trust news nt march 2014

March 2014

National Trust NT Trust News

The National Trust of Australia (NT) is a community based, not for profit heritage charity dedicated to promoting and conserving the heritage of the Northern Territory.

Inside March Edition

Page 2 In the Footsteps of Goyder

Page 4 Community Meeting – Myilly Point Masterplan

Page 5

Larrakeyah Branch Page 8

McDouall Stuart Branch

BRANCH NEWS

Myilly Point Heritage Precinct Audit House, 2 Burnett Place, Larrakeyah NT 0820

GPO Box 3520, Darwin NT 0801 Ph: 08 8981 2848 Fax: 08 89812379

Email: [email protected]

National Trust 2014 Heritage Week

10th April – 17th April

This year’s National Heritage Week theme is ‘Journeys’, and the National Trust Branches across the Northern Territory have responded with a great program of events which reflect the transitions and shifts that shape our history and our future, whether they be cultural, physical or spiritual.

Heritage Week will run from Thursday 10th April to Thursday 17th April, and the National Trust Branches in Darwin, Katherine, Alice Springs and Borroloola will be hosting a range of talks, tours and events for the Festival duration.

All the events are listed in the Upcoming Events section of the Trust News. So enjoy planning your calendar around the National Trust Heritage Week, and get involved. Keep an eye on the National Trust NT website and Facebook page for updates on events across the regions.

www.nationaltrustnt.com.au

UPCOMING EVENTS – NT HERITAGE WEEK PROGRAM

Page 9 888Bran

How To Build a 100 metre Fence in 3 Years

Page 10 McDouall Stuart

Page 13 Katherine

Page 14 Darwin

Page 10

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National Trust News March 2014

Apart from surveying the town of Palmerston, (nowadays Darwin) in the first few weeks after arrival on 5 February 1869, George Woodroffe Goyder’s survey teams also surveyed a number of smaller town sites in the hinterland during the 1869 Dry season.

On the Blackmore River, Southport, being at the southern extremity of Darwin Harbour, was an obvious choice for a town site as it was the gateway to the hinterland and provided a convenient route for machinery to be transported to the goldfields around Pine Creek.

The town of Daly, near the Adelaide River, was another obvious site, as Freds Pass in the Daly Range had been identified by Finniss and party in 1864, and was seen as the start of the overland route to the south, following John McDouall Stuart’s original route.

Virginia is a mystery; perhaps it was seen as another regional centre for this satellite area between Southport, Palmerston and Daly. It was common for the half-acre town blocks to be paired with a 320 acre rural lot.

In the Footsteps of Goyder

MEMBERSHIP 2014

1 year 3 years

Individual $65.00 $195.00

Household $95.00 $285.00

Senior $58.50 $175.50

Senior Household $85.50 $256.50

Pensioner $52.00 $156.00

Pensioner Hsehld $76.00 $228.00

Joining fee $35.00

The National Trust of Australia (Northern Territory) is a community organisation which seeks to conserve the Territory’s heritage.

Membership is open to everyone.

PATRON Her Honour the Honourable Sally Thomas AM

Administrator of the Northern Territory

PRESIDENT Mr Trevor Horman AM

VICE PRESIDENT Dr Bill Low TREASURER

Mr Colin Beard

BRANCH COUCILLORS Gillian Banks OAM

Janet Webber Judy Boland

David Hewitt OAM

GENERAL COUNCILLORS Roddy Calvert

Margaret Clinch Dr Jan Hills

On Sunday 9 February 2014, a self-drive expedition to some of Goyder’s sites was conducted. The concept of the event was akin to a Car Rally, where instructions for the next section are handed out progressively. The convoy of cars started off from Burnett House, and the first stop was at the corner of Mitchell and Packard Streets, where there is a plaque to mark the place where Goyder’s Survey started in February 1869.

The next stop was at Peels Well in Doctors Gully, which was the first water source for Goyder’s camp at Fort Hill. Travelling via Cavenagh Street, to “Cavenagh Square” between MacLachlan Street and the City Car Park, we proceeded to Hughes Avenue, which was the Territory’s first road (constructed by Goyder to access the plateau).

