hht ar2001 final qxd - sydney living museums...bush lives:bush futuresand terre napoleon34 117...

1

Contents

Chairman’s letter to the MinisterChairman and Director’s reportPerformance indicators Highs and lows Organisation chart Corporate governancePeople AudienceInterpretationManagement ConservationRevenue Properties– Elizabeth Bay House– Elizabeth Farm– Government House– Hyde Park Barracks Museum– Justice & Police Museum– Meroogal the women’s history place– Museum of Sydney

on the site of first Government House– Rose Seidler House– Rouse Hill estate– Susannah Place Museum– Vaucluse House – The MintFinance contents Appendices contentsIndex

2348

11121416182021222324262830323436

3840424446476979

2

Dear Premier

In accordance with the requirement for the Annual Report (Statutory Bodies) Act 1984, I have pleasure in submitting to you the Annual Report for the Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales for the year ended 30 June 2001 for presentation to Parliament.

Yours sincerely

Jack Mundey AOChairmanHistoric Houses Trust of New South Wales

1 July 2001

The Hon Bob Carr MPPremier, Minister for the Arts and Minister for CitizenshipParliament HouseMacquarie StreetSydney NSW 2000

3

Chairman and Director’s Report

Thank heavens forJack Mundey – shouldbe more like him. B&K Sterling, Altona, Victoria, March2001, following a visit to SusannahPlace Museum saved from demolition byJack Mundey and the BLF Green Bansin the 1970s.

What a year it has been for the Trust! After years of ourhead office staff being scattered across seven propertieswe finally have a resolution to our office difficulties. TheTrust was granted $13.8 million in the state budget toconserve the historic industrial buildings behind The Mint inMacquarie Street to house our Library and ConservationResource Centre (which will be open for public use) andprovide head office accommodation. Although the projectwill take four years to complete we are thrilled at thepossibility of finally having our operations centralised andour Conservation Resource Centre collection on show.

This good news, coupled with our 21st birthdaycelebrations, ended the year with a bang. We celebratedour birthday with free entry to our 11 properties and werestaggered by the public’s support: over 27 000 peopleflocked to the properties to help us celebrate.

As we travelled between the museums we met people fromall over New South Wales taking in the experience not justof one or two of our museums but using the opportunity tovisit five or six of our properties with friends and families.

We have had a lot to celebrate this year including the manyachievements detailed throughout this report.

The work we undertake achieves two very importantoutcomes: the tangible outcome of the conservation of 13different, sometimes rare and fragile sites for current andfuture generations, and the more intangible outcome whichis the interpretation of these unique sites for the enjoyment

and pleasure of the public. With these outcomes weendeavour to impart knowledge, spark interest, introducenew ideas, and contribute to community debates usingthese significant places as the catalyst to understand notjust the past but the present and the future.

The heritage significance of our properties means that theyare listed on the Register of the National Estate, the NSWState Heritage Inventory and in the heritage schedules ofLocal Environment Plans. It is our duty as the custodian toensure that the heritage values are upheld.

Our achievements this year are a result of the support ofthe state government through the Premier and Minister forthe Arts, The Hon Bob Carr MP; the Minister Assisting theMinister for the Arts, The Hon Bob Debus MP and theMinistry for the Arts.

We are grateful for the support, dedication and hard workof our Trustees, staff, volunteers, members, Foundation,sponsors and donors who allow us to fulfil our pledge, tothe public, of conservation, interpretation and research.

Trust Director Peter Watts, Premier The Hon Bob Carr MP and Trust Chairman Jack Mundey cut the 21st birthday cake at Government House. Photograph Jom | Peter Watts and Jack Mundey at The Mint. Photograph Jenni Carter.

Jack Mundey AOChairman

Peter WattsDirector

Properties of theHistoric Houses Trust1980Vaucluse House, Elizabeth BayHouse

1984Elizabeth Farm, Lyndhurst

1985Meroogalthe women’s history place

1987Rouse Hill estate

1988Rose Seidler House

1990Hyde Park Barracks Museum,Justice & Police Museum,Museum of Sydney on the site offirst Government House, Susannah Place Museum

1996Government House

1998The Mint

Collection

Number of objects acquired

2000–20011999–2000

Sixty-seven objects were purchased for the collection (twoof these 67 objects consist of many individual objects) and47 objects were donated to the collection.

Total number of objects in the collection

2000–20011999–2000

The total number of objects in the collection has grown bymore than the 114 objects acquired this year because thecollection is being progressively catalogued. These figuresexclude the major archaeological collections at the HydePark Barracks Museum (approximately 60 000) and theMuseum of Sydney (approximately 1.5 million).

Value of the collection

2000–20011999–2000

Finances

Total Revenue

2000–2001 – $19 082 0001999–2000 – $17 498 000

Total Expenses

2000–2001 – $18 894 0001999–2000 – $19 563 000

Total Assets

2000–2001 – $122 856 0001999–2000 – $79 850 000

Assets increased by 54% due to the value of GovernmentHouse being added to the Trust’s portfolio.

Total Liabilities

2000–2001 – $2 203 0001999–2000 – $1 883 000

4

Performance indicatorsGate (detail) Government House. Photograph Ray Joyce | Susannah Place Shop. Photograph Ross Heathcote | Dancing at the House, Sydneysiders display,Museum of Sydney. Photograph Lorrie Graham.

I would like to take thetime to congratulatethe Historic HousesTrust for their 21stbirthday. They do areally fantastic job…they also put onwonderful exhibitions.Michael Reed, 702 ABC art critic duringthe live to air 21st birthday broadcast ofthe Simon Marnie show.

214114

47 58848 093

$14 782 000$14 840 000

Management

Number of employees

2000–2001 – 146.91999–2000 – 153.3

Figures based on Equivalent Full Time (EFT) includepermanent, temporary and casual employees. Figuresreported differently to last year to standardise Ministry forthe Arts wide staff statistic reporting.

Properties

2000–2001

Properties managedProperties open to the public

1999–2000

Properties managedProperties open to the public

1213

1213

Visitor inquiries

Library inquiries

2000–2001 – 12571999–2000 – 1120

Website hits

2000–2001 – 1 411 0851999–2000 – 782 930

Website visitors

33 438

Website statistics recorded in future years will be based onthe number of visitors to the site, a more reliable industrystandard performance indicator.

Profile

Media coverage

2000–2001 54 751 column centimetres which represents 25.6 broadsheet pages.

1999–200070 986 column centimetres which represents 33.2 pages of broadsheet pages

As these statistics only calculate print media coverage, a newmeasurement system will be introduced next year that is thecurrent industry standard. The new system is a betterindicator of performance as it measures print, radio, televisionand internet media coverage. It will also measure theeffectiveness of the coverage in reaching targeted audiences.

Regional exhibitions

Touring exhibitions to regional New South Wales

2000–20011999–2000

Total number of days touring exhibitions were open to the public

2000–20011999–2000

Publications

Number of major publications

2000–20011999–2000

Exhibitions

Exhibitions opened

2000–20011999–2000

Total number of days exhibitions were open to the public

2000–20011999–2000

5Watercolour design of an allegorical representation of New South Wales as Commerce, 1888, Augusto Lorenzini, Conservation Resource Centre collection | AuroraPlace, Sydney Open 2000. Photograph courtesy of Lend Lease Development | New Foundation donors with the Governor of New South Wales, Professor MarieBashir AC. Photograph Tracey Schramm | School holiday program.

Public programs

Public programs held

2000–20011999–2000

45

119

11251152

204196

23

248275

6

Performance indicators continued

Fred Hughes former Susannah Place resident of Number 58 from 1915 to 1928 | Judy and Tony MacDonald of Kaleno, Cobar, Bush Lives:Bush Futures touringexhibition. Photograph Lindy Kerr | Festival of the Olive, Elizabeth Farm. Photograph Jom.

Visitor numbers2000–2001

GENERAL ADMISSIONS

Paid admissiongeneral public 138 738education 38 448public programs 35 718venue hire 42 386Subtotal 255 290

Free entrycomplimentary tickets 38 792Government House 94 394other (includes site visits, cafes, shops, 596 607public sculptures and a percentage of people visiting the parklands and beach paddock at Vaucluse House)Subtotal 729 793

Touring exhibitionsBush Lives:Bush Futures 39 619Meroogal Women’s Art Prize 225Tea Cosy (numbers not recorded) 0Subtotal 39 844

TOTAL 1 024 927

GROUNDS

Through trafficHyde Park Barracks Museum forecourt 485 189First Government House Place – Museum of Sydney 477 900Vaucluse House – parklands and beach paddock 4700

TOTAL 967 789

GRAND TOTAL 1 992 716

1999–2000

GENERAL ADMISSIONS

Paid admissiongeneral public 153 570education 42 707public programs 31 744venue hire 44 376Subtotal 272 397

Free entrycomplimentary tickets 29 935Government House 83 588other (includes site visits, cafes, shops, 497 181public sculptures and a percentage of people visiting the parklands and beach paddock at Vaucluse House)Subtotal 610 704

Touring exhibitionsBush Lives:Bush Futures and Terre Napoleon 34 117Subtotal 34 117

TOTAL 917 218

GROUNDS

Through trafficHyde Park Barracks Museum forecourt 497 089First Government House Place – Museum of Sydney 319 516Vaucluse House – parklands and beach paddock 4330

TOTAL 820 935

GRAND TOTAL 1 738 153

An overall increase of 15% which can be attributed to anincrease in general admissions of 12% and an increase of18% in grounds admissions. However, paid admissiondropped by 6%.

2000–2001

1999–2000

Visitor informationAudience residence profile4

2000–2001

domestic international

1999–2000

domestic international

Audience age profile5

under 2526 to 4546 to 65over 65

Audience satisfaction5

liked the visit a lotliked their visit a littlewere neutral

Did they learn anything new5

yes, a lotyes, a littleno

4 Last year’s figures were calculated from research conducted by frontof house staff. This year visitor research was conducted by acontracted market research company.

5 Information resulting from market research conducted at eachproperty. Figures do not add up to 100% as not all peopleresearched answered all questions. This research will be continued inthe coming years.

7Susannah Place Museum. Photograph Ray Joyce | Justice & Police Museum | Lament for a Lovely (cover), 1956, published by Howitz Publications Inc, Sydney, courtesyof the Stuart Coupe collection. Hard Boiled! exhibition, Justice & Police Museum | Centennial Park Image, Portrait of a Park display, Museum of Sydney. PhotographWendy McDougall.

30%70%

27%73%

Visitor numbers1

2000–2001

admission – general – 1 024 927admission – grounds only 967 7892

admission grand total 1 992 716

1999–20003

admission – general – 917 218admission – grounds only 820 9352

admission grand total 1 738 153

1 Figures are reported differently to previous years. Visitors to cafes,grounds including public sculptures, beach paddock at VaucluseHouse and shops have been calculated into the general total as thereis a cost in maintaining these resources.

2 Grounds figures are as accurate as possible, calculations are basedon estimated numbers.

3 Figures for the year 1999–2000 have been expressed differently tolast year’s report (see note 1).

36% 15%

10% 38%

7% 90%

1%

23% 74%

1%

8

Highs and lows

Congratulations to youall! The organisationwas indeed excellentfrom the sponsor’sside – your team ran amost professionalshow. It was a delightto work with you. Virginia Haussegger, for the AuroraPlace Project by Lend Lease, sponsor of Sydney Open 2000.

HighsConservation The major highlight for this year was the $13.8 millionallocated in the state budget for the conservation of theindustrial buildings at the rear of The Mint. These industrialstructures are amongst the most important in the country.They were imported from the United Kingdom in 1854 tobuild a branch of the Royal Mint and they used the latestcast iron technology. The Trust will conserve theseremarkable buildings and give them a new andcontemporary use, housing the Trust’s head office and itsimportant Library and Conservation Resource Centrecollections, and open them to the public.

The Hyde Park Barracks Museum roof was re-shingled,ensuring that this significant heritage building is maintainedin pristine condition.

The state government announced the funding and timetablefor the deviation of Windsor Road away from Rouse Hillestate following a commitment made by the Premier, TheHon Bob Carr MP, in May 1999, at the opening of RouseHill estate. This will mean that the current traffic noise andaccess difficulties will be largely eliminated.

Several of the State Rooms at Government House wereredecorated including the painstaking reproduction of thecomplex 1870s stencilled decoration of the ballroom.

A Garden Masterplan was adopted for Government Houseand work commenced on its long-term implementation. Thisinvolved the first extensive analysis of the history of thegarden. Plans were developed for a competition which willbe held next year to create a new garden to commemoratethe Centenary of Federation.

ManagementAs the current corporate plan cycle ends this financial year,a new plan was devised for the years 2001–2006. The newcorporate plan process was a collaborative one between staffand Trustees and identified directions for the organisationand new internal management reporting systems.

Burmese Convicts c1885 (detail), Convicts exhibition, Hyde Park Barracks Museum. Photograph courtesy of the Pitt Rivers Museum, University of Oxford | Paintingtitled Morning Bathers c1928 (detail) by Frederick W Leist, a gift to the Wollongong City Gallery from Bob Sredersas, Sydney Harbour exhibition, Museum ofSydney | Painting titled Tomatoes in Bowl, Charlotte Thodey, Kitchen Garden Festival, Vaucluse House. Photograph Jenni Carter.

InterpretationA new public program Out of the Woodwork at Rouse Hillestate was added to the major events schedule. It attractedover 2500 people over two days.

Nine exhibitions were held during the year:■ Elizabeth Bay HouseMagical Golland Augusto Lorenzini: Italian Artist Decorator ■ Hyde Park Barracks MuseumConvicts■ Justice & Police MuseumCrime Scene: Scientific Investigation Bureau Archives1945–1960Hard Boiled! the detective in popular culture ■ Museum of Sydney on the site of first Government HouseSydney SuburbSydney HarbourSydney@FederationBy Water: from the personal collection of Kerry Stokes

Three displays were generated, two of Australianphotography at the Museum of Sydney, Sydneysiders byLorrie Graham and Portrait of a Park by Brendan Readand Wendy McDougall, and one display of objects FiftyYears of Good Design at Rose Seidler House.

Five major books and 21 research papers were published.Major publications produced were:

■ Sydney: metropolis suburb harbour Peter Emmett■ Elizabeth Bay House: A History and Guide Scott Carlin■ Edge of the Trees Editor Dinah Dysart■ Augusto Lorenzini: Italian Artist Decorator in VictorianSydney Scott Carlin & Megan Martin■ Debating the City: An Anthology Editors JenniferBarrett & Caroline Butler-Bowdon

Forty-two schools education programs, across allproperties, were offered and attracted over 38 000students.

9

RevenueRevenue increased by 9% made up of a 7% increase ingovernment funding and an 8% increase in earned income.Expenditure decreased by 3.4% and the Trust ended theyear with a surplus of $173 000.

21st birthdayThe Trust officially turned 21 on 1 July 2001, 27 000people took up the invitation to celebrate the birthday whenit opened its museums free to the public on the birthdayweekend 30 June–1 July 2001. This was without doubtone of the major highlights of the year.

The birthday gift to the Trust from the Foundation for theHistoric House Trust of New South Wales, chaired by MrsJill Wran, was the establishment of a new fundraisingappeal, Millennium Fund. The fund was launched by thePremier and has a target of $3 million to be raised in thenext three years. Pledges totalling $580 000 have beensecured to date. Half of the monies raised will be placedinto an Endangered Houses Fund which will be used toconserve buildings under threat using the Trust’s expertiseto solve the problem, provide the appropriate heritagecaveats and return ownership to the community, thusprotecting the building without the burden of long-termTrust ownership and funding.

AudienceAudiences to Trust properties continued to grow despite ashortfall in paid visitors during September and October2000 as a result of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

This year the Trust undertook an extensive program ofmarket research to provide more accurate demographicdetails of visitors and qualitative research about visitorexperiences. This research showed that the Trust has beenattracting younger audiences whilst managing to retain itscore audiences. The research has also been helpful in thedecision to focus the interpretation of the Hyde ParkBarracks Museum on its convict history.

Awards■ Festival of the Olive – Elizabeth Farm – Tourism Awardfor Festival and Special Events in Western Sydney■ Kitchen Garden reinstatement – Vaucluse House –Woollahra Council Conservation Award ■ Sydney Open 2000 – EnergyAustralia National TrustHeritage Award 2001 for the category Tourism■ Sydney: metropolis suburb harbour Peter Emmett(publication) – EnergyAustralia National Trust HeritageAward 2001 for the category Print■ Whose Place is it Anyway? A Teacher’s Resource Kit –EnergyAustralia National Trust Heritage Award 2001Commendation for the category Education ■ Kitchen Garden Festival – Vaucluse House –EnergyAustralia National Trust Heritage Award 2001Commendation for the category Tourism ■ Elizabeth Bay House: A History and Guide Scott Carlin(publication) – EnergyAustralia National Trust HeritageAward 2001 Commendation for the category Print ■ Festival of the Olive – Finalist 2001 New South WalesTourism Awards for Business Excellence in the categorySignificant Regional Festivals and Special Events. (Winnerswill be announced in July 2001)■ Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales – Finalist2001 New South Wales Tourism Awards for BusinessExcellence in the category Heritage and Cultural Tourism.(Winners will be announced in July 2001.)

Centenary of FederationA major exhibition in collaboration with the Sydney Festivalfor the Centenary of Federation – Sydney@Federation –was opened at the Museum of Sydney. The exhibitionexamined the architectural and social issues facing Sydneyat the time of Federation and juxtaposed it with modernSydney. The exhibition attracted large audiences in Januaryand large school audiences during the first two school terms.

Three of the ten Barton Lectures broadcast on ABC RadioNational were hosted by the Trust – two held at GovernmentHouse and one held at the Museum of Sydney.

Twenty-one years ago: Trustees Clive Lucas OBE and Richard Rowe and The Hon Neville Wran QC MP and Mrs Jill Wran and Trustees Dr Peter Stanbury (firstChair) and Helen Halse Rogers OBE | Photograph titled Nipper Training 3, Coogee Beach, Sydneysiders display, Museum of Sydney. Photograph Lorrie Graham |Flamenco dancers, Festival of the Olive, Elizabeth Farm. Photograph Jom.

10

Government House, in collaboration with the AustralianaSociety, hosted a conference, Australia beforeFederation, which explored the manner in which artists,craftsmen, architects and designers searched for ways toestablish an Australian identity during the reign of QueenVictoria.

LowsSydney 2000 Olympic GamesDespite the build-up and the press coverage received inthe lead-up to and during the Sydney 2000 OlympicGames the expected paid visitor numbers did noteventuate. In collaboration with the Olympic CoordinatingAuthority and the other cultural institutions, the Trustextended its opening hours, programmed extra and specialactivities and profiled itself in the media but the resultswere disappointing.

The drop in paid visitor numbers at the museums this yearcan be attributed directly to very slow business inSeptember and October 2000.

Information managementWhilst researching the archives in the lead-up to the 21stbirthday celebrations it came as a surprise to the Trust thatits own history was so poorly managed. For an organisationthat prides itself in being a repository of heritage archives,insufficient attention had been paid to maintaining its ownrecords.

This will be resolved through a PhD thesis in partnershipwith the University of Sydney under the StrategicPartnerships with Industry – Research and Training scheme(SPIRT) in which the archives will be researched and acomprehensive history of the Trust written.

WebThe Trust’s current website presence is not up to industrystandard. The site was launched four years ago and needsa major overhaul and new strategy to address the fastgrowing information needs of the community.

As technology has improved and grown, so has the Trustsite, but without sufficient consideration of the architectureand navigation. The site is updated monthly and continuesto record high traffic but, in comparison with other artsindustry sites, is difficult to access and navigate.

The Trust will allocate resources next year to launch a newsite that is more user-friendly and information rich.

Information Technology (IT)As with the website, the Trust’s IT system has grown tomeet the increasing demands on it without an adequatestrategy or plan. A restructure of the IT unit and a strategicmanagement plan to help chart IT requirements into thefuture will be a top priority for next year.

Centennial Park Image, Portrait of a Park display, Museum of Sydney. Photograph Wendy McDougall | Eastern Terrace and gardens of Government House.Photograph Ray Joyce | Chinese Women’s Association, Reclaiming the Past series, Museum of Sydney. Photograph courtesy of Mrs Joyce Showyin | DhamayanthyBalaruju, Eastern Music series, Government House. Photograph David Brazil.

Highs and lows continued

11

Organisation chart

Director

Board of Trustees

Minister

Deputy Director

Members

Properties Marketing & BusinessDevelopment

Foundation

ManagementServices

PropertiesCoordination

Education

Design

Meroogal

Rouse Hill estate

Rose Seidler House

Government House

DirectorDeputy Director

Museum of SydneyThe Mint

Susannah PlaceMuseum

Vaucluse House

Elizabeth Bay House

Elizabeth Farm

Hyde Park BarracksMuseum

Justice & PoliceMuseum

Lyndhurst

Exhibitions& Publications

PublicPrograms

BusinessDevelopment

& Sponsorship

Corporate Design

Marketing

Administration

Human Resources

Legal

Finance &Systems

Tourism/Venues

CollectionsManagement

Library & ResourceCentre

Retail

Reception & Box Office

Directorate

Properties

Units

Divisions

12

TrusteesSeven Trustees are appointed by the Governor onrecommendation from the Minister for the Arts and oneeach on recommendation from the Minister administeringthe Public Works Act 1912 and the Minister administeringthe Heritage Act 1977, for a term of up to three years. TheTrustees represent a diversity of expertise and experiencein business, law, social history, conservation, interpretation,art, architecture, management and education.

The Trust met nine times during the year, with the followingattendances:

■ Jack Mundey (Chairman) – 9/9■ Neville Allen – 5/9 (two leave of absence granted)■ Paul Berkemeier – 9/9■ Linda Burney – 0/1 (resigned September 2000) ■ Wendy Hucker – 9/9 (resigned June 2001)■ Philip Thalis – 8/9■ Larissa Treskin – 7/9■ Meredith Walker – 7/9■ Janis Wilton – 8/9■ Jill Wran – 4/5 (appointed 1 January 2001)

Senior ManagementThe Director manages the day-to-day business of the Trustand is responsible for implementing the policies of the Trustand the government. The Director works to an annualPerformance Agreement held with the Deputy DirectorGeneral, Ministry for the Arts.

A five-member Executive team steers the direction of the organisation. The Executive meets twice a month andis made up of the Director, Deputy Director, ManagerManagement Services, Manager Marketing & BusinessDevelopment and Manager Property Operations.

Corporate PlanningThe corporate plan is developed on a five-year cycle by thestaff and Trustees. A new corporate plan for 2001–2006has been ratified by the Trust and will be the major planningtool for the organisation in the new financial year.

Using the goals and strategies set out in the corporateplan, the divisions, units and properties develop annualaction plans. Each action plan is presented to the Executivein tandem with internal budget bids in February each year.These action plans set the direction and budget for theTrust’s operational business year. The action plan directionsare based on the corporate plan goals and strategies andare reported to the Trustees at monthly board meetings.

