Harry Boyle Memorial Lecture to be presented by Dr Janice Wilton

Brough House : Friday 25th September 2009, 6.30 pm.

This is the fourth lecture at Brough House, in a very successful series held to promote our local heritage and as a tribute to the late local historian Harry Boyle.

This year the lecture will be presented by Dr Janis Wilton, Associate Professor of History at the University of New England, with the lecture title "Night at the museum."

National Trust members $20.00, non members $25.00. Refreshments included.

Bookings essential. Phone Ian 49320518 or Grossman House 49336452.

Maitland Girls/Grossman High School 125th Anniversary

Grossman House : Saturday, 12th September 2009, 10am-2pm is MGHSOG open day to celebrate Maitland Girls/Grossman High School 125th Anniversary. Grossman and Brough houses open for inspection. Exhibition of Girls High memorabilia.
Phone Grossman House 49336452.

Prisoner of War Records Now Online

Ancestry.com.au has published Australian prisoner of war records online.

During World War II, a total of 8,622 Australian servicemen ended up prisoners of war (POW) in Europe, with a select few regarded as so difficult for their captors that they ended up in the top security Colditz prison. Now all their records have gone online, along with the records of all other British and Commonwealth POW held in German camps in Europe.

Brad Argent, partnership development manager at the on-line ancestry research firm ancestry.com.au, said much of this information had never been available before.
"Their release is particularly significant given that so few records from this time are available for people researching their family's military history." SBS World News.

Historical lives in Parramatta ’s archaeological landscape

Check out this fascinating exhibition on underground riches discovered on dig (salvage/conservation) projects in the city over the last 20 years and the stories they tell of the Parramatta settlement over some 1000s of years. Includes several maps/images not seen in public before, from private collections.

When: 1 August 2009 – 8 November 09; open 9am-5pm, 7 days
Where: Parramatta Heritage Centre, 346A Church Street , Parramatta (just over Lennox
Further information: http://www.parracity.nsw.gov.au/

Characters and Personalities of Lane Cove

Lane Cove Historical Society invites you to visit Carisbrook House and see an exhibition of the Characters & Personalities of Lane Cove.
Come enjoy and add to an evolving exhibition about some of the interesting people of Lane Cove past and present: Charles Kingsford Smith, Billy Hughes, Robert Woodward, John Newcombe, Nicole Kidman and others. Join a guided tour of Carisbrook House. Enjoy a stroll through the riverside gardens of Carisbrook. On Sunday, 30 August 2009 a special Victorian Village Afternoon Tea will be held at Carisbrook.

When: 15 August to 11 October 2009
Open hours: 11am-4pm Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
Where: Carisbrook House, 334 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove.
Entrance fees: $8 Adults, $4 concessions and $17 family. Group Bookings: Phone Terry Eakin Carisbrook 9428 1364.

Edgeworth David Centennial

From the Maitland Mercury report:
The centennial anniversary of Edgeworth David’s first camp at Gosforth in 1909 is to be celebrated at Brough House on Sunday, August 30.
Memorabilia, historic maps, fossils and rocks that were important to Edgeworth David’s work will be on display, but central to the event is the launch of a book on David’s contribution to Maitland, by Dr. Janece McDonald
The event will be held from 10am to 3pm, and cost is $10 for adults.
For more information and bookings, contact Dr McDonald on 4933 4450.

Full article by Briony Snedden available at Maitland Mercury, 24/08/2009.

National Trust Draft Strategic Plan

The National Trust Draft Strategic Plan is now ready for review by members and supporters. The National Trust of Australia (NSW) has been undergoing a period of strategic review and after many months of work from the National Trust Board, staff and volunteers, the Draft Plan is available for comment. Download the Plan and comment at the National Trust site.

Museums Australia NSW Presents Free Talks

Museums Australia NSW presents free talks at museums and galleries in and around Sydney.

The Australian Tennis Museum moved to the Sydney International Tennis Centre in 2005. There is now an opportunity to see the new centre and museum with a tour by Bronwyn Alcorn and Aimee Deaves.

