Spendour in the Park-Public Meeting 29th August 2012

HELP SAVE OUR UNIQUE HERITAGE LANDSCAPES, INCLUDING NEWCASTLE’S KING EDWARD PARK!

A public meeting was held to raise the profile of King Edward Park and its environs, the Obelisk, Arcadia Park and the Headland Reserve. The public meeting will inform the community on the vulnerability of these parks and confirm their immense public value. The recent State Heritage nomination was prompted because of concerns that the cultural heritage values of the park were not properly considered when a function centre was proposed at King Edward Headland Reserve.

Distinguished speakers will include architects, Richard Le Plastrier and Peter Stutchbury; Heritage advocates, Gionni di Gravio and Ann Hardy, while John Lewer from the Friends of King Edward Park Inc. will outline public action so far. Together, they will present an overview of the community’s vitally important public open spaces, the heritage, the history, and the essential need for public participation.

The National Trust of Australia (NSW) supports the recent nomination to have King Edward Park included on the State Heritage Register.

“We welcome the public meeting to encourage the local community to be involved in a discussion about saving the cultural heritage of parklands. The public have enjoyed King Edward Park for well over a century, it is a special place for the people of New South Wales”, said Ann Hardy, Board Member, National Trust of Australia (NSW).
King Edward Park is associated with the Aboriginal dreamtime story of Yi-ran-na-li and the sheep pastures of the early colonial settlement. Today, this unique coastal area has features of Victorian era parkland and has retained much of its nineteenth century qualities.

“The park's significance is its largely underdeveloped coastal landscape, allowing for open public recreation”, said Ann Hardy.

An independent chairperson will conduct the meeting and will open it to general discussion and questions from the floor.

The public meeting is an opportunity to shape Government policy on the use of Public Reserves. It is intended that a strong public resolution will be passed to political decision makers, influencing their attitudes to future development of these invaluable and irreplaceable public open spaces.

Introduction- Dr John Lewer

Mr Gionni di Gravio- The Origins of King Edward Park Recreation Reserve Newcastle

Public Discussion- Spendour in the Park

FORUM National Trust Innovation and Invention 2012

'National Trust Innovation and Invention in the Hunter Forum 2012' video has now been uploaded thanks to support from the University of Newcastle's Coal River Working Party.

This Forum was a celebration of the people and institutions which have helped and continue to help shape the region.
The Event was held in the Newcastle Town Hall on the 19th April 2012, and organised by the Hunter Regional Committee of the National Trust of Australia.
Speakers included:
- Dr Bernie Curran, Executive Officer, University of Newcastle Foundation facilitated the event.

- Dr Betty Capper, former nurse, now historian, on the period of innovation and change at Royal Newcastle Hospital in the McCaffrey era of the 1950s and 60s.




- Professor Emeritus John Hamilton, OBE, former Dean of the Faulty of Science and Health at University of Newcastle on recent innovation and future directions in medical science in the Hunter.




- Dr. Philip Pollard architect and former planner at the University of Newcastle on innovative buildings and landscaping on the University campus




- Mr Peter Stevens – spoke on Scoping Useful Principles



- Mr Bill Jordan, Fellow of the Institution of Engineers (Australia) on Newcastle’s engineering and industrial history of innovation and adaptation.

National Trust-Heritage Festival, INNOVATION + INVENTION 2012

CATHERINE HILL BAY
Catherine Hill Bay Progress AssociationCatherine Hill Bay Jetty
A two-hour walking tour, starting at Catherine Hill Bay Jetty, will include historians discussing the role of the Jetty in the history of mining in historic Catherine Hill Bay.
Sat 14 April 2pm - 4pm
Free
Bookings Essential: 02 4976 2310

COOKS HILL
Newcastle Studio Potters IncTiles Tell Tales
Back to Back Galleries, 57 Bull Street
2012 is the 20th anniversary of the Gallery. Ceramic artists have been invited to participate in an exhibition of ceramic tiles celebrating the story of the gallery - our heritage
20 April - 6 May 11am to 5pm Fri, Sat, Sun with opening at 6pm 20 April.
Free

