Our Place at Risk - submit your local places, spaces and things
Each year the National Trust selects places for its Heritage@Risk list. However, there are many places at risk all over NSW that most people might not know about. We would like you to show us these places, spaces and things that are special to you. It could be almost anything – your local corner store, a childhood playground, an old movie theatre, or even your neighbour’s artwork collection – anything that you feel captures the spirit of your community today or in days gone by, and should be conserved for future generations.

We invite you to submit photographs and words about these local places, spaces and things that are special to you and are in danger of being forgotten forever. Tell us in 100 words why it is at risk and why it should be saved. The best entries will be featured on our website, allowing everyone to see what our members cherish the most in their communities.
To submit your entry or read more please click here.

Catherine Hill Bay, NSW. Photo Patrick Kenny

Play your part in Dubbo’s history
The National Trust of Australia (NSW) is working to conserve over 30 historic properties in its care and
we need your help. Many of these properties were built in the mid 1800s and are reaching the point when significant amounts of money need to be spent on repair and maintenance. Without your support they will be lost for future generations. As a valued supporter of The National Trust I hope you will be able to help us with our next major appeal in Dubbo.

Dundullimal Homestead in Dubbo is an unique asset in need of loving care and attention. We have received some grant funds but we need another $20,000. By helping us raise this money we could complete maintenance and resotration works on the hosue and stables complex, improve and expand the interpretation and education facilities at the property and begin critical adaptive reuse works on the shed.

Conservation Volunteers at Woodford Academy
Bathurst Conservation Volunteers travelled to the Blue Mountains recently to help with conservation and restoration work at the heritage listed Woodford Academy, and Blue Mountains National Trust Branch chairman Bob Clarke was glowing in his praise for the work carried out under the supervision of Team Leader Bill Josh.

“The Volunteers worked steadily for five days from Easter Monday - cleaning, preparing and painting much of the badly deteriorated external woodwork of the buildings”, said Bob. “The Academy now looks so much better for their efforts, and the window frames, doors and other areas of exposed woodwork on which they worked are now far better protected from the elements”.

While France, Italy and South East Asia figure prominently in the show, the depictions of local landmarks are also highlights.  Audiences will be intrigued by Olley's watercolours of Brisbane, Newcastle and Sydney, areas where the artist lived and worked and that have since been transformed by urban development.  Also represented is the New South Wales historic site Hill End, the old gold-mining town that attracted artists such as Donald Friend & Russell Drysdale, and the art critic Paul Haefliger and his artist wife, Jean Bellette.

A fully illustrated catalogue, featuring an extended interview with Margaret Olley, accompanies this exhibition. The catalogue also includes texts from historians, Christine France, Professor Peter Spearritt and Dr Prue Ahrens. The exhibition catalogue is generously supported by the Gordon Darling Foundation and is available from the S.H. Ervin Gallery Bookshop for $29.95.
A selection of Margaret Olley art cards and an exhibition poster are also available for sale. Mail orders welcome.

Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 11am – 5pm. Last admision 30mins prior to closing (closed Mondays & Public Holidays). Exhibition Admission: $6 adults or $4 National Trust members, seniors and concessions. P: 02 9258 0173.
Group Bookings: 02 9258 0122 (Tues – Fri). Limited parking onsite.Trust Cafe: Bookings P: 02 9258 0175 (closed Mondays).

Click here to view a special membership offer - join the National Trust and receive a free copy of Margaret Olley's biography.*

Margaret Olley sketching Newcastle

S.H. Ervin Gallery Public Program - Sundays at 3pm
S.H. Ervin Gallery Public Program of guest talks are free with exhibition admission. Talks are subject to availability and may change without notice. Please view www.nationaltrust.com.au for regular updates.

Sunday 10 May - Cressida Campbell: Cressida Campbell presents an informal overview to the work of Margaret Olley.
Sunday 24 May - The DiVerse Poets (Sydney Writers Festival event): DiVerse Poets interact and respond to the artworks of Margaret Olley by creating dialogues and conversations through their poetry (this session includes a free booklet of poetry).