When: Wednesday, 2 September 2009, 4pm
Where: Australian Tennis Museum , Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre, Rod Laver Drive (off Shirley Strickland Drive ), Sydney Olympic Park
RSVP: Bookings essential by 31 August to: Paul Bentley, Executive Officer on 02 9387 7307 / 0416 121 347 or pbentley@idx.com.au
Further information: www.museumsaustralia.org.au/nsw

Maitland City Council - Central Maitland Structure Plan

The draft Central Maitland Structure Plan is a 30 year strategic plan which aims to re-establish Central Maitland as the primary centre in the Maitland local government area. Central Maitland is significant to the Maitland community, but also regionally as the city, second only to Newcastle in the Lower Hunter Region.
The structure plan provides a clear direction to guide future development in Central Maitland towards a revitalised, vibrant centre for the enjoyment of residents, workers and visitors of Maitland.
Consultation with regard to this plan concluded on 21 August 2009.

The Maitland Mercury has reported: "Council city strategy manager Monica Gibson said the council had received 20 written responses on Thursday morning, but was expecting about 100 when submissions closed on Friday."

Full article by Briony Snedden available at Maitland Mercury, 21/08/2009.

Windows to another time

The NSW State Records blog, 'Archives Outside', recently featured an article by University of Newcastle Archivist Gionni DiGravio. Windows to another time details some of Ralph Snowball’s glass negatives.

"This particular Collection of around 990 extraordinary glass slides forms part of Norm Barney’s Photographic Collection that was deposited with the University’s Cultural Collections in June 2008."

Check the Archives Outside web site for more information and images, such as the photograph reproduced above, 'Wallsend No 1 tunnel, Wallsend, NSW, 11 June 1897.'

Maitland Flood Walks

From the Maitland Mercury report:
The history of flooding in Horseshoe Bend is proving to be a popular topic with overwhelming demand for Peter Bogan’s walking tours of the area.
But more than recounting the devastation of the floods that swamped the area, most notably in 1889, 1949 and 1955, the tour is also an illustrated account of the commercial importance of the eastern end of High Street, Maitland, and the development of the city.

An initiative of the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA), the tour was originally a commemoration of the 160th anniversary of the 1849 flood, and the 60th anniversary of the event in 1949.

Full article by Briony Snedden available at Maitland Mercury, 21/08/2009.

Cessnock Regional Art Gallery exhibition

The Cessnock City Council Art Collection showcases nearly 50 years of donated and acquired art, comprising primarily of winning entries for the Weston Art Show – one of the oldest regional art awards in Australia , and more recently the Wollombi Emerging Artist Award.
To be opened by Margaret Sivyer AOM on Thursday, 27 August 6-8pm.

Libraries Australia Register of Australian Archives and Manuscripts

Libraries Australia has recently loaded 20,000 records from the Register of Australian Archives and Manuscripts (RAAM) to the Australian National Bibliographic Database.
This load adds collections previously not reported and enables access to them via Libraries Australia.

Included are archives from all states and a range of sectors, such as the Australian Academy of Science, the Australian Jewish Historical Society and the Royal Geographical Society of Australasia.
Search Libraries Australia for access.

Historic Houses Trust Members Exhibition: ‘From the Bandstand’

This exhibition will showcase a unique collection of photographs taken by jazz musician and photographer Ron Falson, who by the late 1950s was backing mega-stars like Sinatra and was involved with TV shows such as The Don Lane Show and The Midday Show. He died in 2008 leaving an extensive archive of photographs, arrangements and recordings.
Accompanying the exhibition will be Friday Night Jazz at The Mint. Join guests from the Sydney jazz scene for these late exhibition viewings and performances:
· Friday 28 August: Trevor Rippingale Trio
· Friday 25 September: Students from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music
· Friday 30 October: George Golla and Craig Scott

Book by phoning 8239 2266 Members/Concession $10 General $15

Web 2.0 toolkit workshop at Powerhouse Museum

Web 2.0 toolkit workshop

Get a taste of the best social media and online content production including blogging, wikis, podcasts, flickr and youtube, in this hands-on, skills based workshop.
In this workshop you will:
learn about different kinds of social media
explore important concepts such as privacy, access and community collaboration
plan a personalised social media strategy work as part of a group to create a basic, blog, wiki, podcast or other social media projects.

Suitable for social media beginners, school staff, parent organisations, community groups.
When: 18 September 2009, 2pm-4pm
Cost: $90 per person for 2 hour workshop
Where: Thinkspace, Powerhouse Museum , 500 Harris Street Ultimo
Further information: http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/thinkspace/courses/al&tpd.php

50th anniversary for Mini

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Mini owners of Maitland will unite to reminisce and celebrate the iconic British car’s 50th anniversary on August 26.
Car enthusiast and self-confessed “serious petrol head” Peter Robinson extended an open invitation to all Mini drivers to get their cars out of the shed and on display at his High Street business.

