trust news western australia may 2016

INNOVATION

Governor calls for Courage and KindnessHer Excellency the Hon Kerry Sanderson AO, Governor of Western Australia highlighted the potentially

lethal impact of published public criticism and called for courage and support for people confronting

mental health issues when she presented the National Trust of Australia (WA)’s CY O’Connor Lecture, 16

March 2016 at the Constitutional Centre.

The Governor drew on her distinguished career as CEO of the Fremantle Ports for 17 years when she highlighted the foresight of CY O’Connor in his planning and execution of the original port development and in particular the Fremantle’s inner harbour.

The infrastructure was a game changer for Western Australia at a turning point in wealth and population growth. A series of rarely seen Fremantle Port Authority archival documents illustrated the acclaimed engineer’s concepts and vision for a sell out audience which included many O’Connor decedents.

Detailing O’Connor’s success as an engineer for New Zealand’s challenging harbours before he took

up his new post in WA, the Governor described the Irish engineer as someone who was evidenced base, accurate, committed and who rarely took any holidays.

O’Connor’s demise, lack of support and his suicide in the ocean off Robb Jetty, south of Fremantle on 10 March 1902 was central to the Governor’s lecture. She called for more kindness and courage in the work place. The Governor who is the Patron of the National Trust in Western Australia said she spent every day in an environment created by CY O’Connor during her time with the Fremantle Port Authority. A collection of evocative small quilts by the WA Quilters were displayed during the event and focussed CY O’Connor’s life and death.

The unique works were purchased well before the end of the night.

The National Trust holds the CY O’Connor Lecture each year on or about the anniversary of his death to celebrate his legacy by considering creativity, sustainability and humanity in the pursuit of excellence.

View the CY O’Connor Lecture at www.nationaltrust.org.au/wa

Inside this issue

PERSPECTIVES CATALYSTPLACESPLACES OUT AND ABOUTOUT ‘N’ ABOUT

TRUST NEWS|WESTERN AUSTRALIAEDITION 02 | MAY 2016 - JULY 2016

ABOVE: Her Excellency the Hon Kerry Sanderson AO presents the 2016 CY O’Connor. Lecture G Pickering

ABOVE: WA Quilters show the Governor a display of their work depicting CY O’Connor’s life. G Pickering

ABOVE: Detail of one of the colourful quilts. G Pickering

http://www.nationaltrust.org.au/wa

http://www.ntwa.com.au/

Perspectives

CEO Message JULIAN DONALDSON | CEO, NATIONAL TRUST OF AUSTRALIA

At the time of writing it has been just two months since I commenced at the National Trust.

In this short time I have come to admire even more, the far reaching ambition of its mission

and the wonderful work of the Trust. We are indeed privileged to have such a committed

Council, professional staff, and so many members and volunteers whose support is invaluable.

It was a thrill to attend the opening of Old Perth Boys’ School on 2 March and experience firsthand such an outstanding example of the Trust’s ability to deliver compatible reuse outcomes. Through Old Perth Boys’ School Curtin University now has a St Georges Terrace address and one of Perth’s outstanding buildings has a sustainable future and a long term tenant.

Gallop House at Dalkeith has been transformed through a careful conservation project generously funded by the Feilman Foundation. At the time of writing we are awaiting confirmation of Federal funding to activate our plans for a Composer in Residence Program to operate from Gallop House. This is an exciting initiative that will come to fruition in the next month or so and will be reported on more fully in the next magazine.

The National Trust’s Goldfields Aboriginal Language Centre is scheduled to be officially opened in mid June. This is the culmination of a five year project with Aboriginal communities in the Goldfields working on the rescue and revival of their Languages. The Federal Government has committed $1,500,000 to the centre over the next four years. The opening will coincide with the 2016 bi-annual Western Australian and Northern Territory Aboriginal Language Centres Conference which the National Trust is hosting with the assistance of the Federal Ministry of the Arts and the City of Kalgoorlie – Boulder.

The National Trust will be working with the Christmas Island community over the coming months in developing an overarching strategy for the management,

conservation and interpretation of the Island’s heritage. With a unique history, multi-cultural community and amazing natural environment, Christmas Island stands out as a special place. The Trust is excited to be involved in this significant project to educate and promote the conservation and interpretation of heritage places for the long-term social, economic and environmental benefit of the community.

There’s a wide range of heritage experiences during the National Trust Heritage Festival, which runs until 18 May. I encourage you to visit www.nationaltrustfestival.org.au to see the full program. There’s something for everyone across the whole state.

