Xstrata Field Day May 2009
The Hunter Heritage Network was established in 1999 as a forum for people working in government and the private sector to exchange ideas and information about heritage management and conservation practise in the Hunter region. Our organisation is now incorporated with over 50 members drawn from local councils, state government, the education sector, and private enterprise including architectural, planning, archaeology and engineering consultants. In late 2009 we turn 10 and we are very proud of this achievement…the energy and enthusiasm of our members make it happen and keep us going strong!
Our aim is to improve outcomes for heritage conservation in the Hunter region by empowering our members and building capacity so that contributions and initiatives are based on best practice, are strong, dynamic and effective. We do this by exchanging ideas, sharing information and expertise, and learning from each other and experts in the field of heritage conservation and the built environment.
Chris Bart, Sarah Cameron and the guys from Xstrata at Ravensworth May 2009
We also link with other organisations such as the University of Newcastle and the Hunter Institute of TAFE to ensure our network benefits from new ideas and ways of thinking.
Members are entitled to attend three training seminars each year and to attend events we organise, such as field excursions around the Hunter and across the state. There are four categories of membership available – Councils; corporate organisations; government agencies; and individual membership.
Councils are entitled to have 4 representatives at each seminar, representing excellent value for money and ensuring on-going skills development within local government to adequately manage heritage in their areas.
We are funded through an annual grant under the NSW Heritage grants program administered by the NSW Department of Planning Heritage Branch and by membership subscriptions. We receive no other government funding and rely on the volunteer efforts of our members to carry out our activities. The seminars are hosted by councils thoughout the region on a rotational basis.
Field Days are a place for meeting, inspiring & learning
As an incorporated body we hold an AGM and an annual Committee of Management meeting. The Public Officer is responsible for ensuring compliance with the NSW Department of Fair Trading requirements. The office bearers are elected by the members at the AGM, and they volunteer their time towards making our network the wonderful resource it is. If you would like to be involved in the running of our Network – or if you wish to nominate for a Board position, please contact our current President, Sarah Cameron, at scameron@ncc.nsw.gov.au. For more information on memberships, please contact Michelle Hoffman rainbow118@hunterlink.net.au
Seminars are broad ranging but are targeted towards real training outcomes in heritage conservation. The Planning Institute of Australia (NSW Division) recognises the seminars as training relevant to town planners. These members earn credit points for accreditation.
The Kitchen wing at the Ravensworth homestead - south east elevation
Our members have expertise in many
areas including :
Architecture
Adaptive reuse of heritage buildings
Engineering and conservation geology
Conservation of timber road bridges
Rural and farming conservation
Economics and heritage
Materials science
Museum management and small keeping places
Urban design
Industrial history and archaeology
Indigenous heritage
Local history
Our supporters:
NSW Heritage Branch Department of Planning
Planning Institute of Australia