Full article by Rebecca Berry available at Maitland Mercury, 20/08/2009.

Thieves Target Richmond Vale Railway Museum

From the Maitland Mercury report:
It would have taken an “army of thieves” to steal about $245,000 worth of heavy equipment from Richmond Vale Railway Museum this month.

A volunteer since he was 16, Philip Johnston, said there was a feeling of disbelief among museum volunteers who had poured their passion into sourcing spares and maintaining machinery and equipment at the popular tourist destination set up in 1979.
Maitland police asked anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Full article by Rebecca Berry available at Maitland Mercury, 20/08/2009.

Board of Regional Development

Tocal Agricultural College Principal, Cameron Archer, has been appointed to the Board of Regional Development Australia (Hunter). Dr. Archer has spent his career working with rural and regional industries in the rural sector.
More information on: Regional Development Boards, New South Wales Department of State and Regional Development.

Cultural change for High Street

From the Maitland Mercury report:
A cottage down the block from Maitland Repertory and the newly opened Maitland Regional Art Gallery has been targeted for a bookshop, cafe and bar to complete the triangle of the arts: performing, visual and literary, in the area.
The plans would restore the purpose of the building at 274 High Street, which was home to Pepperina’s cafe before it was relocated to Newcastle.

Full article by Briony Snedden available at Maitland Mercury, 19/08/2009.

Stories of convict life at Tocal

From the Maitland Mercury report:
The stories of the 150 convict men and boys who lived and worked at Tocal Homestead during the early 1800s are to be brought to life in a guided tour of the historic site.
As part of History Week 2009, convict historian Brian Walsh will conduct a tour of the site and reveal the heartbreaks and hopes, exploits and punishments of the convicts as they struggled for freedom.
The Voices from Tocal - Convict Life on a Rural Estate tour will be held on September 12 and 13 from 1.30pm to 2.30pm at Tocal Homestead.
For more information email info@tocal.com, or visit http://www.tocal.com/

Full article by Briony Snedden available at Maitland Mercury, 19/08/2009.

History Week at Maitland Gaol

During History Week (5 - 13th September 2009) with the theme of Scandal, Crime and Corruption, Maitland Gaol will provide an authentic venue for a series of events, starting with the launch of the latest exhibition in the newly-restored exhibition space, Exposed: Our Criminal Past.
From the Maitland Mercury, 14/08/2009.

Convict wall at Pitnacree

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Another sandstone wall linked to convict chain gangs on historic Pitnacree Road at East Maitland has been uncovered, after being buried in layers of earth for decades.
But most of the nine rows of heavy, hand-quarried sandstone blocks will have been removed by this morning.
The Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) painstakingly dug out the wall on Thursday and Friday, using shovels and brooms to sweep years of dirt away from the structure to ensure it was undamaged.
An RTA spokesman said most of it would then be dismantled, and the sandstone blocks given to Maitland City Council.

Full article by Briony Snedden available Maitland Mercury 17/08/2009.

Look Who's Talking About History

Maitland City Library will be celebrating History Week with an inaugural Look Who’s Talking About History panel discussion to be hosted by Maitland Gaol. The venue is the new Gaol Auditorium. The panel comprising of three specialists in the field, will be invited to take the audience on a journey to discover the scandals, crime and corruption that have shocked us over time.
Date: 10 September 2009
Venue: Maitland Gaol Auditorium, 6 - 18 John St, East Maitland
Contact Details: Maitland Gaol Phone: (02) 4936 6482 Email: info@maitlandgaol.com.au
Website http://www.maitlandgaol.com.au/
When: 6.00pm - 8.00pm
Cost: $10 per person

State Records New South Wales Update

State Records New South Wales latest news :

New Archives in Brief (AIB) 118 - Nurses. This Archives in Brief provides a brief overview of the major sources held by State Records that relate to nurses in New South Wales.

New Index to Coroners’ Inquests 1796-1824. The reports are from coroners on inquests held throughout the colony, including a few held in Van Diemen’s Land.

More Records news at Now & Then 39 - August 2009.