On the walkway at Doctor’s Gully

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At Fort Hill we observed the location of Goyder’s camp (near the anchor and Margaret Goyder Kerr’s 1969 plaque). We visualised the original Fort Hill, which is no longer there, with the two lonely graves of Bennett and Hazard on top of the hill, and imagined the Moonta lying at anchor off Fort Point.

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We learned about the importance of Goyder’s camp site in the history of Darwin, and the urgent need to press for its preservation and interpretation.

From Goyder’s camp site we travelled via Darwin General Cemetery at McMillans Road to observe the current grave site of Bennett, before proceeding to the town site of Virginia at the end of Virginia Road (surveyed by George MacLachlan’s team). A modest 1km walk was required at Virginia to reach the town centre. Along the way National Trust signs identified North Terrace, Lowther Street, Hinton Street and Holland Street, all named after members of Maclachlan’s team. A brief rain shower helped to cool us down (as it may have done for MacLachlan’s men in 1869).

We drove through torrential rain to arrive at sunny Southport Post Office and Police Station (or the remnants of) in Barrow Street. Excellent interpretive signs have recently appeared in Southport. Southport was larger than Palmerston from 1870 through to 1888, when the town died after the Pine Creek railway bypassed it.

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We then visited the site of the major jetty in 1870, across which mining equipment and goods passed.

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Just four miles south of Southport is Tumbling Waters, which was a place to cross the Blackmore. Goyder’s surveyor Smith surveyed Tumbling Waters. A construction camp for the Overland Telegraph Line was established at Tumbling Waters, whilst a wayside hotel was erected on the coach road to the goldfields in 1873. Free entertainment for our current-day group of explorers was provided at this site by a clown in a Landcruiser trying to climb rocks to save a 15 minute walk.

By this time it was 5pm, and the weather was again threatening. But a hardy dozen were determined to scale Packards Knob. This is a conical shaped hill about 100ft high, near today’s Palmerston. Surveyor Richard Knuckey established “Elrundie Camp” at the base of Packards Knob in 1869.

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Members of the expedition took home with them comprehensive notes on the various Goyder sites that they had visited. Many of the thirty expeditioners expressed their appreciation to the National Trust for organising this educational, and fun, event.

National Trust President, Trevor Horman

Inspecting the sites at Southport

Goyder’s camp site, Darwin

Rob Wesley Smith at Tumbling Waters

Packard’s Knoll

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Advice about the meeting and an invitation to attend was sent to all members of the National Trust (NT)

Present: Trevor Horman (President), Elizabeth Close (Director), Jan Hills (Councillor), Margaret Clinch (Councillor), Colin Beard (Councillor), Judy Beard, Jane Farr, Julie Mastin, David Bridgman, Brian Woodrow, Mary Woodrow, Brian Reid, Orchard Somerville-Collie, Fiona Douglas, Marion Morton

Apologies: Heather Slaven, CJ Bannon and F Booth, Judy Richardson, David Hewitt, Gillian Banks, Heather Boulden.

Trevor Horman welcomed members to the first Stakeholders’ meeting for the Masterplan, and encouraged those present to view the diagram on display. Elizabeth Close presented the background to the Masterplan, and the meeting was then opened to general discussion.

Background to the Masterplan. In 2012 the Commonwealth-owned Mines House and Burnett House were transferred to the ownership of the National Trust. This action reinvigorated discussion on the progression of a Masterplan to direct the development and management of the Precinct over the next 5 -10 years. This had been a cornerstone of the work of the National Trust Foundation. With a $20,000 injection of funds from the NT Government Heritage Services Branch, a concept document was produced by Mode Designs, incorporating ideas to be cultivated for staged future development. Current Status of the Precinct The Precinct is now owned entirely by the National Trust. Two houses, Magistrates and Mines, are leased commercially. Audit House is the office of the Trust and Burnett House is the home of the Larrakeyah Branch, and is open to the public and available for hire as a venue. Major concerns There were quite a few issues raised about the future development of the Precinct, such as: parking, security, fencing, access, precinct identity, uses, interpretation, maintenance and sustainability. It is important that the heritage and history integrity of the site is preserved in all activities and events at the Precinct. Stakeholders Wide consultation with stakeholders and concerned parties is considered to be an important part of the future development of the Masterplan. Some of the groups that will be involved are: Members of the Trust, Sky City Casino, Friends of Kahlin, NTG, Historical Society of the NT, tenants of Trust properties, Heritage Council, DCC, Tourism Top End and Precinct neighbours. As the project develops, there may be others as well. Future Directions The current Masterplan document is a concept plan that will guide the Council of the National Trust, suggesting future actions. To begin, it will be most important to develop a Business Plan. Further consideration of the development of the “Trust Centre” on the Stahl Garden block should be undertaken at an early stage of the planning. And keeping the Trust members informed of progress at the Precinct will be essential. The progress of this rather large project will take a number of years, and regular updates on the Precinct and its Master planning process will be published in our eNews. Your comments and feedback are always welcome. Elizabeth Close

