HERITAGE TASMANIAN HERITAGE COUNCIL April 2009

103 Macquarie St, . Photography: Stewart Wells

Boost for World Heritage nomination of Australian convict sites “The progress of the nomination reflects the huge amount of work done to date by state and territory The Australian Government’s nomination of the Australian governments, property managers and local Convict Sites to the World Heritage List has received a communities. I congratulate everyone who has been significant boost with formal notification that the involved. nomination will be assessed this year. “The places included in the serial nomination are a Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett said it was tangible record of one of the greatest penal good news that ’s nomination was progressing to experiments in history—the transportation of more than the next stage of the process and a step closer to a 166,000 men, women children to a vast and relatively decision. unknown land,” Mr Garrett said. “The World Heritage Centre has advised that the The Australian Convict Sites are: nomination will be forwarded to the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) for evaluation," he Tasmania: Port Arthur Historic Site and Coal Mines said. “An initial assessment of the nomination will now take Historic Site (Tasman Peninsula), Cascades Female place, followed by an ICOMOS mission later in the year to Factory (Hobart), Darlington Probation Station (Maria assess the 11 sites included in the serial nomination. It is Island), and Brickendon–Woolmers Estates (near expected the assessment will be provided to the World Longford). Heritage Committee for a final decision in 2010. New South Wales: Old Government House and Domain (Parramatta), Hyde Park Barracks (Sydney), Cockatoo Island Convict Site (Sydney) and Old Great North Road (near Wiseman’s Ferry). Norfolk Island: Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area. Western Australia: Fremantle Prison. These sites are already included in the National Heritage List and protected under the Environment

Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

The Tasmanian Minister for Environment, Parks, Heritage and the Arts, Michelle O’Byrne, welcomed the news, saying this is an important step towards international recognition of Australia’s convict heritage. C Cascades Female Factory Wall. Photography: Den Robin

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, PARKS HERITAGE AND THE ARTS

GPO BOX 1751, HOBART TAS 7001 PHONE: 1300 850 332 (local call cost) | FAX: 6233 3186 | EMAIL: [email protected] www.heritage.tas.gov.au

HERITAGE NEWS

“It is extremely pleasing to reach this milestone and move • It is possible that the grave of gunner Boucher closer to a prestigious World Heritage listing for our special may be located to the south of the headland where convict places,” Ms O’Byrne said. the observatory of the Esperance was located. “Like those of the other states and territories represented in the nomination, Tasmania’s convict journey is a fascinating and very human tale. It is ultimately a tale of survival under extreme conditions and one that is deserving of the world’s highest heritage honour.’’ For more information visit www.heritage.gov.au

Recherche Bay and Adventure Bay: Proposed new registration on Tasmanian Heritage Register A new entry to the Tasmanian Heritage Register is being proposed drawing together sites at Recherche Bay and Adventure Bay associated with the d’Entrecasteux expeditons to the area in 1792 and 1793. Site of the Recherche Bay observatory. Photography: Heritage Tasmania The entry will combine a number of nominations received since 2003, current entries in the register and the expert evidence provided in the 2007 archaeological report of the The new entry will replace the current entries in the area by Dr Jean-Christophe Galipaud. Heritage Register associated with places visited by the French Expedition: The Tasmanian Heritage Council has completed an • assessment of the area and wants to list a number of ‘North East Peninsula Recherche Bay Heritage properties at Recherche Bay and Adventure Bay in the Area’; Tasmanian Heritage Register as a single entry. • ‘La Haie’s Botanical Garden’ (North-East Peninsula); The international research project led by Dr Jean- • Christophe Galipaud was an important step in helping to ‘Observatory’ (North-East Peninsula); and understand the locations and significance of the French • ‘Historic Cultural Heritage Layers of expeditions of 1792 and 1793. East’ (eastern shores of Rocky Bay). Dr Galipaud’s report provides the basis of the proposed Community consultation with property owners is single entry. underway. The Heritage Council will consider all submissions before reaching its decision on whether The main findings of the report are: to provisionally enter the place in the register. • The geophysical and archaeological study of the area Further information can be found at the Heritage around the stone feature on the North-East Peninsula Tasmania website at www.heritage.tas.gov.au . as well as the soil sampling strategy and the close observation of the 1792-1793 maps of the area suggest that the stone structure found in 2003 is not the garden of Delahaye. Hydro Tasmania’s cultural heritage • The actual 1792 French garden is believed to be newsletter located approximately 70-100 metres to the south- To stay up to date about Hydro Tasmania’s Cultural east of the stone structure, and 50 metres to the Heritage Program have a look at the latest newsletter south of the charted garden position. available at: www.hydro.com.au . • The stone structure found in 2003 is likely to be an uncompleted structure associated with the milling industry in the area at the turn of the 20 th century. • Geophysical surveys indicate a series of subsurface anomalies at the location of the 1793 Recherche forge and shore facilities at Motts Beach, possibly attributable to the marks of a small boat launch at the camp of the French expedition.

