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NSW Government Heritage Volunteer Awards 2005

Award Recipients

The Jubilee Room at Parliament House in Macquarie Street was the location for the 4th annual NSW Heritage Volunteer Awards on Thursday 10 November. Minister for Planning the Hon Frank Sartor MP awarded certificates to 27 heritage 'heroes' from around the state.

After the awards ceremony, recipients, nominators and guests boarded three vintage buses (1930's Dennis and 1936 Leyland) for a tour of key heritage sites of Sydney, including St Mary's Cathedral, the Walsh Bay development and Millers Point.

Award Recipient	Citation	Nominator
Ian Nowland	Ian Nowland has a genuine love of colonial history. His motivation may, in part, be explained by his family links as a direct descendant of Government Farm - which he now proudly oversees as part of a Council Section 355 Community Committee. He is also the current President of the Hills District Historical Society and leads the Society's work in raising the local community's awareness of Baulkham Hills Shire's unique heritage assets. Ian is not a back room person. You will often find him and the Society taking part in community festivals, open days and at the local agricultural show. Everyone knows to look out for the Society's book stalls, historical displays and community information stands. You can easily recognise Ian - he's the gentleman in period costume offering damper and billy-tea. Or he is role- playing as Governor King to officially welcome the present Governor of NSW to official ceremonies at Heritage Park. Under Ian's leadership, the Hills District Historical Society has become an important community stakeholder and an active player in heritage conservation. In fact Baulkham Hills Shire Council now automatically refers all development applications on heritage items, and on adjacent properties to the Hills District Historical Society for comment before determination. This is a remarkable achievement and one that we would like to see carried through in other local government areas. In 2006, Ian will be heavily involved in the Bicentenary of the Shire of Baulkham Hills and we wish him and the Society a most successful and memorable event.	Cr Peter Dimbrowsky, Baulkham Hills Shire Council Category: Cultural Heritage Place:Shellharbour
Neville Merritt	Neville Merritt is a Gamilaraay man from Gilgandra and a tireless advocate for the conservation, promotion and protection of Aboriginal heritage. Neville is a driving force in an initiative of the Department of Environment and Conservation in December 2004, known as the 'King Togee' Project. This project, which led to the creation of an information sign and sign shelter over the headstone of King Togee, highlights and promotes Aboriginal culture and pays respect to a great leader of the local Butheroe Aboriginal people. Through Neville, the community has gained a greater understanding of the positive relationships that existed between the early pastoralists and the local Aboriginal people. Neville has participated in many surveys and projects identifying, recording, conserving and protecting Aboriginal heritage. One of his major contributions has been the assessment of Aboriginal cultural heritage for the Brigalow Belt South Bioregion Study.	Marcus Leslie, Department of Environment and Conservation Category: Aboriginal Heritage Place: Warrumbungles
Kevin and Dorothy Gillis	Kevin and Dorothy Gillis share a passionate interest in the history and heritage of the Illawarra and Shellharbour region and work together to raise community awareness of local heritage assets through their research, education and conservation projects. Kevin has prepared 12 nominations for the State Heritage Register, which is a mammoth achievement in its own right. As well he has completed the groundwork for an archaeological zoning map; he has researched the history of Oak Flats and has helped Council staff with researching and developing heritage trails and plaques in Albion Park, Shellharbour and Lancom Wentworth Cottage Park. Kevin's wood working and French polishing skills were revealed when he researched and hand carved a wooden replica of the c1858 Coat of Arms to hang in the restored Old Wollongong Courthouse. His love for Australian colonial furniture can be seen in his other work at the Courthouse, including restoring the circa 1858 cedar doors and fittings, fireplace mantles and timber blinds. Working alongside Kevin in all endeavours has been his wife Dorothy, who provides both practical and moral support. They are equal partners in heritage conservation as in life. One of the best examples of this team work is Tongarra Heritage Society. Kevin, as the President and Dorothy, as Secretary, have for the past decade been effectively the operational managers of the Tongarra Museum, which mounts a successful display each year based on a historical theme and its links to the Shoalhaven district.	Sue Jackson-Stepowski Category: Cultural Heritage Place: Shellharbour