DelegationsThe occupants of key managerial positions are authorisedby the Minister for the Arts under Section 12 of the PublicFinance and Audit Act 1983 to exercise financialdelegation to specific limits. The Director also holdsdelegation from the Director General, Ministry for the Artsin relation to personnel, administration and financialmatters.

CommitteesThe Trust has seven standing committees that help makedecisions both in policy and management. Ad hoccommittees are formed from time to time by the Trusteesand Director. The seven principal Trust committees are:

Audit CommitteeThe Audit Committee comprises Trustees and senior staffand meets quarterly, or as deemed necessary, as anadvisory body on issues relating to audit and otheraccountability issues.

Exhibitions Advisory Committee (EAC)The EAC comprises staff, Trustees, peers and externalexperts and meets quarterly to give broad-based adviceand direction on the Trust’s exhibition program.

Finance CommitteeThe Finance Committee comprises the Executive and theSenior Finance Officer and meets monthly to analyse themonthly finances of the Trust and monitor all financial issues.

Meroogal Reference GroupThe Meroogal Reference Group comprises staff andTrustees and external experts and meets quarterly to givebroad-based advice and direction on the development ofMeroogal as a place that acknowledges women’s history.

Publications CommitteeThe Publications Committee comprises staff, Trustees,peers and external experts and meets every two months togive broad-based advice and direction on the Trust’spublishing program.

Public Programs Committee The Public Programs Committee comprises staff and meetsquarterly to give broad-based advice and direction on theTrust’s events program.

Staff and Management Participatory and AdvisoryCommittee (SAMPAC)SAMPAC comprises elected staff from the variousemployee categories and two management representativesand meets monthly. SAMPAC generates staff policy onissues such as Occupational Health and Safety and theCode of Conduct.

Operational ReviewsOperational reviews were undertaken this year for theCollections Management Unit, Rose Seidler House andHyde Park Barracks Museum and the recommendationswere implemented during the reporting year. The outcomesof the recommendations are reported in more detail underthe Management section of this report.

Audit ReviewsAs part of the ongoing management of the Trust’soperations, the Internal Audit Bureau undertook a series ofaudit reviews:

Corruption prevention policy and procedures This review was undertaken to assess the Trust’scorruption prevention policies and strategies for

Corporate governance

Very special – may itbe here for mygrandchildren. Simone Keating, Sydney after a visit toMeroogal the women’s history place,May 2001.

The Historic Houses Trust of NewSouth Wales is a statutory bodyestablished by the HistoricHouses Act of 1980. Thelegislation defines the objectives,powers and functions of the Trust.The Historic Houses Trust’smission, derived from the 1980Act is:

Conserve, interpret and manageplaces of cultural significancein the care of the Trust withintegrity and imagination and indoing so to inspire anunderstanding of New SouthWales histories and diversecultural heritage for presentand future audiences.

13

compliance with government guidelines and good fraudcontrol practices. As a result of the review a manual wasprepared on the practices identified. The manual isavailable to staff both electronically and as hard copy. Inaddition a brochure summarising the manual is beingdeveloped for distribution to staff.

Network support services This review was undertaken to assess the staffing andfunding of the Trust’s IT network support function and todetermine its adequacy. The outcome was the restructuringof the IT unit, as well as setting up a help-desk request logto assist in identifying IT work flow problems. Additionally, asurvey to determine satisfaction levels with the IT unit’sservice delivery will be conducted amongst staff in the nextfinancial year.

Novell network system This review was undertaken to identify and assess the threatsand risks to IT assets. As a result an IT policies andprocedures manual was developed, covering security, accessand operation of the network, including remote access

Income collections and banking This review was undertaken to determine if the system ofinternal control was adequate to provide reasonableassurance that monies are collected, receipted and bankedproperly. The review recommended minor changes whichhave been implemented.

MOS Shop BookSCAN system This review was undertaken to evaluate the reliability of theBookSCAN system and to determine its strengths andweaknesses. The review recommended minor changeswhich have been implemented.

Publications control This review was undertaken to determine if the system ofinternal control of Trust publications was adequate. Thereview recommended minor changes which have beenimplemented.

Hyde Park Barracks Museum This review was undertaken to determine if the system ofinternal control of financial management of the Hyde ParkBarracks Museum was adequate. The review recommendedminor changes which have been implemented.

Personnel/payroll procedures This review was undertaken to determine if the system ofinternal control of the personnel/payroll system wasadequate. The review recommended minor changes whichhave been implemented.

IT security policies and procedures This review was undertaken to develop an electronicinformation security capability. This resulted in the developmentof a security policy and procedures manual which will bemade available to staff electronically and as hard copy.

Risk ManagementFormal policies and procedures are in place to addressvarious risk management issues ranging from Occupational

Health and Safety to the Total Assets Management Strategyand the Disaster Preparedness Plan for each property andcollection. These policies are reviewed every two years bythe Trust. The Internal Audit Bureau undertakes reviews oninternal controls on an agreed annual cycle. The TreasuryManaged Fund also provides a risk management advisoryconsultative service to the Trust and appropriate staffmembers directly involved in risk management attend regularinformation and training sessions conducted by the Fund.

Admission PricesFollowing the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax(GST) entrance prices to properties were increased from $6to $6.50 for general entry, $3 to $3.30 forconcession/child, and $15 to $15.50 for a family group on1 July 2000.

On 1 January 2001 entrance prices to properties wereadjusted from $6.50 to $7 for general entry, $3.30 to $3for concession/child, $15.50 to $17 for a family group.

The grounds and house at Government House and garden,parklands and beach paddock at Vaucluse House remainedfree of charge.

Associated OrganisationsThe Trust has four associated organisations:

Foundation for the Historic Houses Trust of New SouthWalesThe Trustees approve the appointment of non-executiveTrustees to the Foundation for the Historic Houses Trust ofNew South Wales. The Foundation’s task is to raise moneyfor the Trust through corporate donations and fundraising.Two Trustees and the Director represent the Trust on theFoundation Board. The Foundation Board employs its ownExecutive Director.

Members of the Historic Houses Trust of New SouthWalesAn incorporated body officially known as the Friends of theHistoric Houses Trust of New South Wales. It is run by anelected Executive Committee which appoints an ExecutiveDirector to manage the day-to-day business of theorganisation. A Trustee and the Director represent the Truston the Members Executive Committee.

Rouse Hill Hamilton Collection Pty LtdA private company formed in October 1994 as Trustee forthe Hamilton Rouse Hill Trust. This Trust holds certain itemsof property in and about Rouse Hill estate. Three HistoricHouses Trust representatives and two membersrepresenting the Hamilton family make up the board. TheDirector of the Trust is the Chair of the company. Thecompany complies with all the requirements of theAustralian Securities and Investments Commission.

Volunteers ForumThe Trust has over 200 volunteers working in its properties.The Volunteers Forum comprises eight electedrepresentatives and the Volunteer Coordinator and meetsquarterly to assist in managing the Volunteer program.

People

We can never turn backthe clock, but a placelike this, looked afterby an organisation likeyours, gives us a(teasing) glimpse! (Ieven thought I heard‘Beattie Bow’ in thelane.) Marion Narthants, Perth after visitingSusannah Place Museum June 2001.

TrusteesJack Mundey AO – Chairman HonDSc(UNSW)HonDLitt(UWS) HonMEnv(USyd) is a life member of theAustralian Conservation Foundation, former Secretary of theBuilders’ Labourers’ Federation, instigator of the Green Bansmovement and former Councillor of the Council of the Cityof Sydney. He was appointed to the board 1 August 1995and his current term expires 31 December 2001.

Neville Allen LLB is a partner in the law firm HoldingRedlich, the Chair of the NSW Casino Control Authorityand a Director of Balmoral Corporation Limited. Neville is a member of the Trust’s Audit Committee and is on the Board of the Foundation. He was appointed a Trustee 1 January 1997 and his current term expires 31 December 2002.

Paul Berkemeier BScArch(Hons) MArch(Harvard) ARAIAis the Director of Paul Berkemeier Architecture Pty Ltd.Paul is a member of the Trust’s Exhibitions AdvisoryCommittee. He was appointed a Trustee 1 January 1996and his current term expires 31 December 2001.

Linda Burney DipEd is the Director General of the NSWDepartment of Aboriginal Affairs, Chair of the NSWReconciliation Committee, a member of the NSW Board ofVocational Education and Training and a former member ofthe Anti-Discrimination Board. She was appointed aTrustee 1 January 1998 and resigned in September 2000.

Wendy Hucker BA is a museum consultant and HonoraryDirector of the Pioneer Women’s Hut, Tumbarumba. Wendywas a member of the Trust’s Meroogal Reference Group.She was appointed a Trustee 15 May 1996 and resignedin June 2001.

Philip Thalis BScArch BArch(Hons) CEAAUrbArch(Paris)is a partner of Hill Thalis Architecture & Urban Projects, alecturer in Urban Studies at the University of TechnologySydney and a member of several committees including theRoyal Australian Institute of Architects Heritage Committeeand the NSW Heritage Council. Philip is a member of theTrust’s Members Executive Committee. He was appointed

a Trustee 1 January 1998 and his current term expires 31 December 2003.

Larissa Treskin BA DipEd is the Principal of BurwoodGirls’ High School, President of the NSW SecondaryPrincipals’ Council, was a history curriculum consultant anda lecturer in history methodology. Larissa was appointed aTrustee 1 January 1998 and her current term expires 31 December 2003.

Meredith Walker BTRP is a heritage consultant and amember of the NSW Arts Advisory Council’s MuseumsCommittee. She was appointed a Trustee 1 January 2000and her current term expires 31 December 2002.

Janis Wilton BA(Hons) PhD is a Senior Lecturer inAustralian History at the University of New England, VicePresident of the International Oral History Association,Deputy Director of CALLS – the Centre of AustralianStudies – University of New England and Coordinator ofGolden Threads: the Chinese in regional NSW project.She was appointed a Trustee 1 January 1999 and hercurrent term expires 31 December 2001.

Jill Wran BA MBA is currently on the Boards of AbigroupLimited, SMEC Holdings Ltd and a number of othercompanies. She is director of the Centennial Park and MoorePark Trusts, is on the National Board of Musica Viva, theNSW Committee for the Centenary of Federation, theAdvisory Council of the Graduate School of Management andis the Chair of the Foundation for the Historic Houses Trust ofNew South Wales. Jill is the Patron of Greening Australia(NSW). She was appointed a Trustee 1 January 2001 andher term expires 31 December 2003.

Trustees: Jack Mundey AO (Chairman), Paul Berkemeier, Meredith Walker, Janis Wilton, Neville Allen, Philip Thalis, Jill Wran, Larissa Treskin (not pictured).Photograph Jenni Carter.14

15Senior staff: Peter Watts (Director), Helen Temple, Sheridan Burke, Nick Malaxos, Charmaine Moldrich, James Broadbent (not pictured). Photograph Jenni Carter.

Senior StaffPeter Watts BArch DipLDes – Director became the firstDirector of the Historic Houses Trust of New South Walessoon after its inception in 1980. He has guided the Trust’sgrowth from two properties and 20 staff to the present 13properties and 147 staff, managing a budget of $19 million.

Peter has been associated with a range of organisationsincluding the Council of Australian Museum Directors andthe Heritage Collections Council. He serves on thegoverning bodies of the Foundation for the Historic HousesTrust of New South Wales and Members of the HistoricHouses Trust of New South Wales. Peter is currently theChair of the Australian Garden History Society and theRouse Hill Hamilton Collection Pty Ltd.

Peter has published several books about historic gardensand landscape conservation – including a biography onAustralian garden designer Edna Walling – and co-authoreda book on the botanical artist Ferdinand Bauer.

Helen Temple BA(Hons) DipHistArch MA(Hons) – DeputyDirector joined the Trust in 1990 with an academicbackground in fine arts and archaeology. Helen has lecturedin architectural history and tutored in classical archaeology.For a decade prior to joining the Historic Houses Trust sheworked in the Department of Planning servicing theHeritage Council of NSW, first as an archaeologist and thenas an administrator. Helen is a Churchill Fellow.

James Broadbent BArch PhD – Senior Curator joined theTrust in 1983. He is well-known as a historian andconservationist. His study has been the history of NewSouth Wales colonial houses, their furnishings and gardens,and the society that built and lived in them. He hasexpanded the field of colonial studies with his writings andexhibitions and has defined the role of house museums inAustralia. His publications include The Australian ColonialHouse: Architecture and Society in New South Wales1788–1842, and co-authorship of Francis GreenwayArchitect, Gothic Taste in the Colony of New South Walesand The Golden Decade of Australian Architecture.

Nicholas Malaxos BA(Econ) AFAIM JP – ManagerManagement Services, joined the Trust in 1995. He cameto the Trust from the Earth Exchange Museum and FilmAustralia. Nicholas is an Associate Fellow of the AustralianInstitute of Management and a member of the Institute ofPublic Administration in Australia. He is currently thePresident of the Society for the Restoration of the GreekIsland of Megisty. Nicholas is a foundation member of theGreek-Australian Museum and Cultural Foundation.

Charmaine Moldrich – Manager Marketing & BusinessDevelopment joined the Trust in 1997. She came to theTrust with 20 years arts industry experience having workedin radio, film, festivals and the performing arts as an eventsmanager, publicist, general manager and marketer.Charmaine has worked for the Australian ElizabethanTheatre Trust, the Adelaide Festival, the Adelaide FringeFestival, Australian Film Commission, State TheatreCompany of South Australia and the Australian ChamberOrchestra. She is currently on the boards of Legs on theWall and Performing Lines.

Sheridan Burke BA DipEd DipUrban Studies MSci(Architecture) (Conservation) DipTourism Mgt – ManagerProperty Operations joined the Trust in 1992 as seniorcurator and assumed responsibility for the Walter BurleyGriffin temporary house museum. She came to the Trustfrom the Department of Planning, servicing the HeritageCouncil of NSW, where she had worked for 19 years as apolicy manager and town planner, initiating the NSWheritage study program and the State Heritage Inventoryproject. Sheridan curated the Bush Lives:Bush Futuresexhibition currently touring regional NSW and interstate.Sheridan is the Vice President for Asia on the InternationalCouncil on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) in the 1999to 2002 triennium.

16 Matt, D’Arcy, Lily and Gentle Charlie, Sydneysiders display, Museum of Sydney. Photograph April Murdoch | The Rouse Hill estate people mover. Photograph LynnCollins | Sydney Open visitors enjoying the view from the Winter Garden, Aurora Place. Photograph Ross Heathcote.

Key objectivesIncrease paid admission audiences by 10%

Unfortunately, paid admission decreased by 6%. Thedecrease can be attributed to slow business in Septemberand October as a result of the Sydney 2000 OlympicGames which affected general attendance and educationattendance numbers.

However, general admission increased by 6% with morepeople visiting shops, cafes, grounds and parklands.

Cater to a diverse audience including regional, peoplewith disabilities and non-traditional audiences

RegionalThis year the ongoing relationship with three companiondistricts – Inverell, Hay and Shoalhaven – was consolidatedthrough:■ Inverell: as a partner in the second Tom Roberts Festivalcontributing a seminar on historic gardens How does yourgarden grow? run by the Conservation Resource Centre,and an education program Bushrangers and Barristersrun by the Justice & Police Museum to more than 300remote area students. ■ Hay: a large group of volunteers from museums in theHay district was hosted by the Trust at its Sydneyproperties and discussion undertaken as to how the Trustcan support regional historic property initiatives. ■ Shoalhaven: advice was given to the local council on ahouse museum restoration project. Meroogal the women’shistory place ran the annual Women’s Art Prize, anInternational Women’s Day activity, and initiated a jointregional museums travelling display, Tea Cosy, withsupporting education, conservation and marketing trainingsessions hosted by Trust staff.

Bush Lives:Bush Futures exhibition, with accompanyingpublic programs, continues its three-year tour of regionaland interstate venues, travelling to:■ Museum of the Riverina, Wagga Wagga ■ Broken Hill City Art Gallery■ Peppin Heritage Centre, Deniliquin ■ Queensland Museum, Brisbane.

We unexpectedlycame to the museumtoday, and have foundourselves just blownaway with the historyof our nation. What afabulous effort. Vicki and William Woodbridge, April2001 after a visit to the Museum ofSydney on the site of first GovernmentHouse.

GOAL: To increase anddiversify the audience ofthe Trust and beresponsive to the needs ofthose audiences

Audience

People with disabilitiesPhysical access to properties was improved through:■ Government House: ramps were installed leading fromthe arcade into the garden ■ Justice & Police Museum: handrails were fitted to thesteps leading to the courtyard■ Museum of Sydney: the front desk was redesigned forbetter wheelchair access■ MOS Shop: modifications were made to the poster rackand book shop to provide better wheelchair access■ Rose Seidler House: handrails were fitted to the tieredgarden areas■ Rouse Hill estate: a vehicle was acquired to move peopleacross the property to replace the inadequate cross-countrywheelchairs; a portable lightweight ramp was also purchased■ Susannah Place Museum: a suitcase filled with props,collection objects and shop items was put in situ for use asa touch table for visitors with special needs■ Vaucluse House: handrails were fitted to steps leadingup to the shop■ Fifty complimentary passes were issued to the threemajor hospitals to enable carers to bring patients/clients tothe museums■ A creative arts program was organised in conjunctionwith the second Kitchen Garden Festival at VaucluseHouse. Wairora School made three visits to the propertyprior to the event, and the art created in response wasprominently displayed at the event■ The TTY (teletypewriter telephone) has been promoted tostaff through disability awareness training, and its numberincluded on relevant promotional and educational material.

Non-traditional audiences■ Elizabeth Bay House: the Cultural Attache from theItalian Embassy in Sydney launched the exhibition and bookAugusto Lorenzini: Italian Artist Decorator in June 2001.The exhibition and book come after years of research on thehitherto unknown Italian artist and decorator, AugustoLorenzini, working in Sydney in the late 19th and early 20th century. A large collection of Signor Lorenzini’s workis held in the Conservation Resource Centre collection. Theexhibition has attracted a larger than usual Italian audience.

17Members enjoy breakfast on the balcony of The Mint, men’s triathlon, Sydney 2000 Olympic Games | Volunteer guide, Georgina King, with two visitors on thearcade at Government House. Photograph Ross Heathcote | Education program, Rouse Hill estate. Photograph Ross Heathcote | A young Vietnamese Australianenjoys the festivities, Celebrating 25 Years: Vietnamese Australian Festival, Museum of Sydney.

■ Elizabeth Farm: the Samoan Choir led Carols byCandlelight for the third year. In its second year theFestival of the Olive attracted over 4500 people andfeatured art, entertainment and food from Iran, Greece,Lebanon, Spain and Turkey. The Festival of the Olive wonthe Tourism Award for Festival and Special Events inWestern Sydney and is a finalist in the 2001 New SouthWales Tourism Awards for Business Excellence in thecategory Significant Regional Festivals and Special Events.■ Government House: continued its popular EasternMusic series for the third year, featuring music fromAfghanistan, Australia, China, India, Japan and Turkey, andattracting near capacity audiences. ABC TV SundayAfternoon Arts filmed one of the concerts for broadcast.Professor Mary Kalantzis presented the third BartonLecture, initiated by the Centenary of Federation andbroadcast on ABC Radio National, where she argued thatalthough the recognition of ‘multiculturalism’ presents anenormous advance in Australian society, ‘diversity’ shouldentail much more than multiculturalism.■ Hyde Park Barracks Museum: a free booklet about theAustralian Monument to the Great Irish Faminesculpture was produced for the many Irish people whocome to visit the monument.■ Museum of Sydney: stories from Cambodia, China andVietnam were featured in the fifth year of the popularReclaiming the Past series. Celebrating 25 Years:Vietnamese Australians Festival was held in Novemberas part of nationwide celebrations marking 25 years of theVietnamese community’s establishment and survival inAustralia and their ongoing cultural influence. The Festivalwas an overwhelming success with an estimated 3200people passing through the museum and enjoying theculture of Vietnam through music, dance, song, pictures,costumes and food.

Commission independent market research to find outmore about audiences and their enjoyment of Trustproperties

Two major market research projects were undertaken:■ A seven-month quantitative market research survey

across all properties to find out more about the audiences,likes, dislikes and demographics. The key findings arereported under the Performance Indicators (see page 7). ■ Qualitative research into the Convicts exhibition at theHyde Park Barracks Museum and its effectiveness. The keyfindings were: – Domestic and international audiences were interested in

the topic– Domestic audiences prefer human interest stories about

convict life rather than a scholarly overview of the historyof convict transportation

– All three levels of the Hyde Park Barracks Museum shouldpresent an integrated narrative rather than segregating theGreenway Gallery as a convict exhibition space

– The sub-themes for exhibitions on convict history must beclearly identified for visitors to avoid confusion: food anddrink; convict relationships with Aboriginal people;convict achievements

– Domestic audiences in the 45+ age group wanted moreAustralian history as they considered that their educationwas poor in this area

– The marketing was very effective but the exhibition did notalways meet expectations. However, the total visit to alllevels of the Barracks provided memorable experiences.

The outcome of the research has influenced the contentand design of the semi permanent exhibition on convictswhich will open late in 2001 and run for five years.

Key objectives for 2000–2002■ Relaunch a new website that is more user-friendly andgives audiences more access to the resources of theorganisation from published research to parts of the collection■ Continue to carry out audience evaluation to help bettertarget marketing to core and new audiences so as toincrease audiences to all Trust activities■ Maintain audience numbers at current levels.

18

Interpretation

A wonderful trip intohistory, whetting theappetite for morereturn visits. Wellworth the earlymorning rising on acold day. FANTASTIC! J Lynch, Beecroft, July 2000 after a visitto Rouse Hill estate for the publicprogram Dawn Chores.

GOAL: To define andcommunicate the culturalsignificance of each of theTrust’s properties andcollections

Creature sculpture, Alison Clouston, pin cushion, Rouse Hill estate collection, Magical Golland exhibition, Elizabeth Bay House. Photograph Jenni Carter | UneasyStreet, 1957, Phantom Book cover, courtesy Stuart Coupe collection, Hard Boiled! exhibition, Justice & Police Museum | Tea Cosy c1880 National Trust of Australia(NSW) collection, touring display.

