The Priory, 1857 (image Sardaka)

The Hunters Hill Trust is a community organisation with 50 years proud history of helping to preserve the unique heritage of Australia’s oldest garden suburb.  The Trust was formed in 1968 when it was the site of the world’s first green bans.  We worked alongside others to preserve public lands around Sydney Harbour, including Kelly’s Bush and the Sydney Harbour Defence Lands.

The Trust has more than 300 members.  We contribute to various community forums and organisations.

• Council’s Conservation Advisory Panel (CAP):  Tony Coote
• Bushland Management Committee:  Brigid Dowsett
• Sustainability & Biodiversity Advisory Committee:  Brigid Dowsett
• Traffic Committee: Alister Sharp.

Hunters Hill Trust office bearers

Over the  past 50 years, many good people have contributed their time, energy and expertise to protect our built and natural heritage.  Here is a list of people who have been President, Treasurer or Secretary during this time.

Wallumatagal, traditional custodians

Wallumatagal well, pre-European settlement (Image: Len Condon)

Hunters Hill Trust acknowledges the traditional custodians of Hunters Hill and shows respect to Elders past and present.

The Wallumatagal were custodians of this part of Sydney for thousands of years. The northern side of the Parramatta river, now known as Hunters Hill and Ryde, was called Wallumatta. There is extensive evidence of the lives of the Wallumattagal, especially along the foreshores. There are 51 registered archaeological sites in Hunters Hill that include axe-grinding grooves, rock engravings, hand stencils, middens, shelters with art, burial sites and wells.

By the 1830s when the first European settlers came to the area, large numbers of the Wallumatagal people had died from smallpox or been driven from their land.

Flora and Fauna

coastal banksia Image: saveourwaterwaysnow

powerful owl image: ABC.net

There are 35 hectares of bushland in the Hunters Hill area which is home to 82 different species of wildlife.

More than 200 plant species have been recorded and many are now locally and regionally scarce due to urban development. Hunters Hill Trust is committed to protecting green spaces and the plants that provide the habitat that is essential for native animals.