Zhong Chen wins Holding Redlich People’s Choice Award, 2009 Salon des Refusés
Congratulations to Zhong Chen, winner of the Holding Redlich People's Choice Award at the 2009 Salon des Refusés -  National Trust S.H. Ervin Gallery, Sydney. Thousands of visitors to the annual Salon des Refusés exhibition (the alternative Archibald and Wynne Prize selection) have voted for Zhong Chen's portrait of esteemed artist, Charles Blackman, as their favourite artwork.

Holding Redlich, principal sponsor of the Salon des Refusés exhibition for the past 11 years, generously provided the winning artist with a $2,000 cash prize. Ian Robertson, Managing Partner, Holding Redlich made the announcement on Thursday 1 May, at a special function at S.H. Ervin Gallery. Zhong Chen travelled from his home in Melbourne to accept the prize.

Says Zhong, “Reflecting on issues of cultural belonging and trans-cultural identity, I decided to paint Charles Blackman as I have always been interested in his ‘Alice in Wonderland’ series of works. I feel they are an important part of Australian art history and his paintings reflect a part of Australian culture. When I came to Australia 20 years ago these artworks were paintings I studied as a student. It was great to meet Charles and have him sit for me at his home. He has a great passion for art and continues to draw.”

Zhong Chen arrived in Australia in 1989 from China, graduating from the University of South Australia in 1996. Zhong was awarded a Samstag Scholarship to complete a Master of Fine Arts at the Chelsea College of Arts in London in 1998. Zhong has exhibited throughout Australia and has been awarded two Australia Council grants for residencies in New York in 2001 & 2006. Zhong has exhibited internationally in New York, China, Singapore and Hong Kong. Zhong Chen was awarded the SBS Federation Art Award and is represented in many collections including The Art Gallery of South Australia, BHP and Macquarie University. Zhong has been a finalist in the Wynne Prize (AGNSW) 2006, 2007 & 2008, Sulman Prize (AGNSW), 2008 and was a finalist for the 2007 & 2008 Archibald Prize (AGNSW). This is his first selection for the Salon des Refuses. Zhong Chen is represented in Australia by Eva Breuer Gallery, Sydney; Metro Gallery, Melbourne; Greenhill Galleries, Perth and Hill-Smith Gallery in Adelaide.

The National Trust S.H. Ervin Gallery initiated the Salon des Refusés in 1992, in response to the overwhelming number of entries submitted to the annual Archibald & Wynne Prizes (AGNSW), yet never seen by the public. This year our guest selectors viewed over 1400 artworks to decide the 44 works for exhibition. Salon des Refusés, now in its 18th year, continues to be one of Sydney’s most popular annual art exhibitions, presenting a informed selection of contemporary approaches in portraiture and landscape art.

ZHONG CHEN Charles Blackman

Sydney Writer's Festival Event - An Evening Under the Stars with Author, Kate Grenville - SOLD OUT
Saturday 24 May, 6pm - 8pm
An S.H. Ervin Gallery / Sydney Observatory co-event for the Sydney’s Writer’s Festival. Kate Grenville was inspired by 1790 notebooks of astronomer William Dawes while writing her best-selling novel, The Lieutenant. Grenville will discuss her acclaimed work at the S.H. Ervin Gallery in The Rocks. Following Kate’s talk & book signing, guests are invited to walk across to the Sydney Observatory (2 mins from the Gallery) for an evening of stargazing through the telescopes. Information: via Sydney Observatory. P: 02 9921 3485 or visit  www.sydneyobservatory.com.

