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Award recipients were treated to a special tour of Government House courtesy of the volunteer guides from the Historic Houses Trust, one of the major supporters of the Heritage Volunteer Awards program. Photographs by Paramount Studios

The following individuals and organisations from across NSW were presented with a NSW Government Heritage Volunteer Award by Hon Frank Sartor MP, Minister for Planning, at a ceremony held at Parliament House on 14 November 2007.

Award Recipient	Citation
Volunteers of the Lady Denman Heritage Complex, Huskisson Inc.	The group was formed in 1979 to rescue and restore the former Sydney Ferry Lady Denman as a celebration of the wooden boat building heritage of the Jervis Bay region of southern NSW. And what an achievement! The Lady Denman is now State heritage listed and housed within a purpose built wing within the Lady Denman Heritage Complex at Huskisson. In the process the volunteers have built up an impressive collection of infrastructure, including a maritime museum, Aboriginal workshop, tidal marine reserve and a donated collection of some of the world's finest examples of surveying and navigational instruments. Altogether the volunteers maintain four hectares of landscaped grounds, gardens and marine reserve that last year attracted around 100,000 visitors to the Centre. The Volunteers are the powerhouse of the Lady Denham Heritage Complex. Last year they donated an average of 650 service hours of service per week - equivalent to 20 full time positions.
The Cavalcade of History and Fashion Inc.	Cavalcade's volunteers are the custodians of a unique collection of costumes that tell the story of Australian history through fashion, using authentic gowns and accessories, spanning the years from the First Fleet to the present. The collection has over 8000 items including authentic historic ladies gowns and accessories as well as men's and children's clothes, and household items - all of which have been generously donated and each carrying the name and personal history of its former owner. Celebrating their 45th anniversary this year, Cavalcade's volunteers are involved in conserving, sorting and cataloguing the items, mending and preparing them for exhibition and researching the social history behind each item. Recently the costumes have featured in exhibitions at Customs House and the Sydney Town Hall and at the Quilting and Craft Fairs held at Darling Harbour. At present the Cavalcade is a museum collection without walls, but the group hopes to find a permanent home in the near future to store and display this unique collection of Australian heritage.
Bruce and Alison Amos	Moree's heritage buildings owe their survival to the hard work and dedication of Bruce and Alison Amos. For the past two decades the couple have devoted themselves to identifying Moree's identifying significant buildings, promoting heritage conservation and providing hands- on support for the National Trust, the Moree Historical Society and the Council's Heritage Working Group. The couple have invested their time and money in both natural and built cultural heritage, sometimes facing significant local opposition. The couple have demonstrated grit and determination and a practical commitment to heritage conservation through the adaptive re-use of the former derelict Houlahan Bakery building comprising three linked shops and a residence, now known as the SOMA Centre.
Vincent Scerri	Vince Scerri has lived in Concord for the past 36 years and is a long-term and very active member of the Concord Heritage Society. Using his capable skills as a highly qualified tradesman, leader and negotiator, Vince is the driving force behind the Society's most ambitious and complex project to date, the conservation of the Sulman-designed dairy precinct of the heritage listed Yaralla Estate. Since retiring two years ago, Vince has devoted even more hours to hands on conservation work on this mammoth project as well as serving on the Society's Executive Committee as a heritage guide and guest speaker. His dedication and infectious enthusiasm for heritage continues to inspire the wider community, including Canada Bay Council and Yaralla's owners, Central Area Health in securing the future of this magnificent estate.
Friends of Craigmoor	The Friends of Craigmoor are a community group who bring their own special talents together to maintain and promote one of Hill End's most significant heritage assets- the 1875 home of the Mitchell and Marshall families, "Craigmoor". Craigmoor is a unique community asset which enables visitors to gain a valuable insight into village life during Hill End's gold rush period in the 19th century. Although owned and managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Friends of Craigmoor play an integral role in maintaining Craigmoor - cleaning and preparing the house and its intact collection of domestic contents. The Friends of Craigmoor have undergone accredited heritage management training which they apply to preserving and promoting not only Craigmoor but also the village of Hill End as a living historical town through twice yearly Open Days. Funds raised during these events are shared with other community organisations including the local fire brigade and public school.