Myilly Point Masterplan Community Consultation Meeting

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How To Build a 100 Metre Fence in 3 Years

The 1889 Railway Station at Pine Creek is one of the National Trust’s treasures. Pine Creek was the terminus for the Palmerston and Pine Creek Railway (145 miles from Port Darwin) from 1889 through to 1917, when the railway was extended to Katherine.

The station featured in the 1981 movie “We of the Never Never”. Soon after it celebrated its centenary in 1989. But in the mid 2000s the station started to suffer from neglect and vandalism. This was particularly so after stalwart Earl Gano died in 2007.

In 2008 the Trust produced a condition report and a plan to care for the station, and the associated parcels shed, goods shed, and railway employees’ house. This included: a vision for Pine Creek Rail Heritage; a detailed history of the Precinct; a detailed review of the various land titles now involved in describing the precinct; a summary of various threats to the precinct; the unique heritage and tourism value of the precinct; any management issues that presented themselves at the time; and details of the area that should be nominated for Heritage Listing.

A detailed proposal for Heritage Listing was developed and submitted to the Heritage Advisory Council. As we all know, that process concluded in 2013 with comprehensive listing of most of the remnants, and also heritage listing of the rolling stock.

One of the condition report recommendations was that security fencing should be erected to protect the building. The need to preserve the visual aesthetics of the station, and also the potential functionality of the railway itself, was given special consideration in the design of the fence.

Then there was the issue of funding. A submission was drafted to the Larrakeyah Branch of the National Trust, and it agreed to fund the materials for the fencing project from the proceeds of its High Teas, which are run by volunteers. Larrakeyah readily agreed to support this project to preserve this important Territory heritage.

Quotes were sought for the materials, and a good deal was offered by Totem Fencing, who assisted with the detailed design. (The quotes are dated 2011.) Meantime we had been seeking advice from our mate Brian Murphy in Katherine, who is an expert fencer.

On Australia Day weekend in 2012, we all saddled up and headed for Pine Creek, with the intent of building the fence: about 96m of chain wire mesh on three sides, and a low black powder coated fence in front of the heritage building. Porky loaned us a car trailer to take the tonne of fencing materials and the heavy post-hole digger. Brian Measey from Thrifty loaned us a 4WD to pull the trailer.

Before we had even unloaded the trailer on the Saturday morning we were confronted by a prominent local, who made his displeasure very apparent. Nevertheless we proceeded, and after three days’ hard work we ended up with all of the posts concreted in (and all set in good lines and the right height, thanks to Brian Murphy).

By Tuesday morning the Trust was being contacted by everyone short of the PM about our activities at Pine Creek. A long period of consultation and mediation with Pine Creek Town Board then followed, involving our Director Elizabeth Close. Thankfully there was no serious damage to the posts during the hiatus period.

Photos showing damage to doors and windows at Stationmaster’s House

Pine Creek Railway Station Stationmaster’s House

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Eventually, in mid 2013 the Heritage Council agreed that the work could proceed, acknowledging that the building was suffering during the delay.

And so, on Australia Day 2014, we gathered once again at Pine Creek. Battling the wet weather, Brian Murphy welded brackets on the corner posts to facilitate the installation of corner braces. Brian returned with Doug Collins the following week, to install the strainer wires.

On 15 February, we all gathered again, for the final onslaught. Brian Murphy and Doug Collins came from Katherine, whilst Brian’s daughter Kylie and her partner Paul Best came from Darwin. Special skill is required to tie off and stretch the chain wire mesh and we were delighted to have experts (and their equipment) on hand to do it. Brian and crew completed the chain wire section by early afternoon, whilst Judy Richardson and I installed the black powder coated section of the fence.

