National Trust NSW Magazine – October 2025 to January 2026
NEW SOUTH WALES
Heritage is not static. We must continue to find ways for it to evolve and remain meaningful for centuries to come. To this end, this issue celebrates heritage practitioners who are exploring new directions while preserving the past. On page 13, we profile three inspiring early-career heritage specialists who integrate sustainability, culture and social enterprise into their work. Then, turn to page 16 to read an exclusive article by award-winning architect Alan Croker of Design 5 – Architects, one of the leading proponents of adaptive reuse in Australia.
Now it’s your turn. Our final appeal for 2025 seeks to raise funds to preserve the rare and unique records in the National Trust Archives. You might be surprised by what is at stake – turn to page 6 to learn more. We hope you will give generously to protect our state’s history.
On the cover: White Bay Power Station, the winner of Judges' Choice at the 2024 National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards and a leading example of adaptive reuse. Read more about this innovative approach to preserving heritage on page 16 (image supplied by Placemaking NSW, Design 5 – Architects, CBRE and FDC).
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
The National Trust acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we work, celebrate and share the stories of heritage. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and we support the Uluru Statement.
National Trust (NSW) Observatory Hill, Millers Point, Sydney 2000 GPO Box 518, Sydney 2001 Telephone: (02) 9258 0123 nationaltrust.org.au/nsw
President: Kathryn Pitkin AM CEO: Debbie Mills
Editor: Michelle Bateman
Designer: Lauren Sutherland
Editorial Committee: David Burdon, Nick Corbett, Debbie Mills, Leah Tasker, Jane Watters, Anne Weinman, Amanda Woodward-Brown.
The National Trust New South Wales magazine is published by the National Trust of Australia (New South Wales). Published articles reflect the opinions of the authors and are not necessarily reflective of the views of the National Trust. This magazine is printed by Enviropress, a division of Bright Print Group, on paper that is independently certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), carbon neutral and made with 100% recycled post-consumer waste in a chlorine-free environment.
The Impact of Giving
BY KATHRYN PITKIN AM AND DEBBIE MILLS
Dear Members,
We’re delighted to share the impact of your generosity and the vital role it plays in helping the National Trust preserve the unique heritage and natural beauty of special places, stories and objects. Through the recent conservation efforts of Cooma Cottage, Old Government House, Harper’s Mansion, Norman Lindsay Gallery and our collection, together we’ve protected historic buildings, stunning landscapes and cultural treasures. Your ongoing support ensures these wonders remain intact and accessible for now and into the future.
Alongside safeguarding places, we’ve been bringing them to life for everyone to enjoy, through inspiring exhibitions, engaging educational programs and welcoming open days that invite the public to connect with history and nature in meaningful ways.
The National Trust team was delighted to attend the opening of the Old Bega Hospital recently. The recipient of two awards at the 2025 National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards, the restoration of this community hub is a triumphant example of heritage conservation against the odds, and will ensure its continued use.
In an exciting new chapter for heritage lovers and television fans alike, the Norman Lindsay Gallery in the Blue Mountains was recently chosen as the location for a pilot episode of the BBC’s beloved Antiques Roadshow. The collaboration shines a spotlight on Australia’s unique cultural landscape, while highlighting our commitment to sharing these special places with a wider audience.
It’s that time of year, as we’re fast approaching the Annual General Meeting (AGM), where we’ll share the highlights of the past 12 months. The AGM can be attended in person or online, on Saturday 29 November. If you can’t make it in person, we encourage you to join us online. We’re also pleased to present this year’s Annual Report, available online from Wednesday 15 October.
As this is our final magazine edition for 2025, we’d like to thank you for your generosity. It’s with your help that we continue to bring heritage to life and we couldn’t do it without your support. Thank you.
Best wishes,
Kathryn Pitkin AM, President Debbie Mills, CEO
YOU ARE INVITED TO THE National Trust of Australia
(NSW) Annual General Meeting
Saturday 29 November 2025
3:30PM – 5PM
S.H. Ervin Gallery, Observatory Hill, Millers Point, Sydney
Please join us for the announcement of the Board of Directors, the National Trust Honours Awards and a special presentation on the year's conservation work. Drinks and canapés will follow in the S.H. Ervin Gallery, with a special viewing of select items from the National Trust Archives. For the full agenda see your AGM Notice.
RSVP
Attendees may participate in person or online. This is a fantastic opportunity to join from any location. Please RSVP online at nationaltrust.org.au/event/nsw-agm-2025
Annual Report
ONLINE FROM WEDNESDAY 15 OCTOBER
For a digital copy of the year in review, visit us online at nationaltrust.org.au/about-us-nsw
For a printed copy, please email reception@nationaltrust.com.au
Update National Trust News
The National Trust Register continues to expand – find out which new places have joined this important list of heritage sites. Also discover the latest news from our special places, including an update on conservation work and an exciting new accommodation offering.
Sharing time, knowledge and skills
Volunteers at Old Government House have been trialling a new initiative: Volunteer Tours for Volunteers, created with the aim of sharing the diverse expertise and myriad skills and knowledge of the people who generously donate their time to the National Trust. Over the past few months, it’s proven to be an engaging process for all involved, resulting in enhanced knowledge and new perspectives. There are now plans to roll out the concept to other National Trust volunteer teams.
