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Nissen Huts at Belmont
The Trust is supporting Lake Macquarie City Council’s proposed Heritage Conservation Area and associated Development Control Plan to recognise and conserve the historic values of 34 remaining Nissen Huts at Belmont North. The Nissen Hut was originally invented by a British mining engineer for soldiers’ use. At the end of the Second World War, many of these huts were auctioned or transferred to the new State Housing Commission. This large cluster of Nissen Huts is believed to be unique in NSW and the Development Control Plan will deal with sustainable options for owners to sympathetically adapt and reuse these dwellings.

Tenterfield Isolation Block Listed on Trust Register
The Isolation Block at the Prince Albert Memorial Hospital in Tenterfield has been listed on the National Trust Register. Designed in 1918 by the Government Architect’s Office, it is the only known inland Isolation Block in NSW erected in response to the 1919 influenza epidemic. It is highly valued by the local community, as testament to an important chapter in Tenterfield’s history and for its service to the community for almost eighty years.

Catherine Hill Bay
The National Trust has attended a public meeting at Gwandalan to speak on the heritage significance of Catherine Hill Bay and moves by the Trust to have the area National Heritage Listed. The meeting also heard from the Environmental Defenders’ Office of a Land and Environment Court test case. The court action is to determine whether the planning process was correctly followed when a memorandum of understanding was entered into by the then Planning Minister, Frank Sartor, prior to his approval of the plan for 600 houses at Catherine Hill Bay and 187 dwellings at Gwandalan.

John Neish interview with Sydney Morning Herald
The Sydney Morning Herald published an article following an interview with Executive Director, John Neish on 24 January 2009, titled "National Trust 'gamble': plant trees, save self". The article featured details of John's proposed strategy to double the Trust's income over five years. The proposed strategy will soon be made available for viewing on our website, allowing members to provide feedback. The proposal will then go to the Board later in the year.

The article also featured details of urgent repairs needed at four of our largest properties - Old Government House, Everglades House and Garden, Saumarez and Cooma Cottage - totalling $5 million. One of the biggest problems facing our properties is issues with damp, in some cases casuing cracking in the buildings.

Conservation Director speaks to the ABC's 7.30 Report about Kurnell
National Trust Conservation Director, Graham Quint appeared on the ABC's 7.30 Report on 26 January, speaking about the problems at Kurnell. Sand mining at Kurnell began in the 1960s, and in 1994 public concern about the sustainability of the area arose. Sand mining was intended by the NSW Government to be phased out by 2010, and the Trust is urging the Government to commit to that plan.

Minister for Lands visits Lindesay
The Minister for Lands, The Hon Tony Kelly MLC, recently took time out from his busy schedule to meet with Executive Director, John Neish and visit National Trust property Lindesay. Former Surveyor General of NSW, Sir Thomas Mitchell (1792 - 1855) lived at Lindesay, while awaiting construction of his residence, Carthona. Diana Hazard, Chair of the National Trust Women's Committee, provided the Minister with a guided tour of the house. Lindesay is open to the public the first Thursday of each month from 10am - 1pm (excluding January). Guided group tours are also available by appointment. P: 02 9363 2401.

Image: The Minister for Lands with Diana Hazard and John Neish at Lindesay

High Tea with National Trust Benefactors
The Trust hosted a Christmas morning tea at the Queen Victoria Building Tea Rooms on Friday 19 December to thank our Benefactors for their ongoing support. Trust President Ian Carroll OAM discussed how the Trust is going through a period of assessment and growth, strengthening its focus on the core principles of advocacy for heritage, conservation of our properties and collections, and education of the community about our shared heritage. He stressed the importance of putting heritage protection back on the Government’s agenda and the need to make our shared history more relevant to the younger generation. He reassured the gathering that under the leadership of Trust Executive Director, John Neish, the Trust was on track to face the challenges of the future, with a new strategic plan due for completion in mid 2009.

2009 EnergyAustralia National Trust Heritage Awards - entries have now closed
The EnergyAustralia National Trust Heritage Awards offer an unique opportunity to showcase and provide recognition to individuals, government departments, commercial organisations and community groups who have completed a project in 2008 that promotes the conservation of Australia's natural, built or cultural heritage. Made possible by the continued support of EnergyAustralia and the NSW Heritage Branch, award categories cross over into built heritage and landscape conservation projects, presentation and development tools, tourism, conservation energy management and cultural heritage. The awards will be judged in March, with the winners announced at an awards luncheon in April.