Lake Macquarie & District Historical Society	Fifteen years ago The Lake Macquarie and District Historical Society converted the disused and run down Toronto Railway Station into the Lake Macquarie Heritage Centre. The Centre is open to the public and features themed displays, a research library meeting room and archive room and other facilities. It has certainly proved to be popular - since it was opened in 1992 the Centre has welcomed an average of five visitors per opening hour. The Society is also a major sponsor of The Heritage Afloat Festival held during Easter which draws tens of thousands of visitors to Toronto. The Centre is also used for other community based fundraising events while the well maintained building and its picturesque setting on the foreshore of Lake Macquarie provide a spectacular backdrop for wedding photographers. The successful adaptive reuse of the railway station has created a wonderful tourist and community heritage asset from what was once a dilapidated ruin.
Daphne Shead	If you want to discover your family's history at the village of Hill End, Daphne Shead is the person to see. She has been a valuable member of the Hill End community for 20 years with many family links to the Central West so it was not surprising that the Hill End/Tambaroora Progress Association invited her to become the district's official Family Historian. She devotes many hours to researching, teaching and promoting the Hill End Family History Register - in fact almost every Saturday you will find Daphne at the Hill End Visitor's Centre. In the past couple of years Daphne has catalogued thousands of family names; this has also led her to catalogue State Heritage Register buildings and movable heritage items. Daphne writes for the community newsletter "The Stamper Battery" on Hill End's colourful history and maintains a website. She also finds time to volunteer as a teacher of family history research to students at the Dubbo School of Distance Education and the Hill End Public School.
Robin Davies	Robin Davies has been a passionate advocate and hardworking volunteer for the conservation of local plants and native vegetation for more than 14 years. She began as a volunteer guide at Mount Annan Botanic Garden in 1997 interpreting the Garden and inspiring visitors about Australia's unique flora and natural heritage. She has been a catalyst for many local conservation projects, is a key member of the Mount Annan Botanic Garden Bushcare group and is an active member of four environment groups in Wollondilly. She is also the President of the Australian Plant society - Macarthur group; in 1996 she started the Wollondilly Community Nursery at Picton. There would be few people in the Macarthur region who could match Robin in her contribution to the natural and social capital of this community. Even illness has not slowed her down in her determination to inform, educate and enthuse other people about the natural environment.
The Historic Commercial Vehicle Association	The Historic Commercial Vehicle Association was formed 43 years ago by a small group of enthusiasts with a shared interest in New South Wales' public transport heritage. There are around 90 exhibits on show including several 'one of a kind' items and most are in good running condition. The volunteers are recognised internationally for their energy and commitment in preserving, maintaining, interpreting and promoting the collection. The volunteers also support the Sydney Bus Museum, acting as drivers and volunteers for community functions and private hirings. Association members also travel all over New South Wales in search of material collected by transport enthusiasts, often spending their own money to acquire items for the archives.
Dr Don Fraser	Don Fraser is a recognised engineering expert in bridges and their history. The sheer quantity and quality of his work in both his former academic and professional capacity and now as a volunteer is unsurpassed. He is a founding member of the Sydney Engineering Heritage Committee established in 1978 and remains an active volunteer member. He has also represented Sydney on the National Panel on Engineering Heritage for several years and was its chairman in 1983 and 1984. In 1986 Don guided the development of the Australian Historic Engineering Plaquing Program and drafted its guidelines. An esteemed author of many papers, books and chapters Dr Fraser was awarded the Institution of Engineers' Monash Medal for the best paper on General Engineering matters and last year undertook a review of bridge items on the State Heritage Register.
