to the Blue Mountains is threatened by development. The Trust will be urging Baulkham Hills Shire Council and the NSW Heritage Branch to ensure that this historic vista is protected.

Newcastle Convict Lumber Yard / Stockade Site
The National Trust and its Hunter Regional Committee have strongly opposed a development application for a new dwelling on the Convict Lumber Yard / Stockdale Site in Scott Street, Newcastle. This place is one of the earliest surviving industrial sites in Australia and has national significance. The development site is within the Archaeology Zoning Plan area. The 1989 Conservation Policy argued that the site should be a prominent feature in the landscape, and for any new structures and plantings which might impede the view of the site, from key locations, such as Nobbys Headland to be avoided. This place has been listed on the State Heritage Register and the Trust has urged the Heritage Branch of the Department of Planning to reject this development proposal.

Please don’t forget we are a charity – we need your support right now
As a charity, the National Trust needs funds to maintain our current portfolio of properties and their activities to conserve and present them for current and future generations. We urgently need to raise more funds. The National Trust needs donations to help cover the many projects undertaken at our properties. Such as the Soft Furnishings Program, School Programs, agricultural and garden maintenance, conserving our art collections and treasures and our Living History Program.

Income from membership provides only a portion of the funding we need to conserve historic buildings, countryside and continue our education programs in New South Wales. We are indebted to our members, volunteers and donors without which we could not exist. A donation from you will help your favourite places. If you have ever felt inspired by Australia’s precious heritage, please send a gift of whatever you can afford to enable us to carry out these important programs. Your contribution (wholly tax deductible) will help us to continue our work. Simply donate online, call 02 9258 0156 or download a form to make a donation today.

Image: volunteers participating in the Soft Furnishings Program

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.

As the host, the Trust brings together community groups, schools, the business community and local government to create a unique program of events. This year’s theme is about Australia’s history and place in the numerous discoveries we have made in the world of Astronomy – one of Australia’s most highly cited sciences. Event registration has now closed. If you have submitted an online form to register your event, please call Natalie on 02 9258 0181 to see if it went through successfully as there has been some trouble with the online 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 – 3pm. 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

A wide range of issues are currently facing the local Hunter Regional committee, including the Mall redevelopment by GPT and their ultimatum that the rail line to Newcastle Station must be cut, the future of the Theatre Royal and the Lucky Country (Oxford Hotel), the DA for Coutts Sailors Home, which intrudes on the curtilage of the Convict Sailors’ Home and saving a unique grain silo at Williamtown.

Some good news includes the maintenance and conservation works for Newcastle City Hall. The first draft was completed back in 2002 and the council has a daunting task to conserve the crumbling sandstone façade, estimated to cost about $11 million. Newcastle City Hall was designed by Henry Eli White, who also designed the nearby Civic Theatre and Sydney’s State Theatre. The City Hall was meant to have a rendered façade, but a last minute change resulted in sandstone being used. Council will have to negotiate to procure rare “yellow block” sandstone from the Government’s dwindling quarry stock for the sections of stone that must be replaced. The task will take several years and the Trust will keep a watching and supportive brief.

A bright sunny day dawned to help celebrate the 90th anniversary of The Magic Pudding. Sunday 12 October saw 650 people attend the gala day at the Norman Lindsay Gallery which featured Albert the Magic Pudding, the Pudding owners and the sneaky Pudding Thieves who entertained delighted visitors throughout the day. Norman Lindsay’s granddaughter, Helen Glad, was present to launch a new edition of The Magic Pudding book which was followed with cake cutting and book signing.

Musical entertainment during the day was performed by The Duffy’s, storytelling by Jo Henwood and MC Denis Rice entertained everyone with his poetry reading from The Magic Pudding. An exciting ‘Pudding Hunt’ was held in the afternoon, along with the judging and presentation of prizes for the drawing and dress up competitions.

Image: Lindsay’s granddaughter, Helen Glad and characters from the Magic Pudding on Pudding Day.