Key objectivesProgram a series of exhibitions

Museum Exhibition Dates Total Total Daily Attendance Days Average

Elizabeth Bay House Magical Golland 25 November 2000 – 20 May 2001 7350 155 47

Augusto Lorenzini: 2 June – 4 November 2001* 1804 25 72 Italian Artist Decorator

Hyde Park Barracks Museum Convicts 16 October 1999 – 2 September 2001* 53 267 363 147

Justice & Police Museum Crime Scene: 13 November 1999 – 2 October 2000* 5853 80 73 Scientific Investigation Bureau Archives 1945–1960

Hard Boiled! the detective 21 October 2000 – 21 October 2001* 18 130 208 87 in popular culture

Museum of Sydney Sydney Suburb 15 April 2000 – 23 July 2000* 3538 23 154

Sydney Harbour 5 August – 3 December 2000 21 672 121 179

Sydney@Federation 23 December 2000 – 17 June 2001 32 899 176 187

By Water: from the personal 30 June 2001 – 25 November 2001* 1426 1 1426 collection of Kerry Stokes

* Exhibition dates not wholly within the financial year 2000–2001

Conduct a program of regional touring for exhibitions and displays

Touring venue Exhibition Dates Total Total Daily Attendance Days Average

Museum of the Riverina, Bush Lives:Bush Futures 1 July – 29 August 2000 1975 60 33Wagga Wagga

Broken Hill Art Gallery 12 October – 20 November 2000 1684 40 42

Peppin Heritage Centre, 23 March – 29 April 2001 2150 38 57Deniliquin

Queensland Museum, 26 May – 30 June 2001 Brisbane 33 810 36 939

Spiral Gallery Collective, Meroogal Women’s Art Prize 22 November – 6 December 2000 225 13 17 Bega

Meroogal Tea Cosy 8 April – 6 May 2001 Visitor statistics 29calculated in property

figures (see page 35)

Lady Denman 10 May – 7 June 2001 No visitor statistics 29Heritage Complex calculated

Berry Museum 9 June – 8 July 2001 ¨ 30

19

Conduct a program of public events

One hundred and ninety-six programs were run whichattracted an audience of 35 718 people. Of these 21 weremajor public programs/festivals and attracted an audienceof 25 276. Of the 175 minor programs, 83 sold out, 59sold 50% or more tickets and six were cancelled.

Consider the future of the Greenway Gallery at theHyde Park Barracks Museum

The space used by the Greenway Gallery will be developedinto a semi permanent exhibition about convicts for aperiod of up to five years. This decision is a major policyshift that sees the changing exhibition program at the HydePark Barracks Museum discontinued in favour of exposingthe history of the building and its convict origins.

This is a policy decision made by the Trustees that theBarracks should better reflect the history of the building.The public, through a market research study, reinforced this view.

Continue to publish Trust generated research

Five major books and 21 research papers were published.Major publications produced were:■ Sydney: metropolis suburb harbour Peter Emmett■ Elizabeth Bay House: A History and Guide Scott Carlin■ Edge of the Trees Editor Dinah Dysart■ Augusto Lorenzini: Italian Artist Decorator in VictorianSydney Scott Carlin & Megan Martin■ Debating the City: An Anthology Editors JenniferBarrett & Caroline Butler-Bowdon.

Develop an interpretive public display for The Mint

A modest display of interpretive panels on the history ofThe Mint was developed and installed. As The Mint is onMacquarie Street it attracts passing tourists to the building.This simple installation coupled with a free handout givesthe visitor a brief history of the building.

Key objectives for 2001–2002■ Extend the interpretation of the Hyde Park BarracksMuseum to include a more detailed section aboutAustralian convicts in the Greenway Gallery■ Continue to work on the two major archaeologicalresearch collaborations funded by the Federal Governmentin 1999–2000 with La Trobe University and the Universityof Sydney■ Continue to conduct a program of public events,exhibitions, publications and education programs across allproperties.

Photograph titled Morning Story (detail), Sue Westaway, winner Meroogal Women’s Art Prize | Nancy Robinson of Ellerslie, Bush Lives:Bush Futures, touringexhibition. Photograph Lindy Kerr | The choir of the Maori Anglican Church, Carols by Candlelight, Elizabeth Farm. Photograph Melissa Latham | Children’s toy,Elizabeth Farm. Photograph John Storey | Front covers of the five books published by the Trust.

20 Staff of the Royal Mint, 1879, in courtyard with industrial buildings in the background | Volunteer Dianne Burgoyne working on the Volunteer guide newsletter,Guidelines | Volunteer Helen Seale cataloguing the music at Rouse Hill estate.

Management

GOAL: To continue todevelop a more effective,flexible and creativemanagement structure

Key objectivesFind a new Head Office for the Trust

The Government announced the allocation of $13.8 millionover four years for the conservation and development ofThe Mint precinct to become the new home for the Trust’shead office and Conservation Resource Centre. This wasthe culmination of a great deal of pre-planning andexploratory work.

Implement the recommendations of the operationalreviews for Rose Seidler House, CollectionsManagement Unit and Hyde Park Barracks Museum

Rose Seidler House operations were reviewed inSeptember 2000.

The following recommendations were implemented:■ The staff structure was reviewed and the Manager’sposition restructured to become a shared position withElizabeth Farm■ To increase niche audiences though programming more20th century based architectural events resulting in monthlyfireside architect chats which have attracted a newaudience to the property.

Collections Management Unit operations were reviewed inOctober 2000.

The following recommendations were implemented:■ The need for the collections database to be moreaccessible via the internal network to staff outside the unitwas identified as a key recommendation but theimplementation was postponed to be considered as part ofthe overall Trust IT strategy■ It was identified that the content and quality ofcataloguing in the database was variable resulting inguidelines and policies being written to ensure qualitycontrol and integrity of data entry.■ The ownership of the Justice & Police Museum collectionwas identified as being unclear and complicated, resultingin additional resources allocated to ensure that the issuesof ownership are unravelled and resolved.

Hyde Park Barracks Museum operations were reviewed inOctober 2000.

The following recommendations were implemented:■ It was identified that The Mint management structure beintegrated with the Barracks resulting in a sharedmanagement of both properties.■ A new audience be found through the programming of amajor public event. Research was undertaken and A Matterof Taste, a large outdoor 19th century food and wine eventwill be programmed in 2003.

Review the operations of the Justice & Police Museum,Meroogal, Susannah Place Museum, Information andTechnology Unit and Finance Unit

These reviews were undertaken in this financial year and therecommendations will be implemented in the coming year.

Key objectives 2001–2002■ Implement the recommendations of the operations reviewfor Justice & Police Museum, Meroogal, Susannah PlaceMuseum, the Information Technology Unit and the FinanceUnit■ Review the IT network and commission a strategic plan■ Implement a new records management system.

Just to let you knowthat I think you areexcellent professionalsand I will recommendyour shop to myfriends. Sonia Vizcaono, Spain, following asuccessful mail order fulfilment from theMOS Shop.

21Panorama of Sydney (detail), Sydney@Federation exhibition, Museum of Sydney. Photograph reproduced courtesy of Gowrie Galleries and Glenn and Jacqueline Watson |Detail of a wall division panel, Augusto Lorenzini, from a private collection, Augusto Lorenzini: Italian Artist Decorator exhibition, Elizabeth Bay House | Florence Broadhurstwallpapers c1968, Conservation Resource Centre collection. Photograph Ross Heathcote | Imitation damask paint detail, Ballroom, Government House | Re-shinglingHyde Park Barracks Museum roof. Photograph Christopher Shain | Painting windows, Hyde Park Barracks Museum. Photograph Ray Joyce.

Conservation

A valuable learningsite for children andparents. Jeff Jenkins, Brisbane, September 2000,after a visit to the Convicts exhibition atthe Hyde Park Barracks Museum.

GOAL: To conserve withexcellence the Trust’sproperties and collectionsand enhance the Trust’sreputation in conservationmanagement

Key objectivesImplement Total Asset Management Strategy (TAMS)including major roof works at the Hyde Park BarracksMuseum, Justice & Police Museum and Vaucluse House

Major maintenance activities undertaken in accordancewith TAMS annual action plan included: ■ Re-slating of major sections of the Justice & PoliceMuseum and Elizabeth Bay House roofs■ Re-roofing sections of the Vaucluse House verandah■ Re-shingling of the Hyde Park Barracks Museumdormitory building was completed within a tight time framearound Olympic commitments.

Improve remote access to the collections database

Improvement for remote access was not possible due to ITlimitations. However, the database was updated to aWindows based system and the menu driven access isproving easier for both training and usage. The new systemincludes the capacity for loading images into the database.These images will feature the most significant items ofAustralian colonial furniture in the collection.

Coordinate participation of properties affected by theTrust’s involvement in the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games

An Olympic Coordination Taskforce was set up whichplanned for and successfully managed the operationsduring this period. Government House, Hyde Park BarracksMuseum and The Mint were especially affected by theSydney 2000 Olympic Games.

The Olympic Coordination Authority built a VenueOperations Centre to manage the triathlon in the rearcourtyard of Government House in which the Premierhosted eight events; entertaining overseas guests, theOlympic family, sponsors and business representatives. Theculmination of this was the final debriefing between thePremier, The Hon Bob Carr MP, the Olympic Minister, TheHon Michael Knight and the head of the InternationalOlympic Committee, Juan Antonio Samaranch, held the dayafter the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games closed.

The road closures and crowd management issues causedby the marathon and triathlon passing by The Mint and theHyde Park Barracks Museum caused very little disruptionto the operations of these properties.

Key objectives for 2001–2002■ Manage the conservation and development of The Mintas a model project as the new head office for the Trust■ Re-shingle The Mint roof■ Complete a feasibility study for the Rouse Hill PublicSchool site in anticipation of it being incorporated intoRouse Hill estate.

22

Revenue

I think they [the Trust]stretch the taxpayer’sdollar a great dealfurther than many of the institutions in Australia. They do wonderfullyentrepreneurial work. Michael Reed, 702 ABC art critic duringthe live to air 21st birthday broadcast ofthe Simon Marnie show.

GOAL: To implementappropriate opportunitiesto generate revenue usingthe assets and expertise ofthe Trust

Key objectivesImprove income from all revenue raising areas

Overall income increased by 9%to $19.082 million. Madeup of an increase in Government funding of 6.9% and anincrease of 7.9% in earned income. Government fundingincreased to $14.876 million, this was made up ofrecurrent funding of $13.250 million, capital appropriation$776 000 and acceptance by the Crown for employeeentitlements of $850 000.

The recurrent appropriation of $13.250 million representsan increase of 10.2% to cover the following:■ $445 000 for opening Rouse Hill estate to the public■ $650 000 for major maintenance work under the TotalAssets Management Strategy (TAMS)■ $131 000 for increased salary and other operatingcosts.

The capital appropriation of $776 000 represents adecrease of 32% to cover the following:■ $550 000 for roof works at Elizabeth Bay House, Justice& Police Museum and Hyde Park Barracks Museum■ $226 000 for ongoing replacement of computers,acquisition of collections, and minor plant and equipment.

Earned income increased to $3.304 million, includingadmission income of $1.788 million, an increase of 12.8%due to a price rise and good performance in publicprogram and venue hire income generation. Corporatesponsorship income increased 429.2% to $352 000.

Key objectives for 2001–2002■ To maintain all revenue streams at current levels■ To foster the activities of the Foundation and Members tostrengthen their operations■ To work with the Foundation in gaining financial supportfor the Millennium Fund.

The current Trust Head Office, Lyndhurst. Photograph Ray Joyce.

Sources of Income2001 2000

$'000 $'000

■ Government Funding 14 876 13 919

■ Earned Income 3304 3061

■ Grant Funding 429 17

■ Corporate Sponsorship 352 82

■ Statutory Authorities 30 120

■ Private Donations 91 299

Total Revenue 19 082 17 498

2000–2001 1999–2000

23

Properties

The Historic Houses Trust of New South Walesowns and manages 13 properties of historicsignificance. Eleven of the 13 properties areopen as museums. The smaller museums areonly open on weekends whereas the largermuseums are open daily.

This year close to two million people enjoyedsome aspect of the Trust’s diverse portfolio.

It is not a simple task to manage and balancethe twin goals of conservation of key heritagesites and public access for enjoyment andlearning. Finding this balance at each of themuseums is central to the management of theproperty and its programs.

The majority of the properties are housemuseums and, as the name implies, they wereonce homes. Making a home into a museuminvolves a plethora of conservation issues –fragility being the main concern. The housesthe Trust manages were not built to sustain thetens of thousands of people visiting them eachyear. However, when they become museumsthere is an expectation that large numbers ofvisitors will come and enjoy the experience.

Thus, the Trust’s task is to find the fine balancethat, on the one hand, conserves the propertyfor future generations and, on the other hand,allows this generation to visit, look, experienceand enjoy. The organisation’s decision makingis motivated by this dichotomy – marketing,opening hours, exhibitions, public programs,publications – all put in place to maintain thebalance required in conserving heritage.

24

Elizabeth Bay House

This is an incrediblework. I loved it! Morethan anything else I’veseen here in Sydney! –wonderful. Graham and Marion Robertson, WestKilbride, Scotland, March 2001 after avisit to the Magical Golland exhibition.

Elizabeth Bay House opened tothe public in 1980. Built by thefashionable architect John Vergefor the Colonial Secretary,Alexander Macleay and his family,Elizabeth Bay House is a superbexample of colonial architecturein a magnificent settingoverlooking Sydney Harbour.Elegantly furnished to the period1839 to 1845 the interiors presentan evocative picture of 19thcentury life.

7 Onslow Avenue Elizabeth Bay NSW 2011

Telephone 02 9356 3022 Facsimile 02 9357 7176

Open Tuesday to Sunday & PublicHoliday Mondays 10am – 4.30pm

Key objectivesExtend the Historic Interiors and Gardens course to awider audience by making it more populist and thusmore financially viable (courses run last year did notattract large audiences)

The course, which was scheduled for August–September2000, was cancelled as insufficient bookings werereceived to make it financially viable.

Develop more interpretive programs on the role of theservants at Elizabeth Bay House – a subject of greatinterest to the public

Work commenced on the reinstatement of the butler’spantry to interpret the role of servants. The identities ofseveral butlers are known and inventories of the contents ofthe butler’s pantry are available for 1845 and 1903. It isintended that the interpretation of the room will allow for ahigh level of physical access by visitors.

HighlightsThe Elizabeth Bay House guidebook, Elizabeth BayHouse: A History and Guide by Scott Carlin, waspublished this year. The book combines information aboutthe house and its occupants with 96 full colour imagesincluding photographs, portraits, paintings and sketches.

Historic Houses Trust Members funded the purchase ofseveral engravings with a connection to the originalcollection of Alexander Macleay.

Two exhibitions were held this year:

■ Magical Golland, from 25 November 2000 to 20 May2001. For this exhibition sculptor/curator Alison Cloustondrew upon the real and imagined childhood realm ofKathleen Rouse (1878–1932), of Rouse Hill estate, tocreate a rich world of discovery described as ‘a placewhere child’s play meets art, nature meets history’.

■ Augusto Lorenzini: Italian Artist Decorator opened on2 June 2001. The exhibition was drawn from the collectionof the Trust’s Conservation Resource Centre and featuresthe work of an almost unknown interior decorator whoworked in Sydney between 1883 and 1920. A publicationco-authored by the senior librarian Megan Martin andElizabeth Bay House curator Scott Carlin was launched tocoincide with the exhibition.

Key objectives for 2001–2002■ Relead the dome■ Commence work on the southern roof ■ Complete the restoration of the butler’s pantry.

Elizabeth Bay House. Photograph Ray Joyce | Sculpture, Alison Clouston, chair from the Rouse Hill estate collection, Magical Golland exhibition. Photograph JenniCarter | Education program. Photograph Ross Heathcote.

25

StatisticsAudience residence profile1

2000–2001

domesticinternational

1999–2000


Audience age profile

under 25 26 to 45 46 to 65 over 65

Audience satisfaction

liked the visit a lot liked their visit a little were neutral

Did they learn anything new

yes, a lot yes, a little

Research was undertaken with the general paid audiencesand not with education or public program audiences. Figuresdo not add up to 100% as not all people researchedanswered all questions.

Front door key to the house. Photograph Ray Joyce | Engraved portrait of Lord Nelson, acquired by the Members of the Historic Houses Trust and presented toCurator Scott Carlin by committee member Rosemary McDonald | Children build their own sculptures at the opening of Magical Golland | Free weekend visitors.Photograph Jom.

21% 79%

36%64%

36%23%

6%34%

13%85%

1%

35%64%

1 Statistics collected over two years, first year by front of house staff, second year by Blue Moon Research & Planning.

2 A very disappointing result, a drop of 40%. The trend over the last four years showed a gradual increase in visitor numbers.

Total visitor numbers 1996–20012

2000–2001 14 6871999–2000 24 3051998–1999 22 1751997–1998 20 5571996–1997 18 487

Breakdown of visitor numbers

Paid admissiongeneral public 10 647education 824public programs 483venue hire 946Subtotal 12 900

Free entrycomplimentary tickets 1666other (site visits) 121Subtotal 1787

TOTAL 14 687

Income & Expenditure

2000–2001

expenditure $668 000income $104 000

1999–2000


26

Elizabeth Farm

It was fantastic – can’tthink of anything thatcould have beenbetter.Ms Healy, Summer Hill Primary School,after the education programTransported in Time, May 2001.

Elizabeth Farm opened to thepublic in 1984. With its deepshady verandahs and restfulgrounds, Elizabeth Farm is a rareexample of an early Australiancolonial homestead. Commencedin 1793, it was built for John andElizabeth Macarthur, pioneers ofthe Australian wool industry. It issituated in a recreated 1830sgarden and records thearchitectural ideas and ambitionsof the colony’s first 50 years.There are no inhibiting roombarriers with visitors allowed freeaccess to all areas.

70 Alice Street, Rosehill NSW 2142


Open daily 10am – 5pm

Key objectives Revitalise interpretation of the museum to extend itsrole as a cultural site, a place where many ‘heritages’might be articulated

A new orientation system and an introductory film,complemented by a fit out for the auditorium, contributed toa greater understanding of the site, its colonial context,enduring importance and evolution over time.

The Festival of the Olive plays an important role inmaintaining and strengthening ties with the localcommunity. The event makes the property relevant to themany people from diverse cultural backgrounds who live inthe Parramatta area. This year the festival attracted over4500 people to the property.

Strengthen links with local and regional tourismnetworks, as well as heritage and cultural networkswith the aim of increasing exposure and visitornumbers

The museum staff worked in partnership with ParramattaCity Council on various projects to promote the culturalheritage of the area. This included work on interpretivesignage for a Heritage Walk, part of the Harris ParkCultural Landscape Master Plan. The museum also lentobjects and supplied research materials to the ParramattaHeritage Centre to incorporate into its displays. An ongoingcollaboration with the Parramatta Art Society saw a seriesof exhibitions installed in the tearooms. The curator is amember of local planning and heritage committees.

HighlightsFestival of the Olive in its second year attracted over4500 people, was profitable, secured two major sponsors,and received critical acclaim within the industry, winningone award and being nominated for another.

■ Winner Tourism Award for Festival and Special Events inWestern Sydney■ Finalist 2001 New South Wales Tourism Awards forBusiness Excellence in the category Significant RegionalFestivals and Special Events. (Winners will be announcedin July 2001.)

Key objectives for 2001–2002■ Develop and extend the interpretation of the site foraudiences with a disability ■ Participate in community planning processes affectingthe property■ Complete a new introductory film on the history of theproperty.

Education program. Photograph Hazel Barker | Elizabeth Farm. Photograph Ray Joyce | Cutting the 21st birthday cake.

27


2000–2001


1999–2000domesticinternational




liked the visit a lotliked their visit a little

Did you learn anything new



Festival of the Olive poster (detail) | Verandah. Photograph Ray Joyce | Flamenco dancers, Festival of the Olive. Photograph Jom | Room detail. Photograph Ray Joyce.

13%87%

15%85%

33% 10%

13% 43%

3% 95%

75%

1% 23%


2 A good result for the museum with an increase in visitors to its public programs.


2000–2001 26 1631999–2000 21 7371998–1999 27 9271997–1998 30 1851996–1997 28 322


Paid admissiongeneral 9331education 6572public programs 5012venue hire 1218Subtotal 22 133


TOTAL 26 163


2000–2001


1999–2000


28

Government House

Government House opened to thepublic in 1996. Built between1837 and 1845, GovernmentHouse was the most sophisticatedexample of the Gothic Revival incolonial New South Wales. TheState Rooms display anoutstanding range of 19th andearly 20th century furnishings anddecoration, reflecting the changesof style and differing tastes ofNew South Wales Governors andtheir wives. The house is sited inan important historic garden, withexotic trees and shrubs,carriageways, paths and terraces.Unlike other surviving colonialhouses in Sydney, GovernmentHouse has retained its settingand most importantly itsrelationship to the harbour.

Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000


House open Friday to Sunday 10am – 3pm. Grounds open daily 10am – 4pm

Key objectives Implement recommendations from the GardenMasterplan which will restore significant areas of thegarden at Government House to their original 19thcentury form, and to revitalise other areas with a morecontemporary focus

The Government House Gardens Steering Committee,comprising staff of the Royal Botanic Gardens and HistoricHouses Trust, met on a regular basis to advance therecommendations of the Garden Masterplan. Detailedplans of each garden compartment identified in theMasterplan were drawn and schedules of work prepared.Work commenced this year on two major priority areas: theWestern Terrace, to be reinstated as a heavily wooded19th century pleasure garden; and the Eastern Terrace,with restoration of its form as a significant 1860s terrace. A design competition will be held for the south-easterngardens, to create a new garden to commemorate theCentenary of Federation.

Implement recommendations to refurbish the StateRooms with contemporarily designed soft furnishings,furniture and decorative arts

A policy To Furnish a Future was developed to refurbish theState Rooms. The program of works will includecontemporarily designed furnishings, decorative and finearts. The program began this year with the commissioningof a major silver centrepiece, a matching pair of candelabraand five pairs of matching candlesticks, for the DiningRoom, by Sydney silversmith Mark Edgoose, tocommemorate the Centenary of Federation.

As part of the refurbishment of the State Rooms, the wallsof the ballroom were painted in an imitation damaskpattern, a complex scheme imitating the effect of light onfabric, and consisting of gilding, stencilling and freehandpainting. The scheme recreates the decoration created inthe room by the leading Sydney decorating firm of Lyon,Cottier & Co in 1879.

HighlightsA conference Australia before Federation, a joint venturebetween the Trust and the Australiana Society, was held atGovernment House in March 2001. The conferenceexplored the manner in which artists, craftsmen, architectsand designers searched for ways to establish an Australianidentity during the reign of Queen Victoria.

The House Music Concert Series sold out.

Over 75% of all special tours (behind-the-scenes andgarden tours) were sold out.

Key objectives for 2002–2002■ Continue to implement the Conservation andManagement Plan■ Complete a competition for a new garden to celebratethe Centenary of Federation■ Continue to implement the To Furnish a Future policyincluding the completion of the Centenary of Federationsilver commission for the Dining Room.

Education program. Photograph Ross Heathcote | View of the Eastern Terrace Gardens, Government House. Photograph Rodney Weiland | Visitors to the 21stbirthday weekend. Photograph Jom.