JESMOND
Friends of the RegalRemembering the Regal
Jesmond Neighbourhood Centre, 44 Mordue Parade
As we approach the long-awaited reopening of the Regal Theatre , cinema enthusiast David Griffin ,recalls the people and events that created the cinema, and celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Heaton and Birmingham Gardens Community. Hall. Sat 21 April 7pm - 10pm
Entry by donation. Refreshments.
Bookings Essential: 02 4951 1611

LAMBTON
Newcastle Family History Society Inc.Back to Basics Course
Lambton Mechanics Institute, 68 Elder Street
Beginning family history research; resources available locally and elsewhere
Sat 14 April 10.30am - 11.30am
Free
Bookings Essential: 02 4957 8296

Newcastle Family History Society Inc.Open Day
Lambton Mechanics Institute, 68 Elder Street
All library resources available;members available to help with enquiries.
Sat 21 April 9am - 4pm
Free

MAITLAND
Friends of Grossmann HouseAmazing Bees - JW & WS Pender
Brough House, 65 Church Street
Celebrate the amazing story of Pender Bros. who became the largest beekeeping equipment manufacturers and suppliers in the Southern Hemisphere.Talks by apiarists and others and an exhibition of historical beekeeping equipment courtesy of the Powerhouse Museum.
21 & 22 April 10am - 3pm
NT Members $10 / Adults $12 and includes Morning tea
Bookings Essential: 02 4933 4450 or 02 4933 6452
Local apiarists and beekeeping equipment will be on display over the weekend of 28/29th April (Steamfest)

NEWCASTLE
Hunter Regional Committee of the National TrustForum and Q and A: “Innovation and Invention in the Hunter”
Newcastle City Hall, Hunter Room
The Hunter region has a rich heritage of creativity and adaptation. Come and share in a discussion with guest speakers in areas in which the Hunter has excelled, such as industry, health and architecture.
Thurs 19 April 7pm - 9pm
$15 entry .$10 NT members. Refreshments included
Bookings Essential: 02 4927 5135 or turnbullpa@bigpond.com

Architecture, Art and Artefacts
University of Newcastle
Architect – guided tour of innovative architecture and landscaping on the University of Newcastle campus. Meet at the forecourt of the Great Hall .Includes visit to the Senta – Taft – Hendry Museum of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Island and Melanesian artefacts and refreshments at the University of Newcastle Gallery .
Saturday 21 April, 2-4pm
Cost : $15 $10 NT members
Bookings Essential: 02 4927 5135 or turnbullpa@bigpond.com

Hunter Regional Committee of the National TrustHeritage Walk: Innovation and Use of the Government Domain
James Fletcher Hospital, Watt Street - Meet at main gates. Join us for a tour through this former Government Domain
and historic military site (1843) that has been innovatively used as a home to numerous institutions. Tour includes a delicious morning tea at Monets in the former military hospital.
Thurs 26 April 9.30am - 11.30am
$20 NT members $15
Bookings Essential: 0438 509 139

Miss Porter’s HouseOpen Day for Heritage Festival
Miss Porter’s House, 434 King Street, Newcastle
The only National Trust owned property in Newcastle.The house and garden are an amazing record of the lives of the Porter family since1910. The house was bequeathed to the National Trust by Miss Hazel Porter in 1997.
Sat 21 April 10am - 4pm
NT Members Free / Adults $7 / Concessions $5 / Family $20
Enquiries: 02 4952 9376

Miss Porter’s HouseWalking Tour of Miss Porter’s Neighbourhood
Explore some of the buildings of Newcastle West that were the very latest thing when Hazel Porter and her sister Ella were growing up there. Finish the tour with afternoon tea in a nearby cafe. Inspection of Miss Porter’s House is not included in the tour. Tour led by Dr Roland Bannister.
Sat 28 April 2pm - 3.30pm
$15 (afternoon tea not included)
Bookings Essential: 02 4967 4273

