Dame Eadith Walker Convalescent Hospital

Item details


Name of item:	Dame Eadith Walker Convalescent Hospital
Other name/s:	Yaralla Hospital, Yaralla House, Dame Eadith Walker Estate
Type of item:	Landscape
Group/Collection:	Landscape - Cultural
Category:	Historic Landscape
Location:	Lat: -33.8415571752 Long: 151.0973378400
Primary address:	The Drive, Concord West, NSW 2138
Parish:	Concord
County:	Cumberland
Local govt. area:	Canada Bay
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Metropolitan

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Section Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
LOT	1		DP	231732
PART LOT	2		DP	231732

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
The Drive	Concord West	Canada Bay	Concord	Cumberland	Primary Address
Nullawarra Avenue	Concord West	Canada Bay			Alternate Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
NSW Ministry of Health	State Government

Statement of significance:


	The Dame Eadith Walker Estate is of outstanding cultural significance for NSW. It comprises a unique complex of 19th and early 20th century buildings in an essentially rural landscape setting and is an exceptionally rare complete example of a large Edwardian private residential estate in Australia and one in close proximity to the city. The estate has direct historical links with the early days of the colony of NSW and is strongly associated with an important mercantile and philanthropic family. The estate contains an exceptional group of late 19th century buildings, some of them rare examples, which clearly demonstrate the workings of a farm of this period. Its core is a substantial Italianate villa designed by Edmond Blacket & John Sulman and also of architectural and historical significance for its associations with Thomas Walker, a prominent Australian. It is of great significance for its landscape, as an intact estate on the Parramatta River, with extensive mature mangroves fringing the shore and mature plantings in an extensive but deteriorated garden. The estate has a large collection of rare and important trees and shrubs, many over a century old, some of individual botanical and horticultural significance and rarity as well as herbaceous and climbing plant specimens. Whilst not of exceptional design, as a component of the estate the garden with its extensive late Victorian or Edwardian grotto-work, picking, flower garden and entertaining areas is of much interest, and demonstrates a lost way of life.
	Date significance updated: 22 Feb 07
	Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description


