On Friday May 10, 2019 Bob and i attended the National Trust 25th Annual Heritage Awards at Doltone House , Pyrmont , Sydney. Bob and I, submitted my Moorefield Racecourse video into the Heritage Publications Category. Over 300 people attended this prestigious luncheon.
The National Trust Heritage Awards recognises and celebrates conservation projects, education , interpretation and advocacy initiatives that promote and protect the built, cultural and natural heritage in NSW.
There is an overall Judges Choice, winners, short listed entries and Highly Commended entries in 10 categories. Three special awards are given the Cathy Donnelly Memorial Award, the Heritage Skills Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Three of my former students from St George Girls High School, Kogarah were in attendance. One was short listed for her project in Newcastle, and the two other former students received a Highly Commended for their projects. I was delighted at their success.
It was lovely to see Dr Jack Mundey AO in attendance with his wife, Judy , a former St Georgian. Jack supported me in my fight on behalf of the Kogarah Community to save Griffith House, St George Hospital Campus, Kogarah 2012-2013. Jack always greets me warmly, as he knows that I am also a heritage warrior!
At the present time, residents on the Moorefield Estate along with other local residents, are fighting to protect the heritage listed Patmore Swamp, and the wetlands from the clutches of RMS. The F6 Freeway, proposed by the NSW Government, will impact on the wetlands . They are also proposing a cycleway / pedestrian path over President Avenue which will intrude into the wetlands . We have endangered species here as well as a variety of wildlife all of which must be protected.
In Moorefield’s time it was known as “the swamp.”The name, Patmore Swamp came into common usage.
The land commemorates Patrick Moore, an Irish convict, who was pardoned in 1806. He was given the land grant by Governor Lachlan Macquarie in 1812. The grant was called Moorefield. Patrick’s descendants established Moorefield Racecourse in 1888.