Inside this Issue

2 PERSPECTIVESGovernor calls for Courage and Kindness

CEO Message

A Warden’s Lot at Ellensbrook

Heritage Watch

5 INNOVATIONDiscoveries have a ripple effect

6 CONNECTIONSA few of my favourite things

A Priority Partnership

7 PLACESProperty Wrap

Up in smoke

St Bart’s

Room with a view

11 CATALYSTParkwater Creek Revegetation Project

A marvellous marsupial at risk

Investigations at Number 8 Pump Station a real spectacle

13 OUT ‘N’ ABOUTLong journey, keep going and don’t look back

Bloomin’ Good

Celebrating Sikh Heritage

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home page.

TRUST NEWS | 2 | WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Perspectives

A Warden’s Lot at EllensbrookFor the past four years German born Paul Lang and partner Skye have called Ellensbrook home.

The couple applied to the National Trust of Australia (WA) to be wardens at the oldest Colonial residence in Margaret River after seeing an advertisement in the local paper.

A popular attraction in the area, the Langs and their four children manage the spaces and support visitors to this unique cape location.

What attracted you to a Warden’s role at Ellensbrook?

The work environment and versatility. It is a position that has so many different angles and roles embedded that make it interesting. One day you are gardening, the next day you are organising an event and the following day you might have a school group come for a visit.

How long have you been involved now?

This is our fifth year in the position as Wardens for the National Trust.

How does a typical day unfold?

A typical day would start with a check of the property, the homestead and grounds. Next to having the place tidy we also have to make sure that it is safe for visitors. We greet visitors at the homestead, help with questions and carry out maintenance and upkeep.

In what ways is it unique?

If you know the cape area well you will quickly notice that Ellensbrook is a very special place. The high sand dunes protect us from the winds, a little stream runs all year round, it feels like a little oasis with the lush green grass and deciduous trees, and all within a stone’s throw to the Indian ocean. The Wardandi people and the Bussell family inhabited the land for a good reason.

What are some of the most unusual events that you face?

Nature always surprises you, with the Ellen Brook turning into a little river after a heavy rainfall, snakes in the homestead or big branches coming off trees in a storm. We have a lot of hikers come through the Cape to Cape track at Ellensbrook that need assistance, sprained ankles, burns and other injuries.

What are visitors most surprised about the place?

Its depth of history, the possibilities exploring this beautiful place and of course it’s so picturesque. People do not expect a place like this so close to the coast.

How has living here and being a Warden changed you?

The most interesting moments are, when we talk to people, share our knowledge and listen to their stories. We have learned a lot from these conversations over the years. We have realised that history is not just something that you read about, it is ongoing and it has to be discussed and talked about.

ABOVE: National Trust of Australia (WA) Wardens Paul and Skye Lang. G Pickering ABOVE: Overseeing the condition of Ellensbrook is part a warden’s duties. G Pickering


Perspectives

Heritage WatchWEST END, FREMANTLE

The State Heritage Office (SHO) is considering including the West End of Fremantle on the State Register of Heritage Places. According to the SHO this area is ‘rich in history and heritage. It is a highly intact port city business district with a fine, cohesive collection of buildings predominately dating from WA’s gold boom expansion era’. As the largest precinct to be considered by the State Heritage Office, this is a significant step in acknowledging the importance of identifying precincts to facilitate proper management of heritage places. The question is, how will this registration positively impact on conservation and appropriate future development? Robust planning frameworks and design guidelines are essential in managing this significance and giving greater certainty to residents, businesses and developers.

PICTURE PALACES OF THE GOLDEN WEST

Picture Palaces of the Golden West by Vyonne Geneve and Ron Facius is the latest original book to be published by the National Trust. With a strong focus on the built form and exotic décor of picture theatres in the art deco era in WA, this book colourfully describes the history of cinema from the earliest days in the late 1800s through to the present time. To pre-order your individually signed and numbered copy including a set of postcard drawings by Ron Facius, please contact the National Trust head office on 08 9321 6088.

CHRISTMAS ISLAND’S HERITAGE

Christmas Island’s unique stories, traditions and places are central to a series of new heritage projects being developed by the National Trust of Australia (WA) as part of the Community Heritage Grants Program funded by the Department

of Infrastructure and Regional Development. A team from the National Trust visited Christmas Island in April 2016 to commence community consultation prior to developing a number of strategic projects to facilitate the conservation, management and interpretation of the Island significant heritage. If you have an interest in Christmas Island’s heritage or would like to be included on the mailing list for updates, please contact Lisa Sturis, Coordinator Heritage Services on 08 9321 6088 or [email protected] and keep an eye out for stories in future editions of Trust News.