Our spirits were lifted when local woman Veronica Edwards came along and offered to assist, promptly devoting several hours to installing Maspro clips. It turned out that Veronica is Clare Edwards’ daughter.

By the end of the day the fence was complete and the building was secure (at least from opportunistic vandalism and arson, defecation, graffiti and grog parties).

We have many people and organisations to thank for their contribution to this project. These include:-

• Pine Creek locals such as Alex Wood, Joan Frazer, Andy Frazer, Rosemary Aitken, Peter Hansen, Veronica Edwards and “Fitzy”.

• Businesses such as Porky, Brian Measey, Top End Hire

and Totem Fencing.

• Larrakeyah Branch for funding the materials, and many trips to site by Judy Richardson.

• Elizabeth Close for dealing with the Pine Creek

establishment and the Heritage Council.

• Brian Murphy and his family members and friends from Katherine who brought essential expertise to the job. Brian contributed not only his time, but his mileage and his expensive fencing equipment and lots of special pieces that were required. If there was a hero of this project it was Brian Murphy. Nothing was impossible.

Doug Collins carting fence wire Kylie Murphy & Paul Best fencing at Pine Creek

Veronica Edwards from Pine Creek

The wonderful Brian Murphy, fencing maestro

Doug Collins & Kylie Murphy, with supervision from Brian Murphy

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It’s sometimes worthwhile counting the effort that has gone into a project to measure the contribution of volunteers. In this case we believe that it ran out something like:-

• Materials quote in July 2011, almost $7000 (paid by Larrakeyah Branch). Add hire of post-hole borer, cement, vehicle hire, etc. Probably close to $10k.

• Hours involved, from design to completion (including Trevor Horman, Judy Richardson, Brian Murphy, Elizabeth Close, Doug Collins, Kylie Murphy, Paul Best, Veronica Edwards, etc). Altogether about 439 hours; valuing volunteer hours at $25.00, that’s about $10k worth of effort.

• We clocked up more than 4000km visiting Pine Creek. Brian Murphy would have clocked up about 1000km. Kylie Murphy did 500km on Saturday.

• We spent more than $1100 on accommodation at Pine Creek Motel, plus meals.

SUMMARY In addition to this project, we managed a contract in mid-2013 to stop subsidence in the rear wall of the station, replace verandah posts, construct nib walls to prevent vandalism of the precious rolling stock and repair concrete cancer in the goods shed. This work was funded by a Heritage Grant to the Trust of $19,000.

And so at this point in time, six years after the condition report was written, we have reached a point where:

1. The 1889 Railway Station and the entire precinct at Pine Creek has been Heritage Listed. 2. Following the listing, interpretive signage has been installed by the Heritage Department. 3. The railway station has been structurally enhanced to stop it subsiding, and the verandah posts are now uniform to original dimensions – they are now actually holding up the verandah. 4. The railway station has been surrounded with a sensitively-designed security fence to assist in its protection. 5. We have impressive new signage to install just before the start of the tourist season.

In recent years we have been blessed with a succession of Grey Nomad caretakers, who have helped to open the station 7 days a week during the tourist season, with the help of locals. In 2009 we ran a commemorative event to celebrate the 120th birthday of the Pine Creek Railway Station, and we will run more festivities this year for the 125th anniversary of the completion of the P&PCR.

There is a lot more to do, but we believe that both the station and the equally important Railway Employees’ House are now reasonably sound and secure. We can now proceed with the guttering, painting, upgraded plumbing and electrics. Etc.

A “Hands On Heritage” weekend is being planned for ANZAC or Easter weekends 2014 so keep an ear out for that exciting opportunity. Story: Trevor Horman Photos: Judy Richardson

Pine Creek with its new fence and gates

A huge thank you to (from left): Trevor Horman Judy Richardson Brian Murphy Kylie Murphy Paul Best Doug Collins (photographer!) & Veronica Edwards (not present)

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Branch News

Larrakeyah

Steve Farram Talk at Burnett House – Friday February 28th

The first in the National Trust / Historical Society series of lectures for 2014 took place on 28 February. Steve Farram, lecturer in history at CDU, talked about the large number of commemorative plaques that could (and sometimes, puzzlingly, could not) be found at Charles Darwin University.

