Spotlight on: Blue Mountains

Encompassing more than a million hectares of bushland, the Greater Blue Mountains region spans the traditional Country of the Darkinjung, Dharawal, Dharug, Gundungurra, Wonnarua and Wiradjuri First Nations peoples. The rugged landscape features soaring sandstone formations, canyons and dramatic waterfalls and is home to significant First Nations cultural sites and rare flora and fauna. It is also a location rich in built heritage – the Blue Mountains City Council has 36 conservation areas and over 900 heritage items listed.

Helping to protect the history of this area of global importance are the Blue Mountains and Lithgow branches of the National Trust. The last few months have been particularly busy for our volunteer-run branches, with advocacy campaigns shining a spotlight on key heritage issues.

Highlighting local history

First listed by the National Trust in 1975, the much-loved Paragon Café in Katoomba was opened in 1916 by Zacharias Simos, who emigrated to Australia from Greece. The Paragon was renowned for its glamorous interiors and exquisite chocolates, milkshakes and icecreams. In recent years concerned locals and the Blue Mountains National Trust Branch have been advocating for the cafe and its contents to be appropriately cared for and conserved.  Following recent media coverage regarding vandalism of the café, the National Trust has welcomed news that the NSW Government has now intervened to address the deteriorating condition of this State-heritage listed building.

Support for heritage listing

Holding the title of the oldest munitions and armaments factory in Australia, the Lithgow Small Arms Factory, was recently nominated for the State Heritage Register. Dating from 1912, it is still partly operational and features a collection of 55 buildings which reflect the evolving architecture of factory buildings over the course of the past century. It is also highly significant for the crucial role it played in the war effort during both World War I and World War II, and its association with the women, migrants, and servicemen who worked there. The National Trust Lithgow branch are calling for support for this important local site. Help ensure the future of this heritage place by supporting the State Heritage Register nomination here.

Advocating for natural heritage

Having been disbanded for several years the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Advisory Committee has been reinstated by the Commonwealth and NSW Governments. This positive action follows dedicated advocacy efforts from the Blue Mountains Branch. The reinstatement of the committee will ensure the protection, conservation, presentation and management of this highly significant area continues to be shaped by both community feedback and expert advice.

Make a difference by joining a branch

The National Trust’s community of volunteers provide invaluable advocacy and fundraising support through our various branches and committees. Find out more.