• National Trust Corporate Breakfast with guest speakers The Hon. Kristina Keneally MP, Mr Brad Hazzard MP, and Ms Sylvia Hale MLC Read more
• Join the National Trust's new Facebook page. Read More
• Save up to $30 on new National Trust memberships in March. Read more
• Ian Carroll reflects on his first 100 days as National Trust President Read more
• Your last chance to purchase tickets in the National Trust $2 Raffle Read more
  
  

NSW Upper House Inquiry on the Planning Framework
The Trust has put in a submission on the NSW Upper House Inquiry on the Planning Framework stressing the need for Regional and Local Environmental Studies to be undertaken prior to development assessments. The Trust also set out its concerns at the operation of Part 3(A) of the planning legislation particularly the over-riding of the endangered species and heritage legislation and bush-fire considerations.

Former Torin Building
In 2008, the National Trust listed the Torin Building at Penrith on the Trust Register. The NSW Heritage Council has notified the Trust that it has resolved to recommend to the Minister for Planning the listing of the former Torin Building on the State Heritage Register. This building is rare nationally as the only example in Australia of the work of Marcel Breuer, one of the most significant and influential architects of the 20th century.

Rob’s Cottage, Waverton
The Trust is supporting the provision of access to the historic Rob’s Cottage at Waverton via the original historic access through Waverton Park. While supporting the general principle that public open space should not be alienated for private use, this historic access is necessary for the restoration of this property which is an important cultural heritage item in this park setting.

Ecosystem Conservation Society – Japan
The Trust recently met with a party of visitors from the Ecosystem Conservation Society (Japan) who were touring Australia to visit like-minded organisations including National Trusts and to gather information on our history and operation. One of the visitors was also the Vice-President of the Japan Association of National Trusts and it was interesting to hear of the work of this group in acquiring land and advocating for the conservation of the built and natural heritage of Japan.

Land zoned open space, Little Manly
The Trust has forwarded another submission to Manly Council opposing a development application to redevelop a building on land zoned open space and intended for over forty years to be demolished to create a foreshore park at Little Manly. The local group fighting this development, Manly Open Space Trust, now has gained tax deductibility in terms of fund raising to assist in the purchase of this land.

Nightingale Wing, Sydney Hospital
The Trust has inspected the Lucy Osburn/Nightingale Museum in the Nightingale Wing and is revising its 1975 National Trust Register listing to include the Museum that was established about ten years ago. The Museum incorporates the original offices and nurses quarters dating from 1869. It also contains various personal effects of Florence Nightingale, a collection of books on nursing written by Nightingale with the names of the nurses selected to send to Sydney Hospital, a partner’s desk and chair ordered by Henry Parkes for Lucy Osburn (selected by Nightingale to establish her method and training school at Sydney Hospital in 1868) and a morbid anatomy collection and associated archives dating from the 1890s to 1983.

Sydney Metro Heritage Impacts
The National Trust has written to the Chief Executive Officer of the Sydney Metro Authority seeking clarification on media reports that a number of key historic buildings may be demolished for the construction of the proposed Sydney Metro. Of particular concern is the 1930s rare apartment building at No 7 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, designed by noted architect, Emil Soderstein. The Federal Government has indicated that it wants to fund conservation of our heritage ($60 million) in a recently announced heritage stimulus package. But today’s economic crisis should be no excuse to bulldoze our history, however tempting developers and governments make it.

Winter House, Telopea
The Trust is working in co-operation with the Walter Burley Griffin Society seeking a revised zoning for the Walter Burley Griffin designed 'Winter House' at Telopea. This property was recently listed on the State Heritage Register as the most intact of the 19 surviving houses in New South Wales designed by Griffin but is proposed for a Medium Density Residential Zoning (11 metre height limit). Griffin sited the house on the highest point of the original orchard landscape which enabled views eastwards to the city and south to the Parramatta River in 1935. This view is threatened by rezoning of some nearby properties to a High Density Residential Zoning. The Trust urged that these zonings be reduced to a Low Density Residential Zoning for the house and immediately adjoining properties and to a Medium Density Residential Zoning for the properties where the views from the Winter House may be lost. The Trust argued that these zonings would be in keeping with Planning Minister Keneally’s recent announcement of the listing and the Minister’s stated intention to protect the property for future generations.