Uralla Historical Society "The Mob at McCrossin's Mill"	The volunteers of Uralla Historical Society are known affectionately across the region as "The Mob at McCrossin's Mill". Over the past 25 years they have initiated and then sustained an extraordinary commitment to heritage conservation. Their most recent project is the 1881 built McCrossin's Chaff Shed. Its completion in 2004 with the support of the Heritage Incentives Program was marked with a truly memorable local celebration! This project exemplified the Mob's team vision, their courage and tolerance in the face of antagonism and ignorance, their refusal to compromise on heritage issues, their endearing and often bizarre sense of humour, their unusual and empathic approach to museology, their eternally enthusiastic and disarmingly inclusive 'esprit de corps', their obvious pride in the once-derelict buildings they acquired and so superbly conserved, and their very special "Why Not" attitude. The Mob has built up a collection of artefacts over the years, some of national significance, which may otherwise have ended up on the market in Sydney. New exhibitions, designed and installed by the volunteers attract an increasing number of curious visitors. The most common comment in the visitor's book is that McCrossin's Mill is different from anything seen anywhere else.	Uralla Historical Society Category: Physical Conservation Place: Uralla.
Brenda Niccol	Brenda Niccol has devoted her life to heritage and conservation in the Nepean region. Her greatest contribution has been as a volunteer worker, archivist and adviser on the life, work and residence of the distinguished 20th century artists Margo and Gerald Lewers and she remains a close friend of the family. She has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the common and Latin names for plants and the latest advice in garden practices. As the Chair of the Garden Sub-committee Brenda has established key photographic records of the garden. She has volunteered thousands of hours weeding, planting and watering the garden, which has been listed by the National Trust. The Heritage Council is currently considering the listing of the Lewers property on the State Heritage Register. Brenda has also worked as a consultant for Penrith City Council and has successfully supported the retention of Hunter's Oval. Brenda is also an early member of the Emu Plains Historical Society and contributed to the conservation of the Arms of Australia Inn which is now a museum. When the Historical Society's lawn mower broken down, she rode her horse to the Inn to eat the grass.	Tanya Crothers and Darani Lewers Category: Landscape and Garden Heritage Place: Penrith Regional Gallary and Lewers Bequest.
Trevor Elwyn Pascoe	Trevor's interest in local history dates from his parents' membership of the Millthorpe and District Historical Society and Museum more than 30 years ago. Trevor became involved in his own right in the late 1980s and in 1990 was elected President, a position he has held ever since. Trevor's distinctive leadership reveals itself across the range of Museum activities. He was instrumental in planning and developing the Millthorpe Museum of Rural Technology and the erection and unveiling of the Heritage Wall. Trevor is an innovator and a motivator, driving the developments of the Golden Memories Museum, which preserves the heritage of the district. He played a pivotal role in Blayney Shire's Federation Day celebrations in 2000. His strength in supporting the Blayney Shire Council, its Heritage committee and the local Millthorpe Heritage committee is greatly valued, as is his contribution to the Central West Chapter of Museums Australia and the promotion of heritage tourism in the Blayney Shire. His commitment to Regional Museum Partnership is testimony to his local heritage knowledge.	The Millthorpe and District Historical Society Category: Cultural Heritage Place: Blayney
Marion McCarthy	Marion has dedicated 20 years membership and service to the National Trust of Australia (NSW). Within the National Trust family, Marion is perhaps best known as face of Cooma Cottage, the National Trust property at Yass. In fact Marion has been a guide there since it officially opened on 19 April 1988. Marion's gusto, warmth, and friendly nature and her willingness to take on any task make her an outstanding National Trust volunteer. She has a great wealth of knowledge of local history and her enthusiasm to share and contribute ensure that she is always the first person to call on for information. Marion's early research on Hamilton Hume and Cooma Cottage was published in 1986 and it remains an ongoing passion for her. In 2004 Marion was awarded the Trust's Voluntary Service Medallion in recognition of her continuous service and dedication to the National Trust	Elsa Atkin National Trust of Australia (NSW) Category: Built Heritage Place: Yass