A few of my favourite things VINCE TAYLOR

Old Blythewood jarrah breakfront kitchen dresser

This simple but elegant piece is original to Old Blythewood in Pinjarra (1856 onward) and is believed to have been in use at the McLarty family’s previous residence Cooroolyup. Pit sawn jarrah was used for the frame and the joints are of a simple lap and butt type. A plain, hand-worked molding is used to disguise the joints and bring cohesiveness to the overall design.

The rack is made in one piece with the base and capped with a decorative scalloped pediment. Two narrow shelves offer space for the storage of plates. Linen and smaller utensils could be accommodated in the deep, packing box style drawers.

The semi-open base was originally enclosed by curtains and evidence of the original fastening hooks can still be seen on the inside of the frame. The whole is fastened together using early ‘cut’ nails.

Old Blythewood is fortunate to have a number of pieces of handmade jarrah furniture in the collection. All feature similar construction and detailing. They speak eloquently of the earliest days of the McLarty family in Pinjarra and the need for self sufficiency that was dominant in the early colonial period.

ABOVE: Red crab which can be found on Christmas Island. G Pickering


mailto:[email protected]

Innovation

Discoveries have a ripple effect JULIE HUTCHENS | HERITAGE FESTIVAL COORDINATOR

When people ask me about the aim of the Western Australian Heritage Festival (16 Apr-18 May) I tell them

it’s to raise awareness and appreciation for Australia’s heritage. This year’s Discovery and Rediscoveries

theme has definitely done that.

One festival event in particular typified that with the story behind it. An Irish Orphan’s Odyssey reveals the story of a woman, who as a young girl orphaned by the Irish Potato Famine, was sent to the workhouse before agreeing to migrate to Australia to become the matriarch of the Marwick family of York. What caught my attention was that when her great grandson, Will Markwick, went to research her life, he inadvertently made her somewhat of a historical celebrity in Ireland.

Not only is her life story being launched in a book and exhibition during the festival in the Wheatbelt, it’s also been featured in the Castleblakeney Heritage Centre in Ireland. Prisoners in the nearby Arbour Hill Prison have also created a replica of her travel box that bought her possessions to WA and have forwarded this for the WA exhibition.

I thought that this event was a great example of ripple effects of what making a discovery can do. Not only did a family member rediscover his family history, but he’s helped the York, Western Australian and Irish communities to discover and embrace a precious story that many of us can relate to as a nation peopled predominantly by migrants and their descendants.

My colleague Gina Pickering, event holders, the Perth Guitar Quartet and I had some fun (and a few nerves!) making a TV program about the festival with the generous assistance of Westlink, the State Government’s TV station. Manager Bob Glover and Project Officer Steve Nikola offered their valuable time and skills to help us produce a regional focused half hour panel-style program. View it at www.nationaltrust.org.au/ heritage-festival-wa/

Don’t forget there’s lots of events still running like Eucalypts of Matilda Bay (7 May), the Engineers Build Heritage too! talk (16 May), the bush dance in York (21 May), the Quiltwest exhibition (18-22 May) and talks at Old Perth Boys’ School (10 May & 17 May). Visit www.nationaltrustfestival.org.au to discover more.

The 2016 Western Australian Heritage Festival is supported by the Australian Government through funding and promotions on the Australian Heritage Week website, and also by Westlink and 98five Sonshine FM.

ABOVE: An Irish Ophan’s Odyssey from 10 May. W Marwick

ABOVE: Heritage Bush Dance Featuring the Fiddlestix Bush Band. The York Society

ABOVE: Filming of TV program in the Westlink Studio. (l-r) Julie Hutchens (National Trust), Jenna van Niekerk (Potoroo Action Group), Gina Pickering (National Trust), Dr Johnathan Fitzerald (National Trust Artist in Residence), Loretta Davies (Bunbury Museum & Heritage Centre).


http://www.nationaltrust.org.au/heritage-festival-wa/

http://www.nationaltrust.org.au/heritage-festival-wa/

http://www.nationaltrustfestival.org.au

Connections

A Priority Partnership LEANNE BRASS | ARCHAEOLOGIST

Since signing memoranda of understanding with the University of Western Australia in February 2014,

the National Trust and the university have collaborated on a range of mutually beneficial programs with

a particular focus on the disciplines of archaeology and heritage management.

Most recently UWA conducted an archaeological field school at Gallop House in Dalkeith. The Trust is working on a project to conserve the house and gardens. The field school focused on areas likely to be impacted by current works as well as trying to determine the location of earlier buildings on the site. Two UWA Masters students are now undertaking research projects as a result of the field school into little known but potentially highly significant Aboriginal connections to the place and its use as a Chinese Market garden in the 1900s.

Following from two successful archaeological field schools at Old Farm, Strawberry Hill in Albany, UWA’s Dr Alistair Paterson and Dr Sean Winter plan to publish the results of their research in the journal Australasian Historical Archaeology vol 34, 2016, which is dedicated to Western Australian historical archaeology projects.