Designer/Maker:	Edmund Thomas Blacket, Additions: John Sulman
Builder/Maker:	George Nichols (Woodbine cottage)
Construction years:	1851-1864
Physical description:	ESTATE: The Dame Eadith Walker Estate comprises approximately 37 hectares (Sydney South West Area Health Service state the area as 50 acres/20.3ha (SSWAHS., 16/5/17) of land, comprising a peninsula fronting the Parramatta River at Concord. It is a large estate which retains its rural elements such as grazing fields with horses, former orchard and vegetable garden areas (now lawn), extensive garden layout including parkland, rose garden, picking garden, extensive grotto work,a rockery, former tennis/croquet lawn, former swimming pool (in-filled and now lawn) and Italian lawn terrace. It also contains sporting and recreation facilities, such as the former swimming pool, tennis court/croquet green and a squash court. It also includes extensive (grey) mangrove stands along the Parramatta River shoreline, and an area of remnant eucalyptus woodland, with its original shrubby understorey, on the eastern side of the estate (Betteridge, 1983, 123). The Estate is made up of a number of clusters of farm and service buildings and structures. The grounds in their heyday were extraordinary and a lot of time and money went into establishing large areas of lawn with a rich range of native and European trees, rockeries, walks, fountains, ornamental urns and statues, grottos, hot houses, a conservatory, rose gardens and more than a dozen cottages, scattered across the grounds. Unlike the garden at its companion estate, Thomas Walker Convalescent Hospital (Concord, on the next peninsula to the west) which was purpose-designed for an institutional building, the garden at Yaralla was designed as a high maintenance domestic garden for social gatherings. Whilst a lack of maintenance has meant some regrettable losses - the now in-filled swimming pool, the lost Indian room and Norwegian house, it remains largely intact. Various conservation works to elements of the estate and garden have brought the garden and grounds to a high level of condition, considering the more constrained and focussed use of resources of recent decades. BIODIVERSITY: Yaralla has natural and cultural heritage significance for its biodiversity, which includes introduced and native flora and fauna. It is an important element in the health of the Parramatta River Catchment and its site is of significance, given it includes three endangered ecological communities: Coastal Saltmarsh in areas of mangrove bordering the Parramatta River banks; Swamp-oak Floodplain Forest; and Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest - the latter forming two areas of remnant bushland which are otherwise rare regionally. Grey mangroves (Avicennia marina var.australasica) colonise Yaralla's tidal foreshore areas, blocking views formerly quite open, but with their own natural heritage and habitat values (ibid, 2016). As well it has richly planted grounds, with a diverse mixture of introduced and native species of plants. These attract and provide food, fibre and habitat for an equally rich assortment of fauna, from microscopic: insects, soil fungi etc to large and obvious: birds, possums, humans. BUSHLAND AREAS: The estate has two areas of remnant bushland which are otherwise rare regionally: a) Swamp-oak Floodplain Forest (swamp oak being Casuarina cunninghamiana, river or swamp oak); and b) Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest (turpentine being Syncarpia glomulifera; ironbark being narrow-leaved ironbark, Eucalyptus crebra (Stuart Read, pers.comm., 30/11/2015). It is found on heavier clay-shale soils in inland Sydney (Read, 2016). These bushland remnants and the mangrove community are home to numerous threatened fauna which depend on their conservation. Dame Eadith Walker Estate and Thomas Walker Estate were recently described as 'joint jewels in the City of Canada Bay's biodiversity crown' in a report by InSight Ecology (2014). This detailed report was a study of the indigenous fauna of the City of Canada Bay Local Government Area can be found on the City of Canada Bay Council's website and the Sydney Local Health District's Yaralla website. The City of Canada Bay Council also has reports on bush regeneration and vegetation management at Yaralla which can be accessed via the council. Some species that inhabit the Yaralla Estate include a spectacular array of birdlife including honey eaters, wrens, parrots and more, a variety of mammals and a rare remnant of the endangered ecological community, Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest (InSight Ecology, at http://www.slhd.nsw.gov.au/Yaralla/flora.htm). DRIVEWAY The Drive, now a residential street in suburban Concord, once was rural and belonged to the Yaralla estate, running all the way from its homestead, west to gates on Concord Road. Today's estate driveway runs from the intersection of The Drive and Nullawarra Avenue. The formal outer entry gates are of iron, with sandstone pillars and a palisade fence. One of the estate cottages, Hyacinth, sits on the northern side of the main gates, doubling as a gate house. An impressive tree-lined entrance driveway avenue leads from Concord Road (now a suburban street called 'The Drive') and across into the estate east of Nullawarra Avenue. 