Heritage professionals from all over Australia came to Sydney's Tusculum House last month to hear the latest expert and practical advice on how to care for heritage places.

Over 140 delegates attended the seminar Material Evidence - Conserving Historic Building Fabric on April 13-14, organised by the Heritage Council's Technical Advisory Group and the NSW Heritage Office.

Organisations represented included the National Trust, local councils, churches, universities, museums, engineering, architectural and archaeological firms and state government agencies, with a number of heritage advisors, students and individuals.

In welcoming delegates to the seminar, Deputy Premier, Dr Andrew Refshauge, said that the response had been overwhelming, with many more people than places available.

"There is an evident need in the heritage community for more technical information and for opportunities to share knowledge on the latest technical methods and materials," said Dr Refshauge.

The seminar examined technical issues concerning the practical conservation of historic buildings, combining theory with current practice. Sessions included the stabilisation of heritage buildings, the conservation of materials such as concrete, stone and timber and the particular problems associated with the conservation of significant flooring and roofing.

T
he seminar closed with a tour of the conservation works in progress at St Mary's Cathedral.
Delegates inspected the work with trips to the spires, the new organ gallery and the crypt.
Photograph by Vince Sicari.