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Launceston Fire Station listed The heritage of the Launceston Fire Station and its art deco features have been protected for current and The impressive Launceston Fire Station has been future generations through its inclusion on the permanently entered on the Heritage Register. Tasmanian Heritage Register. The Launceston Fire Station is a distinctive part of the

Paterson Street streetscape and has been the home of the Launceston Fire Brigade since 1910. Open Doors Heritage Tasmania is again hosting Open Doors as part of the Tasmanian Heritage Festival. This event is in its second year and provides Tasmanians and visitors with an opportunity to learn more about our historic heritage. This year’s Open Doors supports the festival theme of ‘Water: Our Island’s Lifeforce’ and the role water has played in shaping our communities and identity. Sites on the east and west coasts are included along with activities in the greater Hobart area. The program features tours covering the historic aspects of the Hobart water supply on Mount Launceston Fire Station. Photography: Kim Simpson Wellington, the importance of the Hobart rivulet and the The façade was only recently discovered. Heritage harbour in the development of Hobart; and a behind the Tasmania research officer Kim Simpson explains that an scenes look at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. art deco façade constructed during a major upgrade in 1938 was found just a few years ago. “In the early 1990s, A number of heritage the 1950s façade was removed to reveal the 1938 works places are open, still intact,” Kim said. including: Lisdillon Saltworks on the East “More recently a renovation and upgrade of the fire station Coast; Strahan Customs in 1998 returned its 1938 façade and other aspects of the House and Bond Store on building to its former glory. Of particular interest in the the West Coast; Kangaroo mess room is the art deco fireplace, internal joinery Bluff Battery, Bellerive; the (including picture rails), honour board and caneite ceiling. West Hobart Reservoir; “There are many other original features in the station, and the old Carlton post including an original ceiling in the main engine garage office on the Carlton River. which still displays the large wooden beams with herring- Bookings are essential for bone bracing between exposed floor joints,” Kim said. many of the activities. The upgrade also included the installation of high tech For further information, doors with clear panels to enable the public to view the fire including the program and booking information visit trucks and equipment. Heritage Tasmania’s website at www.heritage.tas.gov.au or phone 1300 850 332. “What makes buildings like the Launceston Fire Station unique is that they are constructed with preparedness always in mind, including 24 hour live-in areas,” Kim said. Signposts “In the past the Launceston Fire Station included accommodation for management and their families. A group of young Tasmanian artists explore the importance placed on heritage significance in a new “The overriding feature of the Launceston Fire Station is exhibition. the ongoing community service provided by Launceston Fire Station staff and the culture of pride in their workplace On display for three weeks at the Landscape Gallery, and history.” Hobart, the exhibition brings together textile artist

Heritage Bulletin April 2009 3 HERITAGE NEWS

Penny Malone and photographers Renee Hodskiss, Travis Parliament Square public exhibition Tiddy and Stewart Wells. A public exhibition of the short listed design concepts For Renee Hodskiss, the exhibition provides a chance to for the parliament square site is now open. take a step back to admire the beauty and recognise the Mr Aird said the exhibition is part of the consultation historical significance of Tasmania’s heritage buildings, process being conducted as part of the three stage sites and landscapes. divestment of parliament square . “Every day we are surrounded by Tasmanian history, but it The exhibition will be open to the public for six weeks is not every day that we take a step back to admire their until 3 June 2009. beauty,” Ms Hodskiss said. “Public feedback on how each design concept Travis Tiddy takes one step further, exploring the way responds to the project's design principles will be used to help the evaluation panel assess the tender Tasmanians interact with “bad or neglected history”. proposals and select a preferred developer,” Mr Aird “Everyone loves a shipwreck, but no one ever intended it said. to happen. Historic towns, buildings and industrial sites “The Hobart waterfront should be a meeting place for can provide examples of similar accidents,” Mr Tiddy said.” the Tasmanian community with a greater emphasis A similar line of enquiry was taken by photographer on public amenity, public utility and public Stewart Wells. thoroughfare. “The public, commercial and cultural space should co- exist and complement each other.” Mr Aird said the Government’s requirements of prospective developers for the parliament square site have been stringent. “The Government wants the heritage buildings restored early in the redevelopment, improved public access and amenity and enhanced functionality for Parliament House,” he said. Mr Aird said the parliament square site will enhance Tasmania’s reputation as one of Australia’s most liveable and unique regions. “The project offers the opportunity to balance the past Old Bridport jetty. Photography: Renee Hodskiss with the future,” he said. “My approach was to look at how we as Tasmanians have “The Government recognises the redevelopment of let some of our heritage buildings fall beyond our ability to parliament square has to be sufficiently commercially restore, either financially or structurally,” Mr Wells said. viable to allow for restoration of the heritage buildings “Through choice or ignorance we have damaged, in some and revitalisation of the site. cases already beyond restoration, our unique and diverse “An exhibition feedback report analysing the Tasmanian heritage, converting it into a mere commodity.” community’s response will be made publicly available.” Penny Malone uses photography, graphic design and hand printed patterns to describe and celebrate Mr Aird said he expected a preferred developer would Tasmania’s modern heritage. be announced in mid 2009. “Without disowning the colonial or federation periods I More information about the exhibition is available on the website hope that my works draw attention to more recent times www.treasury.tas.gov.au/parliamentsquare . and to the notion that what we design and create and surround ourselves with today will in turn translate to future heritage,” Ms Malone said. Signposts: A portrait of Tasmania’s historic heritage is on display at the Landscape Gallery, IXL Courtyard, 1/23 Hunter Street, Hobart from 10-5pm daily. Admission is

free.