'The Drive' outside Yaralla's SHR curtilage (west of Nullawarra Avenue intersection) comprises alternating trees of brush box (Lophostemon confertus) and jelly palms (Butia capitata) as far as Concord Road (an original estate boundary). Inside Yaralla's Nullawarra Avenue entry gates Yaralla's 'outer' drive is composed of brush box (with the occasional eucalypt exception) and runs from the entrance gates between grassed west and east paddocks (until recently containing horses) leading to the inner set of estate gates and fencing containing the homestead, dairy complex, stables and parkland garden. GARDEN - OUTER AND INNER The estate contains a relatively intact Victorian and Edwardian layout and structure of a large suburban estate. It retains key elements including buildings and landscape, such as its fields, outer (informal and working) and inner (more formal) gardens, outbuildings, yards and working areas, cottages, terraces, power house, jetties, walks etc. The garden and grounds contain a rich array of Edwardian and Victoria era garden features, some in very good condition, some revitalised in recent years, some more neglected due to lack of maintenance. DRIVE SHRUBBERIES The 'inner' drive from the stables complex and gates to the mansion is lined with linear mixed shrubberies and trees, including a large central 'island' bed inside the gates where the drive splits with one fork servicing the stables block, rose garden and former vegetable/kitchen garden area. Tree species in this section of drive are varied, with Port Jackson figs and Moreton Bay figs prominent, but other trees (Stuart Read, pers.comm, 17/5/2019). The shrubbery borders are richly planted with a mixture of old fashioned shrubs, small trees, succulents, some dramatic such as large succulent, variegated Mauritius hemp (Furcraea selloa 'Variegata'), bulbs and perennials. 'Spiky' rosette plants such as Mauritius hemp and large grasses were very fashionable in 'sub-tropical' and 'gardenesque' Victorian and Edwardian gardens, where their architectural form could be admired in the round (Read, 2016). Shrubs are similarly varied, and include Camellia japonica 'Hikarugenji' (double rose-pink with a white petal border), a purple-red double camellia and many others (Read, ibid with Stephen Utick pers.comm., 17/5/2019). A Port Jackson or rusty fig (Ficus rubiginosa) dominates the central island bed between major and minor drives. Two other huge Port Jackson figs are north-west of the front door of the mansion, past the sunken garden. A rare climber in the western shrubbery border is 'red wing' (Heteropterys glabra), a leathery-leaved woody vine from Argentina / Southern Brazil, with golden flowers in summer and red fruits. This is very rare outside Sydney Botanic Gardens (ibid, 2016). Immediately inside the inner gate is a Bidwill's hybrid coral tree (Erythrina x camdenii 'Blakei', a spiny bush with vermillion-red flowers. This was the first published Australian hybrid plant, bred by John Carne Bidwill at Camden Park, for his friend William Macarthur. Edmund Blake after whom it is named, was a gardener at Camden Park. The Walkers, keen gardeners, would have known Macarthur descendents. Also inside these gates on the right (east) is a native tamarind (Diploglottis australis), rarely seen in gardens. (ibid, 2016). Other trees marking the drive are Moreton Bay figs (F.macrophylla), Cape chestnuts (Cupania capensis) where the inner drive splits to form the carriage loop (Stuart Read, pers.comm.). The rose garden east of the eastern shrubbery features unusual and rare plant species, such as a rare Japanese raisin tree (Hovenia dulcis) on the east side of the mansion, rare in gardens native flintwoood (Scolopia braunii) near the carriage loop before the house, and tropical blood trumpet creeper from Mexico (Distictis buccinatoria) growing over a frame. This plant is rarely encountered in private gardens. South African poison bush or wintersweet (Akocanthera oppositifolia) is a leathery-leaved, sweet-scented flowering shrub with olive-like fruits, also found in these borders (ibid, 2016). Border underplantings have been revived and some were replaced in the 1990s including widespread use of Nile /African lilies, (Agapanthus orientalis)(Stuart Read, pers.comm., 2015). DAIRY COMPLEX, SERVICE YARDS AND SHEDS, OUTER GARDEN An inner set of iron gates and fence leads the drive past the elaborate brick stables/gate house (on the right /east) and into the garden, bordered by shrubberies on both sides and going past the rose garden (on its right/east) past the Dairy (former stables) and working yards and sheds (behind a hedge and shrubbery) to the house which is towards the estate's north-eastern side - closer to the tip of the peninsular. A huge Moreton Bay fig (Ficus macrophylla) is west of the drive east of a cottage near the Dairy complex. Closer to the house is a Cape chestnut (Cupania capensis) and to the south-west of the mansion are a grove of gunbarrel / flintwood / brown birch / mountain cherry trees (Scolopia braunii), an uncommon coastal rainforest tree native to Eastern Australia (ibid, 2016). To the south of the house is a service yard and outbuildings. CARRIAGE LOOP TO MANSION A carriage loop lies west of the house's main entrance facade, which is crowned by an Italianate tower. A large Himalayan cedar (Cedrus deodara) adorns the entrance of the house and marks it as a visual landmark. Such conifers given pride-of-place were a common feature of mid-late Victorian gardens. This one was admired as a 'fine specimen' as early as 1865 (ibid, 2016). INNER GARDEN Next to (to the left of) the house's entrance front its north-western and northern verandahs give onto a broad path and lawns reaching down to the north to clumps of giant bamboo from which a broad grassed walk, bordered on its higher side with elaborate concrete grotto-work, leads from the site of the jetty round