During October, the Royal Australian Historical Society’s local history conference was held in Forbes, with delegates from the Historical Societies across the state. The conference provides a great opportunity for amateur and professional historians to meet discuss and share knowledge, to hear what others are accomplishing in the historical field.

Two presentations of interest to the Lachlan Branch included Heather Nicholls paper on Escort Rock, a natural feature near Eugowra associated with bushranging history. 2013 will mark the 150th anniversary of the gold robbery at this spot by the Gardiner & Hall Gang. The other was by Merryl Findlay, who spoke of her current research on the life of Kate Kelly Foster (Ned’s sister), providing a fascinating account of a colourful woman who lived in the Forbes area and is buried at Forbes Cemetery, not far from bushranger Ben Hall.

Delegates and officials at the Conference were very impressed by Forbes’ streetscapes – the Town Hall, old public buildings, banks, hotels, etc, with talks given about the Post office, shopfronts of the inter-war era and Woolsheds on rural holdings. RAHS President Ian Jack also put forward a motion expressing concern over the proposed demolition in Forbes of the last remaining building connected to the Chinese settler in the early days of Forbes. This motion was passed unanimously.

SYDNEY

On The Heysen Trail – until 21 December
In May 2008 a group of nine artists embarked on an adventure to capture their impressions of the spectacular landscape of the famous Heysen Trail, a 1200 kilometre walking trail in South Australia, for an exhibition at the National Trust S.H. Ervin Gallery, Sydney. By invitation of adventuring company World Expeditions, the group spent eight days camping on the trail in the Flinders Ranges to gain their impressions for this special exhibition. The resulting collection features over 100 artworks in the mediums of paintings, drawings & ceramics and celebrates S.H. Ervin Gallery’s 30th anniversary year. Selected art works are for sale – supporting S.H. Ervin Gallery’s education and exhibition programs. Sunday 7 December, 3pm: Exhibiting artists Elisabeth Cummings and Euan Macleod discuss the process of en plein air painting.

Image: Euan Macleod - Painting under Red Mountain (Flinders)

Dog Trumpet in Concert at the S.H. Ervin Gallery – Sunday 14 December, 5pm – 7pm
Join Chris and Peter O’Doherty and their band Dog Trumpet for a special end of year concert in the S.H. Ervin Gallery. Tickets: $22 or $20 for NT members. Pre ticket sales only – numbers limited. Entry on the night includes lucky door prize ticket – win On The Heysen Trail digital print by Chris O’Doherty aka Reg Mombassa, signed and numbered by the artist. You must attend the event to go in the draw for this prize. Bookings: 02 9258 0150.

S.H. Ervin Gallery 2009 Summer exhibition Timeless: The art of Cressida Campbell:
The work of Cressida Campbell is renowned for its depiction of subtle beauty in the everyday and commonplace. After studying abroad at the Yoshida Hanga Academy in Tokyo which enhanced her skills in manipulating the woodblock medium, Campbell developed a new technique of mono-printing from hand painted wood-blocks. Drawing on the tradition of Japanese printmaking and using colour, texture and composition Campbell produces detailed still lives, intimate interiors, bush views and sweeping landscape panoramas. This comprehensive survey exhibition showcases stunning works produced from the 1980s to today.

A major publication on the artist has recently been published to critical and public acclaim, (available from the Gallery Shop P: 02 9258 0173 for orders), and the exhibition will tour to the Queensland University of Technology Art Museum, 5 March – 19 April 2009. For further information on the Public Program series of guest talks, school holiday workshop & special events please view www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au in coming weeks

Image: Observatory Hill (detail)

REGIONAL NSW

Art Exhibition at the Old Court House, Wollongong until 14 December:
Talented local artist John Cornwell is holding a solo art exhibition in the Old Court House, Wollongong. All John’s works will be for sale with a percentage going to the National Trust Illawarra Shoalhaven Branch. Works include paintings of historic houses of the local area and also of Wollongong Harbour. These can be previewed on John’s website www.johncornwell.com.au.