Escape to Saumarez Homestead
Plan a stay under the starry New England skies with new accommodation opening at Saumarez Homestead this summer. Nestled among the rolling hills of the historic National Trust property on Anaiwan Country in Armidale, the cosy cabins are the perfect place to press pause, relax and take in the tranquil beauty of this historic area. Find out more about this exciting opening at nationaltrust.org.au/places/saumarez-homestead
Progress at Harper’s Mansion
Following strong support for the Harper’s Mansion appeal in 2024, the first stage of conservation works at the Georgian-era house and garden has neared completion. New matting has been laid in the hedge maze, while filling, painting and re-stenciling in the upper rooms have brought the interiors of this charming heritage building back to life. The next stages of this conservation project will focus on renewing the interpretation inside the house and making the essential improvements to the grounds.
New listings on the register
In collaboration with the Potts Point Preservation Group, the National Trust continues to list important 20th century apartment buildings on the register. Recent additions Adereham Hall and Kingsclere were early arrivals in Elizabeth Bay, and were precursors to the prolific densification of Art Deco and Modernist apartment blocks in the area. In the state’s north-west, Quambone General Cemetery has also been added to the register. This well-tended graveyard provides tangible evidence of the colonial settlement of Quambone.
A heritage strategy for NSW
The National Trust has made a detailed submission in response to the NSW Government’s Draft Heritage Strategy for NSW. Key points address diversity and inclusion, resourcing and education for asset owners, celebrating and utilising heritage, and improving the state heritage system. We have been advocating for better funding and protection of natural, built and cultural heritage in NSW, and we hope that this document can contribute to a better future for our state’s heritage and environment.
Advocacy for the Paragon Café
The National Trust welcomes the news that the NSW Government has responded to requests to intervene in the case of the State Heritage-listed Paragon Café in Katoomba, which was first listed by the National Trust in 1975. There have been numerous media reports regarding the condition of the property following vandalism. Locals have advocated for many years for the café and its contents to be appropriately cared for and conserved. We hope that this news will see the Paragon brought to a sound condition and once again enjoyed by the community.
Opposite from top
Old Government House volunteer Dr Christopher Cheng (photography by Rick Stevens); Accommodation at Saumarez Homestead is opening soon (photography by Jarrad Stevenson); The interiors at Harper's Mansion are being carefully restored (photography by Nick Nicholson). From top
Adereham Hall in Elizabeth Bay is now listed on the register (photography by Peter Sheridan); Heritage is always evolving (image supplied); The Paragon Café in the Blue Mountains (image from the National Trust Archives).
Stay up to date
Sign up to our newsletter at nationaltrust.org.au/enews-nsw and follow us on Facebook @nationaltrustau and Instagram @nationaltrustnsw. Don’t forget to share photos from your visit on social media using the hashtag #NationalTrustNSW
The Details That Tell Our Story
BY MICHELLE BATEMAN, EDITOR, THE NATIONAL TRUST MAGAZINE
From wax seals to rare photographs, the National Trust Archives hold decades of untold stories, revealing the fabric of our state’s past.
There aren’t too many places where original photographs by celebrated Australian photographer Max Dupain coexist alongside audio recordings of artist and musician Reg Mombassa of Mental As Anything fame, while centuries-old parchment maps and rare architectural books once owned by the firm Spain and Cosh sit just metres away. These are just a few of the tens of thousands of unique historic records housed in the National Trust Archives. This rich and layered repository weaves together stories of heritage from across the state, capturing many of its significant places, moments and events.
The archives have been amassed since the 1920s, originally by the Tree Lovers’ Civic League, before being transferred to the National Trust by its founding member, the conservationist Annie Wyatt. Thus began one of the archives' most important functions: to map and store the many thousands of records on the National Trust Register. “We have records from every suburb in New South Wales, identifying items of heritage,” explains Archives and Library Manager James Bosanquet. “There are around 12,000 items on the register that we’ve identified as significant,
ranging from trees to sites. These inform the urban conservation maps that all councils now have.” Among the records are the stories of the state’s earliest and most notable conservation battles, including the NSW Builders Labourers Federation’s ‘green bans’, which saved heritage sites at The Rocks, Glebe, Woolloomooloo and elsewhere from destruction throughout the 1970s.
Other items in the archives – such as a photo album produced for the London Fair of 1857 and weighing a staggering 11 kilograms –show an attempt to market Sydney and NSW on the world stage. “It was made to show off the modern buildings and clean-looking streets in Sydney, because Melbourne had been getting a lot of attention after the previous London Fair,” says James.
While some records are significant on a state level, others have a direct connection to the buildings, landscapes and collections in National Trust care, revealing fascinating details that may otherwise have been lost to the vagaries of time. “The archives support the places and the collections because they document their history,” says James.
Opposite, clockwise from top left Fragile documents are becoming vulnerable to damage; Archives and Library Manager James Bosanquet; photographs record significant sites across country and suburban NSW; a hand-drawn greeting card from Everglades House & Gardens; the archives contain a vast array of publications, including theatre programs from Potts Point's Minerva Theatre; early film recordings from Dundullimal Homestead are at great risk of deterioration; the appeal will raise much-needed funds to preserve records and improve storage (photography by Stephen Reinhardt and Eva Blanda).
‘We have records from every suburb in New South Wales, identifying items of heritage’
‘The amazing thing is that a lot of the images and records that we have don’t exist anywhere else’
Connecting the dots
Only a very small fraction of the records in the archives have been donated, with the vast majority produced by the National Trust, making them even more rare and unique. “The amazing thing is that a lot of the images and records that we have don't exist anywhere else. The information that we're dealing with is only found here,” he adds.