Dutch navigational charts to the National Library

The National Library has been generously lent four rare Dutch navigational charts by businessman Kerry Stokes.
The charts, circa 1725-1740, were issued with other charts and instruments to voyages bound for the East Indies. Two of them show part of Western Australia and the plots of an actual voyage with the skipper getting lost and taking evasive action in a storm. This is the only document in Australia with an original plotted course of the Dutch to these waters and its survival is significant given the charts were mostly wiped clean after each voyage, to be used for the return journey.
The charts were created by the VOC, also known as the Dutch United East India Company, which, from 1602, sent ships to Asia to buy spices for the European market.

Susannah Fullerton @ Newcastle Region Library

Susannah Fullerton, President of the Jane Austen Society in Australia comes to Newcastle Region Library.
Susannah will be in town to talk about her new book "Brief Encounters".
This is a look back in history at all the literary identities that have travelled to Australian shores, why they came, what they did when they arrived here, their opinions of Australia and Australians and how their future work was influenced by the time they spent in this country. Susannah looks at writers such as Charles Darwin, Rudyard Kipling, Mark Twain, Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie.

Susannah is one of Australia’s leading authorities on early 19th and 20th Century writers and is a very engaging and lively speaker to listen to.
Friday 21st August, 6.30pm, Newcastle Region Library, Laman St.

'For God, England and Ethel'

From the Maitland Mercury:
For God, England and Ethel is the title of a new book by Steve Johnson, of Hinton, which has been described as a factual, historical biographical novel, interlaced with action, romance and a blend of real and fictional characters. The novel is based on the experiences of Steve Johnson's grandfather, Englishman Fred Johnstone, at the western front of World War I.

Full article by Briony Snedden available at Maitland Mercury, 13/08/2009.

Hunter Valley Research Foundation

Hunter Valley Research Foundation has released its July/August/September newsletter, which includes:
Upper Hunter Economic Indicators: Signs of turnaround in Upper Hunter economy.
Upper Hunter Region Environmental Attitudes Survey : opinions shifting on climate change.

Art Gallery and Museum

From the Maitland Mercury:
To coincide with Saturday’s grand opening of the Maitland Art Gallery, artist Fiona Davies will launch her exhibition Intangible Collection – an installation designed to celebrate and acknowledge the history of the building and its earlier life, as the West Maitland Country Museum and later, a technical college .
As part of Ms Davies’ exhibition, the Sydney Powerhouse Museum has come on board offering pieces once belonging to the old Maitland museum including old miners’ lamps and a swatch book of luscious fabrics.

Full article by Emma Swain available at Maitland Mercury, 12/08/2009.

Train restoration

From the Maitland Mercury:
John O’Rourke and Kevin Little reminisced about the repair of the historic 3801 locomotive yesterday when they were reunited with the loco’s tender after 20 years at Hunter-V-Tech yesterday.
Mr O’Rourke and Mr Little were two of five supervisors who trained more than 350 apprentices and assisted them to restore the loco and its tender in Newcastle between 1983 and 1986.

Full article by Belinda-Jane Davis available at Maitland Mercury, 12/08/2009.

Taste of History at City Festival

From the Maitland Mercury :
A history tour of central Maitland will cover all the important landmarks, such as the town hall.
But perhaps the most interesting part is the buildings that are not on the itinerary.
Maitland and District Historical Society will lead the history walks as part of the Maitland Aroma Coffee, Chocolate and Fine Food Festival on Saturday, starting in Elgin Street and taking in the important buildings on High Street and surrounding streets.

Full article by Briony Snedden available at Maitland Mercury, 12/08/2009.

Australia's maritime history online

A unique collection of Australia 's maritime art and photography, the Alfred & Roy Dufty Collection, is now available online.

The Collection consists of approximately 2,200 photographs and photographed artworks relating to Australian shipping in the period 1870-1930.
The shop of Alfred & Roy Dufty in Erskine Street, Sydney, was well sited for marine enthusiasts of all kinds. This Aladdin's cave of souvenirs, paintings and photographs was visited by sailors and ship lovers from all around the world.

Many images depict changes to Sydney Harbour from the 1880s to the 1930s. Looking at the Dufty images it is possible to trace some of the expansion of the port and to watch the changing face of local and international shipping.

An official launch will take place on Friday 14 August 2009 at Woy Woy Library.

Information from Geoff Potter, Local Studies Librarian, Gosford City Library.