2009 National Trust Heritage Festival - program of events now online
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 its the 29th year, the National Trust Heritage Festival will once again see a fantastic variety of over 300 community-hosted events held across metropolitan and regional NSW from Saturday 4 - Sunday 19 April. 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. View the Heritage Festival program of events online.

In 2009, Norman Lindsay Gallery will be installing a new underground water tank (62,000 litre capacity) and related storm water pipes and plumbing for rain water reuse. We hope to minimise any inconvenience to visitors during the construction work. The new storage tank will be sited underground next to the fenced area at the rear of the garage and will provide us with the ability to harvest and reuse rain water for flushing toilets, watering the garden and will act as a reserve in the event of a bushfire. The works are being largely funded from our Federal water grant.

The Blue Mountains Branch of the National Trust recently reported on the progress of the Blue Mountains Council. The newly elected council made the decision to retain the Lawson Mechanics Institute, only removing the later added portico. Exactly what is to be done for the retention of the of the rest of the building has yet to be determined, but we are now assured that another important part of historic Lawson has been retained. Another victory has been the retention of the whole historic site of Sorensens Nursery at Leura. This was helped with the continuing representations of the Trust, supportive local architect Ian McMillan and others. Although the work that has been carried out by the developer has been very poor, the site has been retained without selling off the profitable parts. The Council has put in place strong environmental regulations for the work to proceed in the future.

Huge crowds at the S.H. Ervin Gallery for Timeless: The Art of Cressida Campbell - until 22 February
S.H. Ervin Gallery has launched its 2009 exhibition program with the an overview on the extraordinary work of Australian printmaker Cressida Campbell. Campbell’s unique woodblock work and prints are renowned for their depiction of subtle beauty in the everyday and commonplace. Drawing on the tradition of Japanese printmaking and using colour, texture and composition, Cressida Campbell produces detailed still lives, intimate interiors, bush views and sweeping landscape panoramas. This comprehensive exhibition presents stunning works produced from the 1980s to today and is looking to break the Gallery’s audience record as it continues to gain critical acceptance, national media coverage and wide audience appeal.

A limited edition publication on the artist, now in its second print run, is available by order from the S.H. Ervin Gallery Shop P: 02 9258 0173. Cost: $120 or $108 for National Trust members. Click here for updates on our Public Program throughout the exhibition – every second Sunday for this show. Bookings are strongly advised at the Trust Café due to high visitation for this exhibition. P: 02 9258 0175.

Images: Top - Governor of NSW, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO and President, Ian Carroll OAM at the exhibition opening. Bottom: Cressida Campbell, White Waratah 2000, Woodblock Print. Collection of Art Gallery of New South Wales - Margaret Hannah Olley Trust 2002 © the artist. Licensed by Viscopy.

Win a double pass to see Easy Virtue
Based on the 1924 play by Noël Coward, the film Easy Virtue marks the much-anticipated return of Australian director Stephan Elliott (The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert). Set in the late 1920s, featuring an impressive cast including Jessica Biel, Ben Barnes, Colin Firth and Kristin Scott Thomas, Easy Virtue is effervescent entertainment telling the story of Larita (Biel), a glamorous young American woman who is swept off her feet by young Englishman, John Whittaker (Barnes), and marries impetuously. However when the couple return to the family home, his mother Mrs Whittaker (Scott Thomas) has an instant allergic reaction to her new daughter-in-law and a battle of wits ensues. As the sparks fly and secrets are revealed, Larita attempts to tip-toe through the minefield laid by her mother-in-law yet at the same time finds an unexpected ally in John’s father (Firth).

Like a vintage bottle of champagne, Easy Virtue fizzes with lacerating wit, elegance and fun. In cinemas March 12. To WIN 1 of 30 double passes (valid Friday 6 – Sunday 8 March ) to see Easy Virtue simply click here and enter your details. Only winners will be notified and tickets will be sent via post.