Together with a team of passionate volunteers, James is now working on a major oral histories project. This important initiative will preserve the voices of Australians who have played a meaningful role in heritage conservation, whether through advocacy and policy, as long-standing custodians of significant places or traditions, or through a deep and enduring association with the National Trust. In-depth interviews have been recorded with architects Michael Dysart, Louise Cox and Dr Clive Lucas, artists Reg Mombassa and Peter Kingston, and historical archaeologist Judy Birmingham, among many others.
“These people have been involved in many formative periods of our state’s history – and they have fantastic stories to show for it,” says James. “Leo Schofield shared his memories of the 1970s and 80s in Sydney with his signature wit – he still has the zingers! And Michael Dysart confided many stories that he had never shared before.”
Each individual record is significant on its own, but this is amplified as connections between them emerge. James and the archives' volunteers have spent countless hours
Help protect our state’s history
cataloguing the details of every record. This massive undertaking is still ongoing, but already some unexpected connections have been made. As such, the archives have become an incredibly rich resource for the historians, researchers, town planners and journalists who regularly consult it. Equally important, it’s accessible to university students and trainees, allowing them to develop valuable research and archiving skills.
Running against time
James has a saying: today’s stories become tomorrow’s archives. Some of the more recent records chronicle public protests against proposed developments at Callan Park in Rozelle and Willow Grove in Parramatta. If the process of compiling these records is ongoing, so too is the need to maintain, conserve and preserve their riches. And quite often, it’s a race against time.
Certain formats such as early 8mm reel-to-reel films are highly susceptible to changes in temperature, heat and humidity. Even those more recent records on cassette or video tape are at risk of deterioration or of older technologies simply becoming obsolete. “We aim to digitise as much as we can to make it available to people to access, but we're also running against time with certain formats,” says James.
While digitisation is an important step to improve accessibility and preserve records into the future, James says there’s something indescribably special about being custodian to the original pieces. “There’s a peculiar sense of connection with the past that you get with original objects. You can replicate it a little bit with digital, but it's not the same. It's a rare privilege to be able to collect these stories and conserve them for the future.”
By the numbers
The vast assortment of objects housed in the National Trust Archives include…
57,800 slides dating from the late 1930s to early 2000s, many of which are vulnerable to rapid deterioration.
12,000 items listed on the National Trust Register, from across the state.
167 cassette tapes including an address by Gough Whitlam and talks on heritage by Peter Garrett, Tim Flannery FAA, Lucy Turnbull AO and The Hon. Michael Kirby AC CMG.
126 interviews on heritage with high-profile Australians such as architects Michael Dysart and Louise Cox, artist and musician Reg Mombassa and historical archaeologist Judy Birmingham.
200 letters protesting the proposed development of Callan Park in Sydney’s Rozelle, including one from Malcolm Turnbull.
1 teatowel flamboyantly painted by artist Ken Done in his signature colourful style.
We need your help
Together, we can save what time can’t replace.
We need to raise $150,000 before the end of December, to digitise at-risk records for long-term preservation, upgrade physical storage to archival standards and increase the accessibility of archival collections.
Every donation from our generous members will help preserve these important records now and into the future. Please donate today at nationaltrust.org.au/donate-appeal-nsw
Top, from left
A teatowel painted by Ken Done is one of the more unusual records in the archives; some of the tens of thousands of slides dating from the 1930s (photography by Eva Blanda).
A Suburb Full of Surprises
BY MICHELLE BATEMAN, EDITOR, THE NATIONAL TRUST MAGAZINE
Tucked away in Sydney’s inner west, Haberfield stands out for its character homes, wide streets and private gardens. Find out what makes this Federation-era suburb so special.
In 1901, Haberfield Estate was marketed as Australia’s earliest ‘garden suburb’ but it quickly gained another nickname, dubbed by cheeky newspaper journalists as the suburb that was ‘publess, slumless and laneless’. “There was no hotel in Haberfield, though there was a small wine bar with saloon-style swinging doors,” explains local historian and former president of the Haberfield Association, Vincent Crow. “And it was laneless because, from the beginning, all houses were connected to the Bondi sewage scheme, removing the need for night carts.”
This gentrified estate was the crowning achievement of forward-thinking real estate agent and property developer Richard Stanton, who purchased and subdivided the land with a clear idea of the amenities he wanted to provide middle-class families tired of squeezing into inner-city terrace housing. “Every house had its own garden and every house was single-storey and separate, not attached,” adds Crow. “Each house had a street tree in front of it, mostly brush boxes, a native from Queensland.”
‘Large shrubs and high fences were prohibited in the front yard to encourage neighbourly interaction.’
Haberfield’s development took place over a period of almost 25 years and the houses reflect the changing tastes of the times, as late-Victorian-era architecture made way for Federation houses, followed by the Californianstyle bungalows of the 1920s. Its architectural significance led to Haberfield being classified as a conservation area by the National Trust in 1979 and many of the homes remain beautifully preserved today. As Haberfield prepares to celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2026, we take a look at some of the more surprising facts about this inner-west locale.
It was an early blueprint for today’s suburbs Subdivisions and housing estates are commonplace today but in the early 20th century, the concept was revolutionary. Developer Richard Stanton was inspired by the burgeoning English concept of a garden city that was touted as a panacea to London’s Industrial Revolution-fuelled building boom. He conceived of a ‘garden suburb’, where prospective property purchasers could visit an on-site showroom to select a plot of land and work with the estate’s architect to plan the look of their home. “Out the back was a huge room full of mantlepieces, fireplaces and bathroom fittings, and you could choose all the fixtures for your home,” adds Crow. Stanton’s model took off, and became a reference point for future residential development across the country.