Money for heritage - huge boost for jobs in New South Wales
The $60 million secured for national heritage by the Greens as part of the Commonwealth’s stimulus package has been hailed as a massive boost for jobs, heritage and Australian history by The National Trust of Australia (New South Wales).

The Australian Council of National Trusts (ACNT), with input from each of the National Trusts across the country, was proactive in discussing the need for heritage investment with the Green Party before the final stimulus package was agreed on 13 February.

Executive Director, John Neish said “The benefits of this injection of money will be felt across Australia as we work to conserve our heritage. The National Trust in New South Wales has opportunities to begin works across all of our properties from Armidale to Yass, from Dubbo to Hunters Hill.

“This boost will allow us to create local jobs for local people at short notice. We will be working with the Commonwealth to discuss how some of this heritage stimulus can be diverted to employ skilled and unskilled people to conserve our historic properties."

“The Greens must be congratulated on their effort in helping us continue to keep the fabric of Australian history alive and to create employment across the regions. As an independent charity we are mostly reliant on public donation."

Join our Bushcare project at Ahimsa
The National Trust has established a new Bushcare group at Ahimsa to help care for weedy areas. Ahimsa was donated to the National Trust in 1970 by Marie Byles, to ensure the preservation of the bushland as a sanctuary for future generations. It is located in Cheltenham and adjoins the Lane Cove National Park. This Bushcare project will help maintain the resilience of the native vegetation at the bushland property. The group meets once a month and an experienced supervisor guides the volunteers. To join the Bushcare group, please contact Diana or Elisabeth 02 9258 0157 or 02 9258 0176.

City’s oldest church launches appeal - St James King Street celebrates 185 years
It’s a special year for the beautiful St James Anglican Church in Sydney. St James is the city’s oldest church consecrated in 1824 making 2009 its 185th anniversary.

On February 11 a celebration was held in the church with a range of speakers, including the President of the National Trust, Ian Carroll, who spoke to the gathered guests about the importance of maintaining the heritage of our city and the role played by the National Trust in this task.

St James’ standing around the world was reinforced in 2005 when the BBC series 80 Treasures of the World, selected St James as a global treasure alongside the likes of Statue of Liberty, The Parthenon, and the Taj Mahal. Standing opposite the Hyde Park Barracks, St James was commissioned by Governor Macquarie, designed by Francis Greenway and built by convicts. Many treasures have been uncovered during the restoration works of the spire which has stood the test of time for over 100 years.

Today, St James opens its doors every day with lunch-time communion and weekly lunch time concerts. It provides learning and information courses in Christianity at every level. Priests attend regularly at the Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital to tend to patients and staff, alongside regular assistance to the homeless. St James is also regarded by many as the parish church of the law and inseparable from the life of the city.

In the centre of the City and serving the community for 185 years, a fundraising appeal to raise $3,000,000 has been launched to restore the spire, roof, stone and brickwork. Donations are tax deductible via the National Trust. Cheques made payable to National Trust of Australia St James Church King Street Conservation Appeal or call St James on 02 8227 1300. www.sjks.org.au

Discover the life of a Convict Farmer at Experiment Farm Cottage - Tuesday 14 and Tuesday 21 April
Children can discover Australia’s hidden colonial history. Relive the life of pioneer farmer James Ruse by re-enacting his historical first planting. Children will dress up as convicts, plant corn, write letters home to old England using ink and quill, taste corn bread, horse shoe tossing, and tour the cottage. 10am - 11.30am. Cost: $10 per child (5-12yrs). Adult tours available for half price during the children’s activities. Bookings: Dannielle McDonald 02 9635 5655 or exfarm@bigpond.net.au.

Step back in time at Old Government House - Wednesday 15 and Wednesday 22 April
Go back in time to life at Old Government House in 1815. Discover the history and role of the butler and maids during the Governor Macquarie period. Children will dress up and tour the house as servants or convicts, play colonial games, paint a miniature portrait, and say good bye to Old England for ever with Australian bush poetry. Cost: $10 per child (5-12yrs). Adult tours available for half price during the children’s activities. Bookings: Dannielle McDonald 02 9635 8149 or exfarm@bigpond.net.au.

S.H Ervin Gallery Children's School Holiday Workshops - 15 - 22 April
Enrol your children in Art Workshops at the S.H. Ervin Gallery during the school holidays. See E-Art below for more information.