Glen Innes & District Historical Society	When the Glen Innes & District Historical Society was created in 1968 one of its immediate tasks was taking over the lease of the old Glen Innes Hospital. Their efforts have not only ensured the survival of a major heritage item which is now on the State Heritage Register, but also the preservation of a remarkable collection of historical artefacts and documents. The Glen Innes Hospital is now a significant regional museum promoting the development of cultural tourism in Glen Innes and the wider New England area. The museum also thrives as a cultural and research centre thanks to the dedication of these volunteers. One of the founders of the Society Mr Bill Cameron, initially catalogued over 10,000 research cards. His work in promoting Australian history is being continued today by this band of dedicated volunteers who have each developed advanced skills in researching and cataloguing. Through an extensive card system that cross references newspapers and other documentary evidence, there are now more than 4,500 photographs in the collection.	Glen Innes and District Historical Society Category: Built Heritage Place: Glen Innes
John Alker-Jones	Our next recipient is our first example of a cross-border nomination. John Alker-Jones is the Principal Planner with the Albury-Wodonga Development Corporation. In 1983, John and other members of the Development Corporation began to take an interest in developing a commemorative centre at Block 19 Bonegilla, Victoria. Block 19 is a significant remnant of the Bonegilla Reception and Training Centre, which played a central role in the peopling of Australia in the postwar years with immigrants, principally from Europe. In 1998, he chaired a Committee of Management appointed to care for the site. He helped energise the push for funds and served as initial chairman of the steering committee of volunteers to guide developments which were hastened with a $2m grant from the Victorian Government. The commemorative centre opens on 4 December this year. John has been President of the Albury & District Historical Society. He was also the inaugural Chairman of the Albury Regional Museum Advisory Committee, during which time he built up the museum's Bonegilla collection.	Bruce Pennay, Adjunct Associate Professor, Charles Sturt University. Category: Built Heritage Place: Albury/Wodonga
Patricia O'Brien	Patricia is well known in the Holroyd area for her volunteer heritage efforts with the 'Friends of Linnwood' and 'Friends of Mays Hill Cemetery'. Her achievements on behalf of the Friends of Mays Hill Cemetery have helped raised community awareness and appreciation for this historic site. Working with Holroyd Council's archaeologist and using a comprehensive assessment process, Pat has selected over 100 cemetery monuments of heritage significance for repair and conservation. In May this year Pat launched "Unmarked Graves in Western Road Cemetery Mays Hill" a legacy of 10 years of exhaustive research. Patricia had a pivotal role in the Save Linnwood Campaign and is part of a management committee with the Heritage Office and Holroyd City Council. She has organised open days and guided tours which have increased public awareness of Linnwood as an important heritage item of local and state significance. For the past four years Patricia has been a community representative on the Holroyd City Council Heritage Committee and has contributed to the finalisation of a new heritage local environmental plan and heritage development control plan as well as making recommendations to Council on various heritage matters of local concern.	Mari Metzke, Manager Outreach Services, Royal Australian Historic Society and Gill Dawson, Manager Strategic Planning, Holroyd City Council Royal Australian Historical Society Category: Built Heritage Place: Holroyd
Viola Brown & Carol Ridgeway Bissett	Sisters Viola and Carol are members of the Maaiangal clan of the Worimi Aboriginal Community. As custodians of Worimi lands, the sisters share a high level of commitment and passion towards their environment and their Indigenous cultural heritage. Both have committed themselves to community campaigns and education for the past three decades. Carol and Viola have worked extensively with Port Stephens Council, encouraging staff to work in partnership with Aboriginal people on environmental and heritage issues. When Port Stephens Council signed a commitment to the local Aboriginal nation to respect their sacred sites, it became only one of three councils in Australia to agree to such a proposition. The many gains through this partnership include saving Stockton Bight from unsympathetic development, contributing to environmental assessments of Gloucester National Park, Barrington Tops, Myall National Park, Soldiers Point Caravan Park and Mambo Wetlands. Their contribution towards the Tidy Towns Annual Awards Weekend and the Soldiers Point-Salamander Bay Tidy Towns & Landcare Committee is greatly appreciated as is their role in having highway fences erected to prevent koalas from crossing these roads and being struck and killed by passing vehicles.	Kath Schilling, Department of Environment and Conservation Category: Aboriginal Heritage Place: Port Stephens