the shore line to a shelter house also of concrete grotto-work beside the site of the (once, harbour) swimming pool (now filled and grassed over). Italian Terrace: Steps amid further grotto-work lead to an upper (croquet or tennis?) lawn overlooked by an Italianate balustraded terrace (east of the house), with formal flower beds and fountain, before the third (east) front of the house (and the site of the Indian room, demolished 1972), and conservatory). A bay window on the house's eastern facade looks into this Italianate garden, with Indian pines, urns and terracing. Sunken Garden: The sunken garden north-west of the house was replanted in the early 1990s with predominantly dwarf mondo grass but retains its form and intended character. A grove of three native bangalay / Southern mahogany (Eucalyptus botryoides) is north-east of the sunken garden. Wharf: Two impressive clumps of giant bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus) near the wharf creek and sway in the breeze, marking Yaralla's 'Water Gate' and framing visitors' direction onto paths up into the garden to the house (ibid, 2016). Grotto: The large concrete freeform grotto is on the lower lawn area, below which formerly was a semi-natural swimming pool, since filled in and grassed. This grotto is perhaps the largest in Australia. It contains a rich collection of plants, including and featuring palms, cycads, xeriphytes such as Mexican pony tail palms (Nolina sp.), the endangered Chinese fan palm (Livistona chinensis)(otherwise rarely seen outside the Sydney Botanic Gardens), a Canary Island dragon's blood tree (Dracaena draco), rare species of climber/trailer such as Trachelospermum asiaticum, rare succulents such as the valley bush / big-toothed milk tree (Euphorbia grandidens) from Africa's dry south-eastern woods, other unusual succulents such as Agave and Aloe spp., etc. (RNE, pers. comm. Stuart Read, 2002, updated 16/12/2011, ibid, 2016; Betteridge, 2002, 227; Jones, 20002, 510). Picking Garden: A picking garden area lies south-west of the rose garden, hedged, but is not kept up. It is now grassed, giving little indication of the intensity with which it would once have been planted, pruned and maintained. Some random NSW Christmas bushes (Ceratopetalum gummiferum) pruned into coppices give a slight hint of its former use. These would have been cut for table arrangements (Stuart Read, 16/12/2011). A rare tree near the house's south-east and at the top of the former picking garden is a Japanese raisin tree (Hovenia dulcis), again rarely seen in private gardens (ibid, 2016). Rose Garden: The rose garden has been moved slightly south of its original position due to mature trees shading the original area. It is south-west of the house, plumbago-hedged (Plumbago capensis), is formally planned with a sandstone sundial and two 'crinkle' wire trellised curved "cylinder" arbours running along the sandstone flagged "crazy" paved paths. This garden was replanted in the 1990s. Tree & Shrub Collection: The garden contains much mature specimen and border tree and shrub planting on a grand scale - clumps of giant bamboo near the 'water gate', coniferous trees such as the Himalayan/deodar cedars (Cedrus deodara), Araucaria pines, Queensland kauri pines (Agathis robusta), several funeral cypresses (Cupressus funebris), a line of rare Himalayan chir pines (Pinus roxburghii) east of the house framing a central path down from main lawn to the Italian Terrace, rainforest native trees such as Port Jackson, cluster and Moreton Bay figs and gunbarrel trees, remnant indigenous turpentines, various palms (such as Washingtonia robusta - California desert fan palm; Kentia fosteriana - the Lord Howe Island palm), bird of paradise'trees' (Strelitzia nicolae), the rare gunstock tree (Scolopia braunii) near the house's service courtyard, desert wilga (Geijera parviflora), various orchid trees (Bauhinia x variegata), camphor laurels (Cinnamommum camphora), strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo), etc. It also contains a number of old-fashioned flowering and evergreen shrubs, such as the rare hybrid coral tree (Erythrina x camdeni 'Bidwillii') inside the inner gates, Chinese hibiscus (H.rosa-sinensis cv.), oleanders, (Nerium oleander cv.s), Indian hawthorn (Raphiolepis delacouri), sweet box (Murraya paniculata) and also herbaceous plants, such as star jasmines (Trachelospermum - several species, some rare - e.g. on the grotto), succulents (especially on the grotto), etc. (Stuart Read, pers.comm., 2005, 2012). BUILDINGS: Major buildings on the site include:- YARALLA - Yaralla is a large asymmetrical two storey Victorian Italianate building with a 4 storey tower over the front door, smaller octagonal towers at its corners, verandahs and projecting bay windows at corners. It has an Indian influence to the verandahs. Ornamentation is confined to balconies and verandahs, including simple mouldings. JONQUIL - Cottage - Single storey Californian Bungalow style dwelling with a series of gabled roofs and prominent entry porch and tall chimneys. The exterior walls are brick with continuous roughcast above window level and to gables, porch and verandah piers. The roof tiles are terracotta and the chimneys brick. HYACINTH - Cottage - A single storey dwelling of Californian Bungalow style. The exterior walls are brick with roughcast above window head height, terracotta roof tiles and timber framed windows. The interior walls are cement rendered with timber floors and fibrous plaster ceilings. BORONIA - Cottage - A single storey cottage with a dominant hipped and gabled roof. The exterior has a