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.

2009 EnergyAustralia National Trust Heritage Awards
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 Office, award categories cross over into built heritage and landscape conservation projects, presentation and development tools, tourism, conservation energy management and cultural heritage. Entries for the 2009 Awards closed on Monday 9 February and a total of 59 entries were received over a wide variety of categories. For information regarding the Presentation Lunch on Monday 6 April please see our website or contact Natalie Gross on 02 9258 0181 or ngross@nsw.nationaltrust.org.au

Old Government House is a film star
ABC1 will be broadcasting “Rogue Nation”, filmed on location at The National Trust’s Old Government House in Parramatta last year, on Sundays 15 and 22 March at 7.30pm. Click here for a sneak preview on the Screen Australia website. The two-part dramatised documentary covers formative events in Australia’s history, including the Rum Rebellion and early court cases, which established independence and civil rights for all settlers.

The Friends of Miss Porter’s House will celebrate the house’s 100th year with a centenary fair. Vendors, collectors, artists and craftspeople are invited to offer for sale bric-a-brac, collectables and items of arts and crafts. A jewellery valuer will be on site, and a cafe will dispense first-class Devonshire teas, coffee, tea and soft drinks. The Fair will be held on Saturday 30 May, 10am - 5pm at Newcastle Grammar School - Park Campus, on the corner of Union Street and Parway Avenue, Cooks Hill. Doors open from 7.30am for setting up, with parking available. The rates for stalls are very reseaonable. Bookings: Please contact Fair Organiser, Patti Graham 02 4953 9034 for details.

Old Government House volunteer Hilde turns 90
Volunteer Hilde Klumpp celebrated her 90th birthday in February. She has been involved in the Soft Furnishings project for over five years. Her incredible handiwork can be seen in the design, tapestry and knitting of rugs and cushions at both Old Government House and Experiment Farm Cottage. Hilde’s mathematical mind has enabled her to design the complex patterns that the team then stitch or weave. We all wish her a very happy year and thank her for her volunteer work.

Image: Hilde Klumpp celebrating her 90th birthday, standing next to the Whalan bed tester and palampore on which she worked

Salon des Refusés 2009: The alternative Archibald & Wynne Prize selection - until 3 May 
National Trust S.H. Ervin Gallery presents the 18th annual Salon des Refusés, the alternative Archibald & Wynne prize selection. The Salon exhibition is selected from the official entries to the annual Archibald Prize (for portraiture) and Wynne Prize (for landscape painting and figure sculpture) at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Our guest panel are invited to go behind the scenes of the judging process, to select an exhibition from the overwhelming number of art works submitted to both prizes, yet not chosen as finalists.

From 707 Archibald Prize and 719 Wynne Prize official entries, our panel selected 44 art works for S.H. Ervin Gallery’s alternative exhibition, , including portraits by Wendy Sharpe, Tom Carment, Michael Bell, Prudence Flint, Peter Churcher, Henry Mulholland, Ian Smith, Esther Erlich, Song Ling, Claire Stening and Amanda Penrose Hart . Portrait subjects include Niccole Warren (from ABC TV Collector’s Show), arts commentator, Betty Churcher, entertainer Mikey Robins, artists Charles Blackman, Rick Amor, Euan Macleod & Angus McDonald and three portraits of retired NSW Judge Roddy Meagher! The selections from the Wynne Prize are particularly strong this year with leading works from Euan Macleod, Jasper Knight, Elisabeth Cummings, Dean Bowen, Todd Hunter, Peter Sharp, Ian Grant, G.W. Bot, Glenn Morgan, Penny Byrne and Ross Laurie.

Now in its 18th year, our 'best of the rest' exhibition often rivals the official prize show and stimulates popular debate on differing approaches in contemporary art.  The criteria for works selected in the Salon are quality, diversity, humour and innovation. Selected artists are invited to discuss their work at the Gallery’s Public Program, hosted, Sundays at 3pm. Visitors to the annual Salon des Refusés exhibition can vote for their favourite artwork in the Holding Redlich People’s Choice Award, with the winner to be announced on 1 May.

Public Program Sunday 22 March at 3pm: Artist Michael Bell is joined by portrait subject, Mikey Robins for an afternoon of art Q&A.