Graham Nelson	Graham Nelson is the Electrical Field Co-ordinator at Gosford Council where he has worked for more than 25 years. It was through his job that Graham first discovered and gained a passion for the conservation of the 19th century convict built road in the Mangrove Creek area. Graham's contribution goes beyond physical restoration works. He played a major role in the discovery and clearing of Simpson's Track, a major convict built road line dating back to the 1830s, and a branch of the Great North Road. Graham spends his spare time exploring, clearing and mapping the road heritage of the Mangrove Creek Area. He has single-handedly brought the heritage significance of the network of convict built culverts, road and bridges to the attention of the wider community through leading several tours. Through Graham's drive and determination, we can look forward to the long term protection and maintenance of a significant archaeological heritage item.	Elizabeth Roberts, Executive Director, Convict Trail Project Inc. Category: Engineering Heritage Place: Great North Road
Milparinka Heritage and Tourist Association Inc. Ruth Sandow	In 2000 all that remained of Milparinka, in the far north western sector of the Unincorporated Area of New South Wales, was a hotel on the brink of closure, a semi-restored courthouse, and the close-to-ruin remains of the former police barracks and cells. Five years later Milparinka has undergone a remarkable transformation. It is all due to the efforts of a small but hardy band of volunteers which rallied to save this outback town from oblivion. Membership of the Milparinka Heritage and Tourism Association draws on people from around the district (some living more that two hours drive away) although the core population of Milparinka still hovers around eight! Not only has the Milparinka Heritage and Tourist Association Inc. saved this outback town's most significant heritage buildings. They have also created a near self-sustainable tourist attraction which has provided additional local part time employment. One of their projects is using the services of low security prisoners to undertake much of the most recent physical restoration and building work, thus providing them with life skills that will serve them well upon release. The former police cells were restored with a combination of funding from New South Wales Heritage and Regional Partnerships and the Milparinka Heritage and Tourism Association. Today the building is used an art gallery.	Milparinka Heritage and Tourism Association Inc. Category: Built Heritage Place: Milparinka
Cathy Jones	Cathy's passionate interest in the built and social heritage of Strathfield is not surprising when you consider her family's links to the district date back to 1880. Cathy has made an enormous contribution to historical research and heritage related activities in Strathfield bringing together her comprehensive knowledge of local history, heritage legislation and the heritage organisational network. She has worked tirelessly to preserve and promote the heritage of her community and has invested her skills in several key areas - in academic research, website design, in publishing and archives. She has presented talks to a range of groups and historical societies and in another initiative with Strathfield Council, has conducted tours of the district to local sites of interest, including heritage listed houses, places of historical importance, churches and significant environmental preservation sites such as the Wetlands	Margaret Roberts, Local Studies Librarian, Strathfield Library Category: Built Heritage Place: Strathfield
Jeanette Wilson	Jeanette Wilson was born and bred in the Warialda district and is a descendant of one of the area's pioneering families. Two decades ago Jeanette began tracing her family history and that of the other pioneers who forged grazing, manufacturing and service industries in what was a fairly isolated rural community more than a century ago. Jeanette has spent endless hours on research, sometimes finding original sources as well as augmenting the work of other local historians. She has compiled a comprehensive photographic collection and has spent countless hours collating and typing out information for the benefit of the whole community. In fact one of Jeanette's greatest assets is her generosity in sharing her research with others. She has initiated a family research register and history section at the Warialda library which has been both an invaluable resource for local people as well as for enquiries from outside. Jeanette has also published and collated a number of works which cover almost every aspect of the cultural, social and built heritage of the Warialda district	Jillian Woodward, Tourist Officer, Gwydir Shire Council Category: Cultural Heritage Place: Warialda