SYDNEY

After Hours Committee: Reliance Evening Cruise - Saturday 28 February, Gordon Walk - Sunday 15 March

Reliance Evening Cruise - 28 February: Cruise under the Harbour Bridge and up the Lane Cove River on this restored 1919 Launch (ex Hawkesbury mail boat). Indulge in good food and wine, pleasant company, good music, sea shanties and tales of the sea. Places are limited. Cost: $69. Bookings: download a Ticket Application Sheet. P: Tony Bastow 0404 292 208, Ron Bottrill 0418 112 018 or Pat Barling 0414 702 677. Meet 6.30pm at Commissioners’ Steps, Circular Quay (opposite Cadman’s Cottage), departing 7pm. Tickets close on 23 February.

Gordon Walk with optional Twilight Jazz Concert at Eryldene - 15 March: Our walk will take in all aspects of the Parish of Gordon – the station, Wyatt Garden, Old Gordon Public School building & Ku-ring-gai Historical Society Research rooms, Annie Wyatt’s house and Nelson Street, before ending at Gordon Recreation Park for a glass of wine and some afternoon tea. You can then join our group to enjoy the Twilight Jazz Concert at Eryldene from 5pm to 8pm. Picnic Baskets are available (must be ordered), or you can bring your own picnic and BYO wine for the concert. Cost: Walk and afternoon tea only $30. Walk, afternoon tea and entry to Jazz Concert $44. Bookings: download a Ticket Application Sheet. P: Tony Bastow 0404 292 208, Ron Bottrill 0418 112 018 or Pat Barling 0414 702 677.

Old Government House, Parramatta: 'In Recital' - 20 and 21 February, A Ghostly Night - Friday 27 February

'In Recital' - 20 and 21 February: The In Recital series of concerts at Old Government House is reminiscent of the intimate house entertainments held by the Colonial Governor. Award-winning songstress Nadia Piave and guitar virtuoso Gino Pengue will present 'na voce e 'na chitarra... serenades, songs and stories from an Italian heart in the candle-lit Georgian Drawing Room. Cost: $60, $58 (NT Members) includes drink and light refreshments. Bookings: 02 9635 8149, at Old Government House or oghouse@bigpond.com. Tickets limited to 30 places per evening.

A Ghostly Night - 27 February: Explore this 205-year old Georgian mansion by candlelight and hear tales of strange incidents and psychic encounters in this property, which has so much to tell about Australia’s past. Refreshments and supper included. Cost: $28, due 14 days in advance. P: 02 9635 8149 or 0415 187 402. Bookings: www.friendsofogh.com or send cheques to ‘National Trust (NSW)’ Friends of OGH, PO Box 431, Parramatta 2124.

Image: Nadia Piave and Gino Pengue - 'In Recital' concert series event

Women's Committee House Inspections: Bellevue Hill Day - Tuesday 10 March, Wahroonga Day – Tuesday 7 April

Bellevue Hill Day - 10 March: Named ‘Belle-vue’ by Governor Macquarie, this favoured hillside rising high above the foreshore, commands glorious north-eastern harbour views from the city sky-line to the Heads. Choose between the morning or afternoon session as we visit three private homes. Cost: Members (only) $28, youth (12 – 18 years) $18. Bookings: download a Ticket Application Sheet. P: 02 9363 2401. Tickets close on 3 March.

Wahroonga Day - 7 April: The north shore railway line (1890) opened the way for Sydneysiders escaping the crowded city, to enjoy the delights of spacious properties and good gardening to be had in the deep rich soil and bracing climate of the upper North Shore. Choose between the morning or afternoon session as we visit three private homes. Cost: Members (only) $28, youth (12 – 18 years) $18. Bookings: download a Ticket Application Sheet. P: 02 9363 2401. Tickets close – 31 March.

Image: Hazeldean, Wahroonga

Picton Historic Day Tour - Thursday 19 March
Due to popular demand this very interesting day tour of Picton is being repeated. Travelling by minibus via the freeways, we will first enjoy morning tea in a park followed by our tour of Picton with a local historian, who will join our coach to give us a guided tour for approximately 2 hours. Historic sights include St Marks Anglican Church, the Stonequarry Viaduct, the 1860’s Tollgate Lodge, the Imperial Hotel and ‘Jarvisfield’ – the historic home of the Antill family, original owners of Picton. After the tour, we will enjoy a light lunch and then return home. Limited to 20 people. Cost: $60, includes morning tea and lunch Bookings: download a Ticket Application Sheet. Tour leader: Debbie Loughnan 02 9997 5949 or 0419 141 933. Depart from Gordon Railway Station (Pacific Highway side) at 8am. Return 5pm.