Kurri Kurri Mining History

From the Maitland Mercury :
A pedestrian path that highlights the rich coal mining history of Kurri Kurri has been officially opened. The new 120-metre concrete strip in Log of Knowledge Park forms part of a 6.5km Kurri Tidy Towns Heritage/Nature walkway that passes by the sites of three old collieries and an endangered sand swamp woodland.

Full article by Katie Smith is available at Maitland Mercury, 11/08/2009.

National Trust Event

Looking at Architecture with the National Trust Women’s Committee Turramurra Day
Tuesday 8 September 2009.

The construction of the North Shore Railway Line in the 1890s opened the way for families to move from crowded inner suburbs to the healthy environment of the semi-rural Upper North Shore.Within walking distance of the station, large blocks lining the high land of Ku-ring-gai Avenue and Boomerang Street were quickly taken up for architect designed houses in the light and airy, decorative style evolving at the beginning of the 20th century.
Nowadays subdivision is making room for houses of today to fit between their older neighbours.

‘Ingleholme’ 17 Boomerang Street, Turramurra ; 54 Ku-ring-gai Avenue, Turramurra ; 72 Ku-ring-gai Avenue, Turramurra.
Cost: Members (only) $28, Youth (12 – 18 years) $18
Enquiries: (02) 9363 2401

Heritage Network Seminar 2009

Heritage Network Seminar 2009. All local government heritage advisors, local government heritage planners and heritage consultants are invited to attend the Department of Planning Heritage Branch Heritage Network Seminar 2009.

Seminar includes updates from the Department of Planning Heritage Branch and a range of guest speakers in two afternoon streams.

When: Friday 21 August 2009
Times: 9.00am for 9.30am start ending at 4.30pm
Where: Riverside Theatres, Corner of Church and Market Sts, Parramatta
Cost: All local and state government heritage planners and manager and heritage advisors -
No charge to attend. Heritage consultants $125 (inc GST)
Morning, afternoon tea and lunch provided.

Contact: Dewi Arief phone 02 9873 8577 or email dewi.arief@planning.nsw.gov.au

Morpeth Ghost Stories

Troy Murphie is encouraging people from Morpeth, or those who used to live in the town, to contact him with their ghostly encounters for inclusion in a new book to document Morpeth’s ghosts and its history.
The idea for the book came after Mr Murphie, who describes himself as an open-minded sceptic, started the Morpeth Ghost and History Tour on January 3.

Full article is available at Maitland Mercury, 7/08/2009.

Look who's Talking: Colin Thompson

The next guest speaker in Maitland City Library's Look Who's Talking programme is Colin Thompson.

Colin is the internationally recognised illustrator, poet, and author of over 50 books. He has received numerous awards, with his latest book Dust, a successful collaboration to raise money for Save the Children.
Colin is currently working on two adult novels, an illustrated book of poetry, two film scripts, a TV series called Fairies (which is not a kid's series even though it sounds like it!) and a sequel to Dust.

Colin will be speaking at Brough House, Church St., Maitland on 25 August 2009, 6.00-8.00pm.
Bookings can be made online at the Maitland City Library Look Who's Talking site.

Maitland Aroma Festival

The inaugural Maitland Aroma Coffee, Chocolate and Fine Food Festival will feature town crier Stephen Clarke. A regular visitor to Maitland’s Heritage Mall, Mr Clarke has been engaged in his professional capacity as a town crier to lend an authentic heritage component to the festival on August 15, as well as call attention to activities on the day.
Heritage walks conducted by the Maitland and District Historical Society will be part of the day's activities.

Full article by Briony Snedden is available at Maitland Mercury, 6/08/2009.

Singleton Mercy Convent Centenary - 1909-2009

Celebrate the centenary of the Singleton Mercy Convent with a formal celebration ceremony in the convent garden, music, afternoon tea and a centenary exhibition.
The convent of the Sisters of Mercy took 16 years to build and opened on August 8, 1909, with an afternoon tea and performances from the town band.

Hurled Into Eternity: The 16 Executions at Maitland Gaol

Stories of the condemned prisoners at Maitland Gaol were captured in detailed reports in the Maitland Mercury and have now been collated in the first Maitland Gaol Occasional Series publication - Hurled Into Eternity: The 16 Executions at Maitland Gaol.
Information in the publication was researched as part of the inaugural exhibition held at the newly restored auditorium and exhibition space at the gaol, which focused on the gaol’s deadly history. To close on August 30, the display includes hangmens’ ropes and the death mask worn by prisoners in that era.