tiled roof, brick walls, timber shingles to the gables and timber framed windows. The interior contains plasterboard ceilings, rendered and plastered walls and carpet. WOODBINE (AZALEA) - Cottage - core possibly 1830s - Timber framed cottage with simple hipped roof and verandah at front and lean-to with skillion roof and verandah at rear. The exterior features a corrugated iron roof, timber weatherboards to walls, timber framed windows and brick chimneys. Floors inside are timber and lath and plaster walls and ceilings are found in the front portion of the house. ANNEX TO WOODBINE - A simple cottage forming an addition to Woodbine with a hipped and flat roof configuration. It contains a living area, two smaller rooms and a bathroom. The exterior has a corrugated asbestos cement roof, timber weatherboard wall lining and timber framed windows. Asbestos cement wall linings, fibrous plaster ceiling linings, timber floors and tiles to bathroom floor are found inside. MAGNOLIA - Cottage - A single storey cottage with dominant hipped and gabled roof and distinctive verandah. The exterior features brick walls, terracotta roof tiles, timber shingles to the gables and timber framed windows. The interior has timber floors, cement render and set plaster to walls and a fibrous plaster ceiling. Extensions were made to the east and west side of this cottage in 2003 to accomodate a new use as a day care dementia clinic facility. STABLES COMPLEX - A group of buildings arranged around a central court with a rich assortment of decorative elements - towers, lanterns, a clock and dormer windows - and includes a horse enclosure and two flats. The roof tiles are terracotta and the walls brick with cement render and timber to the gables. The windows are framed with timber and stone flagging leads to the court. The courtyard is paved in sandstone blocks. Elaborate timberwork lines the horse boxes. LAUNDRY & SUBSTATION BLOCK - Two storey structure with gabled roof, chimneys and decorative fretted bargeboards and belfry on the eastern wall. The roof has terracotta tiles with a metal ridge and the brick walls are rendered and coursed to resemble stone. The inside walls are rendered and the ceilings and floors are constructed with timber. The floor over the substation area is timber. SQUASH COURT - A rectilinear building with hipped roof featuring patent glazed roof lights and gablets and an observation area accessed by an external stair. The outside walls are brick with timber framed windows and timber shingles to the observation area. The roof is constructed of terracotta tiles with glazed panels. The interior walls are cement rendered. The roof trusses are exposed timber with timber weatherboard ceiling lining. HIGH STONE WALL - Random coursed high sandstone wall with brick coursing and dressed sandstone copings at its apex. It is covered with thick vegetation on the western side. SEA WALL - Sandstone wall of random sized stones at the edge of the tidal zone, with some rough cement bonding and integrated with the naturally occurring rock. Sheds and animal (pig, chicken and fowl) enclosures are generally roofed with terracotta tiles and have walls of timber or brick construction (R.Howard & D.White 1995: 27)
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	European Archaeological Potential - Good Aboriginal Archaeological Potential - Poor Physical Condition - deteriorating Unlike the garden at Thomas Walker Convalescent Hospital, designed for an institutional building, the garden at Yaralla, designed as a high maintenance garden for social gatherings, has suffered from its later/more recent use and lack of maintenance. The available maintenance makes it impossible to present the garden in the style for which it was designed, although with the exception of the architectural features, the Norwegian house and the Indian Room's regrettable losses - and that of the now infilled swimming pool, the layout appears quite intact. (Source: RNE) House: Overall the building is generally in good condition externally and internally (HG/GAO, 2/2009).
	Date condition updated:01 Jan 93
Modifications and dates:	1893-99 - Alterations to Yaralla and construction of Stable Complex - John Sulman. The verandahs, court and tower at entry are heavily modified. C.1901 - Swimming Pool constructed 1907 - Indian Room built and garage constructed 1917 - Portion of estate transferred to Concord Golf Club Ltd. 1919 - Outer part of esate transferred to Charles King and Frederick Humphrey. 1920 - First Subdivision offered by auction. 1940 converted to a a convalescent home for men 1970 - 80 - Demolition of various buildings and structures, including:- Norwegian Cottage, Indian Room, Gate lodge (Camelia) & Dahlia, Fuschia, Gardenia and Lavender cottages, the swimming pool filled in (Howard & White 1995: 6-7, 27) 1993: dapted for use as a Dialysis Training Centre in the main house c.2000 grotto tidied up / scraped over, and replanted 2003 - recycle former site engineer's (Magnolia) cottage (currently unoccupied) as "Kalparrin Dementia Day Care Centre". 2007 - Italian balustrade on terrace east of house restored by Concord Heritage Society 2008 NSW Health announced its decision to move Dialysis Training Centre to a larger, purpose-built premises at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Camperdown. The DTC moved in mid-2008, leaving the Dame Eadith Walker Hospital vacant. 2013/14 - House- refurbished to accommodate state-wide supported accommodation for HIV/Dementia patients; Boronia cottage - maintenance; The Stables: maintenance works; Stone balustrade repairs (2006); main gates repairs.


