National Trust of Australia (Vic) relaunches Branch for North-East Victoria

National Trust of Australia (Vic) relaunches Branch for North-East Victoria

Background:

The Trust had a North-East Branch from 1966 to the mid-1990s focussed around Beechworth. The Trust has classified 168 places in Indigo, 59 in Alpine and 58 in Wangaratta. We have around 170 members in the region.

Launch:

On Thursday 25 October the new Branch was launched at Beechworth Town Hall. The Branch provides a focus for our members in the Rural City of Wangaratta, the Shire of Indigo and the Alpine Shire.

At the meeting the following positions were appointed:

President: Pamela Thomas
Vice-President: Laurence Neal
Treasurer: Leo Notarianni

The Charter for the Branch is to conserve, celebrate and promote cultural heritage in the North-East region. The Branch will:

• participate in coordination of the National Trust’s annual heritage festival
• participate in heritage awards programs with local government
• advocate for heritage places under threat
• seek to influence the local Councils to protect heritage places in their planning schemes

The Branch intends to take up roles on the Indigo Heritage Advisory Committee and on the Beechworth Trees Consultative Group.

Branch President Pamela Thomas said: “As a passionate advocate for our shared heritage I am delighted to take on the role of President. Whilst there are pressing issues in Beechworth, such as the future of the former gaol and the Mayday Hills Asylum sites, the new Branch is not just about Beechworth but about the wider region.”

Ms Thomas said “The Alpine Shire has still not implemented its comprehensive heritage study of 2005. $500,000 is being spent on a study by Ernst & Young but there has been no discernible consultation by the state government on the future of the disused Mt Buffalo Chalet.”

Senior Trust Manager Paul Roser said: “We are thrilled to re-establish a formal presence for our members in this fabulous corner of Victoria. The Branch takes its place as the 14th Branch in our network, and provides a strong community voice for heritage in one of the most culturally significant regions of the State.”

Contact: Sharron Clark Media & Communications Manager Mobile: 0416 009 271