The Lock UpArt of Ideas - Art Exhibition
John Paynter Gallery, The Lock Up, 90 Hunter Street, Newcastle
An exhibition of local invited artists who are interpreting ‘innovation and invention’ in Newcastle and the Hunter. A variety of media will be exhibited including paintings, prints, photographs and sculpture. The exhibition will be opened at 6.30pm, Friday 13 April 2012.
Gallery open 7 - 22 April Wednesday to Sunday 10am - 4pm
Free
Enquiries: 0438 509 139

LEMON TREE PASSAGEPort Stephens Family History Society Inc.
Henry F Halloran in Port Stephens; The Legacy Old School Centre, Kenneth Pde
Join this self drive & walking tour of Tanilba Bay Heritage Precinct featuring the enduring legacy Henry F Halloran gave to the people of Port Stephens. His innovative ‘garden city’ sub divisions & his extensive pseudo convict stonework constructions.BYO picnic lunch on conclusion of tour.
Tues 24 April 11am - 1pm
Cost :$5.Enquiries : 49823587

Port Stephens Historical SocietyHistorical Photograph Exhibition
Tomaree Library & Community Centre, Town Circuit
All facets of Port Stephens History will be displayed in an all day exhibition, showing places, homes, events, people and much more.
Wed 18th April 10am - 4pm
Cost : $2
Enquiries: 4981 2840 or 49823587

Port Stephens Historical SocietyHeritage Treasures of the Bay
Tomaree Library & Community Centre, Town Circuit
Historical Talk– Our Best Kept Secrets. Heritage Treasures of the Bay. The talk will highlight to the community and Tourism industry the importance of our historic and heritage site. Afternoon tea. Fri 20th April 2pm - 3.30pm
Cost :$2
Bookings Essential: 4981 2840 or 49823587

Tomago House, Tomago Road, Tomago
If you haven’t yet visited this magnificent National Trust property, Tomago House, come and enjoy the historic house, furnishings and gardens .
Entry $4 NT members free, concessions $3. Delicious sandwiches and Devonshire teas available for only $8.
Open every Sunday 10.30am – 3.30 pm

2011 Annual General Meeting- Hunter Regional Committee of the National Trust

The Annual General Meeting of the Hunter Regional Committee of the National Trust will be held on Sunday 27 November at 11 am at Grossmann House, Church Street Maitland. We are pleased that the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, the Honourable Robyn Parker will be the guest speaker. Members of the National Trust are warmly invited to attend and to stand for election to the Committee. Morning tea will be provided after the meeting.
Further enquiries 49 611063

National Trust Festival 2011 ‘Amazing Stories’ every moment has an amazing story...

Saturday 2 April 6.30-9pm
Stories from Coquun (Newcastle) Wollotuka Institute, University of Newcastle Aboriginal students from the Institute will tell their stories and what inspired them to work in their chosen area of research. Music, art, bush tucker and the award-winning building, Birabahn, in its bushland setting, will make this a memorable night.
Donations towards the Jack Doherty Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Scholarship. Bookings and enquiries: 0447611066

Saturday 2 April 9am-12 midday
East Maitland Kiwanis Club and the Coal River Working Party
The Amazing Race
The race involves teams solving clues leading to a variety of heritage sites around Newcastle. Fund raiser for non-government mental health services and the Vera Deacon Regional History Fund.
$45 per team of 4. www.stickytickets.com.au/5084 or details newcastlerace@yahoo.com

Tuesday 5 April 10 am -12
Stockton Heritage Walk: Convicts, Pirates, Shipwrecks and Disasters Hear the amazing stories from the Stockton Historical Society members of Pirates’ Point, Shipwreck Walk, the memorials to miners lost in the 1893 disaster and more Meet at Stockton Wharf 10.10 am (Ferry leaves Newcastle Wharf at 10 am). Cost :$5