Current use:	HIV Dementia Treatment unit of Sydney Local Health District, NSW Health
Former use:	Aboriginal land, farm and orchards, Country estate residence, Convalescent Hospital, Rehabilitation unit, Specialist Renal Dialysis unit

History

Historical notes:

'Yaralla' is an Aboriginal word meaning 'camp' (Betteridge, 1983).
The estate sits in Wangal country in the Eora nation.

The Nichols era and the future Yaralla, 1797-1848:
The core of the later Yaralla is the promontory in Concord between Majors Bay to the east and what is now Yaralla Bay to the west. The original name for Yaralla Bay was Nichols Bay, and this reflects that the entire promontory was included in a 50 acre land grant to Isaac Nichols in 1797 (Jack, 2005,1).

Nichols is a good representative example of the able and hard-working convict who successfully rehabilitated himself in the colony. He had been transported for theft and arrived in Sydney at the age of 21 in 1791. After he'd served time as an assigned convict in Major George Johnson's house, Governor Hunter, impressed by the young man's ability and good behaviour, made him overseer of convict gangs in Sydney and, when his sentence expired in 1797, granted him 50 acres with river frontage at Concord on 20 December, with 2 convict servants to work the farm (ibid, 2005, 1). This would later become the site of Yaralla (ibid, 2005, 1).

Nichols bought 25 acres of land very close to the south from William Harrison for 9 pounds and presumably built huts at once at Concord for his two stockmen. He himself however, acquired an inn, the Jolly Sailor, in George Street in 1798 and soon developed business premises, a shipyard and a stone dwelling on the west side of Circular Quay. There is no evidence for a substantial cottage on Nichols' Concord farm in this early period (ibid, 2005, 1).

Nichols' advance in the colony suffered a setback when he was found guilty in 1799 of receiving stolen property. It seems likely that he was the victim of the monopolistic ambitions of the NSW Corps, with John Macarthur puling the strings, and Governor Hunter, deeply suspicious of the verdict, referred the case to England. Nichols' name was not cleared until 1802, when the new Governor, King, was instructed by the British Government to grant him a pardon from the 1799 conviction, and thereafter Nichols became a person of increasing significance, appointed Superintendent of Public Works and the first post-master in 1809 (ibid, 2005, 1).

For the first 4 or 5 years after 1797, Nichols used his Concord propoerty for mixed farming. By 1801 he had cleared only 14 acres of the initial 50 and had 18 acres under wheat or maize. He had three horses. His only other livestock in 1801 consisted of 50 hogs. Within a year he had cleared another 26 acres and was growing a substantial amount of wheat and a lesser amount of barley and maize. He had 3 assigned convicts and 2 free servants, not all necessarily resident at Concord, in 1802 (ibid, 2005, 2).

Nichols began to diversify. In 1803 he had a field of peas at Concord and began to plant fruit trees: by 1805 he had at least one peach tree bearing fruit. The extent and location of the orchard at this period are not known, although it can be assumed to have lain close to Yaralla Bay, where it is shown on the first available plan in 1833 (ibid, 2005, 2).

He was also beginning to build up a herd of cattle and a flock of sheep. In 1805 the farm was attacked by Aborigines, who seized the stockmen's 'little property and provision' and then 'cahsed and dispersed the stock in all directions'. Only one stockman was there at the time and he prudently fled the scene.

