Uncategorized Archives – Page 13 of 40

2017 Christmas party

Host: Elizabeth Dossetor (Prof Elizabeth Elliott) HHT President: Alister Sharp (images Karen Presland)

David and Elizabeth Dossetor kindly hosted our annual Christmas party at their historic Jeanneret house. Their gracious family home is filled with Australian art and set in a beautiful garden. The house is said to have been a wedding present for CE Jeanneret’s youngest daughter Florence Hull. It shows the transition towards the Federation style with geometric woodwork trims and shingles.

We feel lucky to have such fantastic support from members who share our goal of protecting and celebrating heritage.

admin2017-12-14T16:11:52+11:00December 6, 2017|

wildlife protection in Boronia Park & Buffalo Creek reserve

Long neck turtle (Image: Species Survival Commission)

The Trust supports Council’s plans to declare Wildlife Protection Areas (WPAs) in Boronia Park and Buffalo Creek reserves. WPAs designated under the NSW Companion Animals Act 1998 allow for cats to be prohibited from key wildlife habitat areas.

Boronia Park and Buffalo Creek reserves are part of a regionally significant wildlife corridor along the Lane Cove River. We are lucky to have a variety of wildlife in our local bushland and appreciate the contribution that Council’s participation in regional programs provides in the protection of native fauna.

WPAs should assist in reducing harm and predation of native species, particularly our diminishing small birds and reptiles. You can read our letter about Wildlife Protection Areas here.

admin2017-12-06T16:42:42+11:00December 6, 2017|

cricket and wine DO mix!

Image: Holy Name of Mary Church archives

Next time you are watching a game of cricket being played on the grounds opposite St Joseph’s College on Gladesville Rd, Hunters Hill – close your eyes for a moment and picture the entire area covered in grape vines.

Over hundred years ago the Villa Maria Monastery had its own vineyards. They were principally for the manufacture of altar wine with a small quantity set aside for table wine for the use of the Villa Maria community. The quality of the table wine left a lot to be desired, although the 1874 vintage appears to have been exceptional.

It was reported ‘This year our wine has been wonderful, we have made 16 barrels of wine, and good stuff too.” The last recorded vintage was 1906.

admin2017-12-06T16:44:01+11:00December 1, 2017|

At home in our remnant bushland …

at Tarban Creek (Image Helen Temple)

A little bit of joyous news: This beautiful female echidna was spotted in Tarban Creek Reserve today – unbelievable but absolutely true.

It had been waddling across Gladesville Road. We think it might have a burrow and a youngster so did not try and move it. We just hope it doesn’t get hit by a car or attacked by a dog or cat.

Nature is a wonderful thing – I hope we can hang onto our beautiful remnant local bushland!

admin2017-12-20T13:26:24+11:00November 22, 2017|

SAVED: Parramatta Female Factory and Institutions Precinct

Female Factory, watercolour, Augusts Earle, 1826

On November 14th 2017, the Parramatta Female Factory and Institutions Precinct was included in the National Heritage List under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Its outstanding heritage value to the nation has been recognised because of the place’s:

importance in the course, or pattern, of Australia’s natural or cultural history
possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of Australia’s natural or cultural history
potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of Australia’s natural or cultural history.

Read more about this extraordinary site and what the Parra Girls have achieved for Australia.

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admin2017-11-24T21:41:59+11:00November 20, 2017|

help save Moore Park

Anzac Pde protestors, 2016 Image:ABC.net.au

In 1867, Moore Park was established by Charles Moore, the Mayor of Sydney City Council. Today the park is an essential part of Centennial Parklands. Known as the ‘People’s Park’ and ‘lungs of the city’, the park is of national significance.

In 2016, some of Sydney’s most magnificent heritage fig trees in Moore Park were senselessly destroyed to make way for the SE light rail project. A year later Moore Park is under threat again. This time from major redevelopment plans for Allianz Stadium.

Use this link: Saving Sydneys’s trees to send a message to your MP asking them to put pressure on the Premier to protect the Park. Then urge your friends to do the same.

admin2017-11-18T23:16:40+11:00November 18, 2017|

Figtree Chapel

Figtree Chapel just before demolition

When next visiting the Hunters Hill Hotel stroll across the road to the Moreton Bay fig tree and small garden opposite the shops. You’ll discover underneath the shade of the tree a sandstone plinth with a plaque. This marks the original entrance way to Figtree Chapel, the oldest public building in Hunters Hill, which was saved at the 11th hour from total destruction.

The sandstone church was relocated just down the road to Figtree Road, Hunters Hill where is resplendently stands today as St Mark’s Church. After it was moved, the congregation added stained glass windows and other traditional features which have enhanced this lovely and quaint church.

admin2017-11-15T16:36:15+11:00November 13, 2017|

Trees in Sydney’s north: new clearing rules

Image: Friends of the Urban Forest

NSW Government has introduced new tree clearing laws. What does it mean for the future of wildlife? What about our ever-shrinking tree canopy? You are invited to attend Total Environment Centre’s community forum: Trees in Sydney’s North.

Speakers: Jeff Angel TEC and Emily Ryan, Environment Defenders Office

When: 30 November, 6.30-8:30pm

Where: Cheltenham Recreation Club, 60-74 The Cres, Cheltenham

RSVP here

admin2017-11-08T17:03:06+11:00November 7, 2017|

Water Dragon strikes a pose

Image: Alister Sharp

Australian Water Dragons are out and about in Hunters Hill gardens this spring.

The recent drought conditions may be responsible for the visits from these dramatic creatures who are often seen in Brickmakers’ Creek in Boronia Park where there is usually ample flowing water, tree cover and basking sites. This one trecked 300 meters from the riverfront.

Water Dragons have been around for a really long time. Fossils found in Queensland show that this genus has existed in Australia for at least 20 million years. They grow to about 90cm in length and live on diet of insects as juveniles, becoming omnivorous as they mature, eating figs, crabs and vegetable matter. A female in captivity was still producing eggs at age 27.

Check the Australian Museum for more. Send us your images of wildlife in suburbia.

admin2017-11-04T16:48:37+11:00November 4, 2017|

plan to reduce water going back to the Murray Darling Basin

image: Sascha Healy

The Murray Darling Basin Authority is proposing to reduce the amount of water that is currently going back into the river environment. This will stop water recovery in its tracks and limit the environmental outcomes of the Murray Darling Plan.

To give birds, fish, frogs and trees a fair go, keep salinity in check so that the rivers water can be used, and keep the mouth of the Murray open, the plan needs to recover 3200GL of water to flow for the environment. If you have a minute, please sign the NSW Conservation Council’s submission before Friday 3rd November.

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admin2017-10-31T14:16:57+11:00October 30, 2017|

Preserving Our Heritage since 1968

The Hunters Hill Trust

The Hunters Hill Trust

Preserving Our Heritage since 1968