Dr Sean Winter has also completed a pilot study examining selected buildings managed by the Trust to identify where evidence of 19th

century life may have been expected to survive within the buildings themselves. The study focused on six properties – Old Farm, Strawberry Hill (Albany), Gallop House (Dalkeith), St Bartholomew’s Church (East Perth), Woodbridge (Guildford), Peninsula Farm (Maylands) and the Police Station (Geraldton) with investigation of underfloor, between floor and roof cavities of these buildings.

The results of these archaeological research projects will enhance better understanding of these key heritage places and assist in establishing priorities for their ongoing conservation and interpretation.

The Trust has also provided ongoing support for the Masters of Heritage Studies and Masters of Professional Archaeology programs at UWA by hosting a number of student interns. In addition a PhD student is currently undertaking research into two key Trust properties – Temperance Lodge and Gray’s Store at Greenough and will be carrying out further excavations this year.

The partnership with UWA has provided the Trust with valuable archaeological expertise and research into key properties and UWA with opportunities for practical student research and training opportunities at heritage places. It is a partnership that continues to provide benefits to both organisations.

ABOVE (R-L): Trust Archaeologist Leanne Brass with UWA Masters students Lorna Cooper and Rhianna Couzens. G. Pickering

ABOVE: Archaeological excavations at Old Farm, Strawberry Hill, Albany.UWA

ABOVE: Dr Sean Winter examines the underfloor space at Gallop House. L Brass/NTWA


Places

Property WrapArtillery Drill Hall

Construction documents have been completed and costing is being undertaken on the conservation & adaptive reuse works. The design is finalised and is looking to be a great entertainment and dining venue with recent conditional Liquor Licence approval securing the future use of the place.

Bill Sewell Complex

A Royalties for Regions grant application has been submitted to supply fundamental works to the Bill Sewell complex that will include a major electrical upgrade & replacing the asbestos roofs. These preliminary works

will make way for further conservation and adaptive reuse to the entire complex in the future. Compatible uses are currently being explored to create a sustainable future for the entire Complex in Geraldton.

Central Greenough

A Royalties for Regions grant application has been submitted to raise funding for year-long ongoing conservation works at Central

Greenough. It will expand on previously successful similar projects, undertaking conservation and training courses on stonemasonry and timber joinery with local near-release prisoners. The National Trust has had previous success with these training projects and hopes to carry out more with the help of funding grants.

Gray’s Store

During January Conservation Officer Eric Hancock and structural Engineer Peter Baxendale visited Gray’s store in Geraldton after an accident left an external structural wall

to the heritage listed place damaged. A repair strategy is in place and will see the external wall repaired and reconstructed in the coming months.

Whitby Falls Farm

The National Trust of Australia (WA) is continuing to work with Murdoch University to undertake basic cleaning and repairs to a portion of the Whitby Falls Farm

hostel building. This will enable a storage facility for National Trust collections.

Old Farm, Strawberry Hill

Funding to assist with the preparation of a community engagement and activation strategy has been submitted for Old Farm, Strawberry Hill in Albany. If the grant application is successful work will commence on a plan to activate the site through community engagement and the programming of events and activities. The Trust is keen for this to happen in creative and innovative ways which make full use of the amenity of the site and respect and engage with its heritage values.

Goldfields Water Supply Scheme

The National Trust submitted several Protecting National Historic Sites 2015/16 grant applications last month for works and conservation planning to No 1 Pump Station,

No 4 Pump Station, No 6 Pump Station and for collections associated with the sites.


Places

Up in smoke GINA PICKERING | EDITOR & STEVE ERRINGTON | NATIONAL TRUST (WA) COUNCILLOR

When Geoff Cattach stands amongst the burnt out boilers and twisted

metal of the Yarloop Workshops, two hours south of Perth, it’s a very

personal blow. His mother and father met in this small Western Australian

town that boasts two Victoria Cross recipients. The workshops were Geoff’s

after school playground. He talks of thousands of hours of service from

an intergenerational contribution which is very common for railway

families.

Yarloop Timber Mill Workshops is listed on the State Heritage Register for a range of reasons including, the place was the most intact example of an early privately owned twentieth century railway workshop in Australia.

However, there’s not much left at Yarloop workshops. When fierce fire raced through here on 7 January 2016, some very important heritage melted away. Tools scattered and boilers which managed daily high temperatures could not cope with the intense fireball.

Geoff Cattach has been the President of the Yarloop Workshops for almost a decade and has played an instrumental role in gathering unique and specialist machinery, patiently collected, piece by piece from all over the southwest.