At first sight, commemorative plaques do not seem to offer a great deal to the historian. However, consideration of what plaques actually represent gives a new perspective. Plaques commemorate an achievement – perhaps a person, perhaps an idea and in the case of one particular plaque, the Aboriginal place name for the land on which the university is now built. They also signal the beginning of something – perhaps a hall of residence for overseas students, which offers the additional support many might need; perhaps a building dedicated to a new approach to study. Poignantly, they may also celebrate the life of those who died an untimely death, such as the keen university rugby player and PhD student commemorated at the sports pavilion.

The ceremony or celebration of the achievement, person, idea or place is given weight by the importance of the person who’s invited to be present at the opening. For the plaques at CDU, those chosen ranged from Prince Philip (who joked, with justification, that it was the first time he had been called upon to open a building site), to local politicians with a particular portfolio, or as a stand-in for the Chief Minister. Federal politicians were also amongst those who were the guest-in-chief. Some, like Julia Gillard, were asked to preside at two ceremonies during their visit.

Given that the plaques are usually expensively cast in bronze, it was very surprising to learn that they do not always find an appropriate or final resting place. In one case, the design of the building meant that the only space available was on a blank wall at its rear, another was found in a store cupboard and several – including one from the old campus at Myilly Point – have simply disappeared.

A series of friendly questions followed the talk, which was a pleasant, humorous and relaxed introduction to the 2014 season of lectures.

Wendy James is the next speaker, on 28 March. Both the National Trust and the Historical Society of the Northern Territory extend an invitation to all members and guests to attend what promises to be another very interesting talk.

Article by Jane Farr; photo by Judy Richardson

Dr Steve Farram

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Friday 28th March

The next event in the monthly joint speakers’ program will be Wendy James, with a talk on ‘Life in a Burnett House – Post-war.’

Doors will open at 5.30pm for a 6.00pm start, with drinks served under the verandah.

Refreshments will be available after the talk at 7.00pm.

Members are $2.00; non-members $5.00

Drinks $4.00; finger food $2.00

Everyone is welcome!

McDouall Stuart

Heritage Walk Booklet Success

The Heritage Walk booklet produced by the McDouall Stuart Branch at the end of 2013 has been well received by visitors and locals.

With a central map for guidance, the visitor can learn a lot from the thumbnail history and photographs of twenty-four centrally located sites around the CBD. At the affordable price of $3.00 (may vary from different sources), it’s cheaper than the coffee you will purchase at one of the identified coffee shops along the route.

Copies are available from the Hartley Street School, Adelaide House, as well as the Visitors’ Centre, Red Kangaroo Bookshop and other outlets. It is currently showing on the Town Council’s Information Video Screen in the Mall.

2010 Hartley Street School Reunion Funds Put to Good Use

The MDS Branch committee have decided to use some of the funding from the 2010 Hartley Street School Reunion to support on-going activities and future events.

Recently, the Trust purchased a pull-up projector screen (very stable), and a fold-up projector table so that future screenings and presentations will be much easier to prepare. Many thanks to our Branch members who previously loaned their personal equipment as and when required.

Larrakeyah

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Alice Springs

Friday 11th April

Heritage Night

The Parks & Wildlife Commission of the NT invites you to travel back in tine for a night of fun at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station. There will be an assortment of attractions, including damper making, whip cracking, visiting Morse Coddians, old time children’s games, heritage crafts and displays & much much more.

Venue: Alice Springs Telegraph Station

Time: 4.00pm – 8.00pm

Saturday 12th April

Historic Bus Tour to Bond Springs Station Come with us to visit Bond Springs Station, which was first settled in the 1870s, after an heroic twelve month wagon journey through the formidable terrain of Central Australia. This visit offers the chance to learn about the history of the station through a guided walking tour. The carefully preserved historic homestead was purchased in 1910 by Australia's Cattle King, Sydney Kidman, and through the years it has remained a family owned station. Bus ticket $10.00 per person, morning tea a gold coin donation (for Heritage Group Alice Springs). Limited seats available, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Venue: Bus departs from Hartley Street School, 39 Hartley Street Time: 8.30am to 12 noon Cost: $10.00 per person Bookings: National Trust 8952 4516. Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th April

Old Lutheran Church and Mission Block Open Day

See the historic photos and samples of 1930 – 60s Hermannsburg crafts and industries: ‘A gem in our own back yard’. This year we will be celebrating over 75 years of the Mission Block, and 50 years since the opening of the Children’s Cottages.