S.H Ervin Gallery Children's School Holiday Workshops - April
Drawing from the Reflection - Wednesday 15 April: Children 5-12 years. Using reflective surfaces, students will produce their own self portrait, experimenting with pastels, charcoal and ink.

Expressive Self-Portraits - Thursday 16 April: Children 7-14 years. Students use reflective surfaces and photographs brought in from home to create their unique self-portrait using colour, line and composition. Acrylic paint on canvas.

Drawing Plein Air - Friday 17 April: Children 7-14 years. Inspired by the 360 degree view from Observatory Hill, children will create drawings investigating the built and natural environment, explore different mark-making techniques and experiment with drawing materials. 

Sculptural Clay - Tuesday 21 April: Children 5 -12 years. Introducing the concept of working in three dimensions, children will create a unique ceramic sculpture, incorporating clay hand building techniques such as kneading, cutting and coil construction.  

Collage with Recycled Materials - Wednesday 22 April: Children 5-12 years. Utilise recycled materials to create imaginative and playful two dimensional creations. Children will explore how contemporary artists transform refuse to create interesting artworks with an environmentally friendly message.  

Cost: members $30, non-members $33 for each workshop. Bookings: Eleanor Venables 02 9258 0122 or evenables@nsw.nationaltrust.org.au.

S.H. Ervin Gallery welcomes Westend Estate Wines – our new wine sponsor
S.H. Ervin Gallery is pleased to announce Westend Estate Wines as our new wine sponsor for 2009.
The winery was established in 1945 by Francesco and Elizabeth Calabria, (who arrived as migrants from Italy in 1927), with their purchase of a five acre block of land at the western end of the township, Griffith, in the Riverina region of New South Wales.

Originally known as Calabria Wines, their name changed to Westend Estate Wines in 1974, with the aim of increasing the quality and range of wines offered by the winery and is now owned and operated by their son, Bill Calabria. As testimony to the success, Westend Estate Wines have been honoured with many medals and trophies from major Australian and International Wine Shows. For further information on Westend Estate Wines visit www.westendestate.com

SYDNEY

Old Government House, Parramatta: A Ghostly Night - Friday 20 March & Friday 24 April, 'In Recital' with Belinda Montgomery and Tommie Andersson - Friday 17 & Saturday 18 April

A Ghostly Night - 20 March and 24 April: Explore this 205-year old Georgian mansion by candlelight and hear tales of strange incidents and psychic encounters. 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.

'In Recital' - 17 and 18 April: In celebration of Heritage Week, Soprano Belinda Montgomery and lutist, guitarist and theorbo player Tommie Andersson (both of Australian  Brandenburg Orchestra and Choir and The Marais Project) will perform Heavenly Music from the Renaissance, Baroque and modern periods. 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 night.

Image: Belinda Montgomery and Tommie Andersson

After Hours Committee: Lunch at Lachlan's at OGH - Sunday 5 April, Berrima Coach Trip - Sunday 24 May

Lunch at Lachlan's at Old Government House - 5 April: Join us for lunch at historic Old Government House in Parramatta Park – a tour of Old Government House, learn some of the history involved and then sit down in a private room for lunch and a glass of wine. Cost: $45. Bookings: Ticket Application Sheet. Tickets close 30 March. P: Tony Bastow 0404 292 208, Ron Bottrill 0418 112 018 or Pat Barling 0414 702 677.

Berrima Coach Trip - 24 May: Founded in 1831, Berrima was designed to be a major provincial town in the English tradition. Grand buildings were erected using convict labour, with many still seen today. Visit the National Trust’s Harpers Mansion, to view its newly completed maze and gardens and have lunch. Afterwards, visit Wirrimbirra Wildlife Sanctuary, with their fauna enclosure, native nursery and bush tucker garden. Depart from Gordon railway station 7.30am, Beverly Hills railway station 8am. Return at 6pm. Cost: $75. Bookings: Ticket Application Sheet. P: Tony Bastow 0404 292 208, Ron Bottrill 0418 112 018 or Pat Barling 0414 702 677.

