These are some of the events available from the Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales. For more information, email us or click here to visit our external site


Out of the Woodwork
The Festival of Traditional Woodwork and Rare Trades
Weekend 17 & 18 May 2003 | 10am-5pm
Rouse Hill estate
On this beautiful rural property, occupied continuously by six generations of the one family, see demonstrations by wood-turners and furniture restorers, learn about the use of Australian timbers and the construction of houses and farm buildings since the early 1800s. Discover the secrets of sash windows or slab huts and get some hot tips for old houses from a range of expert speakers. With tours of the property throughout the day, live music, stalls, kid's activities and food, this will be a day out in the country not to be missed. A free shuttle bus will operate between Schofields train station and Rouse Hill estate for the duration of the event.

Bamaradbanga (To Make Open)
A FREE event for NAIDOC Week 2003
Sunday 6 July 2003 | 1.30pm - 5pm
Museum of Sydney on the site of first Government House
The Museum of Sydney is opening its doors to the resilience and complexity of Aboriginal peoples and cultures: from the quiet voices of Sydney's first people to the powerful expression of contemporary Sydney Aboriginal artists and communities. In a special event to coincide with National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee Week (NAIDOC) join us for a day of community, art and celebration. Featuring live music, films, storytelling, traditional dance, food, discussion and the museum's permanent displays that record the history and experiences of the Aboriginal peoples of the Sydney area.

Meroogal Women's Arts Prize 2003
Entry forms to be submitted by Sunday 31 August 2003
Meroogal
The Meroogal Women's Arts Prize is a non-acquisitive competition and exhibition. It is open to women 18 years and over from the south coast and Greater Illawarra region embracing the City of Shoalhaven, the Municipality of Shellharbour, the Municipality of Kiama, the City of Wollongong, Eurobodalla Shire, Bega Valley and Wingecarribee Shire. One entry allowed per person and entry is free. Open to a work in any medium.

The Meroogal Women's Arts Prize theme in 2003 is an artistic response to 'Nature at Meroogal'. We invite female artists to explore and enjoy the 'Meroogal' view of nature and to interpret the natural aspects of the property (both indoors and outdoors), with their own vision.
Awards: First Prize $1500 | Second Prize $500 | People's Choice Award $250

For more information telephone 02 44218150 or click here

Fifties Fair
The definitive one-day 50s experience!
Sunday 24 August 2003 | 10am to 5pm
Rose Seidler House

An essential date on Sydney's cultural calendar, the Fifties Fair is sure to get you rockin' along for a great day out in the grounds of Harry Seidler's modernist masterpiece Rose Seidler House, built for his parents, Max and Rose, in 1950. The event will feature fifties music, dance, cars, stalls and memorabilia plus activities for the kids and a special guest act or two. If you've never been you just ain't been seen! Tours of the house are available throughout the day. A free shuttle bus will operate between Turramurra train station and Rose Seidler House for the duration of the event.

The Art of Flowers
Friday 5 September 2003 – 12noon until sunset
Weekend 6 & 7 September 2003 - 10am – 5pm
Government House
Government House and gardens spring to life in a festival of flowers, providing the perfect setting for an array of traditional, contemporary, romantic and dramatic floral creations. Make it a full day out at Sydney' most prestigious harbourside property with free talks and demonstrations from the experts, evocative sculptures, live entertainment and displays of plants and flowers to buy or view. Take advantage of special children's activities and enjoy a fine selection of tempting garden party-style refreshments. Bring your families and friends and immerse yourself in a spectacular weekend floral extravaganza.

Festival of the Olive
A Mediterranean Feast! Back by popular demand!
Weekend 18 & 19 October 2003 | 10am-5pm
Elizabeth Farm
Sample the fruits of the olive tree, enjoy alfresco dining, experience the vibrant music and dance of the Mediterranean region. The olive, part of Australia's modern multicultural history, is also an important aspect of our colonial past. Today, the oldest olive tree in the country, planted at Elizabeth Farm by John Macarthur in 1805, is the inspiration for a weekend celebration, held in the superb gardens at Elizabeth Farm. A free shuttle bus will operate between the Parramatta RiverCat Wharf and Elizabeth Farm for the duration of the event.

Jazz in the Garden at Vaucluse House
Sunday 23 November 2003 | 6pm-9pm
Vaucluse House

The Trust's longest running and most successful music event.
Enjoy a starlit evening of jazz in the beautiful grounds of Vaucluse House, the only 19th century harbourside estate which survives with house, stables and laundry, set in parklands, pleasure gardens and kitchen garden. Bring a picnic, pack a rug and relax with friends listening to Sydney's best jazz.