NSW minister for Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek has supported a bid from Andrew Charlton, federal member for Parramatta, to recognise three colonial-era homesteads as national heritage.
According to the minister, Elizabeth Farm, Experiment Farm and Hambledon Cottage help “tell the story of Australia’s colonial history – from land use and farming to agriculture and architecture.”
Located at Clay Cliff Creek, Experiment Farm is the site of Australia’s first convict land grant, given to James Ruse in 1789. Ruse farmed the land and produced the colony’s first wheat harvest. The site’s bungalow remains surrounded by a large garden.
Originally built in 1793 for John and Elizabeth Macarthur, Elizabeth Farm stands as Australia’s oldest surviving homestead. The building was expanded over four decades, though still retains much of its core structure. The Georgian-style Hambledon Cottage, built in 1824, is also associated with the Macarthurs.
The three historic sites have been added to the National Heritage Finalised Priority Assessment List for community consultation and assessment from the Australian Heritage Council.
Last month, the Paramatta Female Factory and Institutions Precinct moved a step closer to securing World Heritage status after a preliminary request was sent to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Centre in Paris.
Charlton commented, “Parramatta is growing fast, but our heritage is what grounds us. I’m dedicated to working with the government and community to secure National Heritage status, so our kids and grandkids can enjoy and learn from these treasures for years to come.”
Source: Architecture - architectureau