Keenly aware of the value of land, he gradually purchased the surrounding lands. Nichols died in 1819 leaving the land in trust for his son George Robert Nichols. George Nichols' interests lay elsewhere and in May 1836 he conveyed his interest in the estate to his brother Isaac David Nichols. The Nichols used the land for farming.

During the late 1830s the brothers need for cash encouraged them to mortgage the property several times.

Under Nichols' ownership the estate was enlarged by a second grant of 50 acres and added to by purchase until it extended over 600 acres at Concord, with flourishing orchards, dairy cattle and market produce. At this time it was an important orchard district, and from an auction sale advertisement of 1840 it is known that Nichols' plantation contained Seville, China and dwarf oranges, various kinds of lemons, appelas, pears, plums, peaches, nectarines, apricots, cherries, figs, strawberries, pomegranates and grapes as well as a hot house with 1900 square feet of glass, furnace and flue complete, containing many tropical fruits including pineapples (ibid, 1983, 120).

The Walker era (1840-1937):
In January 1840 George Robert Nichols mortgaged the land to Thomas Walker for 3500 pounds at 15%. In May 1842 he borrowed a further 900 pounds on the security of the property. None of that money was repaid to Walker. In the meantime the remaining title the mortgager had over the land was conveyed to James Holt, a Sydney merchant (Howard & White, 1995, 4).

Walker initiated an Equity Court case against G.R. Nichols and James Holt in May 1843 after he was unable to gain repayment of the loan or obtain possession of the land which constituted the security for the loan. In August 1848 the court awarded title to the land to Walker when neither Nichols or Holt could repay the land (ibid, 1995, 4).

Walker was a strong critic of the Land Acts of the 1860s which established the principle of free selection before survey. He was a substantial stock owner and had also invested heavily in the pastoral industry. He spent a period as the representative for Port Phillip on the NSW Legislative Council and as the president of the Board of the Bank of NSW. Walker was also an active philanthropist. However, despite his commitment to relieving the poor, he had a hatred of the democratic element in society and was firmly aligned with the view of keeping the poor in their place (ibid, 1995, 4).

Initially Walker did not move to Concord. However, he ensured the estate was carefully maintained although the gardens and orchards had already fallen into ruins. This was possibly in the 1840s when the Nichols family may have seen little need to maintain an asset which they were in danger of losing particularly while his residence was being planned and built in the 1850s (ibid, 1995, 4).

Around 1857 architect Edmund Thomas Blacket drew up a set of plans for a cottage at Concord for Thomas Walker, cottage meaning a small country residence. Construction of this cottage, (an Italianate villa) to be known as Yaralla, began. Although the date of completion is not certain, it is probably around 1858-59. This is also probably the time that Walker moved onto the property permanently (ibid, 1995, 4).

The house was built in 2 stages. Construction began in 1851 using stone quarried on the property and was completed in 1864 (ibid, 1995, 4). Walker at first lived in a cottage on the estate, before building the mansion (ibid, 1983, 120).

The term 'villa' was first used in England in the 17th century, partly from the Latin and Italian 'country house, farm', perhaps derived from the stem of vicus (village). The villa was a country mansion or residence, together with a farm, farm-buildings, or other house attached, built or occupied by a person of some position and wealth. It was taken to include a country seat or estate and later a residence in the country or in the neighbourhood of a town, usually standing in its own grounds. From this is was appropriated by the middleof the 18th century to mean a residence of a superior type, in the suburbs of a town or in a residential district, such as that occupied by a person of the middle class, and also a small, better-class dwelling house, usually detached or semi-detached. The term 'villa garden' was used in the context of Hobart and Sydney residences in the 1830s, and if near the coast or harbour, the appellation 'marine villa' was often applied. Australian origins probably date from the grant conditions applied to Sydney's Woolloomooloo Hill (1827, under Governor Darling), which obligated the construction of villas fulfilling certain conditions... 'with garden like domain, and external offices for stables and domestic economy' (John Buonarotti Papworth, 1825, quoted in James Broadbent's 1997 book, 'The Australian Colonial House'). Many gardens of 19th century villas followed Gardenesque conventions, with garden ornaments often complementing the architecture of the house. The term had acquired such widespread usage by the 1850s that when Jane Loudon issued a new editiion of her husband (John Claudius Loudon)'s 'Suburban Gardener and Villa Companion' (1838) she merely entitled the revised work 'The Villa Gardener' (1850). This coincided with a growing period of suburbanisation in Australia with consequent fostering of the nursery trade... By the 1880s, descriptions of Australian villas implied sufficient room for a lawn on two or three fronts of the residence. By the 1920s, a garden attached to a large suburban house was often described as a villa garden... after WW2 the term villa was rarely used..(Aitken, 2002, 619-20).