In 1901 Millars Timber Company opened workshops in Yarloop to service their many mills and steam locomotives. Over the years the capabilities of the workshops grew as did the complex of jarrah weatherboard and corrugated iron buildings. At their peak over one hundred tradesmen were employed.

It was said that there was no machine or machine part that the machinists could not make. The workshops took on engineering jobs for private industry. They even made artillery shells in the 1914-18 war.

The Yarloop Workshops has been at a frustrating standstill for those who love it. The inquest, the insurance, there’s a lot of process holding back eager chaps.

“Short term we want to install two dongers on site so we have somewhere to collect and start to conserve the tools which have survived,” Mr Cattach said.

Leather-bound volumes of company records remained in a vault – and that same vault remains intact after the fire.

There’s a new gauge to be measured at Yarloop, one of community and financial support.

Donations can be made to Yarloop Works Inc PO Box 267. Harvey 6220.

ABOVE: Captivating railway workshop exhibits before the fires. S Errington

RIGHT: Geoff Cattach stands amongst the burnt out boilers and twisted metal of the Yarloop Workshop. G Pickering

RIGHT: Impact of a ferocious fire on a valued site. G Pickering


St Bart’s MARLISE DOSSIN | CONSERVATION PROJECT OFFICER

St Bartholomew’s Church at East Perth Cemeteries has

recently received urgent conservation works to its

shingle roof and timber joinery as well as remedial

action to address rising damp.

The works included oiling of the timber roof shingle and bell tower with traditional three oil mix – raw linseed oil, gum turpentine and pine tar; removal of brick pavers to north, west and south elevations and the air drain grates along the west elevation.

A new drainage system has been installed including a new copper gutter and downpipe. Gravel paving is now a feature to east and west side of the church which was built in 1871 and extended in 1900.

Places

ABOVE: St Bartholomew’s Church west elevation with new drainage system. E Hancock

ABOVE: St Bartholomew’s Church with a new installed copper gutter plus downpipe to front porch. E Hancock


Places

Room with a view MARLISE DOSSIN AND GINA PICKERING

Gallop House in Dalkeith has undergone a transformation. Later this month the former farmer’s residence

and surrounds will be opened as a new facility to support a Composer in Residency program.

With its commanding views of the Swan River, this place offers inspirational outlooks to the creative and those who appreciate the values of Perth’s riverscape.

The land here has gone by a few names including Swan Location 85, Dalkeith Cottage, Dalkeith Farm, Dalkeith Estate, Gallop House, Gallop Gardens and more. The suburb of Dalkeith takes its name from here including the cottage constructed by Captain Adam Armstrong in 1833.

The two-storey house came later, built with local limestone circa 1872-1877 by James Gallop.

Conservation and adaptive reuse works will provide a recital and studio down stairs with domestic spaces including bedrooms, bathroom and study upstairs. In addition the new use will support a better understanding of the heritage

values associated with the place including references to its expansive vineyards and market gardens, Noongar/settler relations and musical connections.

The recent works have addressed the structural integrity of the house and included the use of Helifix stitching techniques for the repair of structural cracks. Other common heritage building issues such as solving the rising damp and removing cement render from external stone was also part of the work.

New verandahs, bathrooms, a refurbished kitchen and air-conditioning will make the oldest private residence within the City of Nedlands a truly comfortable place to stay and create.

The new use will bring benefits to the community and is generously funded by the Feilman Foundation.

ABOVE: A stunning view of the Swan River from Gallop House. G Pickering

INSET: Joshua Casey Conservation Project Officer with Phil Tunstall SERCO Vocational Trainer worked together to improve the landscape and plantings around Gallop House. G Pickering

ABOVE: Early release prisoners tidy and trim the gardens at Gallop House. G Pickering


Catalyst

Parkwater Creek Revegetation Project SHERRY THOMAS | CONSERVATION OFFICER

A Royalties for Region’s grant has funded a weed eradication program and revegetation of the creek line

at Parkwater, Cowaramup. The project will include a winding footpath (pedestrians only) and a few

strategically placed bench seats. It is intended as a place of tranquillity and quiet reflection.

At present, the area includes some outstanding existing karri trees and peppermints and a decision to revegetate with native wet area plants will see the current weed population replaced.

Many of the new natives will be low growing, while some strategically placed taller shrubs will provide privacy to and from the houses along Wandoo Place.

The grant does not cover the cost of a footpath or the seating, so while the National Trust will cover the path it’s hoped the local Cowaramup Men’s Shed will chip in their skills to provide the seating using timber cut from a house lot in Parkwater being cleared to build.