Old Government House, Parramatta: The Female Factory with Dr Carol Liston - 9 May, A Ghostly Night - 15 May and 19 June
The Female Factory with Dr Carol Liston - 9 May: The Female Factory Parramatta was built by Governor Lachlan Macquarie to accommodate convict women. The women lived there until they went into private assignment, often returned there to have their babies, and were sent there as punishment. It is one of the most important places in Australian women’s history. Join renowned historian and specialist in 19th century NSW history, Dr Carol Liston as she discusses the trials and tribulations of a convict woman. P: 02 9635 8149 or 0415 187 402. Bookings: www.friendsofogh.com

A Ghostly Night - 15 May and 19 June: Explore this 205-year old Georgian mansion by candlelight and hear tales of strange incidents and psychic encounters. Refreshments and supper included. Cost: $28. 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.

Vienna Cottage Committee, Hunters Hill: Secrets of the Sun exhibition - Sunday 10 May, Talk by Ron Ringer- Sunday 31 May

Secrets of the Sun exhibition, Vienna Cottage - The Vienna Cottage Committee launched the 2009 Heritage Festival in Hunter Hill on Saturday 4 April with an exhibition in the cottage entitled Secrets of the Sun. The exhibition will be available for viewing on Sunday 10 May. The theme is the title of a 1984 book by Dr Ron Giovanelli Australia's pre-eminent Solar Physicist and a resident of Hunters Hill from 1948 until his death in 1984. As well as covering the research of Dr Giovanelli at the CSIRO Culgoora Observatory at Narrabri, displays also consider man's early theories of the Sun, Galileo's observations, Captain Cook and the Transit of Venus, the history of the Riverview Observatory at St Ignatius College and Australia's contribution from the mid 19th century to theories on the solar cycle and climate change.

Talk by Ron Ringer, Hunters Hill RSL Hall - On Sunday 31 May at 2.30pm there will be a talk in the RSL Hall by economic and social historian Ron Ringer on his recently published book Brickmasters, a history of brick making in Australia from 1788 to 2000. Whilst Hunters Hill is famous for it's stone buildings, brick became very common from 1890. The reasons for this change will be discussed. An associated exhibition will be held in Vienna Cottage on 24 May and 14 June.

Costs: Exhibitions - National Trust members free, non-members $4. Talks - $10 including refreshments. Bookings: John Birch P: 02 9816 1794 or email jabirch@bigpond.com

Saumarez Homestead, Armidale: Historic Gardens - until 14 June
An exhibition of photographs organised by the New England branch of the Australian Garden History Society. P: 02 6772 3616.

Miss Porter's House, Newcastle: Mother’s Day Open Day - Sunday 10 May, Miss Porter’s Centenary Fair - Saturday 30 May

Mother's Day Open Day - Miss Porter’s House opens on the second Sunday of each month. As our May open day occurs on Mother’s Day there’ll be a special exhibition of needlework and other craft items made by Florence Porter and her two daughters, Ella and Hazel. Herbert Porter and Florence Jolly built their home in 1909, ready for their coming marriage. Now, a century later, we celebrate the home and the lives of Herbert and Florence. It seems fitting to honour the life of Florence and her two daughters on Mother’s Day. Cost: adults $6, concession $5. Enquiries: Roland Bannister P: 02 4967 4273 or rsbann@bigpond.net.au Miss Porter’s House, 434 King St, Newcastle West (opposite McDonald’s), open 1pm - 4pm.

Miss Porter's Centenary Fair - Herbert Porter and Florence Jolly built their home in 1909, ready for their coming marriage. Now, a century later, we celebrate the home and the lives of Herbert and Florence and, especially their daughters Ella and Hazel who lived all of their eight decade long lives in the home, and eventually bequeathed it to the National Trust. More than 70 stalls will offer a range of quality goods: things to wear, things to grace the home, things for all ages, and things to eat and drink. Exhibitions of historic pharmacy collectables, and historic bricks from the Newcastle area will complement the things to buy. Cost: adults $5, concession $4. Organised by the Friends of Miss Porter's House. Enquiries: Roland Bannister P: 02 4976 4273 or rsbann@bigpond.net.au. Newcastle Grammar School Park Campus, corner Parkway Avenue and Union Street, Newcastle.