We expected astandard house touras per visits to similarplaces in England andthe USA …ourexpectations werevastly exceeded.Superb tour. Anonymous, March 2001.

29


2000–2001


1999–2000





liked the visit a lotliked their visit a littleneither




Australian String Quartet performers, House Music Concert series. Photograph Jacqui Way | Team of painters stencilling the imitation damask walls, Ballroom |Different Rhythms, musical program for young people. Photograph Ross Heathcote.

43%57%

41%59%

35% 13%

10% 41%

5% 92%

1%

17% 81%

1%


2 Government House is a free museum therefore figures appear in a different format to the other properties.


2000–2001 110 1671999–2000 105 5681998–1999 110 6731997–1998 147 4011996–1997 104 382

Breakdown of visitor numbers2

Admissioneducation 2233public programs 4380venue hire 9160house tours 21 866grounds 63 368vice regal functions 9160

TOTAL 110 167


2000–2001

expenditure $1 554 000income $658 000

1999–2000


30

Hyde Park Barracks Museum

Worth transportingthe exhibition to the UK. Carol Cass, London, England after a visitto the Convicts exhibition, August 2000.

Hyde Park Barracks Museumopened to the public in 1991.Designed by convict architectFrancis Greenway, the Hyde ParkBarracks housed male convicts ingovernment employment between1819 and 1848. Later it became afemale Immigration Depot and aGovernment Asylum for women.

Queens Square, Macquarie StreetSydney NSW 2000


Open daily 9.30am – 5pm

Key objectives Conduct independent market research about theConvicts exhibition to obtain additional information onstrategies for maintaining the exhibition’s profiles andvisitor numbers in the coming year

The key findings of the market research were:

■ Domestic and international audiences were interested inthe topic■ Domestic audiences prefer human interest stories aboutconvict life rather than a scholarly overview of the history ofconvict transportation■ All three levels of the Hyde Park Barracks Museumshould present an integrated narrative rather thansegregating the Greenway Gallery as a convict exhibitionspace■ The sub-themes for exhibitions on convict history mustbe clearly identified for visitors to avoid confusion: food anddrink; convict relationships with Aboriginal people; convictachievements■ Domestic audiences in the 45+ age group wanted moreAustralian history as they considered that their educationwas poor in this area■ The marketing was very effective but the exhibition didnot always meet expectations. However, the total visit to alllevels of the Barracks provided memorable experiences.

The outcome of the research has influenced the contentand design of the semi permanent exhibition on convictswhich will open late in 2001 and run for five years.

Reconstruct the south gatehouse to the original dome-roofed design of architect Francis Greenway

In the process of cleaning out the basement of The Mint,which is located adjacent to the Barracks, a major portionof the internal timber support structure for the dome wasfound. This find has led to additional research. Drawingsare being prepared from the research that will allow thedome to be reinstalled and the interior structurereconstructed using original techniques and methods.

Reshingle the central dormitory roof

Timber reshingling of the roof of the Hyde Park Barrackswas undertaken in two stages and completed at a cost of$447 600.

HighlightsThe Centenary of Federation was commemorated through aDVD display incorporating original footage of the January1901 Federation parade and photographs taken during thefestivities in Macquarie Street, which include The Mint, theBarracks and St James’s Church. Two very large 1901pattern flags were commissioned and hung from the thirdfloor windows of the building facing Queens Square tocelebrate the 2001 parade, which passed by the Barracksas it had in 1901.

Key objectives for 2001–2002■ Reconfigure the Greenway Gallery to house a semipermanent exhibition about Convicts which will run for fiveyears■ Develop a forward program on convict related displays■ Introduce a new public program, to increase audiences,with a focus on food, wine and recreation in the 19th century■ Ensure the management and development of the Trust’shead office at The Mint is integrated with the operations ofthe Hyde Park Barracks Museum.

Convict silhouettes by Heather Dorrough | Education program. Photograph Ross Heathcote | Russian convicts in Siberia carrying soup, from the Library ofCongress collection, Convicts exhibition. Photograph William Henry Jackson.

31Partial skeleton of domestic pig assembled by Fiona Starr, Hyde Park Barracks Museum archaeology collection | Hyde Park Barracks cafe | Convict shoe |Australian flags at the time of Federation hung to celebrate the Centenary of Federation. Photograph Peter Eastwood.

39%61%

55%45%

36%16%

39%

11%86%

21%76%


2000–20012


1999–2000










2 There was a shift in resident profile, more international and fewer domestic visitors. The increase in international visitors can be attributed to the increase in international media profile the Barracksattracted as a result of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. The decrease in domestic visitors can be attributed to the long run of the Convicts exhibition (opened in October 1999).

3 The breakdown of the visitor figures have been calculated this year and retrospectively for last year to include visitors to the cafe and visits to the Australian Monument to the Great Irish Faminesculpture. The decision to calculate visitors to these sites is motivated by the significant cost to the organisation of maintaining these resources. In previous years these figures were calculated withinthe general grounds figures.


2000–2001 187 8971999–2000 208 651


Paid admissiongeneral 37 212education 8834public programs 769venue hire 2275Subtotal 49 090

Free entrycomplimentary tickets 6452other 132 355(includes site, cafe shop and visits to the AustralianMonument to the Great IrishFamine sculpture)Subtotal 138 807

TOTAL 187 897

Groundsforecourt 485 189


2000–2001


1999–2000


1%

9%

2%

32

Justice & Police Museum

Fabulously seductive. Cheryl Winstanley, Sydney, after a visit to the Hard Boiled! exhibition,November 2000.

Justice & Police Museum openedto the public in 1991. Originallythe Water Police Court (1856),Water Police Station (1858) andPolice Court (1886), the Justice &Police Museum features aMagistrates Court, a policecharge room, a remand cell, agallery of mug shots of Sydney’searly criminals, an array of spinechilling weapons, forensicevidence from notorious crimes,and displays exploring policehistory, bushrangers andpunishment in society. Themuseum presents a livelyprogram of changing exhibitionsand educational activities whichexplore the significance of thesite and the social history of law,policing and crime in New SouthWales.

Cnr Albert & Phillip StreetsCircular Quay NSW 2000


Open weekends 10am – 5pm Monday to Friday for booked groupsonly. During January: open daily(except Friday)

Key objectives Implement resolutions relating to storage andownership of the collection

This was not achieved due to the departure of several keyand long-serving staff members and due to majormaintenance work that was undertaken in the object storethis year. Over 1600 objects were removed andphotographed while new floor coverings were installed, andthe walls re-plastered and prepared for painting.

A new staffing model was put in place and its priority taskis to resolve the ownership and legal title issues relating tothe collection.

Develop a Museum in a Box display, taken from thecollection, to tour regional areas

The Museum in a Box display contains a selection ofobjects from the collection focusing on the push gangs inThe Rocks in the 1920s, as well as a display documentingthe history of the NSW Police Service. Over 35 000visitors saw it at the Hawkesbury showground, Clarendon.

HighlightsThe year-long exhibition Hard Boiled! the detective inpopular culture opened in November 2000. The exhibitionexamines the seedy world of the ‘hard-boiled’ detectivethrough pulp magazines, film noir movie posters, bookcovers for pulp fiction novels, and other commercial art ofthe genre. A small section of the exhibition also looks at thereality of police detection and how this differs from theoften appealing, but sometimes highly inaccurate, fantasydepicted in print and celluloid.

A creative writing competition for high school studentsthroughout New South Wales held in conjunction with theexhibition attracted around 100 entries.

The museum continued to attract a younger audience; 32%of its audience was under 25 compared to the average,across all properties, of 15%.

Three new education programs were launched: thesecondary programs Federation: Fisticuffs, Fan Tan andthe Force and Hard Boiled! the detective in popularculture, and the primary and secondary program AndJustice for All.

A display on the history of policing in New South Waleswas opened with a particular emphasis on the, so far,untold story of Indigenous police history. The museumworked closely with an Indigenous advisory groupthroughout the research development processes.

Key objectives for 2001–2002■ Resolve legal ownership of the various components ofthe collection.

Education program. Photograph Ray Joyce | Death Mask of Captain Moonlite (sic), aka Andrew George Scott (1842–1880), self-styled bushranger, bank robberand murderer. Justice & Police Museum collection | The real-life detective at the Hard Boiled! exhibition opening.

33


2000–2001


1999–2000









Total visitor numbers 1996–20012000–2001 27 5031999–2000 33 0401998–1999 29 6831997–1998 34 6831996–1997 28 327




TOTAL 27 503


2000–2001


1999–2000


Trust Chairman, Jack Mundey with crime writer Peter Corris at the launch of Hard Boiled! | Husband – suspected strangler – Coogee, 1953. Image courtesy of theNSW Police Service, Crime Scenes exhibition | NSW mounted police and tracker c1890 on display at the museum | Justice & Police Museum. Photograph Ray Joyce.

41%59%

22%78%

35%32%

7%24%

12%83%

1%

23%73%

1%


34

Meroogal the women’s history place

An amazing insightinto women’s history. Nicky Gordon, Nowra, June 2001.

Meroogal the women’s historyplace opened to the public in1988. Located in the south coasttown of Nowra and built in 1885,this timber house was home tofour generations of women fromthe same family. Their dailyroutines, domestic chores andsocial lives have moulded itsintimate rooms. Meroogal’sexceptionally rich collection ofpersonal objects provides aninsight into the private lives anddaily world of this family fornearly a century.

Cnr West & Worrigee StreetsNowra NSW 2541


Guided tours Saturday 1pm – 5pm andSunday 10am – 5pm. Booked groupsby arrangement

Key objectives Continue to establish the role of Meroogal as thewomen’s history place

The Meroogal Women’s Art Prize was run for the thirdtime and attracted 58 entries responding to the theme ofdomestic life at Meroogal. The exhibition travelled to theSpiral Gallery, Bega, and a selection of works was shownat Shoalhaven City Library and at the Kitchen GardenFestival at Vaucluse House.

For the third year Meroogal sponsored the ShoalhavenInternational Women’s Day Awards.

Develop a travelling suitcase exhibition to tour to otherregional areas

A display, Tea Cosy, was developed in collaboration withmembers of the local Shoalhaven museum community. Aspart of the display, workshops were run on how toconserve objects, display, market and tour them. The teacosies on display, drawn from the Trust, local communitymembers and private collections, travelled to the LadyDenman Heritage Complex, Huskisson, and the BerryMuseum, and will finish its tour at the Nowra Museum in August.

HighlightsIn conjunction with Shoalhaven High School an oral historyproject was devised and the small display generatedthrough this program was shown at the school.

A week long creative arts education program Talk History– Make Art was attended by 153 students fromparticipating south coast schools.

Key objectives for 2001–2002■ Pursue new partnerships with regional institutions andcommunities.

Meroogal. Photograph Ray Joyce | The three Macgregor sisters, Helen, Margaret and Elgin who later inherited Meroogal from their aunt.

35Meroogal (detail). Photograph Trevor Creighton | Balcony bedroom. Photograph Ray Joyce | The Thorburn family, 1891. Courtesy Mrs June Wallace | Washstand,Mrs Thorburn’s bedroom. Photograph Ray Joyce.


2000–2001


1999–2000





liked the visit a lotlliked their visit a little


yes, a lotyes, a little


4%96%

4%96%

38% 7%

9%44%

6%91%

27%70%



2000–2001 24941999–2000 23471998–1999 20871997–1998 20701996–1997 1973


Paid admissiongeneral 1000education 713public programs 468venue hire 0Subtotal 2181


TOTAL 2494


2000–2001

expenditure $122 000income $9000

1999–2000


36

Museum of Sydney on the site of first Government House

I never knew what arich and harsh historySydney had. Wonderful exhibition of indigenous peopleshistories – why wasn’tI exposed to any ofthis at school? Caroline Craig, St Kilda, Melbourne,January 2001.

Museum of Sydney on the site offirst Government House openedto the public in 1995. TheMuseum of Sydney is a modernmuseum built on an historic site –first Government House – theearliest foundations of Britishcolonisation in Australia. Fromthe archaeological remains offirst Government House, to theaward-winning contemporarysculpture Edge of the Trees,exhibits on the life of Aboriginalpeople of Port Jackson and thecuriosities of the CollectorsChests, the Museum of Sydneyexplores Sydney’s people, placesand cultures then and now.

Cnr Phillip & Bridge StreetsSydney NSW 2000


Open daily 9.30am – 5pm

Key objectives Consolidate the new management structure

A new management structure for the museum was put inplace, one of the recommendations of the Museum ofSydney Review 1998. This brings the museum structure inline with other Trust properties, with a head curator leadingthe property supported by a manager.

Participate in the two Australian Research Centregrants under the Strategic Partnerships with Industry –Research and Training scheme (SPIRT) with thearchaeology departments of the University of Sydneyand La Trobe University to develop research projectsthat will result in new displays and publications

The Sydney TimeMap project with the University ofSydney continued, with a pilot version of the projectlaunched in the museum’s Visitors Centre. The secondphase will see the Sydney TimeMap project contribute toa major new installation in the current Bond Store spacewith the working title Sydney Eye. This project will examinegeographical and cultural nodes in Sydney to illustratediversity, interpret history and contemporary culture.

The second project Archaeology of the Modern City inpartnership with La Trobe University and others provides amechanism to reinterpret the archaeological collections ofthe Museum of Sydney and the Hyde Park BarracksMuseum. This project will continue next year.

Develop an exhibition Sydney@Federation to celebratethe Centenary of Federation

Sydney@Federation was held in association with theSydney Festival and focused on Sydney’s urban andcultural evolution during the period 1880 to 1910. A floatrepresenting multiculturalism and Aboriginal reconciliationfrom the Centenary of Federation parade was displayed onFirst Government House Place in January. Severalcostumes from the parade were also displayed in themuseum. The exhibition attracted a large educationaudience.

Increase visitor numbers to the museum

An increase of 21% in paid admissions on last year’sfigures and an overall increase of 31% on total visitornumbers on last year’s figures was achieved.

Increase the profits of the MOS Shop

Gross profits increased by 18% on last year’s trading andnet profits increased by $101 651 an increase of 274%.This was done in a year of consolidation of stock, reducingcost of sales.

HighlightsCadigal Place, the semi permanent display about SydneyAboriginal life, history and culture, was expanded followingextensive consultation with traditional owners of the Sydneyregion.

The second annual seminar Allowan – I Remain washosted as part of History Week. These seminars providethe opportunity for constructive debate about current andprovocative issues relating to the Indigenous Sydneylanguage groups.

In collaboration with the Sydney Vietnamese community afree day Celebrating 25 Years: Vietnamese AustraliansFestival was held to commemorate the success of thelargest refugee community. Over 3200 people attended thecelebrations.

The highly successful Reclaiming the Past series was heldfor the fifth year telling the histories of the Chinese,Vietnamese and Cambodian communities.

Key objectives for 2001–2002■ Produce a three-year strategic plan for digital mediamethodology, delivery and maintenance■ Implement a series of major changes to semi permanentdisplays■ Undertake a major upgrade of mechanical services■ Review the Acquisitions Policy.

Venue hire function on First Government House Place. Photograph Paul Nevin | Enhanced image from the original King Street photograph from the Tyrell collection,reproduced with permission from the National Library of Australia, Sydney@Federation exhibition | Comedian Anh Do entertains the crowds, Celebrating 25 Years:Vietnamese Australian Festival.

37


2000–2001


1999–2000



18% under 2533% 26 to 4534% 46 to 6515% over 65




73% yes, a lot24% yes, a little2% no


Naidoc Week celebrations. Photograph Jan Conti | Painting titled I lived in Berowra (detail), Margaret Preston, 1941, from the Art Gallery of NSW collection, SydneySuburb exhibition | Naidoc Week celebrations. Photograph Jan Conti | Education program. Photograph Ross Heathcote.

39%61%

29%71%

33%18%

15%34%

11%85%

3%

24%73%

2%


2 The breakdown of the visitor figures has been calculated this year and retrospectively for last year to include visitors to the cafe, MOS Shop and visits to the Edge of the Trees sculpture. The decision tocalculate visitors to these sites is motivated by the significant cost to the organisation in maintaining these resources. In previous years these figures have been calculated within the general grounds figures.


2000–2001 464 5111999–2000 355 064


Paid Admissiongeneral 43 587education 7264public programs 7670venue hire 16 099Subtotal 74 620

Free entrycomplimentary tickets 6713other 383 178(includes site, cafe, shop and visits to the Edge of the Trees)Subtotal 389 891

TOTAL 464 511

Groundsforecourt 477 900


2000–2001

expenditure $3 909 000income $1 058 000

1999–2000expenditure $2 938 000income $1 120 000

38

Rose Seidler House

This house is timeless,mailing list please. David & Sue Meakin, Sydney, December2000.

Rose Seidler House opened tothe public in 1991. Built between1948 and 1950 the house wasdesigned by internationallyrenowned architect Harry Seidlerfor his parents, Rose and MaxSeidler. Its use of open planning,bold colours and moderntechnology promoted themodernist movement in Australia.Its original furniture forms one ofthe most important post wardesign collections in Australia.Nestled in natural bushland, Rose Seidler House haspanoramic views of Ku-ring-gaiNational Park from its glass wallsand sunny deck.

71 Clissold Road Wahroonga NSW 2076


Open Sunday 10am – 5pm

Key objectives Implement a series of public programs includingrestaging the successful Fifties Fair (in its sixth year)

A small display, Fifty Years of Good Design, showed 30award winning and popular Australian products from 1950to 1999 chosen by Harry Seidler because they illustratedthe general principles of modern design.

The sixth annual Fifties Fair attracted almost 3000 peoplewho came to enjoy the house, browse around the ’50scollectables stalls and enjoy food and entertainment fromthe era when the house was built.

Following much public and media debate about 20thcentury architecture and its value, the museum presented aseries of monthly fireside talks featuring Australia’s leadingmodernist architects. The Meet the Architects seriesincluded talks by Bruce Rickard, Don Gazzard, FelixTaverner, Ken Woolley and John James, and attractedcapacity audiences and much media attention. The serieswas held in collaboration with the newly formed Australianworking party of DOCOMOMO (Documentation andConservation of the Modern Movement).

Implement the recommendations of the operationsreview undertaken in 2000

The recommendations of the review were implemented,including staffing adjustments and the initiation of a majorprogram of oral history research relating to the house, itsgarden and its occupants. Interviews with family members,tenants, neighbours and visiting friends provided newperspectives and information about the museum. Aconservation plan for the garden has subsequently beeninitiated to refine its management and interpretation.

HighlightsA new drama-based primary school program Go FiftiesStyle was trialed using television, music, technology andlanguage to highlight themes of change and continuity overthe past 50 years.

Key objectives for 2001–2002■ Continue a series of public programs to attractaudiences

Rose Seidler House (detail). Photograph Ray Joyce | Shoppers at the Fifties Fair. Photograph Ross Heathcote | Hardoy chair, 1948. Photograph Ray Joyce.

39


2000–2001


1999–2000









Watching the dancing at the Fifties Fair. Photograph Ross Heathcote | Dancers, Fifties Fair. Photograph Ross Heathcote | Detail inside the house. PhotographRichard Gange | Enjoying the Fifties Fair. Photograph Ross Heathcote.

11%89%

10%90%

56%18%

5% 21%

6%92%

2%

32%65%

3%



2000–2001 47871999–2000 43541998–1999 42821997–1998 65521996–1997 4050




TOTAL 4787


2000–2001


1999–2000


40

Rouse Hill estate

Living history iswonderfully displayed.It was very moving. P Mackay, London, UK, August 2000.

Rouse Hill estate opened to thepublic in 1999. This fragileproperty resonates with nearlytwo centuries of one family’soccupation. The 19th century farmoutbuildings, paddocks, gardensand the rich collection of objects,overlaid with later additions, havebeen conserved intact as anessentially undisturbed record ofthe family’s chequered history. Atthe heart of the property lies aneo-classical sandstone dwellingbuilt between 1813 and 1818 byconvict labourers assigned to theenterprising free settler, RichardRouse.

Guntawong Road Rouse Hill NSW 2155


Open Thursdays and weekends 10am – 2pm. Guided tours only

Key objectives Monitor wear and tear on the property and adjustmentof operations accordingly

As this is one of the Trust’s most fragile properties it wasimperative that the wear and tear was monitored followingthe museum’s opening to the public in May 1999. Practicalmeasures were instituted as necessary including limitingnumbers on tours, using dust covers for some items offurniture, and the limited use of props to prevent excessivewear and tear on the collection. To assist visitors inunderstanding the restrictions placed on them, a displayabout the wear and tear monitoring program was set up inthe Visitors Centre.

Students from the University of Western Sydney wereinvolved in developing a conservation exercise relating tothe monitoring program.

Examine alternative ways for visitors to access thecollection

As much of the collection is not on display variousspecialist tours were run to give visitors some access, mostnotably through the White Gloves tour which takes visitorsbehind-the-scenes.

Update feasibility study for the school as a visitorscentre/community facility

The feasibility study was commenced in late June and willbe completed in November 2001.

Review the property’s operations at the end of thedevelopment phase in January 2001

An interim report on the property’s operations wasundertaken but due to changes in curatorial staff this yearthe review has been moved into the next financial year.

HighlightsThe inaugural Out of the Woodwork public program washeld in May 2001. The focus for the event was thetraditional craft of the woodworker. The festival includednoted speakers on various related topics anddemonstrations of woodchopping, woodturning, didgeridoomaking, pole lathe turning, pyrography and coopering. Thefestival attracted over 2500 visitors.

Other public programs continue in popularity and raise themuseum’s profile. Dawn Chores, Evening Round-up,Place of Shadows and Secrets and the White Glovestours regularly attracted capacity audiences.

The state government committed funds to upgradeWindsor Road and deviate it away from Rouse Hill estatefollowing a commitment made by the Premier, The HonBob Carr MP, in May 1999 at the opening of the museum.This will mean that the current traffic noise and accessdifficulties will be largely eliminated.

Key objectives for 2001–2002■ Complete the feasibility study for the Rouse Hill primaryschool site and develop a business plan for the site■ Work with the Road Transport Authority on the deviationof Windsor Road.

Doing Dawn Chores. Photograph Judy Weatherley | Family at Rouse Hill, 1859. Photograph Thomas Wingate, Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW | Rouse HillHouse (detail). Photograph Ray Joyce.

41


2000–2001


1999–2000





liked the visit a lotliked their visit a little




Bathhouse built in 1857. Photograph Ray Joyce | Wood turner, DA Hageman, Out of the Woodwork. Photograph Tracey Schramm | Aerial view of the estate.Photograph Christopher Shain | Wood chopping, Out of the Woodwork.

2%98%

1%99%

24%3%

15%56%

9%88%

12%85%

1%



2000–2001 80491999–2000 76551998–1999 41631997–1998 6021996–1997 194




TOTAL 8049


2000–2001


1999–2000


42

Susannah Place Museum

I’ve found this one ofthe most rewardingplaces in The Rocks –a wonderful conceptfor a museum. The oralhistory is priceless. Icongratulate thoseresponsible for itspreservation.Sue Dawe, Melbourne, March 2001.

