From left, Casey Cardinia branch of the National Trust president Ruth Crofts, Cardinia section vicepresident Rob Aldersea, chair of the Australian Council of National Trusts Simon Molesworth, and Casey section vicepresident Ian Good during the anniversary dinner at Clover Cottage, Berwick.CONGRATULATIONS to those who have worked so hard to establish the Casey Cardinia branch of the National Trust in this region.
I thought it was a big ask when Berwick’s Ruth Crofts, as the Victorian National Trust vicepresident, set about launching the new branch four years ago.
But people came from everywhere and its functions that I have attended have always been successful.
Likewise, the celebration of four years in the region and 50 years in the State of Victoria watching over our heritage, at a gala dinner at Clover Cottage last month.
Australia’s 200year history since European settlement may by comparison with the rest of the world be ephemeral, but in that time many buildings and structures have developed, some from the early days of settlement.
Through the efforts of the National Trust and its supporters a fair proportion of those buildings have been saved in perpetuity and this is important beyond belief.
They remind us of our heritage and this seems important to people all over the world.
The saying goes that you have to look at the past to effectively plan the future.
That may or may not be necessary, but it helps at least to learn from mistakes of the past.
Guest speaker, chair of the Australian Council of National Trusts and former chair of the Victorian Trust, Simon Molesworth, told guests at the dinner that the Trust provided Victorians with significant heritage places which continued to be used, enjoyed and appreciated.
He said heritage played a major role in tourism promotion across the state, enriching the experience of visitors who could continue to appreciate the skills and talents of past artisans and designers.
Mrs Crofts spoke of the Pioneers Park Berwick development where the branch will make a home.
She said also that although the group may appear to be highly social, behind everything its members did there was a message.
“We believe that by learning about our heritage, and gaining an understanding of why it is important, we will encourage a greater appreciation of our built, natural and cultural heritage.
“We aim to inspire the general community, and the decision makers in the community, to value and conserve our local heritage, for this generation and future generations, to appreciate and enjoy,” she said.
I wonder how many young people are inspired when they look at the great buildings and works of art dating back hundreds of years that have been preserved and placed on show throughout the world.
