With this first issue of Heritage NSW for 1999, we bring you some
challenging questions about our heritage and, in particular, the heritage
of the 20th century. On the eve of the new millennium we have an
opportunity to look back over the last 100 years and think about the sort
of legacy that we want to pass on to future generations.
From suburban houses to high-rise office blocks, there is an extraordinary
range of places and things from the recent past that reflect our history
and development. We take a look at a few examples in this issue, including
the Aboriginal Day of Mourning site in Sydney and the momentous Snowy
Mountains Scheme which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
"Towards 2000 - The Century in Review" is the theme of this year's Heritage
Festival. The festival is presented by the National Trust with major
financial support through the Heritage Council's Heritage Assistance
Program. From the 17-25 April communities all over NSW will be celebrating
their heritage through special events and activities. The Heritage Office
is planning a series of talks and a debate on 20th century heritage. You
can find out more about these lively discussions on page seven of this
issue.
Cover: 1999 is the Snowy Mountains Scheme's 50th anniversary. This
photograph from the Scheme's archive shows reinforcement being installed in
the pressure tunnel bringing water to Tumut 1 Power Station in 1956.
Photograph courtesy of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Authority.