Thursday 7 April 9.30-11.30am
The Amazing Military Barracks Walk
James Fletcher Hospital, Watt Street Newcastle.Tour the historic military barracks (1843), recently
nominated for the State Heritage Register. Hear stories of the buildings and people associated with this historic place for the past 140 years.Meet at the main gates at Watt Street. Donations welcome. Booking essential 0438509139

Saturday 8 – 24 April
John Paynter Gallery, the Lock-Up, 90 Hunter Street, Newcastle (near the historic Post Office) Amazing Stories Art Exhibition
Exhibition opening Friday 8 April at 6.30pm
An exhibition by local artists invited to interpret ‘Amazing Stories’ of Newcastle and the Hunter in a variety of media. The exhibition is a fundraiser for non-government mental health services in the Hunter.
Enquiries 0438509139.

Saturday 9 April 10.30am-11.30am
Newcastle Family History Society Inc
‘Back to Basics’ Course
Saturday 16 April 9am-4pm
Open Day
Lambton Mechanics Institute, 68 Elder St.
Free: Bookings 49573276 or 49578296.

Saturday 9 April 11 am – 1 pm
Merewether Land care Beach Walk
Explore Merewether's natural and social heritage with enthusiastic volunteers from Merewether Landcare who are are transforming the formerly weed-infested beach. A short walk, but sturdy shoes, hat, sun block and water needed. Meet at Robinson Reserve car park (bound by Robinson Street and Scenic Drive/Frederick Street) Donations welcome. Further information 0447611066.
Saturday 9 April 7pm
Friends of the Regal
The Cinema that Refused to die
Join Friends of the Regal for an evening of pictures, words, film and music to celebrate the Regal
Jesmond Neighbourhood Centre, 44 Mordue Pde. By Donation. Enquiries 49511611.

Sunday 10 April 1.30 – 4pm
Saving ‘Catho:’ Background, discussion and walk
Catherine Hill Bay Surf Club
Catherine Hill Bay has recently been placed on the State Heritage Register.Hear from Heritage architect and Catherine Hill Bay expert, Jennifer Hill and Progress Association President Sue Whyte and “Catho” residents of the struggle to save Catherine Hill Bay from overdevelopment. Donations welcome. Enquiries 0447611066

Wednesday 13 April 7- 9 pm
Forum “About the Valley”
Newcastle City Hall, Hunter Room. Newcastle City Hall, Hunter Room. Hunter Valley writers who have contributed to three splendid volumes of Writings from the Hunter, Beneath the Valley, Through the Valley and People of the Valley, published by local Catchfire Press will tell the stories of some of the amazing people and places in the Hunter Valley. Cost $10. Refreshments included. Bookings essential : 49 275135 or turnbullpa@bigpond.com

Thursday 14 April 9am 12noon
Raymond Terrace Historical Society Amazing Stories of the Twin Rivers
A morning of history through oral stories, verse, photography and song. Morning tea. Raymond Terrace Senior Citizens Building, Irrawang St. Cost $10. Enquiries 49871036.

Friday 15 April 2pm-3.30pm
Port Stephens Historical Society Talk :”How the Bay was settled “ Gold coin donation. Bookings 49812840.

Sunday 17 April 3.30pm-5.30pm.
Amazing Harbour Cruise : Fully booked.
Boat departs from Lee Wharf Pontoon, 5 Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle.

Sat-Sun 23-24 April 9am-5pm
Lake Macquarie & District Historical Society Inc. Toronto Railway Station Centenary Exhibition at Toronto Railway Heritage Precinct, off Victory Pde. Free. Enquiries 49594638.
NATIONAL TRUST HOUSES

Sun 9 and 10 April 11-4pm
Miss Porter’s House Open Days View an amazing Edwardian house and its collection of furnishings, furniture, clothes and household goods from across the C20, left by the Porter sisters to the National Trust. $7 adults $5 concessions. Free to National Trust members. 434 King Street, Newcastle West, between Steel and Union Streets.