Women's Committee House Inspection: Wahroonga Day – Tuesday 7 April
Wahroonga Day: The north shore railway line (1890) opened the way for Sydneysiders escaping the crowded city, to enjoy spacious properties and good gardening. 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

2009 Corporate Breakfast – “Committing to our Heritage – a Balancing Act for Political Parties” - Wednesday 29 April, 7.30am - 9am
The National Trust invites you to join us for the first Corporate Breakfast of 2009 with The Hon. Kristina Keneally MP (Minister for Planning and Minister for Redfern Waterloo), Mr Brad Hazzard MP (Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Planning and Member for Wakehurst) and Ms Sylvia Hale MLC (NSW Greens spokesman for Planning and Heritage). Each speaker will be given 20 minutes to put their political platform forward on heritage conservation. At the end of the presentations there will be time for questions from the floor. Held at The Intercontinental Hotel, Sydney, Fort Macquarie Room. Cost: $60 NT members, $80 non-members, $600 table of 10. Please see the website for further details. Bookings: download a booking form or contact Natalie P: 02 9258 0181 or ngross@nsw.nationaltrust.org.au

Image: The Hon. Kristina Keneally MP

Wirrimbirra Sanctuary, Bargo: Country Music Night - Saturday 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.

Visit Riversdale during Goulburn’s annual celebration of Heritage & Roses Festival – until Sunday 15 March
National Trust property Riversdale will open from 10am - 3pm on weekends during Goulburn’s annual Heritage & Roses Festival. Riversdale will revert to normal operating hours (Sundays only, 10am – 3pm) after the Festival. Riversdale is also a great place to host weddings, functions, parties, workshops and seminars. Further information regarding the Heritage Festival or function bookings can be obtained by contacting Debbie Sibbick. P: 0402 129 682 or email riversdalegoulburn@bigpond.com.

Everglades House and Garden, Leura: 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.

Dundullimal Homestead, Dubbo: Bush Ballads & Blues Buffet Dinner - Friday 20 March
Join us for a Bush Ballads & Blues Buffet Dinner. Ticket sales are limited to 50. Cost: $30 includes a tour of the Homestead and stables, live entertainment and a two course buffet dinner and tea or coffee. BYO event - soft drinks available for purchase.

Norman Lindsay Gallery, Faulconbridge: The Festival of Children’s Literature - Saturday 28 - Sunday 29 March, School Holiday Family Entertainment - April

The Festival of Children’s Literature - 28-29 March: Hear different speakers talk about writing and illustrating for children. Meet the speakers during book signing sessions, enjoy the entertainment roving throughout the grounds or leisurely browse the stalls. Featured authors and illustrators include Andy Griffiths, Anna Feinberg, Deborah Abela, Libby Gleeson, James Roy, Dave Hackett, Emily Rodda and storyteller Jo Henwood. Cost: National Trust member tickets $12. Bookings: 02 4784 3832 or visit www.normanlindsay.com.au.

School Holiday Family Entertainment - April: The Acting Factory will be presenting ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ in the April school holidays. Seven performances of The Acting Factory’s ‘Hansel and Gretel’ were held in the grounds of the Norman Lindsay Gallery during January. Altogether just over 1,000 people attended the shows, which were aimed at families and many enjoyed picnicking under the trees after the show. Call Norman Lindsay Gallery on 02 4751 1067 for details of performance times and prices.

Image: Characters from ‘The Magic Pudding’ by Norman Lindsay Copyright H,C & A Glad

Brough and Grossman Houses, Maitland: 'Regain' Art Exhibition by Holly McNamee - 27 March-12 April, The Pits & Pubs Coach Tour of the Coalfields - Sunday 5 April

'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 on this 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: Grand Goulburn Getaway tour - 21-24 March, Tour of Gladesville Hospital, The Priory, Callan Park and Rozelle Hospital - Sunday 24 May

Grand Goulburn Getaway tour - 21-24 March: A tour showcasing the heritage of Goulburn, Taralga, Crookwell, Tarago and Lake Bathurst. Highlights include a tour of 1857 Garroorigang Hume family homestead, dinner and floodlight tour of St. Peter & Pauls Old Cathedral, a tour of the Federation buildings at Kenmore Hospital, a tour of National Trust property, Riversdale and historic Lansdowne Park. Please call for a full itinerary. Bookings: 02 9633 9562 or 0428 284 275. Email: topptours@bigpond.com. Cost: $555 double/twin share, $60 single supplement - all inclusive.