The first job has been to select the route for the footpath. To save on costs a decision has been made to use a section of path which already exists and to extend that the full length of the revegetation area, linking with the existing firebreak trails network. There will be two spur paths to the seating areas and some keen locals have provided their input to choose the location for these. Work on the path will commence shortly.

The next phase includes a weed identification and eradication workshop for residents followed by another on revegetation (techniques, plant selection). A busy bee will take care of preparation, planting and ongoing maintenance. Attendees of the workshops will be able to apply the knowledge learned to other bushland areas of Parkwater as well as their own back yards.

ABOVE: Conservation Officer Sherry Thomas checking new vegetation at Parkwater. G Pickering

ABOVE: Jarrah logs provide seating options for the new trail. G Pickering


Catalyst

A marvellous marsupial at risk JENNA VAN NIERKERK | GILBERT’S POTOROO ACTION GROUP

The Gilbert’s potoroo is the world’s rarest marsupial and is found only in Albany, Western Australia. First

discovered by naturalist, John Gilbert, in 1840, the Gilbert’s potoroo was thought to be extinct for over a

century before it was rediscovered in 1994. This Lazarus species has been a part of Albany’s natural

heritage for many years and is feature mascot at this year’s National Trust Heritage Festival.

The Gilbert’s potoroo is a small marsupial with a dense coat of soft grey-brown fur. They live on a specialised diet of underground fungi known as truffles which make up 90% of their diet. The potoroo’s fungi dependent diet plays an important role in the ecosystem. They disperse spores of more than 44 fungal species through faeces of digested truffles and help with the germination and nutrition of many plants.

The Gilbert’s potoroo is the quintessential Aussie Battler but they need our help. Already faced with habitat loss and threats of predation from feral cats and foxes a population of Gilbert’s potoroo’s were further impacted by a devastating fire late last year. Numbers are now at critically low levels with an estimated 50 animals remaining. Without intervention the

Gilbert’s Potoroo is likely to be Australia’s next extinct mammal.

To find out how you can help save the Gilbert’s potoroo from extinction

please visit www.potoroo.org or find us on Facebook @ Gilberts Potoroo Action Group.

ABOVE: Gilbert’s potoroo in need of protection. Gilbert Potaroo Action Group

Investigations at Number 8 Pump Station a real spectacleERIC HANCOCK | CONSERVATION PROJECT OFFICER

As part of a Department of Environment grant for protection

of national historic sites, funding has been approved for

conservation of The Goldfields Water Supply Scheme.

Work will commence later this year on the conservation of No 8 Pump Station which is located at Dedari 70 km west of Coolgardie. As part of the detailed investigations and documentation of the required works a contractor was employed to take images of inaccessible high roofs and chimney stack. The traditional and costly method of inspection was to hire a large cherry-picker with operator to provide access. The use of a drone enabled high level close up images at high resolution so that inspection can be made from the safety of a monitor screen. In addition to detailed imagery of the pump station, the photography revealed the spectacular beauty of the Dedari landscape.

ABOVE LEFT: Drone inspecting chimney stack E Hancock

LEFT: A drone’s eye view of No 8 Pump Station. Global Unmanned Systems


http://www.potoroo.org

Out ‘n’ About

Long journey, keep going and don’t look back GINA PICKERING

It’s taken eleven years of careful work, more than 200 Elders and fourteen clans to build a strong foundation

for the first ever Noongar Boodjar Language Centre in Western Australia. Close to one hundred people

attended the opening in Bunbury on the 29 January.

Nola Marino MP, Federal member for Forrest, officially launched the event which featured speakers from the Noongar Boodjar Language Cultural Aboriginal Corporation. Didgeridoo and dance performances contributed to the event. Authors including Theresa Walley also attended.

Funded by the Federal Government’s Language Support program, the centre will work on the preservation, analysis and the creation of a database of Noongar language.

Linguist and Centre Manager Sue Hanson said the team would also produce dictionaries, teaching and learning resources and welcome Noongar people who wanted to record and preserve language.

The project has been more than a decade in the making and the new offices will offer a language hub and host a range of workshops and training courses.

“A number of Noongar Elders were visionaries for the development of the language centre which will support the revival of language for present and future generations,” she said.

“The team is focusing on developing a strong database for the Noongar nations including a focus on three dialects evident today; the Northern, Great Southern and the Eastern.”