The full article by Briony Snedden is available at the Maitland Mercury, 6/08/2009.

Museums and Galleries New South Wales

Seminars and workshops in September 2009:

M&G NSW and the Historic Houses Trust present Artists interpreting history, a half-day seminar studying some of the engaging - and sometimes controversial results – of artists’ interventions of museum spaces and collections.
Speakers include: Caroline Mackaness, General Manager, Properties, HHT; Jude Philp, Senior Curator, Macleay Museum; and Robyn Stacey, Sydney-based contemporary artist.
Friday 4 September 2009, 2-5pm. Full details at the Museums & Galleries NSW web site.

Exploring Social Media & Online Content : a Museums Australia NSW & Powerhouse Museum Thinkspace Workshop for small museums. Learn about social media and best practice models. Consider issues such as equipment, copyright, privacy, managing user accounts, balancing personal and work time, finding help and resources. Plan a social media/online project. Create a basic blog, podcast or flickr stream content project.
Tuesday 15 September 2009. Time 930-12.30am. Check Museums & Galleries NSW.

Going the distance: planning for sustainability workshop is a back-to-basics workshop which looks at different streams of planning that are crucial for cultural organisations: business planning, strategic planning, and recruitment/succession planning. "This day is a must for all museums and galleries looking to carry their organisation into the future."
Friday, 25 September 2009. Full details at the Museums & Galleries NSW web site.

Derelict buildings - Newcastle & Maitland

The Newcastle Herald has reported that "Civic leaders are set to seek increased legal powers to bulldoze derelict buildings considered a blight on Newcastle and bill property owners for the cost." In particular the condition of the former Post Office has caused public angst because it is considered a heritage landmark.

The full article by Jacqui Jones is available at The Herald, 4/08/2009.

A corresponding report by the Maitland Mercury included comments from the Maitland Mayor:

"Maitland Mayor Peter Blackmore said he would support the idea if Newcastle City Council resolved to put the motion to the conference.
He said councils had some power to act on maintenance where there was a threat to public safety, as had occurred in the case of Bob’s Bird Farm, on High Street, Maitland."

The full article by Briony Snedden is available at the Maitland Mercury, 5/08/2009.

Maps at the State Library

State Library have issued a reminder regarding the Library's map collection.

The State Library holds one of the most significant collections of maps in Australia, reflecting changes in cartography from the earliest charts of European navigators to digitally created maps of the twenty first century. The estimated size of the collection is 170,000 maps which includes over 40,000 subdivision plans. The current collection covers Australia, in particular NSW, the Pacific region, Antarctica and extends to the rest of the world.

Morpeth Courthouse roofing

Historic Morpeth Courthouse will undergo a partial roof replacement to ensure the 1862-built structure continues to be a landmark for another century.
A delivery of slate to be shipped from Wales is necessary for the repair.
The building operated as a courthouse until 1943, and was a branch library before the Morpeth Courthouse Museum was established in 1971.

The full article by Briony Snedden is availabe at the Maitland Mercury, 4/08/2009.

The Retaining Wall and the RTA

From the Maitland Mercury report:
A retaining wall that has been a feature of Pitnacree Road since convict gangs were said to have built it about 1830 is to be removed to make way for the approach road to the third Hunter River crossing, with the remainder of the wall to be “preserved in situ and covered”.

An RTA (Roads and Traffic Authority) commissioned Statement of Heritage Impact and Historical Archaeological Assessment for the third crossing, which would link Glenarvon Road, Lorn, with Pitnacree Road, found the wall signified the importance of Pitnacree Road in the local area, and was rare evidence of 19th century road works in Maitland.

The full article by Briony Snedden is available at the Maitland Mercury, 3/08/2009.

Temora Community Archive

The community of Temora, a rural town in southern New South Wales, has created an underground archive to effectively preserve and manage its unique community records over the long term. In Temora (and no doubt countless other communities) it became apparent that a multitude of local organizations were carefully creating an historically valuable record of their participation in the community, only to be faced with the challenge of preserving it.
Their solution for a practical, long term storage environment with a low maintenance cost has been the construction of an underground archive, literally a reinforced concrete bunker structure.
Bill Speirs, Manager of Temora Rural Museum provides full details in part 1 of the archive project via the community blog of State Records NSW : Archives Outside.