The Friends of Tulkiyan	The Friends of Tulkiyan are a small group of dedicated volunteers, mostly from the local area, who help Ku-ring-gai Council with active interpretation and promotion of the State Heritage Register listed house "Tulkiyan" at Gordon, its garden and collection of authentic domestic items dating from the early 20th century. The Friends organise and run guided house tours highlighting the history of the house and its context within the history of the shire. The only qualification to join the group is a love and enthusiasm for heritage conservation and promotion and a willingness to participate. With more volunteers they hope to increase the number of Open Days, produce their own publications and provide a high quality of line for goods for sale. The ultimate aim is to feature 'Tulkiyan' on Sydney's known 'heritage trail" to bring "Tulkiyan" to the attention of the wider community.
Brush Farm Historical Society	The Brush Farm Historical Society has been the driving force behind the conservation and reopening of Brush Farm Estate to the public this year after a 15 year campaign. The Society was formed in the 1980s to encourage the study of local history with a special focus on Brush Farm Estate, which was acquired by Ryde Council in 1992. The Society has prepared several publications on the history of Eastwood and the Blaxland family and has contributed to the Heritage Festival and the Granny Smith Festival, always striving to educate the public on the significance of Brush Farm and its contribution to the history of NSW. The group organises public lectures about local history, collects documents and artefacts associated with the property and promotes the interpretation of Brush Farm House to the wider community through school group tours and open days.
Tom Wiles	Tom Wiles is considered by many as Adelong's living treasure. His passion for the gold mining history of Adelong, his research into the State Heritage Register listed Falls Gold Workings, his dedication to the establishment of the Adelong Alive Museum and his creation of a working model of the crushing mill which forms the centrepiece of the museum's gold gallery makes him a worthy recipient for this award. Tom has donated thousands of dollars worth of his own time and labour to this project - his enthusiasm and hard work not only encourages other volunteers but has also helped to attract government and private grants leading to four new permanent galleries, storage and office, which have been built under Tom's supervision. Tom is also a favourite teacher for the many school excursions to the museum. His enormous knowledge of local history has prompted the museum to commission a film about Adelong Gold.
Dorothea (Dot) Sawatzki	A direct descendant of the original Italian pioneers of the New Italy settlement in northern New South Wales, Dorothea (Dot) has extended her enthusiasm in seeking out her family history into becoming a foundation and still very active member of the New Italy Museum Committee. Her hands on work involves curating and displaying the historic information and materials within the New Italy Museum Complex. The Museum's multi-cultural background gives visitors a chance to see how other nationalities have contributed to the local community. Dot is a tireless worker, travelling regularly for school visits, attending conferences, courses and workshops to enhance her skills. An enthusiastic promoter of the museum, Dot liaises with arts organisations, grant committees and media and still finds time to actively contribute to cultural and tourism events, special celebration days and writing for a range of publications in the region.
Betty Sideres	Betty Sideres has been involved with the Historic Houses Trust Justice and Police Museum as a volunteer guide since 2002 and is a very loyal, reliable and passionate ambassador for the Historic Houses Trust. Over the past five years Betty has been a great strength and support with the Museum's role of interpreting the social history of NSW. Betty is familiar with all aspects of the museum and interacts with visitors in a friendly and professional manner. Museum staff often comment on Betty's ability to remain calm and focussed even under extremely demanding conditions. Staff have also commented on Betty's ability to converse and interact with people from all walks of life. Travelling all the way from Berrima to the city, Betty is always the museum's reliable and efficient Thursday office volunteer . She also takes on extra days when asked and is always willing to help out at museum events.
Bruce Crosson	Historian Bruce Crosson has been a leading and very active member of the Woollahra History and Heritage Society since 1986. Bruce Crosson's extensive knowledge of architecture, history, engineering and geology has added much to the community's appreciation of the landscapes and built environment of Australia. He readily and generously shares his knowledge and the results of his research with other society members, organisations including the Royal Historical Society, the National Trust and Historic Houses Trust and with the wider community, other historians and lovers of heritage. He is a prolific writer and a talented photographer who has written most of the Society's 160 articles and stories during the past two decades. Bruce has led most of the 100 heritage and history walks in the Woollahra area; he has also prepared a series of tour guides highlighting points of historical and heritage interest and conducts specialised tours for school groups. He has donated many of his writings and photographs and time to the Woollahra Library.