No two houses are identical
The Haberfield Estate had its own in-house architect – originally Daniel Wormald (from 1903 – 1904), followed by John SpencerStansfield (1905 – 1914) – who ensured the homes adhered to a particular aesthetic as the suburb grew. But while they followed a similar template, no two houses are identical, which Crow says was a selling point at the time. “In the original sales brochure they printed ‘no two properties of the one design’ in big capital letters. Each street had side fences of the same design to give visual cohesion to that street, while offering variety across the suburb.”
There are clues in the small details
To the well-practiced eye, the smallest features of a home can often reveal big differences about their architectural provenance. Take the design of the leadlights: “The earlier homes often hark back to the Victorian style, with round or geometric designs,” Crow explains. “This is quite different to the Federation homes, where the Art Nouveau influence started to creep in, with its more ornate designs. In one example, the leadlight's design flowed from the sidelight to the fanlight over the front door, thereby enveloping the front door.” The front hallway of a house offers another clue: “Until about 1910, the houses often had Victorian pilasters on the side of the hallway, where later houses are designed with a timber screen in the hallways.”
High fences were banned
Large shrubs and high fences were prohibited in the front yard to encourage neighbourly interaction. Instead, Wormald and SpencerStansfield maintained privacy by positioning each home further back on its block, with a serpentine pathway and well-maintained garden leading from the gate to the front porch. “The idea of the garden suburb was to place the house ‘inside’ a garden,” says Crow. “This links each private garden with the public streetscape, and its trees and nature strip.” And of course, it made it all the easier for passersby to admire the architecturallydesigned homes of the Haberfield Estate.
Opposite
Large front gardens and a leafy streetscape are characteristics of Haberfield.
Below
An artist's impression of the garden suburb (images supplied).
Take a peek inside these homes
Join a tour of Haberfield led by local historian Vincent Crow this October to visit three stunning homes representing the suburb’s primary architectural styles, as they transitioned from Federation to Californian bungalow. Here’s a small taste of what you’ll see…
WERN
The earliest house on the tour, Wern dates to 1903 and was likely designed by original Haberfield Estate architect Daniel Wormald. Its early Federation style references Victorian design influences, including the acorn-top picket fences. “These were sometimes used in Haberfield as late as 1910,” Crow notes.
WOODROW VALE
Built in 1906, this mid-Federation-period home was designed by John SpencerStansfield, the long-standing architect responsible for much of Haberfield’s distinct aesthetic.
CALIFORNIAN BUNGALOW
First occupied in 1922, this Californian bungalow is located in what was originally known as the Dobroyd Point Estate, developed by the Haymarket Permanent Land, Building and Investment Company. “This property is on a larger-than-usual block of land in Haberfield and shows the continuing influence of Richard Stanton’s garden suburb concept," Crow explains.
Join the tour
In partnership with the Haberfield Association, the National Trust will run guided tours of Haberfield on 30 October. For more details or to book your place, visit nationaltrust.org.au/ event/haberfield-the-garden-suburb Tickets are strictly limited.
From top Haberfield properties Wern, Woodrow Vale and a Californian bungalow show the suburb's changing architecture (images supplied).
Young Voices in Heritage
Three early-career heritage professionals share why heritage still matters and how they’re shaping its future. From traditional craft to adaptive reuse, their perspectives reveal how the next generation is keeping conservation relevant and connected to younger Australians.
OLIVIA BRITT Senior Structural Engineer, TTW
Oliva’s cross-disciplinary studies in engineering, heritage and architecture come together in her work as a structural engineer at consultancy firm TTW. She’s currently studying in the UK as a recipient of the 2025 Society for Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) Scholarship for early-career architects, engineers and building surveyors working in the conservation industry.
Tell us about your experience in the UK as a SPAB scholar. The program involves a nine-month trip around the UK and Ireland to visit conservation projects and learn from industry professionals and craftspeople about best practice in the conservation industry. We get to see how works are being carried out and speak to professional consultants and contractors about how they manage various aspects of conservation projects.
What have been the highlights so far?
Undoubtedly, it’s the access we’ve had to amazing places and people that would not normally be available to us. At Canterbury Cathedral, we were able to visit the stonemasons in their workroom, and at Westminster Abbey we went into the roof cavities to see past work that has been done.
How will this experience help your understanding of heritage in Australia?
Many of Australia’s older colonial and post-colonial buildings follow English patterns of building and we use similar materials and techniques for traditionally constructed buildings. This opportunity is helping me gain a more detailed understanding of traditional construction methods and the conservation and repair methods that work best for them.
What changes would you like to see in the heritage sector over the next decade?
I’d like to see more involvement from all areas of our community and an understanding that using our good existing buildings is a viable way to go, that heritage and progress are not in opposition to each other. Good conservation work and reuse can be done in the one project and we can re-use our existing building stock sensitively to meet current needs.
STEVEN BARRY
Heritage Specialist, Transport for NSW
For Steven Barry, heritage is not just about preserving the past, it’s a vital tool for tackling the future. Awarded the 2025 National Trust Heritage Awards’ Young Achiever title, Steven was recognised for his authorship of the Sustainable Heritage Buildings Guide, a significant contribution to sustainable conservation practice.
