Musicians and lion dance at the Yiu Ming Temple in Alexandria. Photograph courtesy of South Sydney Council.

Fireworks, lion dances, Chinese food and music were all part of the celebrations when the historic Yiu Ming Temple in Alexandria was added to the State Heritage Register.

Harry Choy, President of the Yiu Ming Society, Councillor Vic Smith, Mayor of South Sydney; Mrs Hazel Hawke, Chair of the Heritage Council; the Hon. Henry Tsang, MLC, and Mr H. E. Wu Keming, Chinese Consul General joined the Chinese community in celebrating the listing of the temple, one of the first items nominated by the Chinese community for inclusion on the State Heritage Register.

Mr Harry Choy, President of the Yiu Ming Society and Dr Andrew Refshauge, Deputy Premier and Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning. Photograph courtesy of South Sydney Council.

Unveiling the bronze plaque signifying the new listing, the Deputy Premier Andrew Refshauge, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Minister for Housing described the Yiu Ming temple as "one of the most significant Chinese temples in Australia today."

The Yiu Ming Temple is one of only a small number of Chinese temples that survive in NSW. It remains much as it was when it was originally built in 1908. Crafted by Chinese carpenters, it is a unique blend of Chinese temple design and Federation detailing.

Mr Henry Tsang, MLC, and Mrs Hazel Hawke,
Chair of the Heritage Council.
Photograph courtesy of South Sydney Council.

"This listing means that future generations will be able to visit and worship in the temple and that the history of Chinese-Australians on this site will continue, as it has since the early Sydney Chinese first worked the market gardens of the area 130 years ago" said Dr Refshauge.

N E W  L I S T I N G S The State Heritage Register continues to grow as significant items are identified. The following were recently listed: First Government House Site (now the Museum of Sydney) First Government House was the first permanent centre of colonial administration in Australia. The site contains the only remains from 1788 to survive until today. Wing Hing Long Store, Tingha With its original fittings and fabric intact, the Wing Hing Long Store is a very rare example of the Chinese-owned general stores which were a feature of country towns in the early 20th century. Joadja mining site The Joadja kerosene oil shale mining and refining site is one of the most important 19th century industrial and archaeological mining relics in Australia. Christ Church, Bungonia A landmark within the Bungonia district for over a century, this largely intact example of Early English church architecture was designed by William Kemp. Post Offices: Albury, Armidale, Maitland, Mudgee, Tenterfield These impressive public buildings are reminders that the development of postal services and telegraph in the 19th century linked country and city. Susannah Place, The Rocks A rare example of a simple working class terrace which has been occupied since 1844 and undergone few alterations. You can find out more about these new items by searching for them on the State Heritage Inventory through the Heritage Office homepage: www.heritage.nsw.gov.au