Over the next six months a series of field trips will be undertaken by Noongar linguist Denise Ali-Smith to meet with all the clans and seek out Noongar speakers who wish to record and preserve their language. In Bunbury a range of learning and training packages will be available to increase cultural and language competencies. For more information visit www.noongarboojar.com.au

ABOVE: Nola Marino, Federal Member for Forrest reveals a hand carved message stick made especially for the project with Board Director Gloria Dann at the opening of the Noongar Boodjar Language Centre. G Pickering

ABOVE: Closeup of the hand carved message stick. G Pickering

Bloomin’ Good KYRA LOMAS | GRADUATE ARCHITECT NATIONAL TRUST(WA)

National Trust employees and graduate Architects Aimee Hall, Joshua

Casey and Kyra Lomas were selected to showcase their design ‘Bloom’ in

FORM’s PUBLIC Platform prototyping festival in Claremont.

The urban installation reimagined the historic 1881 Eastern Railway Line from Fremantle to Guildford in April.

The design scales down the original 20 mile track and incorporates the endemic flora of each region along the railway line. It culminates in a burst of colour and planting at the Claremont ‘stop’ symbolising the boom generated by the railway in Claremont which led to an influx of development and subsequently significant heritage fabric.

Seating, interpretation and breakout spaces will be scattered along the installation to allow the public to engage with the railway and learn more about the town’s significant rail history.

ABOVE (L-R): Graduate Arichitects, Joshua Casey, Aimee Hall and Kyra Lomas. G Pickering

PUBLIC took place 2-3 April at the Claremont Town Centre. It included a People’s Choice Award and a judging panel comprising an international architect, arts chief, activation specialist and local politician.


http://www.noongarboojar.com.au

http://www.noongarboojar.com.au

Out ‘n’ About

Celebrating Sikh Heritage DR SUE GRAHAM TAYLOR | HISTORIAN

Sikhs first came to Western Australia in the late 19th century and worked as cameleers in remote areas,

transporting goods and people. They later travelled as hawkers and worked as farmers, probably being

categorised as Afghans for census purposes. In 1901 it is estimated that there were around 90 Sikhs in

Western Australia.

Despite moving over vast distances, they maintained their Sikh identity and cultural practices. The first recorded Sikh cremation ceremony, for Kalla Singh took place in Claremont in 1897. There were around 50 Sikhs in Western Australia in 1932 when in response to their request, the State Government set aside land on the Canning River near Riverton for a cemetery site where Sikhs could carry out their cremation practices. The Reserve was cancelled in 1977 and the WA Sikh Cremation Site (Fmr Sikh Cemetery), in Adenia Reserve, is on the State Register of Heritage Places.

The Sikh contribution to Australia remains largely unrecognised. The Story of Western Australian Sikhs, the 2015 Interpretation Plan for the Sikh Heritage Association of Western Australia seeks to redress this with a range of heritage related experiences. One key recommendation is the creation of a heritage trail from the Cremation Site to the Canning River. This area will be the hub for the Western Australia Sikh story.

The first phase of the Trail was opened, celebrated and shared with the community on Saturday 5 March 2016. A fun afternoon at

Adenia Park Riverton saw dancing, camel rides, face painting, turbans, along with exhibits on the Sikh history and culture. The second phase of the Trail will be to secure funding for panels and trail markers that give an overview of the Sikh story. It is hoped that this will form part of WA and Australia-wide virtual Sikh Heritage Trail mobile device app to ensure that we can listen to Sikh stories and understand more about these Australian immigrants who continue to contribute so much to Western Australia.

ABOVE: Land was set aside along the Canning River for the Sikh community’s cremation ceremony in 1932. S Graham Taylor

ABOVE: Recognising Sikh heritage at Adenia Park at Riverton. S Graham Taylor

All washed up!Teatowels featuring elegant black and white historic images of iconic National Trust properties in Western Australia are available as a great Christmas gift!

These 100% cotton teatowels are $12 each. To order, visit the shop at www.nationaltrust.org.au/wa or phone 08 9321 6088. Wholesale orders are welcome.

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TWICE A MONTH ALISON FOX IS A VOLUNTEER GUIDE AT PENINSULA FARM.

I have learned a great deal about Perth and its history, and I’ve met some fantastic people. I recommend

volunteering with the National Trust.Contact Gae See to find out more. PH 08 9321 6088

riverside at woodbridgeENJOY DELICIOUS MEALS AND DESSERTS

ON THE BANKS OF THE SWAN RIVER.

ADJACENT TO WOODBRIDGE, FORD STREET, WOODBRIDGE PH: 08 9274 1469

Open Thursday to Tuesday 9am to 4pm. Functions by arrangement.

174 MIDDLETON ROAD, ALBANY PH: 08 9841 3735Open every day between 10am and 4pm

EXPLORE ABORIGINAL CONNECTIONS, THE NEW EXHIBITION AND

CONSERVATION WORK AT WESTERN AUSTRALIA’S OLDEST FARM.