In what ways can heritage practice integrate sustainability principles?
Eighty per cent of the buildings we have today will still exist in 2050. While they’re not all heritage buildings, it’s important for us to realise they have an intrinsic value. Heritage practitioners are uniquely placed to facilitate the considered adaptation of a lot of these places, which is going to have to happen over the coming years. The opportunity that
exists across the built-environment disciplines to work together and drive the sustainable retrofit of existing building stock is immense.
How do you approach heritage in your work at Transport for NSW?
Transport for NSW is increasing the capacity of the existing rail network, with a strong focus on accessibility. But a lot of the network is fairly old and some of it is heritage-listed, dating from the early 20th century when railways expanded. So the exciting challenge is finding a balance between heritage outcomes and the operational needs of our ever-increasing transport network.
Which projects are you most proud of?
Mittagong Railway Station is one example. It had a footbridge dating back to the early 20th century and we needed to provide an accessible route across with access to both sides of the station, which meant the introduction of two lifts. We worked very hard with the design team to refine that structure, right down to the detail of the concrete pours, which reflect the trestle design of the existing footbridge.
What role should heritage play in modern life, particularly for younger generations?
One way to engage young people is by showing that this is part of the solution to the serious problems we face with climate. Living with heritage doesn’t mean putting up with less than adequate places to occupy, but actually having that connection to the past can be fantastic. It’s our responsibility to deliver places that are vibrant and engaging through well-conserved heritage buildings that are preferred to what else is on offer.
‘The exciting challenge is finding a balance between heritage outcomes and the operational needs of our ever-increasing transport network.’
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At Mittagong Railway Station in the NSW Southern Highlands, accessibility upgrades were carried out while maintaining a connection to the significant heritage of the structure (images supplied).
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Olivia Britt and other SPAB scholars inspect a stone bridge in Penicuik, Scotland (images supplied).
TAMSIN MCINTOSH
Senior Heritage Planner, Bathurst Regional Council
In her five years at Bathurst Regional Council, Tamsin has helped embed community voices, Aboriginal perspectives and landscape values, championing a more inclusive and regionally grounded approach to conservation and heritage storytelling.
How does working in a regional area inform your approach to heritage?
One thing we consider is how to incorporate more Aboriginal heritage assessment in our planning. Council consults with the local Wiradyuri groups about culturally significant places, particularly Mount Panorama Wahluu. As well as the regional, we also cover rural areas that are frequently untouched and require considerations about landscape heritage.
Tell us about a project that you’re proud of. We’ve just completed a two-year wayfinding project around the CBD connecting places to the people who helped build Bathurst. They tell diverse stories of Irish colonial women, Chinese history and Wiradyuri heritage, including a songline that goes from MacquarieWambuul River to Wahluu. Existing signage tells how Bathurst was founded in colonial times but these signs tell the Wiradyuri side of it, noting that the path used by the explorers followed the footsteps of Aboriginal people.
Have you learnt anything surprising about Bathurst’s built heritage?
There is a small 1950s apartment block that I find very exciting, though some locals call it the Tissue Box. We discovered it was an early design by the prominent mid-century architect Neville Gruzman, who went on to build many concrete precast buildings in Sydney, some
of which are now heritage-listed. As far as I can tell, this is the only one of his buildings in Bathurst, and it’s particularly significant because it’s a timber construction.
How do you keep the Bathurst community engaged in heritage?
It can be challenging in a regional area to engage with young people because once they hit university age, many do leave. I see opportunities to engage with them on the social heritage side of things. Aboriginal heritage is important to many people here and for me, queer heritage is also very important. Connecting over those social aspects of heritage can help us all.
Above
A new wayfinding and signage project in the Bathurst CBD explains local landmarks in the context of Aboriginal songlines (images supplied).
The original young voices
This photograph from the National Trust Archives shows the Junior Group, a passionate and committed cohort of young people set up in the 1960s. Here, members of the group are seen on one of their weekend tours in 1980, which typically took in heritage sites and pub visits.
Building on Memory Through Adaptive Reuse
BY ALAN CROKER, PRINCIPAL, DESIGN 5 – ARCHITECTS
In this considered reflection, award-winning architect Alan Croker shares why adapting what we have is not only more sustainable for the environment but essential to preserving heritage, community and continuity.
The Pritzker Prize-winning architect Anne Lacaton once said that “transformation is the opportunity of doing more and better with what is already existing”. She continued: “The demolishing is a decision of easiness and short-term. It is a waste of many
things – a waste of energy, a waste of material and a waste of history. Moreover, it has a very negative social impact.”
To me, this very powerfully sums up why we in Australia should not be demolishing buildings at our current rate.
The adaptive reuse of buildings has been practiced for centuries but our understanding of its opportunities continues to evolve. The building boom of the Industrial Revolution in the mid-18th century left us with huge, purpose-built structures to house manufacturing, transport and industry. As technologies evolved, many structures were abandoned, inviting opportunities for adaptive reuse. One of my favourite examples is the original Gare d’Orsay in Paris, a former railway station that was converted to the Musée d’Orsay in 1986. Contemporary with that in Sydney was the multi-award-winning adaptive reuse
by Lionel Glendenning of the former Ultimo power station as the Powerhouse Museum.
Now, with the increasing urgency of the climate crisis, we have an added layer to consider. These buildings contain embodied carbon, as well as their embodied cultural and social values and craftsmanship. But they can be adapted and incorporated into new uses; we should not throw them away. This is a form of cultural sustainability and, ultimately, contributes to the sustainability of how we live on this planet.