Susannah Place Museum openedto the public in 1993. Built in1844, Susannah Place is a terraceof four houses located in theheart of The Rocks incorporatingan intimate and colourful cornershop. It is evidence of therichness of community life thatexisted in The Rocks. Its modestinteriors and rear yards illustratethe restrictions of 19th centuryinner city life. The original brickprivies and open laundries aresome of the earliest survivingwashing and sanitary amenitiesremaining in the city.

58–64 Gloucester Street The Rocks NSW 2000


Open weekends 10am – 5pm During January: open daily

Key objectives Strengthen relationship with the Sydney HarbourForeshore Authority (the owner of the property) tobetter market the museum and its programs to visitorsto The Rocks

Several initiatives were undertaken with the SydneyHarbour Foreshore Authority this year which includedadditional street signage at Argyle Cut and HarringtonStreet. Signage was installed in time for the Sydney 2000Olympic Games.

For Australia Day the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authorityprovided a stall at First Fleet Park, Circular Quay giving themuseum the opportunity to increase its profile sellingmerchandise from the shop and handing out promotionalmaterial.

Undertake wear and tear documentation

Wear and tear documentation in the form of a photographicrecord was completed this year for comparison with thedocumentation done for this purpose in 1993. The resultsare yet to be analysed.

HighlightsA marketing campaign was undertaken to promote themuseum’s daily opening times in January, which resulted inan increase of 16% in paid admissions.

A new 20th century teaching kit for secondary studentswas developed which uses excerpts of the museum’s oralhistory and photographs to explain major events ofAustralian history as witnessed by Susannah Place tenants.

The theatre-in-education drama program Susannah’sPlace was held in May for students in Years 4 to 6. Itexplored the story of life in The Rocks over 150 years astold by a cast of characters. Ten performances wereoffered over a week which attracted 349 students fromseven schools. Teachers from five of the seven schoolscompleted evaluation forms rating the program very highly.

A suitcase filled with props, collection objects and shopitems was put in situ for use as a touch table for visitorswith special needs.

Key objectives for 2001–2002■ Develop the backyards of the terraces based on oralhistory interviews■ Analyse wear and tear using photographic documentation.

School girls at the shop. Photograph Ross Heathcote | Terrace No 60. Photograph Ray Joyce | Susannah’s Place theatre-in-education project. Photograph RossHeathcote.

43


2000–2001


1999–2000







yes, a lotyes, a littleneither



Rear of terraces. Photograph Ray Joyce | Rear view of the terraces, 1901 reprinted with permission from the Mitchell Library, State Library NSW | Shop window.Photograph Christopher Shain | Susannah Place Museum. Photograph Ray Joyce.

45%55%

32%68%

43%18%

8%31%

6%89%

4%

21%76%

1%


2000–2001 16 4301999–2000 14 0691998–1999 14 7411997–1998 14 3551996–1997 17 483



Free entrycomplimentary tickets 2486other (shop) 8761Subtotal 11 247

TOTAL 16 430


2000–2001


1999–2000


44

Vaucluse House

An inspiration to ournation. V Simpson, South Coogee, January 2001.

Vaucluse House opened to thepublic in 1980. Covering only tenhectares of its original 206hectares, Vaucluse Housesurvives as the only 19th centuryharbourside estate with house,stables and outbuildings, set inparklands, pleasure gardens andkitchen garden. From 1827 to1862, Vaucluse House was theSydney home of William CharlesWentworth – explorer, barrister,patriot and agitator for self-government – and his wife Sarah,and their large family. Many ofthe Wentworth family’spossessions are displayedthrough the house.

Wentworth Road, Vaucluse NSW 2030


Open Tuesday to Sunday & PublicHoliday Mondays 10am – 4.30pm

Key objectives Implement the recommendations of the operationsreview held in 2000

Recommendations were implemented including a trial sixmonthly neighbourhood newsletter to improvecommunication with the local residents. Staffing changeswere implemented to achieve efficiency, cleaning contractswere reviewed and better promotional material wasdeveloped for display in the popular Tearooms toencourage visitors to the house.

Develop programs to celebrate the Centenary ofFederation

An interpretive display Visions of a Nation: Wentworth asPatriot, Wentworth and the Australian Constitution wasdeveloped to explain William Charles Wentworth’sinvolvement with the development of constitutionalautonomy.

Increase audience

Despite two successful public programs Jazz in theGarden and the Kitchen Garden Festival paid admissionsdropped by 9%. A drop of 32% in venue hire admissionsas a cap on the number of functions was introduced due tonoise complaints from residents. However, overall visitorsto the property increased by 2%.

HighlightsThe conservation of the kitchen garden won the 2001Woollahra Council Conservation Award.

The Kitchen Garden Festival received a commendation inthe Tourism category of the EnergyAustralia National TrustHeritage Awards 2001.

Several important acquisitions were made during2000–2001 including two portraits of the Wentworthdaughters. One of these, a pastel and watercolour, has astrong Wentworth family provenance. Three watercoloursby FL Fisher were acquired, and include a sketch ofVaucluse House from the north dated 1875. This view

details the building and the fountain-bed lawn, and willassist in the ongoing interpretation of the estate. A 1928pencil drawing of the Vaucluse House courtyard by WalterM Goode-Smith provides useful architectural informationespecially as few photographs survive of this area.

Key objectives for 2001–2002■ Complete stage one of the kitchen re-roofing■ Begin construction of a new bridge in the beachpaddock■ Revamp long-standing education and public programs toattract new audiences.

Wisteria in bloom. Photograph Christopher Shain | In the vegetable garden, Kitchen Garden Festival. Photograph Charmaine Moldrich | Pumpkins, Kitchen GardenFestival. Photograph Megan Martin.

45


2000–2001


1999–2000









Drawing titled Portrait of a Young Woman by Adelaide Ironside, thought to be one of the Wentworth daughters, recently purchased at auction | Produce from thevegetable garden. Photograph Charmaine Moldrich | Children in the pumpkin patch, Kitchen Garden Festival. Photograph Charmaine Moldrich | Vaucluse House.Photograph Ray Joyce.

33%67%

25%75%

33%10%

12%43%

4%93%

1%

27%70%

2%


2 The breakdown of the visitor figures has been calculated this year and retrospectively for last year to include visitors to the Tearooms and a percentage of visitors to the parklands and beach paddock.The decision to calculate visitors to these sites is motivated by the significant cost to the organisation in maintaining these resources. In previous years these figures have been calculated within thegeneral grounds figures.


2001–2000 101 4192000–1999 99 666



Free entrycomplimentary tickets 1931other 64 516(includes site visits, tearooms, shop and a percentage of people visiting the parklands and beach paddock)Subtotal 66 447

TOTAL 101 419

Groundslocal traffic 4700


2000–2001


1999–2000


46 The Mint. Photographs Ray Joyce | Napier & Son Automaton balance. Royal Mint, Sydney Branch, 1892. Photograph Robert Hunt. Historic Photograph collection,Macleay Museum, University of Sydney.

The Mint

Key objectivesTo increase venue hire opportunities

With its variety of function facilities: boardroom, conferenceroom, courtyard and cafe, The Mint is steadily building aclient base drawn primarily from the corporate andgovernment sectors.

Sixty-eight venue hire functions were held this year incomparison to 33 in The Mint’s first six months as afunction venue.

HighlightsA modest display of interpretive panels on the history of thebuilding and The Mint was developed and installed. As TheMint is on Macquarie Street passing tourists are attractedto the building. This simple installation coupled with a freehandout gives the visitor a brief history of the building.

The Centenary of Federation official parade on 1 January2001 travelled along Macquarie Street and The Mint wasused as the official viewing venue for dignitaries associatedwith the celebrations. The Governor-General, PrimeMinister, each State Premier and State Governor attended.Other guests included the Chief Justice, former NSWPremiers Neville Wran and John Fahey, former PrimeMinister Bob Hawke, former Governors-General, heads ofchurches, and senior military personnel.

Key objectives for 2001–2002■ To manage the development of the former industrialbuildings as a best practice conservation project as thenew home for the Trust’s Library and ConservationResource Centre and head office.

StatisticsAudience

As The Mint does not operate as a museum no audiencesurveys were undertaken.


2000–2001 20 9761999–2000 6171


Admissiongeneral (free) 9231public programs 1313venue hire 3910cafe 6522

TOTAL 20 976


2000–2001


1999–2000


The Mint opened to the public in1999 (for venue hire only). TheMint is part of the oldest extantbuilding group in Central Sydney.Building on the site commencedin 1811 and when it opened asSydney Hospital in 1816 it wasthe largest building in Sydney. Ithas had a colourful history as anindustrial site having housed abranch of the Royal Mint from1855 to 1927.

The building later accommodatednumerous governmentdepartments including variouscourts, the Family EndowmentDepartment, and the ElectricalContractors Licensing Board. Itsubsequently became the MintMuseum managed by the Museumof Applied Arts and Sciences(Powerhouse Museum). It wastransferred to the Historic HousesTrust in 1997 and openedcontaining a cafe, meeting roomsand members facilities inDecember 1999.

10 Macquarie StreetSydney NSW 2000


47

ConsultantsDiscussion and Analysis of FinancialStatements and Results of OperationsEconomic and other factors affecting theachievement of operational activitiesFinancial Statements

4848

49

51

Finance contents

48

Finance

Consultants

Building over $30 000Clive Lucas, Stapleton & Partners Architects $158 193Design 5 Architects Architects $31 381

Building under $30 000Ten projects were undertaken by various consultants $99 834

General over $30 000Hughes Research & Design Research & Curatorial $54 708Blue Moon Quantitative Res P/L Market Research $33 110

General under $30 000Four projects were undertaken by various consultants $44 254

Discussion and Analysis of Financial Statements andResults of Operations

OverviewThe Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales consolidated financialstatements represents the combination of the accounts of the HistoricHouses Trust of New South Wales and the accounts of the Foundation forthe Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales, the Rouse Hill HamiltonCollection Pty Ltd and the Hamilton Rouse Hill Trust are analysed below:

Consolidated OperationsThe net cost of services were reduced by $1.275 million to $14.703 millionwhich contributed to a surplus of $173 000 for the year ended 30 June 2001.

RevenueRevenue increased by 9%to $19.082 million. Made up of an increase inGovernment funding of 6.9% and an increase of 7.9% in earned income.Government funding increased to $14.876 million, this was made up ofrecurrent funding of $13.250 million, capital appropriation $776 000 andacceptance by the Crown for employee entitlements of $850 000.

The recurrent appropriation of $13.250 million represents an increase of10.2% to cover the following:■ $445 000 for opening Rouse Hill estate to the public■ $650 000 for major maintenance work under the Total AssetsManagement Strategy (TAMS)■ $131 000 for increased salary and other operating costs.

The capital appropriation of $776 000 represents a decrease of 33% tocover the following:■ $550 000 for roof works at Elizabeth Bay House, Justice & PoliceMuseum and Hyde Park Barracks Museum■ $226 000 for ongoing replacement of computers, acquisition ofcollections, and minor plant and equipment.

Earned income increased to $3.304 million, including admission income of$1.788 million, an increase of 12.8% due to a price rise and goodperformance in public program and venue hire income generation. Corporatesponsorship income increased 329.2% to $352 000.

ExpenditureEmployee related expenses increased by 2.8% to $9.470 million as a resulttwo salary increases awarded to Crown Employees, 2% from January 2000and 2% from January 2001.

Other operating expenses increased by $69 000 to $5.450 million andmaintenance expenses increased by $812 000 to $2.594 million. This ismainly due to the following:

■ The recording of maintenance undertaken free of charge by theDepartment of Public Works & Services in relation to the GovernmentHouse for the first time this year.■ Major maintenance work under the TAMS.

Performance SummaryThe following tables and charts summarise the Trust’s performance incomparison to the previous year:

Sources of Income2001 2000 2001 2000

$'000 $'000 % of Total % of Total

■ Government Funding 14 876 13 919 78.0 79.5

■ Earned Income 3304 3061 17.3 17.5

■ Grant Funding 429 17 2.2 0.1

■ Corporate Sponsorship 352 82 1.8 0.5

■ Statutory Authorities 30 120 0.2 0.7

■ Private Donations 91 299 0.5 1.7

Total Revenue 19 082 17 498 100% 100%

2000–2001 1999–2000

Expenditure by Category2001 2000 2001 2000


■ Employee Related 9470 9211 50.1 47.1

■ Other Operating Expenses 5450 5381 28.9 27.5

■ Maintenance 2594 1782 13.7 9.1

■ Depreciation 1380 889 7.3 4.5

■ Other Expenses 0 2300 0.0 11.8

Total 18 894 19 563 100% 100%

2000–2001 1999–2000

49

Late Payment of AccountsThe main reasons for late payment of accounts have been:■ Delays in obtaining the original invoices from suppliers■ Loss of invoices in the mail, when copies had to be requested.

These are due to circumstances beyond the Trust’s control. Staff processingand approving suppliers’ invoices are however regularly reminded of theneed for prompt processing of accounts.

The Trust incurred $321.86 (2000 $173.31) interest on its corporate creditcards because the monthly accounts were paid late. The Trust did not incurany other late payment penalty interest during the year and the loss ofprompt settlement discounts has been minimal.

Balance SheetNet assets of the Trust increased by $42.686 million to $120.653 millionmainly as a results of the acquisition of the Government House land andbuildings from the Premier’s Department. The working capital ratio remainedconstant at 3.3 times.

Statement of Cash FlowsThe net cash inflow from operating activities was increased by 20.1% to $1.454 million, which provided enough resources for the capital investmentprogram ($724 000) and the purchase of investments ($47 000). There was an overall net increase in cash resulting in a balance of $687 000 in 2001as compared to $144 000 in 2000.

Assets by Category2001 2000 2001 2000


■ Cash 4887 4200 4.0 5.3

■ Investments 586 539 0.5 0.7

■ Receivables 501 226 0.4 0.3

■ Inventories 1318 1159 1.1 1.4

■ Land and Buildings 97 968 55 656 79.7 69.7

■ Plant and Equipment 2756 3288 2.2 4.1

■ Collections 14 840 14 782 12.1 18.5

Total 122 856 79 850 100% 100%

2000–2001 1999–2000

Foundation for the Historic Houses Trust of New South WalesThe Foundation had a good result this year with a surplus of $365 000(2000 $62 000). It ended the year with accumulated funds reaching $1.4 million.

Revenue■ Investment income was increased by 17.9% to $63 180 despite lowinterest rates by maintaining around 50% of available surplus funds in shortterm deposit■ Sponsorship contributions increased by $178 081 to $255 551■ Fundraising dinner ticket sales increased by $105 423 to $160 850.

ExpenditureTotal expenses increased from $95 834 to $180 427 mainly because of the increased expense incurred on the fundraising dinner, which made a $44 995 gross profit.

Economic and other factors affecting the achievement ofoperational activities

Apart from the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, which had a small impact onvisitor numbers, there were no other economic factors that had a significanteffect on operational activities.

50

Finance continued

Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales

To Members of the New South Wales Parliament and Members of the Historic HousesTrust of New South Wales

Scope

I have audited the accounts of the Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales for the yearended 30 June 2001. The Trust is responsible for the financial report consisting of thestatement of financial position, statement of financial performance, statement of cash flows andsummary of compliance with financial directives, together with the notes thereto, and theinformation contained therein. My responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial reportto Members of the New South Wales Parliament and Members of the Trust based on my auditas required by sections 34 and 41C(1) of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983 (the Act).My responsibility does not extend here to an assessment of the assumptions used informulating budget figures disclosed in the financial report.

My audit has been conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Act and AustralianAuditing Standards to provide reasonable assurance whether the financial report is free ofmaterial misstatement. My procedures included examination, on a test basis, of evidencesupporting the amounts and other disclosures in the financial report, and the evaluation ofaccounting policies and significant accounting estimates.

These procedures have been undertaken to form an opinion as to whether, in all materialrespects, the financial report is presented fairly in accordance with the requirements of the Act,Accounting Standards and other mandatory professional reporting requirements, in Australia, soas to present a view which is consistent with my understanding of the Trust’s financial position,the results of its operations and its cash flows.

The audit opinion expressed in this report has been formed on the above basis.

Audit Opinion

In my opinion, the financial report of the Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales complieswith sections 41B and 41BA of the Act and presents fairly in accordance with applicableAccounting Standards and other mandatory professional reporting requirements the financialposition of the Trust as at 30 June 2001 and the results of its operations and its cash flows forthe year then ended.

P. J. Boulous, CADirector of Audit(duly authorised by the Auditor-General of New South Wales under section 41C(1A) of the Act)

Sydney28 September 2001

Independent Audit Report

51

Pursuant to Section 41C(1C) of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983, we state that:

(a) The accompanying financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2001 havebeen prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Public Finance and AuditAct 1983, and regulations, applicable Accounting Standards, other mandatoryprofessional reporting requirements, the Financial Reporting Code for BudgetDependent Government Sector Agencies and Treasurer’s Directions

(b) In our opinion, the financial statements show a true and fair view of the financialposition and transactions of the Trust

(c) There are no circumstances, which would render any particulars included in thefinancial Statements to be misleading or inaccurate.

Statement by Members of the Historic Houses Trust

Jack Mundey Chairman

Peter WattsDirector

Financial Statements

28 September 2001

52


Statement of Financial Performance for the year ended 30 June 2001

Expenses

Operating Expenses

– Employee Related 2(a) 9470 9501 9211

– Other Operating Expenses 2(b) 5450 5528 5381

Maintenance 2(c) 2594 2967 1782

Depreciation and Amortisation Expense 2(d) 1380 1226 889

Other Expenses 2(e) – – 2300

Total Expenses 18 894 19 222 19 563

Less:

Retained Revenue

Sale of Goods and Services 6(a) 3003 2869 2801

Investment Income 6(b) 301 284 260

Grants and Contributions 6(c) 902 333 518

Total Retained Revenue 4206 3486 3579

Gain/(Loss) on Disposal of Non-Current Assets 7 (15) – 6

NET COST OF SERVICES 14 703 15 736 15 978

Government Contributions

Recurrent Appropriation 8(a) 13 250 13 256 12 024

Capital Appropriation 8(a) 776 886 1163

Acceptance by the Crown Entity of Employee Entitlements and Other Liabilities 8(b) 850 414 732

Total Government Contributions 14 876 14 556 13 919

SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) FOR THE YEAR 173 (1180) (2059)

NON-OWNER TRANSACTION CHANGES IN EQUITY

Net Increase (Decrease) in Asset Revaluation Reserve 77 – 12 496

TOTAL REVENUES, EXPENSES AND VALUATION ADJUSTMENTS RECOGNISED DIRECTLY IN EQUITY 77 – 12 496

TOTAL CHANGES IN EQUITY OTHER THAN THOSE RESULTINGFROM TRANSACTIONS WITH OWNERS AS OWNERS 18 250 (1180) 10 437

The accompanying notes form part of these statements.

Notes Actual Budget Actual2001 2001 2000$'000 $'000 $'000

53


ASSETS

Current Assets

Cash 9 4887 3759 4200

Receivables 11 501 326 226

Inventories 12 1318 1047 1159

Other Financial Assets 10 586 571 539

Total Current Assets 7292 5703 6124

Non-Current Assets

Property, Plant and Equipment

– Land and Buildings 13(a) 97 968 55 961 55 656

– Plant and Equipment 13(b) 2756 2613 3288

– Collections 13(c) 14 840 14 812 14 782

Total Property, Plant and Equipment 115 564 73 386 73 726

Total Non-Current Assets 115 564 73 386 73 726

Total Assets 122 856 79 089 79 850

LIABILITIES

Current Liabilities

Payables 15 1262 1063 1047

Employee Entitlements and Other Provisions 16 936 844 831

Total Current Liabilities 2198 1907 1878

Non-Current Liabilities

Other 17 5 5 5

Total Non-Current Liabilities 5 5 5

Total Liabilities 2203 1912 1883

Net Assets 120 653 77 177 77 967

EQUITY

Reserves 18(a) 13 841 13 764 13 764

Accumulated Funds 18(b) 106 812 63 413 64 203

Total Equity 120 653 77 177 77 967


Statement of Financial Position as at 30 June 2001

54


CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Payments

Employee Related (8998) (9097) (8854)

Other (7519) (9257) (7001)

Total Payments (16 517) (18 354) (15 855)

Receipts

Sale of Goods and Services 2675 2868 2705

Interest Received 314 276 251

Other 473 1131 520

Total Receipts 3462 4275 3476

Cash Flows from Government

Recurrent Appropriation 13 250 13 256 12 024

Capital Appropriation 776 886 1163

Cash Reimbursements from the Crown Entity 483 414 403

Net Cash Flows from Government 14 509 14 556 13 590

NET CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 22 1454 477 1211

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Proceeds from Sale of Land and Buildings, Plant and Equipment 80 – 17

Purchases of Land and Buildings, Plant and Equipment (724) (851) (1024)

Purchases of Collections (76) (35) (38)

Purchases of Investments (47) (32) (22)

NET CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES (767) (918) (1067)

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH 687 (441) 144

Opening Cash and Cash Equivalents 4200 4200 4056

CLOSING CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 9 4887 3759 4200



Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 30 June 2001

55

RECURRENT CAPITAL

$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000

2001

Original Budget Appropriation/Expenditure

– Appropriation Act 13 256 13 250 886 776

Other Appropriations/Expenditure

– Treasurer's Advance

– Section 22 – Expenditure for certain works and services – – – –

Total Appropriations/Expenditure1 13 256 13 250 886 776

Amount drawn down against Appropriation 13 250 776

Liability to Consolidated Fund – – –

2000

Original Budget Appropriation/Expenditure

– Appropriation Act 11 968 11 968 1163 1163

Other Appropriations/Expenditure

– Treasurer's Advance

– Section 22 – Expenditure for certain works and services 56 56 – –

Total Appropriations/Expenditure1 12 024 12 024 1163 1163

Amount drawn down against Appropriation 12 024 1163

Liability to Consolidated Fund – – –

1 The Trust receives revenue from sources other than the Consolidated Fund. It is therefore assumed that the Consolidated Fund appropriation is expended prior to revenue from other sources.

Approp. Expenditure/Net Claim onConsolidatedFund

Approp. Expenditure/Net Claim onConsolidatedFund

Summary of Compliance with Financial Directives for the year ended 30 June 2001

56


1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

(a) Reporting Entity

The Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales, as a reportingentity, comprises all the entities under its control, namely the RouseHill Hamilton Collection Pty Ltd, the Hamilton Rouse Hill Trust andthe Foundation for the Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales.

(i) The Rouse Hill Hamilton Collection Pty Ltd

The sole purpose of the Rouse Hill Hamilton Collection Pty Ltdis to act as the Trustee of the Hamilton Rouse Hill Trust and hasnever traded in its own rights.