State Records of NSW - Volunteer Program	State Records is responsible for the large and valuable archival collection that depicts the heritage of New South Wales, its people and social environment. The organisation's volunteer program began four years ago with an initial intake of 10. It now comprises 46 dedicated men and women, each of whom commits to three hours per fortnight working at the Western Sydney Records Centre. Most of their work is indexing previously unobtainable records dealing with aspects of our convict and early 20th century history, the listing of documents under the post World War One Closer and Soldier Settlement Schemes and listings of 19th and 20th century probate packets. The minutiae of bureaucracy has become a gold mine of heritage information in their capable hands!! To date, State Records Volunteers have contributed 12,225 items to Archives Investigators. Many of the volunteers have also elected to be rotated into the Conservation Section which looks after the valuable collection of 19th century papers of the Colonial Secretary. They are also repackaging probate and school files and repairing letters relating to Sydney Harbour Bridge resumptions. Spend a few moments with these heritage volunteers and I am sure you will learn some secrets of our upstanding citizens of the past.	Selena Williams, Archivist, State Records of NSW.(accepting the award) Category: Movable Heritage Place: Statewide
George Gyford	George Gyford first settled in Penrith in 1957 and has been active in local history research for more than a quarter of century. George has always had a keen interest in archaeology and, in 1978, after completing a WEA course, he helped establish the Nepean District Historical Archaeology Group. He has held the position of President for 27 years. The work of this group is almost unique in NSW and has been shaped by George's personal interests, skills and drive. George takes a professional and methodical approach to the recording of local history, particularly in preparing reports on local sites, to ensure they include a history of their occupants, a full description of the site as well as photos and plans. He also trains newcomers in these specialist research skills. The group has recorded over 100 reports and for the past decade has focussed on the area of the Penrith Lakes Scheme. In 1988 it prepared a Bicentenary display "The Architectural Heritage of the Penrith District, Past and Present" and has authored several reports and studies. In addition to these responsibilities, George still finds the time to lecture on Ancient History and Historical Archaeology at the Nepean Community College. He is also often called upon to speak at various local community groups and has been an active supporter of the Penrith Community Arts Development Organisation.	Siobhan Lavelle, Heritage Office Category: Archaeological Heritage Place: Penrith
Peter and June Poland	Both Peter and June Poland are distinguished heritage specialists in their own right but together are a most formidable team - particularly in their campaign to preserve heritage sites in the Woollahra area. For more than a quarter of a century, June Poland has made a major contribution to the identification, conservation and understanding of the heritage of Woollahra and elsewhere in NSW. Her interest and knowledge in architecture, archaeology and history and her energetic networking, public speaking and lobbying have ensured heritage issues remain at the forefront of the community's attention. Peter has received international recognition for his detailed historical research into George Rose, after whom Rose Bay was named. Both Peter and June are active members associated with the National Trust of Australia (NSW Branch). They are also friends of First Government House and members of the Woollahra History and Heritage Society and the Royal Australian Historical Society. The legacy of their passion for research and heritage conservation can also be found in the printed publications: Peter has written "The Travels of the Timekeepers' and George Rose and June has written: 'Port Jackson, 1788 and 1888' and 'Carrara/Strickland House'.	Mari Metzke, Manager Outreach Services, Royal Australian Historical Society Category: Built Heritage Place: Woollahra