Fri-Sun Tomago House 421 Tomago Road, Tomago
8. 9, 10 April 10 am – 4pm
Amazing Quilt Exhibition
Beautiful display of quilts by six Hunter Valley quilting groups at this gracious C19 National Trust property. Refreshments and stalls with collectables, jewellery and crafts.
$6 adults $5 concessions. Enquiries 49593016 or 49301471

Grossmann and Brough Houses, High Street Maitland
Fri 1, Sat 2, Sun 3 April 10 am-3 pm
The Maitland Collection: exhibition of works by local artist, Holly McNamee
Sunday 17 April 10am- 3 pm
See Grossmann House’s entire State Significant textile collection exhibited for the first time, with furniture & treasures from Old Government House & other National Trust properties
Refreshments incl lunch available Coin donation Contact 49337758 or 49336452

For other events see www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au

Miss Porter's House Open Australia Day

Miss Porter’s House will display a collection of Australiana on Australia Day Wednesday 26 January from 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm. The house, located at 434 King Street, Newcastle West (between Steel and Unions Streets), contains a century’s worth of Aussie history: furnishings, furniture, clothes and household goods.

Admission: $7 adults, $5 pensioners and children five years and over. Free to National Trust Members and children under five.

Regards Roland Bannister
Miss Porters House

NOTE: Miss Porter's House is opened on the 2nd Sunday of each month, 1-4pm (except January).

Listing of the James Fletcher Hospital Site and curtilage on the State Heritage Register

Important Message - the National Trust needs your support with a submission to the Heritage Council: Re: Listing of the James Fletcher Hospital Site and curtilage on the State Heritage Register Newcastle Government House and Domain (Draft)State Heritage Nomination

The Trust needs your support with a submission to the Heritage Council Re: Listing of the James Fletcher Hospital Site and curtilage on the State Heritage Register. I hope you can give a few moments of your valuable time to read the following points and copy them into an Email or letter to be sent in support of this important nomination. I have taken the liberty of suggesting an outline for the letter that you may find helpful:

This nomination is of exceptional significance to Newcastle.
• The area has been in continuous Government ownership and use since 1804.
• Together, the James Fletcher Hospital site and Fletcher Park make up the Domain of the original Government House, established in 1804.
• It played an important role as part of the convict system in NSW.
• The integrity of the landscape is largely undisturbed.
• The quarried wall of the parade ground, the military barracks, gatehouse and former military hospital are intact and provide tangible evidence of convict labour under military supervision.
• The two vertical mine shafts on the site are Australia's first.
• The hospital area has played an important role in the evolution of mental health care in NSW as the first regional Government 'asylum'.
• Heritage listing is important because it sends a clear message about the value of historical heritage for the benefit of future generations.
• Fletcher Hospital site was placed on ‘Australia’s Heritage at Risk’ list in 2008.
• Kirkwood House (the old Parsonage 1819) on the site was demolished without warning in 2009.
• It is imperative that the ‘Newcastle Government House and Domain’ is officially identified and protected by listing on the State Heritage Register.
• The James Fletcher Hospital has provided mental health services to the region for 140 years and can continue delivering health services while also recognising the historical significance of the site.
• The Trust acknowledges the support of the University of Newcastle Coal River Working Party and the Hunter Regional Committee for the research and nomination of the precinct.

Please make a short submission using the points above or for further information see http://www.heritage.nsw.gov.au/07_subnav_02_2.cfm?itemid=5060998

On exhibition until 7th February 2011

SEND TO: The Heritage Council of New South Wales
Locked Bag 5020
Parramatta NSW 2124

Thanking you in anticipation of your support.

Yours truly,

Ann Hardy, Secretary, Hunter Regional Committee of the National Trust (NSW)