The Company has issued two $1 shares fully paid. The HistoricHouses Trust of New South Wales holds one share and PeterWatts in his capacity of Director of the Historic Houses Trust ofNew South Wales holds the other share. There were no financialtransactions in this financial year.

(ii) The Hamilton Rouse Hill Trust

The Hamilton Rouse Hill Trust was established on 27 October1994 and holds collection items in and about Rouse Hill House.Except for the revaluation of the collection, there were nofinancial transactions in this financial year.

(iii) The Foundation for the Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales

The Foundation for the Historic Houses Trust of New SouthWales was set up for the purpose of the promotion,advancement and development of the museums under the care,custody and control of the Historic Houses Trust of New SouthWales. A summary of the Foundation’s financial statements is atnote 25.

In the process of preparing the consolidated financial statementsfor the economic entity consisting of the controlling andcontrolled entities, all inter-entity transactions and balances havebeen eliminated.

The reporting entity is consolidated as part of the NSW TotalSate Sector and as part of the NSW Public Accounts

(b) Basis of Accounting

The Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales financial statementsare a general purpose financial report which has been prepared onan accrual basis and in accordance with:■ applicable Australian Accounting Standards■ other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian AccountingStandards Board (AASB)■ Urgent Issues Group (UIG) Consensus Views■ the requirements of the Public Finance and Audit Act andRegulations■ the Financial Reporting Directions published in the FinancialReporting Code for Budget Dependent General Government SectorAgencies or issued by the Treasurer under section 9(2)(n) of theAct.Where there are inconsistencies between the above requirements,the legislative provisions have prevailed.

In the absence of specific Accounting Standard, other authoritative

pronouncement of the AASB or UIG Consensus View, the hierarchyof other pronouncements as outlined in AAS6 ‘Accounting Policies’is considered.

Except for land and building and collections, which are recorded atvaluation, the financial statements are prepared in accordance withthe historical cost convention.

All amounts are rounded to the nearest one thousand dollars andare expressed in Australian currency.

(c) Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognised when the Trust has control of the good orright to receive and if it is probable that the economic benefits willflow to the Trust and the amount of revenue can be measuredreliably. Additional comments regarding the accounting policies forthe recognition of revenue are discussed below.

(i) Sale of Goods and Services

Revenue from Sale of Goods and Services comprises revenuefrom the provision of products or services ie user charges. Usercharges are recognised as revenues when the Trust obtainscontrol of the assets that result from them.

(ii) Parliamentary Appropriations and Contributions from OtherBodies

Parliamentary appropriations and contributions from other bodies(including grants and donations) are generally recognised asrevenues when the Trust obtains control over the assetscomprising the appropriations/contributions. Control, overappropriations and contributions, is normally obtained uponreceipt of cash.

An exception to the above is when appropriations are unspent atyear-end. In this case, the authority to spend the money lapsesand generally the unspent amount must be repaid to theConsolidated Fund in the following financial year. As a result,unspent appropriations are now accounted for as liabilities ratherthan revenue.

The Trust has spent all its appropriations in the financial year andthere is nothing owing to the Consolidated Fund at year-end.

(iii) Investment Income

Interest revenue is recognised as it accrues. Rent revenue isrecognised in accordance with AAS17 ‘Accounting for Leases’.

(d) Employee Entitlements

(i) Wages and Salaries, Annual Leave, Sick Leave and On-Costs

Liabilities for wages and salaries, annual leave and vesting sickleave are recognised and measured as the amount unpaid at thereporting date at current pay rates in respect of employees’services up to that date.

Unused non-vesting sick leave does not give rise to a liability asit is not considered probable that sick leave taken in future willbe greater than the entitlements accrued in the future.

The outstanding amounts of payroll tax, workers’ compensationinsurance premiums and fringe benefits tax, which are

Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2001

57

consequential to employment, are recognised as liabilities andexpenses where the employee entitlements to which they relatehave been recognised.

(ii) Long Service Leave and Superannuation

The Trust’s liabilities for long service leave and superannuationare assumed by the Crown Entity. The Trust accounts for theliability as having been extinguished resulting in the amountassumed being shown as part of the non-monetary revenue itemdescribed as ‘Acceptance by the Crown Entity of EmployeeEntitlements and Other Liabilities’.

Long service leave is measured at a nominal value using theremuneration rates at year-end for all employees with five (5) ormore years of service. It is considered that this measurementtechnique produces results not materially different from theestimate determined by using the present value basis ofmeasurement.

The superannuation expense for the financial year is determinedby using the formulae specified in the Treasurer’s Directions. Theexpense for certain superannuation schemes (ie Basic Benefitand First State Super) is calculated as a percentage of theemployees’ salary. For other superannuation schemes (ie StateSuperannuation Scheme and State Authorities SuperannuationScheme), the expense is calculated as a multiple of theemployees’ superannuation contributions.

(e) Insurance

The Trust’s insurance activities are conducted through the NSWTreasury Managed Fund Scheme of self-insurance for GovernmentAgencies. The expense (premium) is determined by the FundManager based on past experience.

(f) Acquisition of Assets

The cost method of accounting is used for the initial recording of allacquisitions of assets controlled by the Trust. Cost is determined asthe fair value of the assets given as consideration plus the costsincidental to the acquisition.

Assets acquired at no cost, or for nominal consideration, are initiallyrecognised as assets and revenues at their fair value at the date ofacquisition. Fair value means the amount for which an asset couldbe exchanged between a knowledgeable, willing buyer and aknowledgeable, willing seller in an arm’s length transaction.

(g) Accounting for the Goods and Services Tax (GST)

Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amountof GST, except:■ The amount of GST incurred by the Trust as a purchaser that is notrecoverable from the Australian Taxation Office is recognised as partof the cost of acquisition of an asset or as part of an item of expense.■ Receivables and payables are stated with the amount of GSTincluded.

(h) Plant and Equipment

Plant and equipment costing over $5000 and all computerhardware and major software are individually capitalised andbrought to account at cost.

(i) Revaluation of Physical Non-Current Assets

All controlled properties have been valued in accordance with theGuidelines for Valuation of Land and Heritage Assets in the NSWPublic Sector, and as such reflect the current market value of theproperties having regard to heritage and development restrictions.Accredited valuers from the Valuer General’s Office have valued theland and buildings at June 2000. The land and buildings arerecorded at these values for Statement of Financial Positionpurposes. During the year costs incurred on the conservation ofthose properties have been expensed.

The major collection items at each property have been valued byaccredited valuers, at their fair market value. The remainingcollection items were valued internally by curatorial staff. Exceptwhere otherwise stated, the collections have been brought toaccount at those valuations. Collections at each property arerevalued at five-yearly intervals (refer to Note 13). Any acquisitionssince the last valuation date have been brought to account at cost.Costs incurred on conservation and restoration of objects in theTrust’s collection have been expensed during the year.

Plant and Equipment are not revalued as they have an estimateduseful life of less than 10 years.

In accordance with Treasury policy, the Trust has applied thetransitional provisions for the public sector of AAS38 ‘Revaluation ofNon-Current Assets’ and has elected to apply the same revaluationbasis as the preceding reporting period. It is expected, however,that in most instances the current valuation methodology willapproximate fair value.

When revaluing non-current assets by reference to current prices forassets newer than those being revalued (adjusted to reflect thepresent condition of the assets), the gross amount and the relatedaccumulated depreciation is separately restated.

Conversely, where assets are revalued to market value, and not byreference to current prices for assets newer than those beingrevalued, any balances of accumulated depreciation existing atrevaluation date in respect of those assets are credited to the assetaccounts to which they relate. The net asset accounts are increasedor decreased by the revaluation increments or decrements.

The recoverable amount test has not been applied as the Trust is anot-for-profit entity whose service potential is not related to theability to generate net cash inflows.

Revaluation increments are credited directly to the asset revaluationreserve, except that, to the extent that an increment reverses arevaluation decrement in respect of that class of asset previouslyrecognised as an expense in the surplus/deficit, the increment isrecognised immediately as revenue in the surplus/deficit.

Revaluation decrements are recognised immediately as expenses inthe surplus/deficit, except that, to the extent that a credit balanceexists in the asset revaluation reserve in respect of the same classof assets, they are debited directly to the asset revaluation reserve.

Revaluation increments and decrements are offset against oneanother within a class of anon-current assets, but not otherwise.

(j) Depreciation of Non-Current Physical Assets

Depreciation is provided for on a straight line basis for all


58


depreciable assets so as to write off the depreciable amount ofeach asset as it is consumed over its useful life to the Trust. Land isnot a depreciable asset. The estimated useful life of items of plantand equipment are as follows:■ Computer Equipment & Major Software 4 years■ Mechanical & Electronic Office Equipment 7 Years■ Office Fittings 10 Years■ Mobile Plant 10 Years

Land and heritage assets including all Trust’s buildings are notdepreciated. New constructions on the heritage sites are howeverdepreciated over their useful lives or 40 years whichever is longer.All material separately identifiable component assets are recognisedand depreciated over their shorter useful lives, including thosecomponents that in effect represent major periodic maintenance.

(k) Maintenance and Repairs

The costs of maintenance are charged as expenses as incurred,except where they relate to the replacement of a component of anasset, in which case the costs are capitalised and depreciated.

(l) Leased Assets

The Trust leases motor vehicles, storage and office space. All suchleases are operating leases where the lessors effectively retainsubstantially all the risks and benefits of ownership of the leaseditems. Operating lease payments are charged to the Statement ofFinancial Performance in the periods in which they are incurred.

(m) Investments

Marketable securities and deposits are valued at market valuation orcost. Non marketable securities are brought to account at cost. Forcurrent investments, revaluation increments and decrements arerecognised in the Statement of Financial Performance.

(n) Receivables

Receivables are recognised and carried at the original invoiceamount less a provision for any uncollectable debts. Bad debts arewritten off as incurred.

(o) Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value.The cost is calculated using the weighted average cost or ‘first infirst out’ method.

(p) Administrative Restructuring

The transfer of net assets between agencies as a result ofadministrative restructuring is treated as a direct adjustment to theopening balance of Accumulated Funds. This treatment is requiredby Treasury Circular 99/7 of 30/6/99.

(q) Payables

These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services providedto the agency and other amounts, including interest. Interest isaccrued over the period it becomes due.

(r) Reclassification of Financial Information

As a result of applying AAS1 ‘Statement of Financial Performance’and AAS36 ‘Statement of Financial Position’, the format of theStatement of Financial Performance (previously referred to as theOperating Statement) and the Statement of Financial Position hasbeen amended. As a result of applying these Accounting Standards,a number of comparative amounts were represented or reclassifiedto ensure comparability with the current reporting period.

(s) Budgeted Amounts

The budgeted amounts are drawn from the budgets as formulated atthe beginning of the financial year and with any adjustments for theeffects of additional appropriations under the Public Finance andAudit Act 1983.

The budgeted amounts in the Statement of Financial Performanceand the Statement of Cash Flows are generally based on theamounts disclosed in the NSW Budget Papers (as adjusted above).However, in the Statement of Financial Position, the amounts varyfrom the Budget Papers, as the opening balances of the budgetedamounts are based on the carried forward actual amounts ie per theaudited financial statements (rather than carried forward estimates).

59

2. Expenses

(a) Employee Related Expenses

comprise the following specific items:

Salaries and Wages (including recreation leave) 7961 7792

Payroll Tax and Fringe Benefits Tax 563 535

Workers Compensation Insurance 133 173

Long Service Leave 202 151

Superannuation 611 560

9470 9211

(b) Other Operating Expenses

Advertising and Publicity 603 637

Auditor’s Remuneration – Audit of the Financial Reports 25 22

Bad Debts – 1

Books, Publications and Subscriptions 70 62

Contract Cleaning 324 324

Cost of Sales (see Note 5) 439 532

Entertainment and Catering 38 86

Exhibitions 393 674

Fees for Services Rendered 503 390

Freight 27 27

Gas and Electricity 242 235

Insurance 150 165

Maintenance Contracts 89 72

Marketing 295 247

Motor Vehicle running costs 104 101

Other Expenses 330 298

Post and Telephone 301 291

Printing 212 144

Public Programs 473 332

Rates 32 27

Rental Expenses Relating to Operating Leases 170 152

Security 126 115

Stores 395 326

Travel 109 121

5450 5381

(c) Maintenance

Repairs and Maintenance 2165 1782

Maintenance Undertaken Free of Charge 6(c) & 14 429 –

2594 1782

2001 2000

Notes $’000 $’000

60


2001 2000

Notes $’000 $’000

(d) Depreciation and Amortisation Expense

Depreciation:

– Buildings 473 20

– Plant and Equipment 907 869

1380 889

(e) Other Expenses

Decrement on Revaluation of Buildings – 2300

(f) Individually Significant Items

Other Expenses – 2300

The Trust revalued its Land and Buildings on 30 June 2000 and the resulting decrement in the value of its buildings is disclosed in the Operating Statement of Financial Performance under Other Expenses.

3. Emoluments and other benefits paid to trustees

The Chairman of the Trust received no benefits other than remuneration totaling $11 658 (2000 – $11 148) during the year. The other Trustees of the Historic Houses Trust received no emoluments or other benefits from the Trust.

4. Amounts paid to consultants

The amount paid to Consultants for the financial year by the Trust totalled $421 480 (2000 $326 750).

5. Trading Activities

(a) Shop Trading Account

Sales 627 744

Less Cost of Sales:

Opening Stock 563 526

Purchases 426 511

Closing Stock (621) (563)

368 474

Gross Profit 259 270

(b) Elizabeth Farm Tearoom

Sales 28 12

Less Cost of Sales:

Opening Stock 1 1

Purchases 17 10

Closing Stock – (1)

18 10

Gross Profit 10 2


61

(c) Publications Trading Account

Sales 71 74

Less Cost of Sales

Opening Stock 536 528

Purchases 189 57

Closing Stock (672) (536)

53 49

Gross Profit/(Loss) 18 25

Direct and indirect expenses applicable to trading activities have been included under the appropriate classifications of expenditure in the Statement of Financial Performance.

6. Revenues

(a) Sale of Goods and Services

Sale of Goods 727 830

Rendering of Services

– Admissions and Functions 1242 1255

– Rentals 417 317

– Special Activities and Openings 546 330

– Filming and Photography 19 45

– Miscellaneous 52 24

2276 1971

3003 2801

(b) Investment Income comprises:

Interest 301 260

(c) Grants and Contributions comprise the following:

Corporate Sponsorships 352 82

Statutory Authorities (#) 30 120

Other Donations 91 316

Services Provided at no charge 2(c) & 14 429 –

902 518

Note (#) Included in Statutory Authorities are the following grants:

– Australia Council for the Museum of Sydney’s New Audiences Project $29 809 (GST excluded).

7. Gain/(loss) on disposal of non-current assets

Proceeds from Disposal of Plant and Equipment 2 17

Written Down Value of Assets Disposed – (11)

– Net Gain/(Loss) on Disposal of Plant and Equipment 2 6

Proceeds from Disposal of Collections 79 –

Written Down Value of Collections Disposed (96) –

– Net Gain/(Loss) on Disposal of Collections (17) –

Net Gain/(Loss) on Disposal of Non-Current Assets (15) 6

2001 2000

Notes $’000 $’000

62


2001 2000

Notes $’000 $’000

8. Government Contributions

(a) Appropriations

Recurrent Appropriations

– Drawdowns from Treasury as per Summary of Compliance 13 250 12 024

Capital Appropriations

– Drawdowns from Treasury as per Summary of Compliance 776 1163

The Trust had no transfer payment during the year

(b) Acceptance by the Crown Entity of Employee Entitlements and Other Liabilities

The following liabilities and/or expenses have been assumed by the Crown Entity:

– Superannuation 611 546

– Long Service Leave 201 151

– Payroll Tax on Superannuation 38 35

850 732

9. Current Assets – Cash

Cash on Hand and at Bank 342 109

Treasury Corp HourGlass Cash Facility 3762 3358

Treasury Corp HourGlass Bond Market Facility 783 733

4887 4200

For the purposes of the Statement of Cash Flows, cash includesall the above. The Trust’s investments in Treasury Corporation’sHourGlass facilities is represented by a number of units of amanaged investment pool with each particular pool havingdifferent investment horizons and being comprised of a mix ofasset classes appropriate to that investment horizon. Theseinvestments are generally able to be redeemed on a daily basis.The value of the investment held can decrease as well as increasedepending upon market conditions. The value that best representsthe maximum credit risk exposure is the net fair value. The value ofthe above investments represents the Trust’s share of the value ofthe underlying assets of the facility and those assets are stated attheir fair value.

10. Current Assets – Other Financial Assets

Treasury Corporation Term Deposit 331 534

Other Term Deposits (at cost) 255 5

586 539

The above deposits have terms of less than one year. Thenegotiated interest rate of 5.03% and 5.09% respectively, arefixed for the term of each deposit.


63

11. Current Assets – Receivables

Sale of Goods and Services 477 193

Prepayments 23 18

Accrued Interest on Deposit 1 15

501 226

Less: Provision for Doubtful Debts – –

501 226

12. Current Assets – inventories

Inventory held at 30 June comprised:

Publications in Progress 25 59

Shop Merchandise 621 563

Elizabeth Farm Tearoom – 1

Publications 672 536

Total Inventories at Cost 1318 1159

13. Non-Current Assets – Property, Plant and Equipment

(a) Land and Buildings

At Cost 1397 1048

At Valuation 100 415 56 628

101 812 57 676

Accumulated Depreciation at Cost 192 20

Accumulated Depreciation at Valuation 3652 2000

3844 2020

97 968 55 656

(b) Plant and Equipment

At Cost 8628 8258

Accumulated Depreciation at Cost (5872) (4970)

2756 3288

(c) Collections

At Cost 277 278

At Valuation 14 563 14 504

14 840 14 782

Reconciliations

Reconciliations of the carrying amounts of each class of property, plant and equipment at the beginning and end of the current and previous financial year are set on the following page:

2001 2000

Notes $’000 $’000

64


2001

Carrying amount at 1 July 55 656 3288 14 782 73 726

Additions 349 375 77 801

Disposal – – (96) (96)

Acquisition through administrative restructures 42 436 – – 42 436

Net Revaluation increment/(decrement) – – 77 77

Depreciation expense (473) (907) – (1380)

Carrying amount at 30 June 97 968 2756 14 840 115 564

2000

Carrying amount at 1 July 47 324 3443 12 601 63 368

Additions 300 725 37 1062

Disposal – (11) – (11)

Acquisition through administrative restructures – – – –

Net Revaluation increment/(decrement) 8052 – 2144 10 196

Depreciation expense (20) (869) – (889)

Carrying amount at 30 June 55 656 3288 14 782 73 726

(i) The collections from Rouse Hill estate, and Susannah Place Museum were valued at their fair market value, by accredited valuers during the period May to June 1999:

Category Valuer

Furniture Andrew Simpson

Clocks Phillip Thomas (Lawsons)

Books, paintings and textiles Anthony Palmer

Photographs Luce Lopez (Lawsons)

(ii) The Meroogal collection was revalued in June 1998 by Anthony Palmer, Valuer and brought to account at its fair market value.

(iii) The collections from Government House were brought to account at their fair market value, as valued by accredited valuers during the period July 1996 to June 1997:

Category Valuer

Furniture, decorative arts and art works Anthony Palmer

Rare books B Berzins

Photographs Josef Lebovic

Medals and military paraphernalia J Noble

Garden furniture Andrew Shapiro

(iv) The collections from Elizabeth Bay House, Elizabeth Farm and Vaucluse House were brought to account at their fair market value, as valued by accredited valuers during the period May to June 1996:

Land & Buildings Plant & Equipment Collections Total

$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000


65

2001 2000

Notes $’000 $’000

Category Valuer

Ceramics and silver Alan Landis

Decorative arts, paintings and textiles Anthony Palmer

Furniture and decorative arts Andrew Simpson

Rare books Alec Dickins

These collections were due to be revalued in 2000/01 and an exemption from compliance with the five years cyclical basis of revaluation required by Treasury has been obtained.

(v) The collections from the following properties were brought to account at their fair market value, as valued by accredited valuers during June 2000:

Category Valuer

Rose Seidler House collection Andrew Shapiro

Museum of Sydney silver collection Alan Landis

Museum of Sydney rare books and photographs collection Tim McCormick

Justice & Police Museum collection Simon Storey

(vi) The collection from Conservation Resource Centre was brought to account at their fair market value, as valued by accredited valuers during June 2001:

Category Valuer

Decorative arts, paintings and textiles Anthony Palmer

14. Material assistance provided at no cost or at nominal cost to the Trust

The Trust received services free of charge from the HeritageBuildings Program of the Department of Public Works andServices for the maintenance of Government House. Thiscontribution amounted to a total of $429 446 and is included inthe Statement of Financial Performance as revenue under Grantsand Contributions and as an expense under Maintenance

The Trust’s work was also assisted by the Friends of the HistoricHouses Trust, volunteer guides and other volunteers. Theseservices were provided free of charge and it is not possible toestimate the value of these services.

15. Current liabilities – payables

Creditors 1239 980

Revenue Received in Advance 8 43

Accrued Expenses 15 24

1262 1047

The liabilities are recognised for amounts due to be paid in futurefor goods or services received, whether or not invoiced. Amountsowing to suppliers (which are unsecured) are settled inaccordance with the policy set out in the Treasurer’s Direction219.01. If trade terms are not specified, payment is made no laterthan 30 days from date of invoice.

66


2001 2000

Notes $’000 $’000

16. Current liabilities – Employee Entitlements and other provisions

Recreation Leave 694 687

Accrued Salaries 242 144

936 831

17. Non-Current liabilities – Other

Security Deposit 5 5

18. Changes in Equity

Asset Revaluation Reserve

Balance at 1 July 13 764 1268

Changes in Equity – Other than transactions with owners as owners

– Increment/(Decrement) on Revaluation of:

– Land and Buildings – 10 352

– Collections 77 2144

Total 77 12 496

Balance at 30 June 13 841 13 764

Accumulated Funds

Balance at 1 July 64 203 66 262

Changes in Equity – Transactions with owners as owners

– Increase in net assets from administrative restructuring 42 436 –

Total 42 436 –

Changes in Equity – Other than transactions with owners as owners

– Surplus/(Deficit) for the Year 173 (2059)

Total 173 (2059)

Balance at 30 June 106 812 64 203

Total Equity 120 653 77 967

19. Commitments for Expenditure – Operating Leases

Future non-cancellable operating lease rentals not provided for and payable

– Not later than 1 year 135 176

– Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years 321 334

– Later than 5 years 149 224

Total (including GST) 605 734

Operating leases expenditure commitments disclosed above areinclusive of GST. The GST amount of $54 168 (2000 – $66 818),included also gives rise to a contingent asset as the same amountis also recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office. Theseoperating lease commitments and contingent assets are notrecognised in the financial statements.