Everglades House and Garden, Leura: Valentine Dinner – Saturday 14 February, Seniors Week Activities - 16-20 March

Valentine Dinner - 14 February: Enjoy a romantic dinner serenaded by Conrad Hornung from the Pachebel String Quartet. Enjoy the courtyard with a welcoming drink and gourmet nibbles in the courtyard for starters, folowed by a three course meal, based on slow cooked lamb, vegetarian options available. Finish with coffee and sweet bites. From 6.30pm. Cost: $60 per person, BYOG. Bookings: Elizabeth 02 4757 2694 or Everglades 02 4784 1938.

Seniors Week Activities - 16-20 March: Enjoy guided tours of the gardens on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, when entry is covered by your National Trust membership. On Wednesday you will be entertained by local artists, Nigel Foote and Dawn Egan, playing guitar and harp respectively. A sausage sizzle will be available or sandwiches and cakes. Entry is $15 per person. Friday - entry to the gardens will be free for all. A sausage sizzle, sandwiches, cakes, tea and coffee and soft drinks will be available all day.

Wirrimbirra Sanctuary, Bargo: Reptile Day – Sunday 22 February, Country Music Night - Saturday 14 March

Reptile Day - 22 February: Encounter a crocodile or pat a python! Reptile shows, face painting, stalls and displays, hot and cold food available all day. A fun and educational day out for the whole family. 10am - 4pm. Entry by donation. P: 02 4684 1112.

Country Music Night - 14 March: Enjoy an evening of country music with the Wollondilly Country Music Club, in the beautiful bushland surrounds of Wirrimbirra. Plenty of hot and cold food available. Boot-scootin' fun for everyone. Entry by donation. P: 02 4684 1112.

Norman Lindsay Gallery, Faulconbridge: Jazz in the Garden – Saturday 28 February, Norman Lindsay Festival of Children’s Literature - Saturday 28 - Sunday 29 March

Jazz in the Garden - 28 February: Every year the Friends host this popular event attracting 800 jazz lovers from all over New South Wales. Four hours of sensational live jazz performed from the Gallery verandah. BYO food and refreshments and a chair or picnic rug is recommended. If you enjoy live jazz at its very best, add the delightful venue of the garden at the Norman Lindsay Gallery on a warm February evening and it’s easy to understand why this jazz event attracts a sell-out crowd. From 5pm, gates open at 4pm. Cost: adults $28, Friends & NT members $25. Bookings: 02 4751 1067.

Norman Lindsay Festival of Children’s Literature - 28-29 March: A two day celebration of Australian children’s books, featuring workshops, talks, book signings and story telling by popular authors and illustrators. Sponsored by Dymocks. P: 02 4751 1067.

Brough and Grossman Houses, Maitland: St David's Day Concert, Miles Jackson Concert 'Andalucian Nights', 'Regain' Art Exhibition, The Pits & Pubs Coach Tour of the Coalfields

St David's Day Concert - 1 March: The Maitland Celtic Singers will sing traditional music from Wales including 'Men of Harlech' and 'Land of my Fathers, from 5pm. Welsh musician Graham Aubrey will play harp with other soloists. Cost: $10, includes afternoon tea. Bookings: 02 4933 6452 or 02 4933 7758.

Miles Jackson Concert 'Andalucian Nights' - 3 March: New Zealander Miles Jackson last performed in Brough House as the leader of the Madrugada Quartet in 2007. His return as a soloist is a program on the music of Spain and features both Flamenco and classical guitar. Cost: $25, includes refreshments. Bookings: 02 4933 6452 or 02 4932 0518.  

'Regain', Art Exhibition by Holly McNamee - 27 March-12 April: Holly’s drawings of streetscapes reflect memories of her childhood growing up in East Maitland. An invitation to the exhibition opening at 6pm Friday 27 March is extended to all National Trust members. Admission is free. Exhibition open 10am - 3pm every Friday - Sunday from 27 March - 12 April. Opening bookings: 02 4933 6452.

