Greta memorial wall one step closer

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Soldiers from the Greta area who served in Vietnam could soon have the recognition they missed out on when they returned from the battlefield more than 40 years ago. Greta RSL sub-branch and Ex Services League received a $7500 state government grant on Thursday, which when added to a federal government contribution meant work could begin on a wall at the Greta Cenotaph to recognise those who served in Vietnam and subsequent conflicts.

Full article by Briony Snedden available at Maitland Mercury, 04 Feb, 2011.

Allen photographs

In addition to images on display at the An Edwardian Summer exhibition, (details below) the Allen family albums capture everyday (middle-class) life in Sydney in the early 20th century very evocatively.

Three of the Allen albums have been digitised in their entirety:
http://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/discover_collections/society_art/photography/allen_family/index.html

Andy Carr, Discover Collections, State Library of New South Wales.

An Edwardian Summer : exhibition at the Museum of Sydney

Sydney lawyer and identity Arthur Wigram Allen, a tirelessly enthusiastic photographer, was fascinated by the social and technological changes occurring during his lifetime. His talent for amateur photography produced extraordinary pictures that offer a fresh insight into the Edwardian years in Sydney.
An Edwardian Summer will present a selection of Arthur Allen’s beautiful images, depicting intimate moments with family and friends, motoring and harbour excursions, theatrical celebrities, bush picnics, the introduction of surf bathing on Sydney beaches, processions, pageants and mass celebrations, and new freedoms in fashion. http://www.hht.net.au/whats_on/exhibitions/exhibitions/edwardian_summer

Location: Corner Phillip and Bridge Streets, Sydney, NSW 2000
Contact: 02 9251 5988
Adult $10 I Child/Concession $5
Hours: Daily 9.30am — 5pm

Morpeth Bridge upgrade success

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Maitland City councillor Steve Procter hailed the RTA’s replacement of the timber deck, which closed the route early this month, as a link between the bridge’s heritage and the needs of modern motorists....more traffic will use the 1893-built Morpeth Bridge.

Full article by Briony Snedden available at Maitland Mercury, 28 Dec, 2010.

Convict road on world list

From the Maitland Mercury report:
The Hunter Valley can market itself as a gateway to a World Heritage Site after seven kilometres of the convict-built Great North Road were placed on the UNESCO list this year. The 220 kilometre road links Sydney to the Hunter Valley.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, 28 Dec, 2010. 

Century-old corn staddle saved again

From the Maitland Mercury report:
An iconic element of the Paterson area’s landscape has once again been saved.
A century-old corn staddle and nearby hearse shed, located at Tucker Park, will be restored thanks to a $10,000 funding boost through the Nationals Community Building Partnership Grants Program.

Full article by Emma Swain available at Maitland Mercury, 23 Dec, 2010.

Minister announces Australian Heritage Week 2011

On 10 December 2010 the federal Minister the Hon Tony Burke MP announced a new national celebration: Australian Heritage Week. Australian Heritage Week is a new annual national celebration of Australia's unique heritage which will run from Thursday 14 April until Wednesday 20 April 2011. This Week is an opportunity for all Australians to join together to celebrate our shared and special heritage.

Information on the Australian Heritage Week, how you can get involved and how you can register your heritage events is available from the Department's website at http://www.heritage.gov.au/