20. Contingent Liabilities

The Trustees are not aware of any contingent liabilities.


67

21. Capital Commitments

There were no outstanding capital commitments as at 30 June2001 (2000 – nil).

22. Reconciliation of Net Cash Flows from Operating Activities to Net Cost of Services

Total Net Cash Flow from Operating Activities 1454 1211

Depreciation (1380) (889)

Other Expenses – (2300)

Provision for Recreation Leave (105) (28)

Profit/(Loss) on Sale of Assets (15) 6

Employee Entitlement Liabilities Accepted by Crown Entity (367) (329)

Increase/(Decrease) in Receivables 275 69

Increase/(Decrease) in Inventories 159 73

(Increase)/Decrease in Accounts Payable (215) (201)

Recurrent Appropriation (13 250) (12 024)

Capital Appropriation (776) (1163)

Cash Reimbursements from the Crown Entity (483) (403)

Net Cost of Services (14 703) (15 978)

23. Increase/Decrease in Net Assets from Administrative Restructuring

During the year Government House land and buildings weretransferred from the Premiers Department to the Historic HousesTrust at a value of $42.4 million.

24. Program Information

The Trust operates predominantly under one major program whichis to develop, conserve and manage the museums in its care, and,to provide facilities for the visiting public, including exhibitions,educational programs and specialist advice.

The program’s objectives are to conserve and manage withimagination and excellence the cultural heritage of the State asrepresented by key places and to realise their potential to fosteran informed awareness of this heritage.

All revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities of the Trust aredirectly attributable to this program.

2001 2000

Notes $’000 $’000

68


2001 2000

Notes $’000 $’000

25. Controlled Entities

The Foundation for the Historic Houses Trust of New SouthWales was the only controlled entity with financial transactionsthis financial year. The following is a summary of the Foundation’sfinancial statements for the financial year, which have been alsoaudited by the Auditor-General of NSW.

Expenses 180 96

Revenues 545 158

Surplus for the Year 365 62

Total Assets 1400 1089

Total Liabilities – 54

Net Assets 1400 1035

Accumulated Surplus 1400 1035

26. Budget review

(a) Net Cost of Services

The actual net cost of services for the 2000–2001 financial year was lower than budgeted by $1 033 000.

This was primarily due to the following:

– Other Expenses for building valuation decrement – 2300

– An increase in retained revenue 720 140

– A decrease operating expenses 313 889

(b) Assets and Liabilities

Net Assets were higher than the budget by $43 476 000 and is mainly due to the transfer of the Government House land and buildings.

(c) Cash Flows

Apart from the cash flow impact of the above, there were no other major variations in the budgeted cash flows for the year ended 30 June 2001.

27. Sydney 2000 Olympic Games staff costs

The Trust did not have any staff directly allocated to Gamesactivities. A number of the Trust’s museums were however openedfor a longer period during the Games and the resulting additionalstaff costs have been calculated at $10 462 (2000 – Nil).

The Trust had 2 staff seconded to other agencies on initiativesdirectly and specifically related to the Games. The staff costsinvolved is $1349 (2000 – Nil).

End of Audited Financial Statements


69

Appendices contents

Action Plan for WomenAgeing Action PlanCode of ConductCommittees Representation List Consumer ResponseDisability Action PlanEnergy ManagementEthnic Affairs Priority Statement Freedom of Information Guarantee of ServiceHuman ResourcesInformation Technology (IT)Land DisposalMajor Works in Progress Overseas TravelPrinting Costs of Annual Report Privacy Management PlanRegional PolicyRoyal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in CustodySponsorship and FundraisingWaste Management and Recycling Policy

70707070 727272727374747576767676767676

7778

70

Action Plan for WomenWhole of government approach

The Historic Houses Trust is committed to the advancement of women in allforms of cultural and artistic life and is aware of the need to identify andredress discrimination against women in delivering services and programs tothe community. From an organisational perspective, the Trust acknowledgesthe needs and interests of women as a distinct occupational group and issupportive of strategies and initiatives that assist the advancement ofwomen in the workplace.

Women’s interests and the arts

All services, products and programs are available to women and hencesignificantly benefit women.

Meroogal carries the by-line the women’s history place. The MeroogalWomen’s Art Prize worth $1000 offers an opportunity for NSW south coastwomen to explore and respond to Meroogal and the women who lived there.The winner for 2000 was announced in November. Entries were exhibited atMeroogal and then toured to the Nowra Library and the Spiral Gallery, Bega.The winning entry was purchased for the Trust’s collection.

Meroogal sponsored the Shoalhaven International Women’s Day Awards inMarch. Meroogal also had a presence with other local organisations dealingwith women’s issues and services at the International Women’s Day Fair,coordinated by the Shoalhaven City Council, held in central Nowra in March.

Achievements under relevant key objectives

Promoting workplaces that are equitable, safe and responsive to allaspects of women’s lives

The performance under this key objective is documented in the HumanResources section under Equal Opportunities (see page 74).

Promoting the position of women in all aspects of society

■ Elizabeth Bay House/Rouse Hill estate: the exhibition Magical Gollandinterpreted through a contemporary artist the childhood stories and fantasiesof Kathleen Rouse, a young girl who lived in the 1800s at Rouse Hill, makingit relevant to the lives of children today■ Elizabeth Farm: a public program, A Matter of Choice, examined thecareer and life choices made by the Swann women while in residence atElizabeth Farm■ Hyde Park Barracks Museum: the exhibition Convicts examined the roleof convict women in the development of the cultural, economic and familylife of the early colony■ Justice & Police Museum: Wayward Women, four walking tours whichbegan at Elizabeth Bay House and wound through Kings Cross and theinner eastern suburbs, looked at Sydney’s notorious women along with‘wayward’ women in literature. The tours sold out and were organised inconjunction with the exhibition Hard Boiled! the detective in popularculture■ Bush Lives:Bush Futures: a travelling exhibition examining the diverseroles undertaken by rural women continued its three year tour of rural NewSouth Wales and interstate

Specific commitments under the Action Plan for Women

There are no specific commitments in the plan which refer to the Trust.

Ageing Action PlanForty-eight percent of the Trust’s audience is in the 45–65+ age group andthis is taken into account when programming. Participation by older people

and seniors groups is encouraged and targeted. Incentives offered for olderpeople include:

Admission to museums

■ Concession admission prices at all properties■ Free entry to senior citizens at all properties during Seniors Week■ Seniors Card holders are entitled to concession prices for museum entryand events. The Trust is listed as a participant in the Seniors Card booklet.

Physical access

Initiatives at the different museums include:■ Photograph albums documenting inaccessible areas■ Most properties are easily accessible by public transport■ Captions are included on Trust-produced videos■ A special vehicle is used to transport elderly, infirm, or disabled visitorsaround the site at Rouse Hill estate ■ Ramps, handrails and wheelchair access increased at most properties. (For more detailed information see section on Disability Action Plan page 72.)

Other activities

■ Various museums are used as venues for Seniors Week launches andother celebrations for groups associated with Seniors Week.

Outreach

■ Staff regularly deliver lectures to groups made up of older people fromProbus groups to the University of the Third Age.

Membership

■ The Members of the Historic Houses Trust has a membership of 3900,approximately 7% of this group are Seniors Card holders■ All Members events and activities offer concession prices for pension cardholders. Some events such as bus tours, garden tours and daytime eventsare organised specifically to suit older participants.

Volunteers

■ The Trust has 200 volunteers on its books, the majority of whom aresenior citizens■ Outreach activities undertaken by volunteers and members include a guestspeaker program targeting special interest groups.

Code of ConductThe new Code of Conduct published in full in the 1999–2000 AnnualReport was distributed to all staff in June 2000 and their personnel filesnoted accordingly. No comments or objections to the code were received. Acopy of the Code of Conduct is sent with letters of offer to new staff, and asession on the code is presented at staff inductions.

Committees Representation List

Audit CommitteeNeville Allen, Trustee (Convenor)France Dubuisson-Perrine, Senior Finance OfficerNicholas Malaxos, Manager Management Services DivisionLarissa Treskin, Trustee

ExecutivePeter Watts, Director (Chair)Sheridan Burke, Manager Property OperationsNicholas Malaxos, Manager Management Services DivisionCharmaine Moldrich, Manager Marketing & Business Development DivisionHelen Temple, Deputy Director

Appendices

71

Exhibitions Advisory CommitteePeter Watts, Director (Chair)Paul Berkemeier, TrusteeJames Broadbent, Senior Curatorial AdvisorSheridan Burke, Manager Property OperationsDinah Dysart, arts writer and former gallery directorSusan Hunt, Head Curator, Museum of SydneyGina Kelly, television producerJoan Kerr, art historian and academicPeter Luck, writer, television producer and presenterCaroline Mackaness, Exhibitions & Publications CoordinatorPatricia McDonald, freelance curator and art historianMegan Martin, Senior LibrarianCharmaine Moldrich, Manager Marketing & Business Development Helen Temple, Deputy DirectorPeter Tonkin, architectMeredith Walker, TrusteeNick Waterlow, Director, Ivan Dougherty Gallery

Finance CommitteeFrance Dubuisson-Perrine, Senior Finance Officer (Chair)Sheridan Burke, Manager Property OperationsNicholas Malaxos, Manager Management ServicesCharmaine Moldrich, Manager Marketing & Business Development Helen Temple, Deputy DirectorPeter Watts, Director

Foundation for the Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales BoardJill Wran (Chair) Marylyn AbbottNeville AllenPeter ChadwickAnna ClarkDavid HallJohn KehoeBeat KnoblauchClive Lucas OBEStephen WallPeter WattsLesley WildScott Lyall, Executive Director

Members of the Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales Executive CommitteeDavid Carter (Chair)Deborah BlayAndrea BrewRebecca Charles (resigned)Marina GarlickPhilip KentRosemary McDonaldJudy Pittaway, Administration ManagerPhilip Thalis, Trustee representativePeter Watts, DirectorDavid Tunny, Executive Director

Meroogal Reference GroupHelen Temple, Deputy Director (Convenor)Wendy Hucker, Trustee (resigned)Meredith Hutton, heritage consultant

Joanna Nicholas, Curator, MeroogalMeredith Walker, TrusteeJanis Wilton, Trustee

Publications CommitteePeter Watts, Director (Chair)Peter Barnes, Merchandise ManagerJames Broadbent, Senior Curatorial AdvisorJohn Iremonger, publisherCaro Llewellyn, Marketing Manager Caroline Mackaness, Exhibitions & Publications CoordinatorMark Nolan, publisherBruce Smythe, Senior Display PlannerHelen Temple, Deputy Director

Public Programs CommitteePeter Watts, Director (Chair)James Broadbent, Senior Curatorial AdvisorSheridan Burke, Manager Property OperationsScott Lyall, Executive Director, Foundation for the Historic Houses TrustCaroline Mackaness, Exhibitions & Publications CoordinatorCharmaine Moldrich, Manager Marketing & Business DevelopmentHelen Temple, Deputy DirectorDavid Tunny, Executive Director, Members of the Historic Houses TrustKaren Worsfold, Acting Coordinator, Public Programs Unit

Staff and Management Participatory and Advisory Committee(SAMPAC)Paul Sabatier, Guide, Government House (Chair)Anna Cossu, Manager, Susannah Place Museum (union delegate)Gary Crockett, Curator, Elizabeth FarmElizabeth Dowd, Human Resources ManagerPeter Francis, Maintenance Manager, Government HouseFran Jackson, Farm Manager, Rouse Hill estateKate McMiles, Office Manager, Elizabeth Bay House/Vaucluse HouseMegan Martin, Senior LibrarianNicholas Malaxos, Manager, Management Services DivisionPeter Watts, Director

Rouse Hill Hamilton Collection Pty LtdPeter Watts, Director (Chair)Nanette Ainsworth, Hamilton family representativeNeville Allen, TrusteeJames Broadbent, Senior Curatorial AdvisorMiriam Hamilton, Hamilton family representative

Volunteer ForumDiana Garder, Volunteer Coordinator (Chair) Betty Donnelly, representative, Government HouseZelda Goldstein, representative, Hyde Park Barracks MuseumShirley Hannam, representative, Elizabeth Bay HouseMargaret Hill/Clarice Wilkins, representatives, Elizabeth Farm & SusannahPlace MuseumFrances Moors, representative, Vaucluse HouseJoan Rodd, representative, Justice & Police MuseumKath Shuster, representative, Susannah Place MuseumJudy Weatherly, representative, Rouse Hill estate

72

Consumer ResponseAs a service based organisation customer feedback is closely monitored.

One hundred and forty-one letters of compliment were received. Nine lettersof complaint were received arising from individual circumstances rather thanany specific issue of concern. These letters are processed in accordancewith the Complaints Policy and a staff member or the Director responds toeach letter.

In addition visitors books and visitor evaluation forms are kept at eachmuseum and are monitored regularly. The response was enhanced this yearby the feedback from the market research surveys which give a 90%customer satisfaction rating for services at Trust properties.

The Customer Service Council meets every two years and reports to theTrust in accordance with the 1992 Facing the World Statement issued bythe Greiner Government. The next meeting of the council will be in 2002.

Disability Action PlanThe Disability Action Plan has operated since October 1994 and wasdeveloped in accordance with government guidelines, addressing theidentified key priority areas. The Disability Action Plan is updated each yearand aims to make all properties and programs accessible to the wholecommunity, including those with disabilities, within the constraints of theTrust’s duties to conserve and interpret its heritage properties.

Physical access

Following an audit these gaps were found and consequently rectified:■ Government House: ramps were installed leading from the arcade intothe garden ■ Justice & Police Museum: handrails were fitted to the steps leading upto the courtyard■ Museum of Sydney: the front desk was redesigned for better wheelchairaccess■ MOS Shop: modifications were made to the poster rack and book shopto provide better wheelchair access■ Rose Seidler House: handrails were fitted to the tiered garden areas■ Rouse Hill estate: a vehicle to move people across the property toreplace the inadequate cross-country wheelchairs was acquired; a portablelightweight ramp was also purchased■ Susannah Place Museum: a suitcase filled with props, collection objectsand shop items was put in situ for use as a touch table for visitors withspecial needs■ Vaucluse House: handrails were fitted to steps leading up to the shop.

Promoting positive community attitudes

■ Fifty complimentary passes were issued to the three major Sydneyhospitals to enable carers to bring patients/clients to the properties■ A creative arts program was organised in conjunction with the secondKitchen Garden Festival at Vaucluse House. Wairoa, a New South WalesGovernment school for students with intellectual and physical disabilities,made three visits to the property prior to the event, and the art created inresponse was prominently displayed at the event■ The TTY (teletypewriter telephone) has been promoted to staff throughdisability awareness training, and its number included on relevantpromotional and educational material.

Staff training

■ The three-year disability awareness training program aimed at achievingattitudinal change was developed and implemented. A series of trainingsessions was conducted for all staff covering basic disability awareness,

internal policies and initiatives, and intellectual disabilities■ Disability access audit training was conducted for staff involved indisability audits at properties ■ The Disability Action Plan and disability issues are routinely considered atstaff meetings and curators and managers meetings.

Information about services

■ The general promotional brochure and website list disability accessinformation about all Trust properties, using universal symbols and text todenote wheelchair accessibility, car parking, access restrictions and theavailability of alternative format guides and other resources.

Employment in the public sector

■ People with disabilities represent 10% of staff (18 people), 2% (threepeople) of whom require some adjustment to the workplace■ All recruitment information is available electronically and the TTY numberis included on all employment advertisements.

Complaints

■ No formal complaints with disability implications were received.

Energy ManagementThe energy management practices to achieve the government’s objective ofreducing the level of energy cost by 15% by 2001 and 25% by 2005 (baseyear 1995) were implemented. Despite the dramatic growth of theorganisation with the addition of large scale properties such as Museum ofSydney (1995), Government House (1996), Rouse Hill estate (1999) andThe Mint (1999) the cost for energy has decreased from $261 000 in1995–1996 to $226 000.

Based on these results, the Trust expects to meet the government’s energysaving target.

Ethnic Affairs Priority StatementThe Trust is committed to the principles of cultural diversity as outlined inSection 3 of the Ethnic Affairs Commission Act 1979 and participated in thefollowing activities to achieve the goals:

Social Justice – Key Result Area One

■ The ESL education programs and tours continued this year attracting2956 students■ Welcome signs at all museums were translated into Chinese, German,Italian, Japanese and Spanish■ Seven of the 11 properties offer free printed language guides in: Chinese,French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean and Spanish, and Arabic(Museum of Sydney).

Future directions:

■ Develop ESL teacher/student resource kits for Elizabeth Bay House andthe Hyde Park Barracks Museum■ Continue to provide services in languages other than English.

Community Harmony – Key Result Area Two

■ Elizabeth Bay House: the Cultural Attache from the Italian Embassy inSydney launched the exhibition and book titled Augusto Lorenzini: ItalianArtist Decorator in June 2001. The exhibition and book come after years ofresearch on the hitherto unknown Italian artist and decorator, AugustoLorenzini, working in Sydney in the late 19th and early 20th century. A largecollection of Signor Lorenzini’s work is held in the Conservation ResourceCentre collection. The exhibition has attracted a larger than usual Italianaudience.

Appendices continued

73

■ Elizabeth Farm: the Samoan Choir led Carols by Candlelight for thethird year. In its second year the Festival of the Olive attracted over 4500people and featured art, entertainment and food from Iran, Greece, Lebanon,Spain and Turkey. The Festival of the Olive won the Tourism Award forFestival and Special Events in Western Sydney and is a finalist in the 2001New South Wales Tourism Awards for Business Excellence in the categorySignificant Regional Festivals and Special Events. ■ Government House: continued its popular Eastern Music series for thethird year, featuring music from Afghanistan, Australia, China, India, Japanand Turkey, and attracting near capacity audiences. ABC TV SundayAfternoon Arts filmed one of the concerts for broadcast. Professor MaryKalantzis presented the third Barton Lecture, initiated by the Centenary ofFederation and broadcast on ABC Radio National, where she argued thatalthough the recognition of ‘multiculturalism’ presents an enormous advancein Australian society, ‘diversity’ should entail much more than multiculturalism■ Hyde Park Barracks Museum: a free booklet about the AustralianMonument to the Great Irish Famine sculpture was produced for the manyIrish people who come to visit the monument.■ Museum of Sydney: stories from Cambodia, China and Vietnam werefeatured in the fifth year of the popular Reclaiming the Past series.Celebrating 25 Years: Vietnamese Australians Festival was held on 25 November as part of nationwide celebrations marking 25 years of theVietnamese community’s establishment and survival in Australia and theirongoing cultural influence. The Festival was an overwhelming success withan estimated 3200 people passing through the museum and enjoying theculture of Vietnam through music, dance, song, pictures, costumes and food.

Future directions:

■ To continue to program for culturally diverse audiences.

Economic and Cultural Opportunities – Key Result Area Three

A budget of $4345 was spent on advertising programs to various non-English speaking background (NESB) communities. This was a successfulinitiative, particularly for the free entry 21st birthday weekend promotion 30 June – 1 July 2001. Over 27 000 visited one or more properties thatweekend with an estimated third of visitors coming from NESB communities.

SBS Television continued its sponsorship of the organisation by promoting,through television commercials, the exhibitions Sydney Harbour andAugusto Lorenzini: Italian Artist Decorator, and the display Sydneysiders.

Four NESB staff were recruited, two of whom spoke a language other thanEnglish as a child. However four NESB staff members resigned leaving nonet difference in the number of NESB staff employed. Eleven percent ofstaff come from a NESB with 8% speaking a language other than English.

Future directions:

■ Continue to advertise in the NESB print and electronic media■ To recruit more NESB staff and ensure they have equal opportunities andaccess to staff development and training.

Freedom of InformationSection A: a number of new FOI requests – information relating to numbersof new requests received, those processed and those completed from theprevious period.

FOI Requests Personal Other TotalA1 New 1 1A2 Brought forwardA3 Total to be processedA4 Completed 1 1A5 Transferred outA6 WithdrawnA7 Total processedA8 Unfinished (carried forward)

Section B: what happened to completed requests.

Result of FOI request Personal OtherB1 Granted in fullB2 Granted in partB3 RefusedB4 DeferredB5 Completed 1

Section H: costs and fees of requests processed during the period.

Assessed costs FOI fees rec’dH1 All completed requests $30

Section J: days to process – number of completed requests (A4) bycalendar days (elapsed time) taken to process.

Elapsed time Personal OtherJI 0–21 days 1J2 22–35 daysJ3 Over 35 daysJ4 Totals 1

Section K: processing time – number of completed requests (A4) byhours taken to process.Processed hours Personal OtherK1 0–10 hours 1K2 11–20 hoursK3 21–40 hoursK4 Over 40 hoursK5 Total 1

Freedom of Informaton Procedures

Applications for access to Historic Houses Trust documents under theFreedom of Information Act 1989 should be accompanied by a $33application fee (GST included) in writing to:

Nick Malaxos Manager Management ServicesHistoric Houses Trust of New South Wales61 Darghan StreetGlebe NSW 2037

Arrangements can be made to obtain copies of the documents or to inspectthem by contacting the officer above.

The Freedom of Information Statement of Affairs can be viewed on theHistoric Houses Trust website – www.hht.nsw.gov.au

74


Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

The procedures for reporting on EEO outcomes and management havebeen changed by the Office of the Director for Equal Opportunity in PublicEmployment. As the Trust is defined as a small agency it is required tocomplete a self-assessment and identify EEO priorities for 2001. EEOstatistics are based on permanent and temporary staff only.

The identified priorities are:Widening target audience for job advertisements■ Guiding and other selected positions were advertised in the Aboriginalnewspaper Koori Mail■ Selected feature advertisements were placed in local and nationalnewspapers ■ Several disability recruitment agencies were sent selected jobadvertisements.

Future directions:

■ Continue to advertise in the various media to attract a cross section of thecommunity.

Improving communication and the job evaluation system■ A half-day in-house training session was run. (The Trust is accredited torun its own job-evaluation training, the method used to classify and gradepositions.)

Future directions:

■ Run two job evaluation training sessions

Improving recruitment processes■ Cull sheets were amended to include applicant’s names in alphabeticalorder and to include the selection criteria■ A pro-forma covering letter was produced to be included with informationkits sent to applicants

Future directions:

■ Information kits and recruitment information was reviewed and madeavailable on the computer network shared directory

Training was conducted in:■ Disability awareness■ Recruitment procedures ■ Customer service■ Job evaluation techniques ■ Guide communication■ Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) awareness ■ OH&S committee training■ EEO awareness for new staff

Training to be conducted next year:■ Communication■ Management/supervisory■ Customer service■ Performance management■ EEO■ Disability awareness■ Job evaluation■ OH&S awareness & committee training■ Selection techniques■ Grievance handling■ Guarantee of service■ Teamwork

Guarantee of Service

A copy of the Guarantee of Service is provided to all staff at induction. It isalso available to the public. The pledge of service is:

The Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales serves the communityby conserving and presenting its properties to the highest possiblestandard and exploring, through many of its programs, the history ofthe people and places of New South Wales.