Holding on to what matters
Engaged in 2002 to prepare a Conservation Management Plan for the White Bay Power Station, Design 5 – Architects led the adaptive transformation of this remarkable place in 2021 – 2024 to become a new cultural and events venue. If you were to build something like this today – with spaces like the Boiler House, some 40 metres high by 62 metres long, and Turbine Hall, 25 metres high by 140 metres long – the cost would be enormous. Why shouldn’t this structure have a viable future with a new use? A decision in the late 1980s to retain a representative ‘slice’ of the machinery in-situ, to represent the process of coal-fired-power generation, was very unusual at the time, when others were dismantling their machinery, sending it overseas or simply to the scrap yard. This set of machinery is now increasingly rare and helps us understand how we generated power in the past. It is not just a museum exercise; it can be the backdrop to any activity that happens there, and provokes visitors to enquire about the history of the building and our industrial past.
More recently, we worked with a community on the NSW far south coast on the restoration of the Old Bega Hospital. Originally a hospital from the 1880s, it was adapted for community use in the 1980s before being ravaged by a devastating fire in 2004. The community wanted to retain it for their activities and found a way of raising the money to have it repaired. It was part of their collective cultural memory and by retaining and building on those values, the result is far stronger than if they had simply built a new facility.
Looking to the future
I see an urgent opportunity for adaptive reuse in Australia in social housing. We must find ways to upgrade what we already have, rather than demolishing and rebuilding, which requires whole communities to be relocated. It is not only the simple cost of the works, it is the cost to the environment, to society at large, to the occupants, their wellbeing and social networks. This requires an approach that considers adaptive reuse and sustainability in its broadest sense, retaining not just the historic or aesthetic values, but also looking at intangible values, the social structures, the nature of our society and how we look after people who are vulnerable.
It is possible to achieve all of this, but we need to first understand holistically the value of what we have and, most importantly, identify opportunities for retaining these values, incorporating them into new uses in ways that celebrate them and enrich and strengthen the community. It might cost more in terms of labour and human effort but these are infinitely renewable; the material resources that we use are not so replaceable.
‘We must find ways to upgrade what we already have, rather than demolishing and rebuilding’
Opposite
Above, from left
supplied).
The Old Bega Hospital before its transformation (photography by Phillip Hayson); the adaptive reuse project won two awards, including the esteemed Judges’ Choice prize at the 2025 National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards (photography by Chris Bennett, Evolving Picture).
The Musée d’Orsay in Paris occupies a former railway station (image
What’s On
With breathtaking blooms, exclusive tours and inspiring exhibitions, it’s the perfect time to embrace the beauty of spring. Then, as summer begins, celebrate the festive season with magical events and memorable performances at our special places.
ROS CRAIG: WINGELLO
EVERGLADES HOUSE & GARDENS, LEURA
UNTIL 19 OCTOBER, WEDNESDAY – SUNDAY, 11AM – 3PM
Experience the refined still life works of Ros Craig – featuring flowers, bowls and everyday objects – and witness her creative process through captivating live painting demonstrations.
Tickets: Members free, adults $17, concession $15, family $49, children under five free
PORTIA GEACH MEMORIAL AWARD
S.H. ERVIN GALLERY, OBSERVATORY HILL
UNTIL 2 NOVEMBER, TUESDAY – SUNDAY, 11AM – 5PM
The Portia Geach Memorial Award is Australia’s most prestigious art prize for portraiture by women artists. View finalists’ works from across the country in this exceptional display.
(Pictured: Queen of Overthinking by Frankie Morgan).
Tickets: Members free, adults $15, concession $12, family $42, children under five free
Event details are correct at the time of printing. To purchase tickets and check for updates, visit nationaltrust.org.au/whats-on-nsw. Booking fees may apply.
FASHIONABLE SILHOUETTES
OLD GOVERNMENT HOUSE, PARRAMATTA
UNTIL 9 NOVEMBER, THURSDAY – SUNDAY, VARIOUS TIMES
From a 1740s silk gown to 1960s minidresses, this must-see exhibition showcases statement sleeves, bold skirts and the undergarments that shaped them. Final days, exhibition ending soon.
Tickets: Members free, adults $15, concession $12, family $42, children under five free
HOUSE OF GHOSTS BY WENDY SHARPE
NORMAN LINDSAY GALLERY, FAULCONBRIDGE
UNTIL 17 NOVEMBER, THURSDAY – MONDAY, 10AM – 3PM
House of Ghosts delves into the space between reality and imagination, where memories linger, spirits and ghosts stir and figures both real and imagined take shape.
Tickets: Members free, adults $17, concession $15, family $49, children under five free
ARTISTS OF THE ROUND YARD – UNDER STORY
WHITE COTTAGE GALLERY, RETFORD PARK, BOWRAL 16 OCTOBER – 16 NOVEMBER,
THURSDAY – SUNDAY, 10AM – 4PM
Don’t miss the annual spring exhibition by the Artists of the Round Yard, a brilliant display of new works from the 13 members of this local artists’ collective.
Tickets: Free exhibition entry
GOLDEN VALE TWILIGHT TORCH TOURS
GOLDEN VALE HOMESTEAD, SUTTON FOREST
17 & 24 OCTOBER, 6PM – 8PM
Savour wine and a grazing platter served against the backdrop of Golden Vale’s elegant sandstone homestead, before setting off on an after-dark tour packed with adventure, tragedy and triumph.