(t-b): Florence Porter's wedding outfit, a skirt and blouse, was presented by her daughter Florence to the Newcastle Branch of the Embroiderer's Guild of NSW. It will be on display at the house on Mother's Day. Herbert and Florence Porter with their first daughter, Ella c1913.

Norman Lindsay Gallery, Faulconbidge: Jazz and Wine Festival - Saturday 16 May, 'When the Trumpet Calls’- Norman Lindsay and WW1 - until June

Jazz and Wine Festival - The Friends of the Norman Lindsay Gallery present this popular afternoon event in the gardens at the Gallery. A picnic event where everyone receives a free etched wine glass to sample the premium wines on offer and entry to the Gallery is included in the ticket price. This afternoon promises the best live jazz entertainment performed by the Galapagos Duck and the very popular no reserve auction. Bring along your friends and family, pack a hamper and enjoy the atmosphere. Gates open noon, wine tasting from 1pm. Cost: $25 Friends and NT members. Bookings: 02 4751 1067.

When the Trumpet Calls - Original posters, handbills, recruiting material and reproductions of cartoons from 'The Bulletin'. Norman Lindsay's cartoons and recruiting material of World War 1 were powerful images to encourage enlistment and vilify the enemy.

Australian War Memorial Negative number ARTV00027 Copyright H, C  & A. Glad

Woodford Academy, Woodford: Valuation Day - Saturday 16 May
Bring your antiques to be valued by a fine arts dealer. 10am-12 noon and 1pm–3pm. Cost: $10 for 2 handheld items.  Great Western Highway, Woodford. P: 02 4758 8743.

Wirrimbirra Sanctuary, Bargo: Wildlife Fair - Sunday 17 May, 10am - 3pm
Australian Wildlife Displays will have shows at 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm, with plenty of hands-on opportunities for all.  Find out about some of our more unusual native animals.  Displays, activities, and plenty of food available. Enquiries: Rae Dutton P: 02 4684 1112 or enquiries@wirrimbirra.com.au. Entry by donation. Wirrimbirra Sanctuary, 3105 Remembrance Drive, Bargo  (on the old Hume Highway, half-way between Bargo and Tahmoor)

A nosy wombat, at Wirrimbirra Sanctuary, Bargo. Photo Linda Christison

Brough House, Maitland: Presentation by Claire Philp, Estate Cartographer - Friday 22 May, 7pm
This unique and painstaking work combines the accuracy of map making with the beauty of a work of art. Claire is the only known estate cartographer in Australia and one of only a very few in the world. She has fulfilled commissions throughout England, Europe, South America and Australia. She sees her maps as a way of preserving for posterity the work of the original pioneering families before the properties are sold out of the family. Claire will tell us how she came to this rare profession and explain and illustrate the methods she employs to produce each individual work. Organised by the Friends of Grossman House. Refreshments from 6.30pm before the presentaion. Admission: National Trust members $15 or non-members $20. Brough House, Church St, Maitland.

Photo courtesy of 'Hunter Lifestyle Magazine'.

Friends of Tomago House: Art through Quilts: 23-24 May, 10am - 4pm
An eclectic collection by passionate patch worker Jenny Bain - a passionate journey from beginner quilter to present day at Tomago House, Tomago Road, Tomago. Also on display will be a collection of reproduction miniature antique furniture made by well known Newcastle Antique Dealer Arthur Bignell and a small display of the work of of Windeyer family connection and talented Maitland embroiderer, Lucy Ralston. There will be light refreshments and a raffle. Cost: $5 or concession $4. P: 02 4930 1471 or 02 4957 4509. Proceeds to the National Trust of Australia (NSW).

Parramatta Regional Branch: The Priory, Callan Park and Rozelle Hospital - Sunday 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. E: topptours@bigpond.com

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