Royal Botanic Gardens - Volunteer Guides	Our next group of heritage heroes number almost 80 - they are a dedicated and professional band who are passionate about plants and are particularly passionate about the Royal Botanic Gardens. Working on behalf of the Botanic Gardens Trust, the Volunteer Guides play a paramount role in enriching the experience of local, interstate and international visitors to the Gardens. In 2004 they welcomed more than 30,000 visitors with a growing number particularly interested in the Heritage of the Royal Botanic Gardens. The group has recorded more than 165 walks. Some of the themes explored on these walks are the Garden Palace, the Cultural Heritage of the Royal Botanic Gardens, the work of the early Explorers such as Sir Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander, and the Contribution of French Botanists to Australia's Heritage. The volunteers also devote countless hours devoted to research and training and in sharing their knowledge with Botanic Gardens Trust staff. The willingness of these volunteers to develop joint programs with other cultural institutions is commended and they take on these tasks with relish. They are also a dedicated group of volunteers, some even dating back their involvement to 1978 - another true testament of their success.	Donna Osland, Royal Botanic Gardens. Category: Landscape and Garden Heritage Place: Sydney
Janet Tate	Janet Tate joined the Historic Houses Trust 24 years ago in the first intake programme of volunteer guides for Vaucluse House. Since then Janet has guided many local and international visitors throughout this significant property. She can be relied upon to present Vaucluse House with attention to historical accuracy but also with a warmth that makes the visitor feel special. Janet demonstrates rare leadership qualities and is the co-ordinator and spokesperson for the Vaucluse House Volunteer Guides group and has assisted the Historic Houses Trust in the development of policies for the management of volunteers. Janet actively promotes the Historic Houses Trust in the wider community by volunteering at the Royal Agricultural Show, Gardens Show and Heritage Week. And if that schedule is not busy enough, Janet also finds time to assist at special events at Vaucluse House - including Carols by Candlelight, Kitchen Garden Festival and at other Trust properties including Government House.	Keren Ruki, Volunteer Co-ordinator, Historic Houses Trust Category: Built Heritage Place: Woollahra
Colleen Godsell	For several years now Colleen Godsell has provided the energy, the motivation and the determination to guide the fund raising and conservation program for "The Barn" . Dating from 1831, this heritage listed stone building at Mosman Bay is Sydney's only remaining maritime industrial structure dating from the early Colonial period and the oldest stone building on the lower North Shore. Used as a Scout Hall, "The Barn" was condemned as unsafe in 2003 due to the unstable cliff behind it. Colleen has been at the forefront in lobbying, community campaigning and education and fundraising, with just over $200,000 raised in three years. Colleen has had the vision and ability to involve and manage all the stakeholders in this extensive project - overseeing archaeological and conservation management studies on the site and then managing vital stabilisation and maintenance works. All this was done on a voluntary basis whilst also looking after her husband and four young children, continuing to lead her Scout troop in temporary accommodation and working full time in her family business. It is due to Colleen that "The Barn" has been preserved for future generations to enjoy and appreciate	Pam Lofthouse, Mosman Category: Built Heritage Place: Mosman
Friends of Old Moama	The Friends of Old Moama began less than two years ago but this group of about 8-10 regular volunteers can already notch up a success with saving the Old Telegraph Station from demolition. This historic building, now classified by the National Trust, dates back to the early 1840s. It was constructed by James Maiden to enable him to establish a telegraph line from Moama to Deniliquin. The Old Telegraph Station holds Open Days once a month when volunteers conduct tours of the photographic displays and explain the historical significance of the old site. The Friends have also taken part in community and national heritage festivals including the re -enactment this year of the first journey of Cobb & Co from Moama. They also work closely with Echuca Historical Society and the Moama Cemetery Committee. Upcoming projects include the refurbishment of the site of the River Captains' Reach located on the Murray River and the development of interpretive signage for the Horseshoe Lagoon wetlands.	Friends of Old Moama. Category: Cultural Heritage Place: Murray