The Pits & Pubs Coach Tour of the Coalfields - 5 April: Join historian Ed Tonks who will lead this outstanding heritage tour of the pits and pubs of the local coalfields. Morning tea and lunch at Cessnock included. Cost: $45 or $40 members. Meet at Maitland courthouse car park at 9am Bookings: essential 02 4933 7758 or 02 4930 1311.  

Parramatta Regional Branch: Blast from the Past day tour of Lithgow's Heritage - Tuesday 3 March, Grand Goulburn Getaway four day tour - 21-24 March

Blast From The Past day tour - 3 March: A tour of Lithgow which will focus on the town’s rich industrial heritage. Morning tea near Bowenfels Railway Station, viewing the finely crafted sandstone station (c1869) and station master’s house which eagerly await their destiny. Visit The Lithgow Blast Furnace Park and Small Arms Factory Museum - two industries that had a huge impact on the population of Lithgow. Enjoy lunch in the cottage gardens of one of Lithgow Valley’s oldest residences, Eskbank House. Built in 1842 in traditional Victorian elegance a tour of the homestead, now a museum furnished with antiques reminiscent of the era, and the surrounding outbuildings will be a fitting finale before departing the valley. Cost: $69.50. Bookings: 02 9633 9562 or 0428 284 275. Email: topptours@bigpond.com

Grand Goulburn Getaway four day tour - 21-24 March: Join Parramatta Branch President, Kerima-Gae Topp, for a tour showcasing the heritage of Goulburn, Taralga, Crookwell, Tarago and Lake Bathurst. Highlights include a tour of 1857 Garroorigang Hume family homestead by Stuart Hume, relative of explorer Hamilton Hume. Dinner and floodlight tour of St. Peter & Pauls Old Cathedral, which is currently undergoing a $5 million restoration under the auspices of the National Trust of Australia (NSW), followed by a recital on the only unaltered William Hall organ still existing in Australia. A tour of the Federation buildings at Kenmore Hospital with a visit to the museum and exhibition featuring Kenmore’s architecture housed in an original ward of the mental asylum. A tour of National Trust property, Riversdale and historic Lansdowne Park with its convict built cottages and gaol, Cobb & Co. coachhouse and stables, ballroom and ruins of a Jewish synagogue. Please call for a full itenerary. Bookings: 02 9633 9562 or 0428 284 275. Email: topptours@bigpond.com. Cost: $555 double/twin share, $60 single supplement - all inclusive.

Harper's Mansion, Berrima: Berrima Village Fair - Sunday 22 March, 10am - 4pm
The second annual old-fashioned English country fair will be held in the wonderful gardens of this superb colonial Georgian house, featuring the largest hedge maze in NSW. The day will be full of fun and games for all the family and include a delightful music program and children’s art, pet competitions, games, other activities and demonstrations. Sausage sizzle, cakes and refreshments available. Picnics welcome. Admission is free. Visit the website. P: 02 4877 1508.

Friends of Miss Porter's House: Country Garden Ramble at Gresford - Sunday 29 March
The Friends of Miss Porter’s House invite you to a tour and talk of a beautiful country garden. Scrumptious morning tea and lunch in the conservatory. Travel by own car. Cost: $45. P: Patti Graham 02 4953 9034. Bookings: Cheque made out to ‘National Trust’ with a stamped self-addressed envelope to 6/59 Westcourt Road, New Lambton, 2305.

NATIONAL TRUST WAY TOURS

Flinders Ranges, Lake Eyre and the Cooper: 25 April – 11 May
Richard Quilty’s very memorable 17-day tour ranges from the green pastures of the Clare Valley to the stony gibber plains around Cooper Creek, reminiscent of the ill-fated journey of Bourke and Wills in 1860-61. This tour is by coach from Sydney, staying at Broken Hill for two nights, then exploring the Flinders Ranges and Clare Valley. We continue on to the outback through Port Augusta visiting the Wadlata Outback Centre, and continue on to Woomera, touring the copper and uranium mine at Olympic Dam before travelling to Maree on the Oodnadatta track, our base for visiting Lake Eyre. We follow the Strzelecki track to Innamincka on the Cooper Creek to visit the Digtree. Then it’s over the rolling sandhills to Cameron’s Corner, through the Sturt National Park, Tibooburra and White Cliffs, the underground opal town. Bookings: Richard Quilty - 0418 201 677. Tour leader: Suzy Greene - 02 4332 2032 or 0419 183 007.