Venue: Cnr Strehlow St & Gap Rd

Time: Saturday 12th April 10.00am – 4.00pm; Sunday 13th April, 10.00am – 1.00pm

National Trust 2014 Heritage Week Festival April 10th – 17th

Upcoming Events

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Sunday 13th April

Meet 39 Hartley Street - A short guided walking tour to four Heritage Buildings

Come for a walk and see Hartley Street School, Stuart Town Gaol, The Old Law Courts and The Residency. Continue the Heritage Walk in your own time guided by the Alice Springs Heritage Walk Booklet. Includes Devonshire tea at the Residency.

Venue: Meet at 39 Hartley Street

Time: 10.30am – 12.00pm

Bookings: National Trust 8952 4516.

Doreen Braitling Memorial Lecture & Afternoon Tea with Des Nelson

The Doreen Braitling Memorial lecture is held each year in honour of the former president of the National Trust. This year we welcome Des Nelson, who arrived in the Territory in 1953, aged 18, to work on Elkedra Station. In 1956 he took up the position of assistant to Animal Industry Branch (AIB) botanist George Chippendale. During his life he has made many journeys and has many stories to tell of travelling and working in the NT. Venue: Function Room next to Council Chambers Time: 2.00pm for a 2.30pm start Monday 14th April Library lunchtime talk with Edna Bradley Meet local author, Edna Bradley who takes us back to 1957 and the start of tourism at Uluru, with her first hand account "A Rock to Remember". Bring your lunch.

Venue: Alice Springs Library

Time: 12.15pm – 12.45pm

For more information please call the Alice Springs Public Library on 8950 0555

Tour of St Mary’s Mural

The awe–inspiring mural at St Mary’s chapel is a well–kept secret and treasure of Alice Springs. Painted in 1956 by Hungarian artist Robert Czako, it is a kaleidoscope of biblical scenes and characters. Your guide is well–known historian and author Jose Petrick. Light Refreshments.

Venue: St Mary’s Chapel, South Stuart Hwy

Time: 5.00pm for a 5.30pm start

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Wednesday 16th April

Library Evening Talk with Lindsay Wright

The ABC’s rural reporter, Lindsay Wright, also holds many other interesting roles in Central Australia. Join us for this fascinating talk, ‘The Journey Continues …’

Venue: Alice Springs Public Library

Time: 5.00pm – 6.00pm

Thursday 17th April

Morning Tea at Hartley Street School – Closing Event Heritage Week

Our first speaker will be Megg Kelham, who will talk about the historical research that informed the development of the Find & Connect Web Resource, which aims to assist anyone who grew up in out of home care trace their personal and family histories. Then, after morning tea, Elizabeth Meanie from the Northern Territory Archives Service will talk about how and where to search for Heritage information and pictures.

Venue: Hartley Street School

Time: 10.30am – 12.00 midday

WANTED! Your time – not your money!

With Heritage Week only a few weeks away, the McDouall Stuart Branch are calling out for volunteers to help open / sit the Hartley

Street School and Stuart Town Gaol for a couple of hours each day.

If you are able to help out at this busy time, please ring Loraine on

8952 3884.

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Katherine

Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th April

Open Garden at O’Keeffe House

O’Keeffe House is open to the public for a garden inspection and plant sale. There will be a raffle, music, a sausage sizzle and Devonshire Teas.

Venue: O’Keeffe House, Riverbank Drive

Time: 1.00pm – 3.00pm

Sunday 13th April

Heritage Bus Tour to Katherine Homesteads

The Heritage Bus will leave from O’Keeffe House, and drive to three homesteads: the Gallon License Store, Springvale Homestead, and Manbulloo Homestead. Tickets are $10.00, which includes a Devonshire Tea on return to O’Keeffe House.

Venue: Bus will depart from O’Keeffe House

Time: 1.00pm

Cost: $10.00 per person

Thursday 17th April – World Heritage Day

Free Open Day – O’Keeffe House and the 1926 Railway Station

For one day only, these two Heritage properties will be open to the public free of charge, in celebration of World Heritage Day. Refreshments will be available.