Marion McGuirk	Marion McGuirk has been a stalwart member of the Toongabbie and District Historical Society since it was founded in 1988. She has been the driving force behind the Society's achievements in researching, compiling and indexing administration records, documentation and photographs. Through her links with Parramatta City and Blacktown City Councils, Marion is a major contributor to several heritage committees and societies and is an active participant in workshops and information sessions conducted by heritage centres, historical societies and the Royal Australian Historical Society. Marion was Blacktown City Council's member on the Battle of Vinegar Hill Bicentenary Celebrations committee. Her research has resulted in several publications, including the major book "Battle of Vinegar Hill - Our Pioneers" book as well as "Early Settlers, St Mary's Anglican Church, Toongabbie Early Days" and "School of Arts Manuscripts." Recently you would have found Marion getting her hands dirty at the archaeological excavation site in Marsden Street, Parramatta helping to uncover the original cellar of the first inn at Parramatta.	Jack Elliott OAM, President, Toongabbie and District Historical Society Category: Cultural Heritage Place: Blacktown
Jack Delaney	Jack has dedicated the past 30 years to researching and documenting the history of the Hunter and remains passionate about creating authoritative records of the past so that future generations may truly know and understand our predecessors and their way of life. Showing great initiative Jack decided to capture this the area's mining heritage through the difficult but rewarding medium of oral history. He has recorded 497 interviews with many local identities that provide first hand recollections of a bygone era on the Northern Coalfields. This valuable collection is now housed at Newcastle Regional Museum. Jack's published works cover a large subject and geographical area. Some of his publications include the "History of the Greta Coal Measures 1861 - 1998", "Newcastle - its first 20 years" and "The Irish rebellion and the settlement of Newcastle, NSW, 1804" as well as the histories of local churches, utilities, schools, cemeteries and railways. Jack who today is a young 86 is also a member of The Convict Trail committee and is currently researching the history of post offices in the Cessnock area and on the Millfield Bridge near Wollombi. Jack's tireless efforts to record local history has benefited not only his immediate community but has enriched us all.	Rosemary Walters, Customer Services Librarian, Singleton Public Library. Category: Cultural Heritage Place: Cessnock.
Museum of Nursing (Royal Prince Alfred Hospital) Volunteers.	If nurses are the unsung champions of our hospital system, then it is appropriate to describe this group of women as true heritage heroes. This award is a tribute to the nine amazing ladies who are the volunteers behind the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Museum of Nursing. They are honorary curator Helen Croll and her team: Margaret Miller, Mair Jones, Kay Stone, Audrey Drinkwater, Anne Baker, Heather Davidson, Caroline Wharton and Catherine Joyce. For more than 20 years this band of volunteers has maintained, preserved, interpreted and developed the collection to showcase the hospital's evolution and diversity. Their anecdotes, memories and knowledge make a visit to the museum a unique experience. You can be sure their recollections as trainee nurses between the 1940s and 1960s would surprise many current nursing students! The ladies may have retired from active nursing but they still keep nursing time - arriving very early every Wednesday to work at the museum. They are now in the process of relocating the entire museum. These women as a collective have served the community from a nursing perspective and celebrate the heritage of the hospital with pride and humility. The long term benefits of such a museum are the perpetuation of knowledge, and the promotion of a continuing legacy.	Sharon Ganzer, Curator, Central Sydney Area Health Service Category: Movable Heritage Place: Sydney
Professor John Glastonbury AM	John may be retired from active duty as an academic, but he remains a wonderful example of that old adage "if you want something done and done well give it to a busy person". Through his Chairmanship of 3801 Limited and his patronage of the Australian Railways Historical Society as well as his position on numerous boards and committees John has been successful in bringing professionalism and respect into the heritage rail movement. John has been the driving force behind the introduction of professional project management and financial resources, occupational health and safety protocols and engineering and rail safety management skills to the heritage operating organisations. Under John, 3801 Ltd has been a remarkable success story. The company is held in high regard in the heritage movement, professional rail organisations such as Rail Corp and by the general public. Through the professional ability and enthusiasm of people like John, the sound of a steam train whistle can still be heard across our state.	Reece McDougall, Director Heritage Office Category: Movable Heritage Place: Statewide