At a harbourside lunch on 8 May, at Sydney’s Doltone House, the NSW National Trust announced its 2013 Heritage Awards. Phillip Adams AO as MC, special guest was Robyn Parker MP, Minister for the Environment and Minister for Heritage, along with National Trust representatives and other leaders in the heritage movement, including Heritage Officer at the NSW Chapter office of the Australian Institute of Architects, Dr Noni Boyd.
The awards that recognize both the reclamation of degraded natural environments and the restoration of unique pieces of the built environment, and National Trust NSW CEO, Brian Scarsbrick thanked this year’s entrants for the “wonderful gifts” they have given the state. Winners include the restoration of a now-vibrant wetlands in the Hunter Valley, a once-crumbling, now rebuilt church (resting place to forty First-Fleeters), the revival of Wollongong’s North Beach Bathers Pavilion (pictured top), a sand library to assist with vital mortar restoration projects, and a reshaping of the Darling Harbour Chinese Gardens.
“Heritage is about what our future generations will have, as much as it is about the past. These are the very real things that help us understand the places, people and stories that have shaped us and defined who we are. When we lose buildings and special places, they are gone forever and it’s an absolute tragedy. Imagine Sydney without The Rocks or the Queen Victoria Building. That very nearly happened. These awards acknowledge the current heroes of heritage right across the state.”
2013 NSW Heritage Awards
Sir Donald Bradman’s boyhood home, Bowral.
Conservation Built Heritage — Community/Individual, (Joint winner)
Bradman Project, Bowral — Clive Lucas Stapleton & Partners
This project has seen the restoration and rejuvenation of Sir Donald Bradman’s boyhood home. It has incorporated his bedroom, the sitting room, and an exact reconstruction of the famous tank stand on the verandah.
St Joseph’s Church, St Albans.
Conservation Built Heritage — Community/Individual, (Joint winner)
St Joseph’s Church, St Albans – Blackwoods Constructions
Constructed by a former convict, this is one of the oldest Catholic churches on mainland Australia, with forty graves belonging to people who arrived on the first fleet. At one stage in its history, three monks even lived in the roof and made herbal remedies for the locals. It has been faithfully restored and converted to a unique guest house.
Yarrangobilly Caves House, Kosciuszko National Park.
Conservation Built Heritage – Government / Corporate
Yarrangobilly Caves House at Kosciuszko National Park — Office of Environment & Heritage / National Parks & Wildlife Service
One of only three known historic Caves House complexes still in Australia. The aim was to re-open the two-storey wing for self-catered guest accommodation, after being closed for fifty years. An outstanding example of best practice heritage conservation, involving meticulous planning and extraordinary teamwork – delivering a new lease of life for the community.
Tomago Wetland Restoration Project, Kooragang Wetlands, Hunter Region.
Conservation Natural Heritage
Tomago Wetland Restoration Project, Kooragang Wetlands, Hunter Region — UNSW Water Research Laboratory, Office of Environment & Heritage Parks and Wildlife Division, NSW Fisheries
Tomago Wetlands, located in the Hunter River estuary, was a large degraded site that had historically been a vibrant part of the environment. Unfortunately the site had suffered severely from over drainage, poor land use practices and even aerial bombing. This project has seen the restoration of the natural hydrology to the 600 hectare site to encourage the rehabilitation of the natural environment.
North Beach Bathers Pavilion, Wollongong.
Regeneration and New Development
North Beach Bathers Pavilion, Wollongong – Conybeare Morrison International, Wollongong City Council
This was a heritage structure in a highly corrosive environment, presenting significant challenges in its restoration and transformation to a functional, modern-day asset. There was a long history of advocacy surrounding the site, and partnerships were formed at various stages of the project which re-opened to a community-wide celebration, complete with a surf lifesaving parade, the participation of local clubs and associations, and 1930s themed entertainment.
Sand Library, NSW Government Architect’s Office.
Research & Investigation / Analysis, (Joint winner)
Repointing Mortar Sands & Sand Library, Government Architect’s Office – Minister’s Stonework Program – Government Architects Office
The replacing (repointing) of defective mortar in stonework and brickwork joints can have a detrimental effect on buildings and monuments if carried out incorrectly. The sands within these mortar mixes can be crucial and with a diminishing supply of Kurnell Sydney sands used by the building industry, this project has identified where master trades can access the right materials to complete their respective projects. This is a key new resource for best heritage maintenance.
Chinese Garden of Friendship, Darling Harbour.
Research & Investigation / Analysis, (Joint winner)
Chinese Garden of Friendship Horticultural Maintenance Plan, Darling Harbour – Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority
Gardens have a profound meaning in Chinese culture and, twenty-five years after it was built, the aim of this project was to appreciate the traditions underpinning its design (including concepts such as feng-shui and energy flows) while also using modern photoshopping techniques to project the ongoing shape of the garden and develop an effective maintenance plan.
Designer Suburbs: Architects and Affordable Homes in Australia.
Education, Interpretation and Community Engagement (Book)
Designer Suburbs: Architects and Affordable Homes in Australia — New South Publishing, Powerhouse Museum, UNSW Faculty of the Built Environment
– This book, by Charles Pickett and Judith O’Callaghan, is the product of two decades of research and writing on the suburban design of Australia’s post-war years. It demonstrates that innovative and sustainable architecture can be compatible with market success. Read a review by Keith Cottier.
Trade Skills Award
NSW Public Works – Heritage Services Team
This team of skilled and complimentary trades is committed to delivering superior heritage outcomes for the NSW community in the maintenance of public buildings, structures and sites. The work of this team has also seen the resurrection of lost skills, including an apprenticeship program for a new generation of stonemasons.
Cathy Donnelly Memorial Award (Outstanding Female Professional)
Letizia Coppo-Jones
A mentor and an innovator, Letizia has worked on a broad range of conservation projects. Through these she has explored ways to merge contemporary design and modern technologies with traditional building techniques and conventions.
Joan Domicelj AM.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Joan Domicelj AM
An architect planner, cross-cultural mediator and heritage advisor. She has worked in Europe, Asia and Latin America and has been named as a significant contributor to the UNESCO organization. Among many other accolades, she has served on the Australian Heritage Commission, the Land and Environment Court and the Sydney Opera House Conservation Council.