Venue: O’Keeffe House, Riverbank Drive; The Katherine Railway Station, Railway Terrace

Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm

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Darwin

Thursday 10th April

Barbara James Memorial Lecture – Heritage Festival Opening Event

Barbara James fought to preserve the history and heritage of the Northern Territory. Each year, a talk named for her is given at the Northern Territory Library, by a speaker noted for their own contribution to the history and heritage fields. This year’s lecture will be presented by Gary Gray, the Shadow Minister for Northern Australia, who was a friend of Barbara’s, with a long term interest in the National Trust and Myilly Point. Join us at the opening event of the 2014 Heritage Festival.

Venue: NT Library State Square

Time: 5.15pm for 5.30pm start

RSVP: [email protected]

Friday 11th April

A Darwin Heritage Walk

Cyclones, war-time bombing and the pressures of modern development have changed, but not destroyed, the ambiance of the centre of Darwin. Stroll around the centre of the city and learn about the historic and hidden, the sordid and the scandalous, the complex and the cultural past of the capital of the Northern Territory, in this fascinating tour led by historian Pearl Ogden.

Venue: Meet outside Parliament House, Mitchell Street

Time: 5.00pm


Saturday 12th April

Self-drive Historical Tour: The Humpty Doo Rice Project

Did the Humpty Doo Rice Project really fail because of magpie geese? Learn about how the project started and ended, discover the remains of the infrastructure built for it, visit Fogg Dam and Window on the Wetlands to see how the land is used now, and enjoy a barbeque to round off what is sure to be a fascinating morning.

Venue: Darwin end of the Coolalinga Service Road.

Time: 9.00am


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Sunday 13th April

Palmerston Heritage Walk: The Old Railway Corridor

The railway line from Darwin through Tulagi Road (at the back of Finlays) to Howard Springs Road and down to Larrimah, 500 kilometers to the south, linked the communities along it back when road travel was difficult and even dangerous. Learn about life along the railway line and the history of this part of the Territory from Trevor Horman, President of the National Trust, on a guided four kilometer walk.

Venue: Start Tulagi Road Yarrawonga (behind Finlays)

Time: 4.45pm


The Myilly Point Precinct: Guided Walk

Take a walk around the Myilly point area with Gavin, who has been looking after the precinct gardens for more than twenty years. Learn about the gardens themselves, and the changes to the area over the years.

Venue: Burnett House

Time: 5.00pm – 6.00pm


Open Houses at Myilly Point

The National Trust opens all four of its heritage listed properties at Myilly Point just twice a year. Mines House, Audit House and Magistrates House were – like Burnett House, which is open to the public between February and December – designed by noted architect Beni Burnett. The many beautiful tropical design features of these 1939 houses were essential to keep the occupants cool.

Venue: Myilly Point Heritage Precinct

Time: 12.30pm to 2.30pm


Afternoon Tea at Burnett House

After your tour of the Myilly Point houses, enjoy afternoon tea on the lawns at Burnett House. Choose a Devonshire tea (scones, jam and cream), or a slice of delicious home-baked cake, with a pot of tea or plunger coffee and relax in the delightful setting of one of Darwin’s loveliest gardens.


Time: 3.00pm – 5.00pm

Cost: As per menu

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Monday 14th April

History Symposium

Ordinary people have extraordinary stories to tell, about their families, their friends, their times and themselves. This year the national theme for History Week is ‘Journeys’. Our four very different speakers will each present a short talk about what this theme means for them. Drinks and nibbles will be available after the talks.




Tuesday 15th April

Ghost Walk

Who could resist a guided walk through the Goyder Road Pioneer Cemetery on the night of the full moon? Learn about the lives of those buried here, from costumed guides with a wealth of local knowledge to share. Be prepared to be scared!

Venue: Goyder’s Cemetery



Wednesday 16th April

History Mystery Tour

Darwin’s historical sites aren’t always obvious and accessible. Allow our experienced guides to open your eyes to the city’s past and show you Darwin’s hidden treasures. Join us afterwards for a sausage sizzle at the 1934 Qantas Hangar.

Venue: Motor Vehicle Enthusiasts’ Club (MVEC), Old Qantas Hangar, McDonald Street, Parap

Time: 5.00pm – 7.00pm


Contact: Judy Richardson 8981 5872

trust news nt march 2014

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