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Heritage Conservation Funding program opens DIARY NOTES The latest grant round provided through the Heritage Tasmanian Heritage Festival - Water: Our Conservation Funding Program has opened. Island’s Lifeforce The Heritage Conservation Funding Program is funded by 1 – 31 May 2009 the Tasmanian Government and is administered by the Statewide Tasmanian Heritage Council. Water in all its dimensions is the theme for the Heritage Chairperson of the Tasmanian Heritage Council, Michael Festival 2009. There are almost 100 events on offer Lynch, said the program provides funding for owners of including tours of boats, historic gardens, natural heritage listed properties to undertake urgent and essential heritage areas, wild rivers, and historic heritage places; works. films about lighthouse keepers, regattas, the fishing “Urgent and essential works are works which are industry and shipwrecks; talks on longitude; and necessary to prevent major and irreversible loss or further exhibitions and theatrical events. All celebrate the way degradation of the heritage values of a place listed on the wild and tamed rivers and the sea have shaped our Tasmanian Heritage Register,” Mr Lynch said. Tasmanian way of life. “The program provides a maximum grant of $25,000 which Festival programs are available from the National Trust is available as a one-third contribution of the total project of Australia (Tasmania) by calling 63446233 or visiting cost.” the Trust’s webpage at www.nationaltrusttas.org.au A total of $100,000 is available in this funding-round. “I strongly recommend that interested applicants seek Signposts: a portrait of Tasmania’s historic advice and assistance from Heritage Tasmania prior to heritage submitting their application form so that they have the best 9-24 May 2009 opportunity of being successful in getting funding,” Mr Lynch said. At the Landscape Gallery, IXL Courtyard, 1/23 Hunter Street, Hobart Applications for works already commenced or completed This exhibition includes the photographic works of three will not be accepted. Further information and application young Tasmanian photographers, Travis Tiddy, Renee forms are available from Heritage Tasmania at Hodskiss and Stewart Wells, as they explore www.heritage.tas.gov.au , by telephoning on 1300 850 332 Tasmania’s historic heritage. Penny Malone’s textile or via email at [email protected] . artwork will also be displayed to describe and celebrate Applications must be lodged by the close of business 22 Tasmania’s modern heritage. May 2009. Open Doors Fax and email applications will not be accepted. 30-31 May 2009 Dr Edward Hall environment awards Various locations

The Hobart City Council Dr Edward Hall Environment Participate in this year’s Open Doors program and Awards are now open. learn more Hobart’s historic water supply system from The awards were established in 1998 to encourage the the 1831 water diversion above the Springs on Mt protection and enhancement of the Hobart environment. Wellington, to the West Hobart reservoir. Hear how the Southern Tasmanian primary schools, secondary schools, Hobart rivulet and harbour influenced the development community groups and other organisations undertaking a of Hobart, have a behind the scenes look at the project between 27 September 2008 to 25 September Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, visit the Lisdillon 2009 are eligible to apply. Saltworks by the sea, drop into the Strahan Customs House and Bond Store, or visit the old Carlton Post The wide scope of projects includes (but is not limited to) Office on the Carlton River. waste and recycling, energy, water, building design, alternative transport, landscaping, paper and purchasing. For details, including booking information, visit Heritage Tasmania’s website or phone 1300 850 332 For further information visit the Hobart City Council’s after 1 May 2009. website at www.hobartcity.com.au , telephone 6238 2989 or email [email protected] . Entries close on 25 September 2009.

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Islands of Memory: Navigating personal and public history 17-20 September 2009 Launceston The national conference of the Oral History Association of Australia in Launceston will feature keynote speaker Richard Whiteing of Robben Island Museum, South Africa who will speak on 'Remembering Nelson Mandela on Robben Island'. Christobel Mattingley, Alison Alexander and Gwenda Beed Davey will be among 54 other speakers over four days. Full details and registration at www.qvmag.tas.gov.au/oralhistoryconference Earlybird registrations close June 30.

Launceston Historical Society Last Tuesday of every month (except December) Elm Tree Café, Cnr of Charles and Cimitiere St, Launceston

The LHS has established an archaeology committee to focus on archaeological projects in Launceston and surrounding areas. Members may assist with archaeological excavations and will identify possible sites to shed more light on Launceston’s early history. For further information email [email protected] .

If you would like to contribute information, advertise an upcoming event, subscribe to receive this bulletin via email, or cancel your subscription, please contact Robyn Shaw (Communications Co-ordinator) on 6233 2067 or email [email protected]

Please ensure all submissions for inclusion in the e-bulletin are forwarded to Robyn Shaw by the 1st Friday of every month for publication by the 3rd Wednesday of every month.

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