Old Farm, Strawberry Hill

Central Greenough (historic settlement), Café and Visitor Centre

15 Minutes South of Geraldton on the Brand Highway

OPEN DAILY 10am to 4pm

SEE HOW PEOPLE OF A ONCE THRIVING 1860S AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITY WORKED, LIVED AND PLAYED.

FOR GROUP BOOKINGS CALL PH: 08 9926 1084 or E: [email protected]

Make a differenceYOUR GIFT OF A DONATION MEANS THAT WE CAN HELP

CONSERVE AND INTERPRET WESTERN AUSTRALIAN

HERITAGE PLACES FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY.

Donate online www.nationaltrust.org.au/wa

Post your donation Freepost 1162 National Trust of Australia (WA) PO Box 1162 WEST PERTH WA 6872

Donate with your membership renewal

Include a bequest in your Will.

NATIONAL TRUST

ENJOY A TRADITIONAL HIGH TEA AND MUCH MORE

OVERLOOKING THE SWAN RIVER

ADJACENT TO PENINSULA FARM, JOHNSON ROAD, MAYLANDS WA PH: 08 9272 8894

Open every day including public holidays 8am - 5pm

Peninsula Tea Gardens


PERTH East Perth Cemeteries: Bronte Street, East Perth. Tel: 08 9221 4022. Open Sunday 2 to 4pm. Groups by appointment.

Kep Track: Starts at Mundaring Weir Hall, Mundaring Weir Road, Mundaring to Northam. Multi-use trail open every day. Tel: 08 9321 6088

No 1 Pump Station: Open Saturdays and Sundays and most public holidays 12noon to 4pm. Open for group bookings during the week by appointment. Tel: 08 9321 6088

O’Connor Trail: Starts at Mundaring Weir Hall, Mundaring Weir Road, Mundaring. 5.3km (2.5 hr walk approximately). Open every day. Tel: 08 9321 6088.

Peninsula Farm (Tranby): Johnson Road, Maylands. Tel: 08 9272 2630. Open Friday to Sunday 12.30pm to 4pm.

Weir Walk: Starts at No 1 Pump Station, Mundaring Weir Road, Mundaring. 1.9km (1 hr walk approximately). Open every day. Tel: 08 9321 6088.

Woodbridge: Ford Street, Woodbridge. Tel: 08 9274 2432. Open Thursday to Sunday 1pm to 4pm. Café open 9am to 5pm Thursday to Tuesday.

WITHIN 90 MINUTES DRIVE OF PERTHJarrahdale Heritage Park: Jarrahdale Road, Jarrahdale. Tel: 08 9525 5255. Open every day.

Old Blythewood: 6161 South Western Highway, Pinjarra. Tel: 08 9531 1485. Open Saturday 10.30am to 3.30pm, Sunday 12.30pm to 3.30pm.

York Courthouse Complex: 132 Avon Terrace, York. Tel: 08 9641 2072. Open Thursday to Monday 10am to 4pm.

WITHIN 3 HOURS DRIVE OF PERTHEllensbrook: Ellensbrook Road, Margaret River. Tel: 08 9755 5173. Open Friday to Monday 10am to 4pm.

Wonnerup: Layman Road, Busselton. Tel: 08 9752 2039. Open 10am to 4pm Thursday to Monday.

OVERNIGHTCentral Greenough (historic settlement): Brand Highway, Greenough Tel: 08 9926 1084. Open Monday to Sunday 9am to 4pm. Café open during nominated opening hours. Closed Christmas Day only.

Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail: Extends across 650km from Mundaring to Kalgoorlie. Tel: 08 9321 6088 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.au/wa

No 8 Pump Station: 80km west of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, at Dedari. Open by appointment. Tel: 08 9024 2540

Old Farm, Strawberry Hill: 174 Middleton Road, Albany. Tel: 08 9841 3735. Open 7 days per week 10am to 4pm.

Mangowine Homestead: Karomin North Road, Nungarin. Tel: 08 9046 5149. Open Thursday to Tuesday 1pm to 4pm.

Warden Finnerty’s Residence: 2 McKenzie Street, Coolgardie. Tel: 9026 6028. Open Thursday to Monday. Phone for opening times. Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday.

National Trust places you can visit for a GREAT day out!

GeraldtonGreenough

YorkMundaringJarrahdale

BridgetownMargaret River

Pinjarra

Busselton

Albany

CoolgardieKalgoorlie

Perth

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1. Old Farm, Strawberry Hill, Albany

2. Samson House, Fremantle

3. Ellensbrook, Margaret River

4. Central Greenough (historic settlement), Greenough

5. No 1 Pump Station, Mundaring

Property opening times were correct at the time of print and are subject to change. The National Trust recommends you check directly with the property to confirm.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.au/wa

trust news western australia may 2016

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