Tour of Gladesville Hospital, The Priory, Callan Park and Rozelle Hospital - 24 May: Departing Parramatta at 8.30am, join us for a guided tour of these sites which are under constant threat from developers. For more information contact Kerima-Gae Topp, President Parramatta Branch. P: 02 9633 9562 or 0428 284 275 Email: topptours@bigpond.com

Image: Lansdowne Park, Grand Goulburn Getaway tour.

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.

Miss Porter's House, Newcastle: Heritage Week and Centenary Celebrations - Saturday 11 - Sunday 12 April
Miss Porter's House will celebrate Heritage Week, and the House’s centenary year, with an open house weekend between 10am and 5pm. The house, located in King Street Newcastle (right opposite McDonald’s), contains a century’s worth of history - furnishings, furniture, clothes and household goods. Cost: $5 adults, $3 pensioners and children five years and over. Free to National Trust Members and children under five. P: 02 4927 0202.

Tomago House, Tomago: Talk on the Southern Cross - Friday 17 April
All the lights will be turned off at Tomago House, in the Hunter Valley, and the candles will be lit for a talk on the Southern Cross and its place in our space and time by Col Maybury, President of the Astronomical Society of the Hunter. Skies willing, he will also take us out onto the lawn for a demonstration. There will be a light meal with sparkling wine to begin with. Cost: $20, $15 for children. Bookings: Marjorie Biggins 02 4929 2117.

NATIONAL TRUST WAY TOURS

Sicily - Late September
The largest and most important island in the Mediterranean is a fascinating land of contrasts, a land with a rich heritage of architectural delights and World Heritage sites combined with a wealth of natural beauty. A complex history of invasion over thousand of years has shaped the proud people and the unique character of the island. From Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans to Arabs, Normans and the Spanish, all have left their influence. Flying in and out of Catania, our circumnavigation of the island will showcase Sicily’s highlights and much more including the medieval charm of picturesque Taormina and Erice, ancient Greek and Roman ruins, Syracuse and the Baroque jewel towns of the Noto Valley, the captivating capital of Palermo and lastly a visit to one of the smaller Aeolian islands. Our tour is based around four star properties where we explore the local environs. Bookings: David Smith, Travelscene on Capri 1800 679 066. License No TA 1091. Tour leader: Jill Bunning 02 9798 8914.

Image: Temple in Agrigento, Sicily, courtesy of the Italian Government Tourist Office.

It has been very gratifying and encouraging to find in the community such widespread respect for the Trust and eagerness for it to continue its role as an independent, strong and effective advocate, conservator and educator of our natural built and cultural heritage. As might be expected, much of this sentiment comes from our traditional base, but increasingly the same sentiment is being heard from other and diverse sections of the community concerned with inappropriate planning laws and policies; inadequate protection for heritage items, places and precincts; discredited development-approval processes; over-development and unsympathetic development; insufficient regard to infrastructure considerations; and the nullifying of the community’s voice, all of which are leading to undesirable outcomes involving loss of, or adverse impacts upon, our natural, built and cultural heritage. The Trust is seen by many as a bulwark against these unacceptable outcomes, and the Trust must not fail those who place their faith in it and give it their support.

To this end, under the leadership of Executive Director John Neish, the Trust is in the course of whole-of-enterprise strategic and operational reviews to enable the Board to determine the Trust’s strategic directions, goals and programmes to 2020, and the resources of all kinds necessary for success. As a first step, the Board has endorsed a significant enhancement of the Trust’s delivery capacity, both human and non-human. These tasks are very demanding, and are requiring significant time and effort from all of Board Members, Management and Staff, Branch and Committee members and volunteers with special skills which are relevant to the tasks. I extend the Trust’s thanks to all of them for their dedication and commitment. Future editions of e-news will continue to inform you of progress in these tasks.

And so it has been a busy first 100 days, but they have been stimulating and rewarding days which engender confidence in an exciting and dynamic future for the Trust.

Ian Carroll OAM, President

Image: Ian Carroll, President of the National Trust of Australia (NSW)

Ambre is a classically trained concert pianist, who recorded and released her first CD at only 16. She has performed all over the world and recently performed a series of concerts with James Morrison. She hopes to undertake a performance tour at regional National Trust proeprties later this year. For more information about Ambre and to purchase her CD's please visit www.myspace.com/ambrehammond.  

Image: Ambre Hammond