Human Resources

Number of Employees1

2000–2001 1999–2000 1998–1999Clerical/Administration 34.9 42.3 44.5Specialist Professional 57.3 60.5 62.3Professional Support 39.9 35.9 37.7Trades People 6 4 4Services 7.8 10.6 10.6Other 1 0 0Total 146.9 153.3 159.1

1 The above figures are based on Equivalent Full Time (EFT) and include permanent,temporary and casual employees. The figures are reported differently to previous years asa result of a Ministry for the Arts direction to standardise Ministry wide staff statisticreporting.

Monetary amount of recreation leave and long service entitlements

Recreation Leave at 30 June 2001 $693 080Extended Leave at 30 June 2001 $934 707

Exceptional movements in employee wages, salary and allowances

A 2% salary increase was awarded effective 5 January 2001.

Personnel policies and practices

■ The Employee Information Kit was reviewed and will be updated anddistributed in 2002.■ Procedures were put in place to ensure salaries expenditure is approvedin line with the budget prior to recruiting and appointing new staff.■ The Officer-of-the-Day allowance policy was reviewed and modified. Theterms were supported by the staff affected.■ The uniform policy was introduced and new uniforms distributed to allpermanent and temporary guides. A uniform allowance is also paid.■ A split starting times award for guiding staff was negotiated with the PublicService Association (PSA) for the period of the Sydney 2000 OlympicGames for which guides received an additional payment of $1.50 per hour. ■ The recruitment policy for guides completed last year was fullyimplemented following training about the new policy.■ A new overtime allowance was introduced and implemented for fourpositions with the support of the PSA and approval from the Public SectorManagement Office (PSMO).■ Negotiations continue with the PSA and the PSMO for the new award forgardening and skilled trades staff and for the provision for staff to bank daysin lieu. The negotiations are in the final stages.■ A committee is reviewing the Performance Management System.Research has been completed and a workshop conducted. The final policywill be developed next year following trials of the new system.■ All staff policies are reviewed annually and are available via an intranet.

75

The overall EFT staff numbers – permanent/temporary, part-time/full-timestaff – decreased from 153.3 in the previous year to 146.9. Employment ofpart-time staff increased from 54 in the previous year to 64. The increase instaff numbers is due to the number of positions which are job shared andnot as a result of an increase in positions.

Representation of women throughout the organisation continues to be highat 65% of the total workforce. The number of women employed at seniorlevel reflects the proportion of women employed in the organisation, withthree of the five members of the executive, three of the four heads of units,and six of the ten heads of properties being women.

Two part-time Indigenous staff were recruited into a designated Aboriginal orTorres Strait Islander position on a job share basis. One Indigenous staffmember resigned resulting in the Indigenous employment statistic of 0.5%.

Four staff from NESB were recruited, two of whom spoke a language otherthan English as a child. However, four NESB staff members resigned leavingno net difference in the number of NESB staff employed. Eleven per cent ofstaff come from NESB with 8% speaking English as their second language.

Recruitment of persons with disability = 0

No staff with disabilities were recruited. Three staff with disabilities resigned.Persons with disabilities represent 6% of staff, 2% require some adjustmentto the workplace. One training session was conducted to increase staffawareness of people with disabilities.

All staff have access to training and career development opportunities. Therepresentation of staff from NESB on SAMPAC was 20% and on the OH&SCommittee was 20%. The representation of people with disabilities onSAMPAC was 20% and on the OH&S Committee was 7%.

Salary level Women NESB less than $26 801 0 0 $26 802–$35 202 44 8 $35 203–$39 354 23 3 $39 355–$49 799 25 3 $49 800–$64 400 16 3 $64 401–$80 499 7 3 greater than $80 499 (non SES) 0 0 greater than $80 499 (SES) 0 0Total 115 20

Staff training

The majority of training courses were conducted by staff. This focus oninternal training was driven by a recognition of the expertise of staffmembers to impart their knowledge to others. It also allows greater flexibilityin training delivery and enables training to cater specifically for identifiedgaps. It attains greater value for the training dollar and provides recognitionfor and rewards the expertise of the staff running the training sessions.

The internal training included: ■ Three comprehensive staff induction courses■ Collections Management Database user course■ Staff selection techniques■ Disability awareness training■ Interpreting Aboriginal history■ Job evaluation■ Walk-through of the Child’s Play education program■ Government House service wing tour

■ Catering and venue hire■ Sydney 2000 Olympic Games media and customer service training■ How to do Vaucluse House tours for people with a physical disability■ Specialist tour backstairs at Elizabeth Bay House ■ Time management training■ Recording oral histories training ■ First aid training kits and scenarios■ Talk on gender and the historic house museums■ Architectural styles ■ Costumes and linen closets■ Australia before Federation.

External training undertaken was, in the main, identified through traininggaps and included:

■ Computer training in: – Powerpoint – Word – Excel

■ Building high performance teams■ Spokeswomen’s training■ Specific professional training such as:– Preventive conservation– Chainsaw cross cutting

Occupation Health and Safety (OH&S)

The Committee met every two months and the minutes of meetings werepublished in the staff newsletter Hot Property and tabled at staff meetings.

The OH&S manual was updated on an ongoing basis with new proceduresand policies. The manual is available on the shared computer network for easyaccess for all staff.

Committee representatives conduct regular inspections of properties andreport results to management and the OH&S Committee. The Committeecontinues to increase awareness of health and safety issues in themuseums. There has been a drop in work related injuries this year whichmay be a direct result of the work of the OH&S Committee.

Number of work related injuries 18 Number of work related injuries per employee 0.08 Number of work related illnesses 3 Number of worker’s compensation claims 9Number of worker’s compensation claims per employee 0.04 Average cost per worker’s compensation claim $1236.53 Average worker’s compensation claim per employee $52.49 Prosecutions under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 0

Information Technology (IT)The IT system has grown to meet the increasing demands on it without anadequate strategy or plan. A restructure of the IT Unit and a strategicmanagement plan to help chart IT requirements into the future will be a toppriority for next year. The following were undertaken this year:■ Internal Audit Bureau reviewed: – IT Network support unit– Novell network system – Remote access security■ Internal Audit Bureau developed an IT Security Policies and Proceduresmanual

76

■ BDO Synergy were commissioned to:– provide interim IT support services whilst the long-term strategies for the

IT Unit were considered – conduct a basic IT systems review■ Implemented server redundancy in line with business requirements■ Fully documented the Wide Area Network (WAN) ■ Invited quotes from the commercial sector to provide a Help Desk Service ■ Reviewed the anti-virus software update configuration.

Land DisposalNil.

Major Works in ProgressNil.

Overseas TravelSheridan Burke, Manager Property Operations■ France: 5–14 November 2000 to attend Bureau and Advisory andExecutive Committee meetings of the International Council of Monumentsand Sites (ICOMOS) in Paris.1

■ France: 21 March – 3 April 2001 to attend Bureau, Executive Committeeand World Heritage Panel Meetings of ICOMOS in Paris.1

■ Italy and Malta: 10–24 June 2001 to attend Bureau and sub-committeemeetings of ICOMOS and World Heritage Site nomination inspections inSicily and Malta.1

Scott Carlin, Curator, Elizabeth Bay House■ United Kingdom: 20 June – 28 July 2000 to attend Attingham SummerSchool 2000 in English Country House Studies and to meet with Macleayfamily descendants and manufacturers of textiles and antique dealers.1

David Gray, Head Gardener■ United Kingdom: 11 May – 13 August 2000 to take part in a biennialexchange program with The National Trust in the United Kingdom.

1 The total or a substantial part of the cost of this travel was borne by another organisation,staff member or came from a scholarship.

Printing Costs of Annual ReportOne thousand copies of this Annual Report were printed at a cost of $15 500,a cost per unit of $15.50. This Annual Report was written and designed bystaff of the Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales. Other than theprinting and indexing no work was undertaken on this report by outsideconsultants.

Privacy Management PlanThe Privacy Management Plan is the written statement by which the Trustdemonstrates how it complies with the requirements of the Privacy andPersonal Information Act 1998. It was lodged with Privacy NSW in July 2000.

Regional PolicyThis year the ongoing relationship with the Trust’s three companion districts– Inverell, Hay and Shoalhaven – was consolidated through:■ Inverell: as a partner in the second Tom Roberts Festival contributing aseminar on historic gardens How did your garden grow? run by theConservation Resource Centre, an education program Bushrangers andBarristers run by the Justice & Police Museum to more than 300 remotearea students, and a keynote address delivered by the Trust’s chairman, JackMundey. A range of useful contacts was made culminating in a joint initiativewith the NSW Heritage Office to assist Inverell Shire Council and thepossible new private owners in resolving conservation issues for the

historically significant Newstead Homestead complex (where Tom Robertspainted The Golden Fleece ). ■ Hay: a large group of volunteers from museums in the Hay district washosted by the Trust at its Sydney properties and discussion undertaken asto how the Trust can support regional historic property initiatives. ■ Shoalhaven: advice was given to the local council on a house museumrestoration project. Meroogal the women’s history place ran the annualWomen’s Art Prize, and a selection of works from the prize was exhibited atthe Spiral Gallery Collective, Bega, Nowra City Library and Vaucluse House.A regional travelling display, Tea Cosy, was run as a collaborative partnershipbetween the Trust and local museums. This project, hosted by Trust staff,offered a series of hands-on workshops to regional museum staff andvolunteers on how to develop an interpretive display. Tea Cosy waslaunched at Meroogal and travelled to Lady Denman Heritage Complex,Huskisson, and the Berry Museum. Australia through the 20th century, anoral history, education program was run by the Trust as a collaborationbetween Shoalhaven High School, local authorities and residents. Studentsconducted oral history interviews with four local residents which wereinterpreted in display panels exhibited at Meroogal and Shoalhaven HighSchool. A range of contacts with Shoalhaven City Council was made,stimulated by the council’s restoration program for Graham Lodge in Nowra. The Trust offered the council advice on various technical andconservation issues.

The exhibition Bush Lives:Bush Futures continued its three-year regionalNSW and interstate tour this year, at venues in Wagga Wagga, Broken Hill,Deniliquin and Queensland.

Advice was offered to Berrima District Historical Society, Patterson HistoricalSociety and the Pioneer Women’s Hut National Quilt Register project.

As a member of the Heritage Collections Council (HCC) the Director of theTrust prepared a submission on the future of the HCC, for the Council ofAustralian Museum Directors, as well as assisting the state governmentformulate a policy on the future of the HCC. Both submissions emphasisedthe need for the HCC to have an ongoing life, especially for the role it canplay in regional Australia.

The Curator of Public Programs presented a paper on audiencedevelopment at the Museums and Galleries Foundation conference inBathurst.

The Collections Manager presented a workshop on preserving familyphotographic collections to the Hawkesbury Family Historical Society.

The Head Gardener addressed the 2000 Australian Garden Expo atMudgee.

Elizabeth Bay House hosted two interns from the Environment Tourismprogram at Charles Sturt University, Albury Campus.

Research and development proceeded throughout the year for the next tworegional exhibitions: Horbury Hunt – Architect and Abandoned for theGood of the Land.

Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in CustodyTwo part-time Indigenous staff were recruited into a designated Aboriginal orTorres Strait Islander position on a job share basis. One Indigenous staffmember resigned resulting in the Indigenous employment statistic of 0.5%.

Indigenous Australians voice was heard through the following:


77

Museum of Sydney:

■ Consultation was held with Sydney language group representatives andElders on three projects: – expansion of the Cadigal Place Gallery and production of Sydney

descendants video – the Gary Carsley triumphal arch as part of the Sydney@Federation

exhibition – the development of the display Portrait of a Park■ Following the closure of the Djamu Gallery at Customs House the touroperator Aboriginal Discoveries transferred its tours to the museum,focusing on its Indigenous themes■ Staff met with and supplied information to South Sydney and WoollahraCouncils on Aboriginal programs at the Museum of Sydney■ The information in the Cadigal Place Gallery was expanded followingextensive consultation with the traditional owners of the Sydney region.Materials from various parts of the museum and loan materials from theAustralian Museum were moved to the gallery to facilitate greater access toIndigenous material which is specifically sought by local and internationalmuseum visitors■ The text panels and graphics designed to illustrate the display of the FirstFleet Ships (11 models of the First Fleet ships) was also considered from anIndigenous perspective covering the story of the journey, arrival and firstcontacts with the Aboriginal people of Sydney. The Gordon Syron paintingInvasion I, an Aboriginal perspective on the arrival of the First Fleet,remained in the foyer to create a visual juxtaposition■ Collector’s Chest drawers were installed in the Panorama gallery, coveringAboriginal themes from the 1980s ■ The Redfern community made a selection of 40 photographs from theexhibition Guwanyi shown in 1997, reproductions of which travelled to Milanfor an expo■ The second seminar in a series exploring Sydney’s Aboriginal culturalheritage, Allowan – I remain was hosted by Linda Burney, Director Generalof the Department of Aboriginal Affairs. Allowan – I remain provided theopportunity for constructive debate about current and provocative issuesrelating to the Sydney language groups. Speakers included: Beryl Timbery-Beller (Dharawal elder), Peter Stevens (National Parks and Wildlife Service),John Lennis (Royal Botanic Gardens), Jakelin Troy (Aboriginal and TorresStrait Islander Commission), Tony Lonsdale (consultant) and Angela Martin(Darug elder). The event was taped by ABC Radio National■ Darug elder Angela Martin’s book Beyond Duck River was launched byLinda Burney, Director General of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs■ Consultation was held with Sydney language group representatives andElders regarding the content of the exhibition By Water: from the personalcollection of Kerry Stokes. Colin Gale, Darug language group elderpresided over the welcome to the site at the exhibition opening■ Staff members attended the Aboriginal Sydney: New Perspectivesconference at Macquarie University■ Aboriginal Sydney – A Guide to Important Places of the Past andPresent by Melinda Hinkson and Alana Harris was launched by LindaBurney, Director General of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs. The launch,attended by over 100 invitees and the media, was followed by aperformance by National Aboriginal Islander Skills Development Association(NAISDA) dancers.

Justice & Police Museum:

A ten-member Aboriginal Advisory Panel from the legal/justice professionsmet every two months to advise on the Police History display. Aboriginalresearcher Boe Rambaldini (former senior Aboriginal liaison officer for the

NSW Police Service) was employed to work on the project. The popularsemi permanent display interpreting police history and police/Aboriginalrelationships opened to the public in January and has attracted positivecomment from visitors to the museum.

Education Unit:

A full day of professional development training for guiding staff was held,focusing on the interpretation of Aboriginal history.

Government House:

A reading of a play by Rodney Hall, A Return to the Brink, part of theGovernment House cultural program, attended by the Governor and MrsSamuels. The play, set at first Government House, explores thecircumstances of Governor Gipps’ response to the Myall Creek massacre of 1838, an event which marked a significant turning point in the history ofEuropean relationships with Aboriginal people. Author Rodney Halldiscussed his interpretation of history in the light of contemporary attitudesand the demands of the theatre.

Sponsorship and FundraisingSponsors:

■ 2UE: exhibition sponsor of Sydney@Federation at the Museum ofSydney and Augusto Lorenzini: Italian Artist Decorator at Elizabeth BayHouse■ AGL: naming rights sponsors of the AGL Theatre at the Museum ofSydney■ Centennial Park and Moore Park Trusts: sponsors of the photographicdisplay Portrait of a Park at the Museum of Sydney■ City of Sydney: exhibition sponsor of By Water: from the personalcollection of Kerry Stokes at the Museum of Sydney■ International Olive Oil Council: sponsor of the Festival of the Olive atElizabeth Farm■ Kodak: sponsor of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Arts Festival photographicdisplay Sydneysiders at the Museum of Sydney■ Lend Lease Development & Aurora Place: sponsor of the publicarchitectural tour program Sydney Open 2000■ McGuigan Wines: wine sponsor for the exhibition openings of HardBoiled! the detective in popular culture at the Justice & Police Museumand Sydney@Federation at the Museum of Sydney■ Olympic Arts Festival: sponsor of the display Sydneysiders and theexhibition Sydney Harbour at the Museum of Sydney■ Parramatta City Council: sponsor of the Festival of the Olive atElizabeth Farm■ Rosemount Estate: wine sponsor for the exhibition openings of AugustoLorenzini: Italian Artist Decorator at Elizabeth Bay House and By Water:from the personal collection of Kerry Stokes at the Museum of Sydney■ Sarah’s Garden by Wedgwood: sponsor of the Kitchen Garden Festivalat Vaucluse House■ SBS: sponsor of the display Sydneysiders, and exhibitions SydneyHarbour and Sydney@Federation at the Museum of Sydney and AugustoLorenzini: Italian Artist Decorator at Elizabeth Bay House■ Tress Cocks & Maddox: exhibition sponsors of Augusto Lorenzini:Italian Artist Decorator at Elizabeth Bay House

78

Patrons to Foundation for the Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales

Patron – $100 000Anonymous

Fellow – $20 000Antoinette Albert

Governor – $10 000Tom AartsNanette AinsworthRobert Albert AOAnonymousJulian BeaumontTim CaseyMichael Crouch AMRobert DomabylZeny EdwardsJohn B Fairfax AMDavid FiddesAmana FinleyRodney LeaverClive Lucas OBEJohn MathesonLeonie McKillopJack RitchJohn SchaefferPenelope SeidlerColin SullivanHoward TannerNola TegelPeter TyreeStephen WallLesley WildJill Wran

Sponsors of the Annual Foundation Fundraising DinnerPrincipal SponsorBankWest

Supporting Sponsors2UEAir New ZealandAustralian Butler Training SchoolChair Covers and CandelabraChanel Anna ClarkCoca-Cola AmatilCulinary EdgeDavidoffGrace HotelHermesHotel IntercontinentalHunter Valley Gardens LodgeClive Lucas OBELouis VuittonMOS CafePages HirePorters PaintRaleigh Paper

Rosemount EstateRoyal Australian Navy BandRox Gems and JewellerySpitting ImageSotheby’sSweet ArtTAG Heuer ESPACEThe Clifford Wallace AgencyThe Pot Still PressVaucluse House TearoomsThirty Two Hundred LightingWaterford Wedgwood

Endangered Houses Fund Appeal

Silver Frank Lowy AC on behalf of the Westfield Foundation

Bronze Harry Triguboff AO on behalf of Meriton ApartmentsRobert Whyte on behalf of Trafalgar PropertiesBrendan Crotty on behalf of Australand Holdings

Waste Management and Recycling PolicyThe following strategies were adopted to manage and reduce waste:■ Use of emails where possible for internal memos and staff communication■ Use double sided printing wherever possible■ Draft documents on screen where possible■ Internal mail envelopes re-used■ Used laser toner cartridges recycled ■ Waste paper recycled

The waste management practices are constantly re-evaluated in accordancewith government and Environmental Protection Authority guidelines and awaste management and recycling policy is currently being developed.


79

Page numbers in bold type, e.g. 16–17, refer to the most detailed report on the topic.

aAboriginal people, 76–77Accounting, 56–58Action Plan for Women, 70Admission prices, 13Ageing Action Plan, 70Annual Report printing costs, 76Archives, 10Associated organisations, 13Audience, 5–7, 9, 16–17Audit reviews, 12–13Audit statements, 50–51Awards, 9

bBoard of Trustees, 12, 14Books, 19

cCentenary of Federation, 9Chairman’s report, 3Code of Conduct, 70Collections database, 21Collections management, 4, 20Committees, 12, 70–71Conservation, 8, 21Conservation Resource Centre, 3Consultants, 48, 60Consumer response, 72Corporate governance, 12–13Corporate planning, 12

dDelegations, 12Director’s report, 3Disability Action Plan, 16, 72

eElizabeth Bay House, 16, 24–25Elizabeth Farm, 17, 26–27Employees, 12, 15, 74–75Endangered Houses Fund, 9, 78

Energy management, 72Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), 74–75Ethnic Affairs Priorities Statement, 72–73Exhibitions, 5, 18Expenditure, 59–60

fFederation centenary, 9Financial statements, 51–68Financial summary, 4, 48–49Foundation for the Historic Houses Trust of New South

Wales, 9, 13, 78Freedom of information, 73

gGovernment House, 16, 17, 28–29, 77Guarantee of Service, 74

hHead Office, 3, 20Highlights, 8–10Human resources, 74–75Hyde Park Barracks Museum, 17, 19, 20, 30–31

iInformation management, 10Information technology (IT), 10, 75–76Interpretation, 8, 18–19

jJustice & Police Museum, 16, 32–33, 77

lLand disposal, 76Library, 3, 5Low points, 10

mMajor works in progress, 76Management, 4, 8, 20

Index

80

Market research, 7, 17, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 41,43, 45

Media coverage, 5Members of the Historic Houses Trust of New South

Wales, 13Meroogal the women’s history place, 16, 34–35Millennium Fund, 9Mint, The, 3, 19, 20, 46Museum of Sydney on the site of first Government House,

16, 17, 36–37, 77

oOccupational Health & Safety (OH&S), 75Olympic Games (Sydney 2000), 10, 21, 68Operational reviews, 12, 20Organisation chart, 11Overseas travel, 76

pPerformance indicators, 4–7Printing costs of Annual Report, 76Privacy Management Plan, 76Properties, 3, 4, 23. See also Elizabeth Bay House;

Elizabeth Farm; Government House; Head Office; Hyde Park Barracks Museum; Justice & Police Museum;Meroogal the women’s history place; Museum ofSydney on the site of first Government House; RoseSeidler House; Rouse Hill estate; Susannah PlaceMuseum; The Mint; Vaucluse House

Public programs (events), 5, 19Publications, 5, 19

rRecycling, 78Regional audience, 16Regional exhibitions, 5, 18Regional policy, 76Research, 19Revenue, 9, 22, 61Risk management, 13Rose Seidler House, 16, 20, 38–39Rouse Hill estate, 13, 16, 40–41Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody,

76–77

SSenior staff, 12, 15Sponsors, 77–78

Staff, 12, 15, 74–75Staff and Management Participatory Advisory Committee

(SAMPAC), 12, 71Staff training, 75Susannah Place Museum, 16, 42–43Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, 10, 21, 68

tThe Mint, 3, 19, 20, 46Total Asset Management Strategy (TAMS), 21Trustees, 12, 14Twenty-first birthday, 3, 9

vVaucluse House, 16, 44–45Visitor information, 7, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 41,

43, 45Visitor inquiries, 5Visitor numbers, 6–7, 9Volunteers, 13

wWaste management and recycling policy, 78Website, 5, 10Women. See Action Plan for Women; Meroogal

Index continued

hht ar2001 final qxd - sydney living museums...bush lives:bush futuresand terre napoleon34 117...

Documents