Tickets: $60
RIVERSDALE TWILIGHT TOURS
RIVERSDALE, GOULBURN
17 OCTOBER, 7 NOVEMBER & 5 DECEMBER, 7PM – 8:30PM
As evening settles in, enjoy refreshments and step into the past, as you uncover rarely seen treasures inside the walls of historic Riversdale and the stables, Goulburn’s oldest building.
Tickets: $30
COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS
Marie Byles – Many Lives in One charts the remarkable life of the trailblazing solicitor, conservationist and adventurer. This new display features never-before-seen images and documents from the National Trust Archives.
On display now at the National Trust Centre. Plan your visit: nationaltrust.org.au/places
GHOST NIGHTS
OLD GOVERNMENT HOUSE, PARRAMATTA 17 OCTOBER & 21 NOVEMBER, 7:30PM – 9:30PM
What are those eerie sounds coming from seemingly empty rooms? Bring your torch and your courage to unveil the secrets of Australia’s oldest surviving public building.
Tickets: Members $35, adults $38
JAZZ AND WINE IN THE SPRINGTIME
NORMAN LINDSAY GALLERY, FAULCONBRIDGE
18 OCTOBER, 11AM – 4PM
Discover local wineries and watch lively dance performances as you enjoy the dynamic sounds of George Washingmachine, known for their electrifying gypsy swing and jazz violin flair.
Tickets: Members $40, adults $45, concession $42, under 18s $20, children under five free. Cheese and antipasto platters $30
THE BUILDING SPEAKS
WOODFORD ACADEMY, WOODFORD 18 OCTOBER, 10AM – 4PM
From a bustling 1830s inn to a mountain retreat, Woodford Academy has a rich past. Uncover its stories on an interactive tour with historical archaeologist Dr Siobhán Lavelle OAM.
Tickets: Members free, adults $12, concession $10, family $34, children under five free
TWILIGHT DELIGHTS
GROSSMANN AND BROUGH HOUSES, MAITLAND
18 OCTOBER, 6PM – 8PM
Immerse yourself in a special evening of eye-catching projections, unique after-dark tours, and drinks and canapés served in the fragrant heritage rose garden. It promises to be a real treat for the senses.
Tickets: Members $40, adults $45
Book your tickets or find out more at nationaltrust.org.au/whats-on-nsw
LOOKING
AT ARCHITECTURE: YASS COUNTRY WEEKEND
VARIOUS LOCATIONS, YASS 18 – 19 OCTOBER
Women’s Committee Inspections and Events
Step inside a selection of historically significant properties and wander through beautiful spring gardens. Rarely open to the public, these homes offer a unique glimpse into the history and heritage of Yass. Optional Friday high tea and Saturday lunch available. Tickets: Members $165, adults $195. High tea $50, lunch $25
MISS TRAILL’S SPRING MARKETS
MISS TRAILL’S HOUSE, BATHURST
19 OCTOBER, 10AM – 3PM
Set in stunning heritage gardens, Miss Traill’s Spring Markets make for a charming Sunday. Browse local stalls, tour this carefully preserved home and recharge with tea or a BBQ lunch. Tickets: Gold coin donation. House tours $5
LINDESAY
AFTER DARK
LINDESAY, DARLING POINT
28 OCTOBER, 2 DECEMBER & 27 JANUARY, 6PM – 8PM
Uncover stories from the past at an intriguing after-dark tour of historic Lindesay. Enjoy wine and canapés in the garden before exploring this spectacular 1830s property as night falls. Tickets: $45
HABERFIELD: TOUR OF THE GARDEN SUBURB
HABERFIELD
30 OCTOBER, 10AM – 12:45PM & 1:45PM – 4:30PM
Tour charming Haberfield, Australia’s earliest garden suburb, characterised by architecturally distinct single-storey suburban villas built in the Federation style. Refreshments included.
Tickets: Members $74, adults $79
FASHIONABLE
SILHOUETTES GUIDED TOUR
OLD GOVERNMENT HOUSE, PARRAMATTA
6 NOVEMBER, 11AM – 12PM
Don’t miss the final guided tour of the popular Fashionable Silhouettes exhibition. Go ‘behind-the-seams’ to discover the stories behind the dazzling and historic collection items on display.
Once the crowds have gone, enjoy the rare chance to wander through peaceful gardens and admire Art Deco architecture bathed in golden light. Pack a blanket and watch as the sun goes down over Jamison Valley, with grazing box and wine in hand.
In November, discover how the Porter family embraced sustainability. December brings Christmas festivities, while a display of Australiana collection items marks a special two-day opening for Australia Day.
Tickets: Members free, adults $12, concession $10, family $34, children under five free
AUSTRALIAN WOMEN ARTISTS
WHITE COTTAGE GALLERY, RETFORD PARK, BOWRAL 20 NOVEMBER – 26 JANUARY, THURSDAY – SUNDAY, 10AM – 4PM
View exquisite works from trailblazing female artists including Margaret Preston, Ethel Carrick Fox, Clarice Beckett, Portia Geach, Thea Proctor, Ethleen Palmer, Adelaide Perry and Ethel Spowers. (Pictured: The Lonely Farm by Ethel Spowers).
Tickets: Members free, adults $10, children under five free
Discover a striking new exhibition on Rayner Hoff, friend of Norman Lindsay and the most gifted – and controversial –public sculptor in 1920s and 30s Australia.