Highlights of Vietnam: from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh – with optional extension to Cambodia 25 March – 10 April 2009 –
25 March – 10 April 2009 – Discover Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage on this tour that visits World Heritage sites, museums, peaceful pagodas, grand royal tombs, temples of the remarkable but little known Cham Kingdom, as well as places of great natural beauty.

Cambodia Extension: 9 – 12 April 2009 – Entering Cambodia by boat upstream along the Mekong, we will visit the sights of Phnom, explore the remarkable temples of Angkor Wat and visit historic sites and villages along the way.

Bookings: Rob Lovell, Alumni Travel 02 9290 3856. License No 2TA003088 Tour leader: Margaret Durham 02 9326 2963.

New National Trust Raffle – win luxurious overnight accommodation at The Westin Sydney and breakfast for two!
Purchase your tickets for the new National Trust $2 Raffle for your chance to win Luxurious overnight accommodation at The Westin Sydney in a Heritage Deluxe King Room with breakfast for two in Mosaic Restaurant, valued at $705. Other prizes include 10 nights accommodation at any YHA in Australia plus a YHA membership, a $100 Bunnings Warehouse gift card, one year subscription to Delicious magazine, and Agatha Christie’s Poirot series 1 DVD box set. Read More. To purchase your tickets call 02 9258 0123 or download an order form.

Membership offer – ‘A Walk in Old Sydney’ book giveaway
Did you know the Conservatorium of Music was originally a stable for Governor Macquarie’s horses? Or that the first ferry service to the North Shore was run by the West Indian former convict, Billy Blue? The new book A Walk in Old Sydney takes you on a self-guided tour through the historic precincts of Sydney. Setting out from Hyde Park, the tour visits the Royal Botanic Gardens, Circular Quay, The Rocks and Darling Harbour. The easy to carry book is illustrated with pictures and maps and peppered with rollicking good tales about the early colony.

Authored by Charles Wooley (60 Minutes fame) and Michael Tatlow, A Walk in Old Sydney is available in bookstores and we have 10 copies to give away. To win be among the first 10 people to join the National Trust of Australia (NSW) or buy a gift membership*. Just join and mention ‘Walk in Old Sydney’ when you call membership on 02 9258 0156 to receive a free copy of the book. Or join online and quote promotional code EWALK.
*Valid for new memberships only. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. First 10 memberships only will receive the free book.

Great ideas for Christmas presents – New books for sale
Michael Moy’s book Sydney Harbour Bridge: idea to icon tells through wonderful photographs the human story of Sydney’s growing need for and building of a bridge between the north and south sides of the harbour. Facts figures and trivia include such gems as the wailing bridge ghost and Charlie Bell’s offer to dive from the top of the bridge span at the opening ceremony. This lovely little A5 hard back book is available from the online shop or phone 9258 0128 for $21.95 plus postage.

Sydney Opera House: idea to icon tells the human story of the building of Sydney’s World Heritage Opera house. Full of beautiful images and information Michael Moy’s book also includes the forgotten fascinating detail surrounding the bridge such as the link to the Graham Thorne kidnapping episode. This fascinating book is available from the online shop for $21.95 plus postage.

The Brickmasters 1788-2008 by Ron Ringer tells the story of brickmaking in Australia from Governor Phillip’s vision of durable brick buildings in 1788 to the present day. Lack of tools clay and only one trained brickmaker convict Bloodworth were some of the early settlement’s problems. Ringer reveals the history of brickmaking tools techniques and manufacturers to the present day in a lavishly illustrated and very readable book. Available from our online shop or phone 9258 0128 for $75.00 plus postage.

Special offer from The Westin Sydney.
Feel the spirit of summer. Breathe in, breathe out, breathe easy at The Westin Sydney from $285* per night. Your luxurious experience will include:
• Overnight in your Heavenly® bed
• Breakfast for two in Mosaic restaurant
To celebrate the New Year in style, retreat to The Westin Sydney from $625* per night, room only.
For further information or to make a reservation, please visit westin.com/sydney or call 1800 656 535 (toll free) or 02 8223 1111. *Terms and conditions apply. Minimum stay of 3 nights over New Years Eve. Subject to availability. Black out dates apply.