Gai Taylor	For the past three years Gai Taylor has worked as a volunteer in the Cape Byron Lighthouse Maritime Museum, located at the base of the 106 year old lighthouse on the Headland Reserve. The museum attracts more than 800,000 visitors each year. It is fair to say she is a beacon in the world of heritage promotion and tourism. Gai has shown great passion and enthusiasm for her work. Her colleagues say Gai has the amazing ability to make each visitor feel special; she has provided many opportunities for visitors to 'experience' the maritime heritage of this unique site. Gai has also shown great skill in the induction of new volunteers, a critical role in developing the next generation of volunteers for this landmark site at the eastern most point of the Australian continent.
Aunty Beryl Carmichael	Aunty Beryl Carmichael, whose traditional name is Yungha-dhu, is a Ngiyampaa elder from the Darling region of NSW and a descendant of the last Ngiyampaa rainmaker, Jack King. A custodian of many Ngiyampaa stories, she runs camps for young Aboriginal people at Broken Hill and Menindee. She holds an honorary PhD from Tranby College and life membership of the Aboriginal Education Consultative Group for her tireless work in Aboriginal education. Aunty Beryl also has a vast knowledge of cultural resource use including bush survival courses, bush medicines and cooking and is currently writing a series of children's booklets for schools as part of her responsibilities in caring for country. She promotes Aboriginal cultural heritage studies to schools and universities and organisations including NSW National Parks Service. She is the Aboriginal Language Support Officer in the Broken Hill District Office of the NSW Department of Education and a teacher on the Ngiyampaa-Baakindji Language Program. In 2001 Aunty Beryl was awarded a Centenary of Federation Medal for her devotion to cultural awareness and her contribution to Australian society. [Aunty Beryl was unable to attend the official ceremony at Parliament House. She was presented with her award by the Chair of the Heritage Council, Michael Collins, at the meeting of the Heritage Council on 5 December.]
Friends of the Old Teachers' College Armidale	Formed in 1997, the Friends of the Old Teachers' College are dedicated to the history and conservation of the Old Armidale Teacher's College, established in 1928. Now known as the CB Newling Centre, the State Heritage Register listed building and its magnificent garden setting now form part of the University of New England and it remains a vibrant cultural and educational facility for the local community. The Friends have raised well over one and half million dollars through land sales, fund-raising campaigns and grant submission aimed at refurbishing the auditorium and providing fire protection for the whole building. The group is also committed to retaining the art collection left in trust to Armidale Teachers' College by donor Howard Hinton in 1933, and have campaigned to prevent the sale of one of the collection's jewels, the iconic 'Mosman's Bay' by Tom Roberts.
Meredith Walker	Each year the Awards program celebrates the achievements and dedication of a professional who has performed 'above and beyond the call of duty' and who is, in a sense, a community volunteer who also undertakes paid work. This year we are very pleased to present this lifetime achievement award to Meredith Walker. Meredith Walker is not only one of Australia's most experienced and respected heritage consultants, specialising in local government heritage studies, place museums and professional practice standards; she is also a role model demonstrating how professionals can empower community volunteers and develop their skills. As a member and past President of Australia ICOMOS she was actively involved in preparing and revising The Burra Charter and was co-author of two editions of The Illustrated Burra Charter. These documents explain the principles governing the practice of heritage conservation and are used widely throughout Australia and overseas. Meredith has also worked in the New South Wales and Queensland National Trusts, and in recent years has prepared conservation management plans for several parks and gardens. She has been involved in many community heritage projects and has coordinated community consultation for other project teams. In her life and work Meredith performs all her professional tasks well beyond the call of duty - and the fees paid. She embodies the volunteering principle of 'giving back to the community' in everything she does.