Tickets: Members free, adults $17, concession $15, family $49, children under five free
Celebrate the Festive Season
Step into the magic of Christmas past and enjoy some family-friendly fun with the National Trust. Sing along to your favourite carols, shop for gifts made with heart and soul, and wander through house museums decked out with traditional decorations.
Lindesay Christmas Gift Fair
LINDSAY AVENUE, DARLING POINT
13 – 15 NOVEMBER, 10AM – 4PM
Women’s Committee Inspections and Events
Held in beautiful heritage surrounds overlooking Sydney Harbour, the Lindesay Christmas Gift Fair is the perfect place to shop for unique jewellery, clothing, gourmet foods and artisanal gifts. The café will serve lunch, morning tea and afternoon tea. Great raffle prizes on offer. Santa visits on Saturday.
Tickets: $5 at entrance. Free shuttle bus available from Edgecliff Station. Enquiries: lindesay@nationaltrust.com.au
SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS BRANCH CHRISTMAS PARTY
HOPEWOOD HOUSE, BOWRAL
2 DECEMBER, 5PM – 7PM
Celebrate the festive season at an exclusive opening of Hopewood House, a privately-owned 1887 home surrounded by 12 acres of glorious gardens. Sip drinks on the verandah and browse the studio of owner and eminent Australian artist, Tim Storrier
Tickets: Members $70, member's guest $80, member's guest concession $75
TRADITIONAL NIGHT OF CHRISTMAS
MISS TRAILL’S HOUSE, BATHURST
12 DECEMBER, 5:30PM – 8PM
Sing along to your favourite carols and delight in the traditional decorations adorning this historic house museum. Kids can enjoy a range of activities and a very special visit from Santa.
Tickets: Adults $10, family $25, concession $5, children under five free
CHRISTMAS AT GOLDEN VALE
GOLDEN VALE HOMESTEAD, SUTTON FOREST
14 DECEMBER, 11AM – 3PM
Celebrate a traditional Christmas at Golden Vale with acoustic music, carriage rides and homestead tours. Pack a picnic or snag a BBQ lunch as you relax in the idyllic Edwardian garden.
Tickets: General admission $60, family $100. Carriage rides $10
Book your tickets or find out more at nationaltrust.org.au/whats-on-nsw
LEURA SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
EVERGLADES HOUSE & GARDENS, LEURA 10 – 25 JANUARY
Staged by the Sport for Jove Theatre Company, the much-loved Leura Shakespeare Festival returns for its 17th glorious season.
Pack a picnic and enjoy an unforgettable evening of theatre.
Tickets and enquiries: Visit sportforjove.com.au
LIFE DRAWING WITH ANTHONY CAHILL
NORMAN LINDSAY GALLERY, FAULCONBRIDGE
17 – 18 JANUARY, 9AM – 3PM
Be inspired by Norman Lindsay’s evocative sculptures in this intimate two-day life-drawing workshop, led by artist and tutor Anthony Cahill. Includes morning and afternoon tea.
Tickets: $330
MUSEUM SELFIE DAY
21 JANUARY
Celebrate Museum Selfie Day with a fun snap while exploring the National Trust’s historic collections, gardens and house museums. A number of our special places will be open, including Miss Traill’s House, which will offer tours and lawn games as part of the Bathurst festivities.
Visit nationaltrust.org.au/places to plan your free visit and be sure to tag us in your selfies on social media using @nationaltrustnsw #museumselfieday
TWILIGHT TOUR AT WOODFORD ACADEMY WOODFORD ACADEMY, WOODFORD 30 JANUARY, 6PM – 8PM
As the sun sets, enjoy a glass of wine and refreshments in the stunning stone courtyard, before joining a tour of the oldest complex of colonial buildings in the Blue Mountains.
Tickets: Members $40, adults $45
ART ADVENTURES
The S.H. Ervin Gallery, Everglades House & Gardens, Retford Park and Norman Lindsay Gallery are all brimming with new must-see art experiences. View the latest exhibition programs at nationaltrust.org.au/whats-on-nsw
Picturing the Past
Brianna Walsh has a keen eye for detail and a passion for photography. The National Trust member regularly visits historic properties, sharing her images on Instagram at @brilwalsh. We find out what inspires her.
I’ve always had an interest in heritage Early in my career, I worked for an interior designer who typically began a project by investigating the history of a building to help inform a new design concept. I became more aware of how buildings and spaces carry stories
I love exploring heritage spaces… particularly homes, seeking out details that give a space its character. It could be the use of colour, interesting textures, architectural features or how materials have patinaed over time. I like that the National Trust’s properties are furnished and layered with objects to evoke what it may have felt like for the original occupants. There’s a particular ambience that comes with stepping into a historic home that has been carefully restored, where the stories and remnants of those who may have occupied the space are reimagined and preserved.
I’ve been fortunate to have worked with some talented photographers…
I’m fascinated by how they can craft a narrative with imagery. I try to photograph spaces in a way that tells a story – the big picture of location and rooms, and the smaller details of materiality and furnishings.
I thoroughly enjoy sharing the art of photography… I like to think that, as with any hobby, there are others who enjoy the same interest and joy in heritage that I do. I hope my photos might inspire someone else to explore a National Trust house museum.
Are you active on Instagram?
Follow us @nationaltrustnsw and tag us in your pictures #NationalTrustNSW
Top, from left Woodford Academy in the Blue Mountains and Saumarez Homestead in Armidale, as seen through the lens of Brianna Walsh.
Above Brianna Walsh (photography by Anson Smart).
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