By the end of the 1850s, due to changes in economic climate and in the interests of Nichols' sons who inherited his estate, 'Yaralla' had diminished in size almost to the boundaries of the original (50 acre) grant. It was transferred to Walker, who gradually absorbed the surrounding properties until the estate expanded to 306 acres on Concord Road, with frontages to Major's, Yaralla and Horseshoe (or Bray's) Bays and the intervening points (ibid, 1983, 120).

Thomas and his sister, Joanna became rich and gave large sums of money for charitable and religious purposes (ibid, 1983, 120).

Thomas Walker married Jane Steele Hart in 1860 and their only daughter was Eadith Campbell Walker (ibid, 1995: 4).

It is thought that the garden at 'Yaralla' was laid out by Thomas Walker himself, but it was certainly added to by his daughter. An impressive avenue of brush box trees running between grassed paddocks leads to the garden. The drive, bordered by shrubberies continues curving past the rose garden to the house. The front garden gives onto a path and lawns reaching down to clumps of giant bamboo from which a broad grassed walk, bordered on its higher side by elaborate concrete grotto work, leads from the site of the former jetty round the shoreline to a shelter house also of grotto work beside the site of a former swimming pool, now infilled (ibid, 1983, 122).

Scottish gardener Alexander Grant was born in 1845 at Cullen, Scotland and served an apprenticeship in the gardens of Cullen House in Banffshire. Before migrating to Australia in 1878 he followed his profession in several Scottish gardens, including the Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh. Grant arrived in the colony in 1878 and worked first at Yaralla, Concord for the Walkers for some considerable time, then at Rosemont, Woollahra for Alexander Campbell MLC, then for Mr Tooth at the Swifts, Darling Point, which he planned and laid out. There is no record of where Grant was living while working at Yaralla and Rosemont, though from 1881 he lived at 'Willow Cottage in Point Piper Road - west side (later Ocean Street), Paddington' until he moved to quarters in the Botanic Gardens, Sydney in 1882 for work there. It is likely that the positions at Yaralla and Rosemont both included quarters for a single man and that only after he married Margaret Stevenson in January 1880 was he obliged to find alternative accomodation (Willow Cottage)(Grant, 1997).

The delicate Jane Steele Walker died in 1870 and Thomas Walker did not remarry. He arranged for his sister Joanna Walker to come to Australia from Scotland and care for Eadith (who was only five). Thomas was by then almost 70 years old and reputed to be one of Australia's richest men (ibid, 1983, 120). Joanna adopted Anne Masefield to serve as a companion to Eadith (ibid, 1995, 4). They were given a strict upbringing but treated like princesses by governesses, tutors of French, music and other accomplishments for young Victorian ladies, travelling from Sydney to Concord by ferry. Shortly before her father's death, Eadith accompanied him on an overseas trip and had her first introduction to the cream of British and European society. Only 21 when her father died, she had been taught to value wealth, position and social responsibility. She had already started providing accommodation for her retired governesses and female servants in cottages built on land her father owned on Concord Road (ibid, 1983, 120).

When her father died in September 1886 his estate was valued at 937,984 pounds. He left it to his daughter, but a portion was left to set up the Thomas Walker Convalescent Hospital (ibid, 1995:4). A codicil in his will directed that a large hospital, for the reception and restoration to health of convalescing patients from the hospitals of Sydney and elsewhere, should be erected on that part of his estate known as Rocky Point, on the Parramatta River (ibid, 1983, 120).

In 1890 Thomas' sister Joanna Walker also died, leaving Eadith, who never married, to live the life of a wealthy spinster. Eadith remained living at Yaralla for the rest of her life. She lived alone though surrounded by staff, and during her lifetime she enlarged Yaralla considerably, also building several cottages for retired staff on the property (ibid, 1995:4).

The Thomas Walker Convalescent Hospital (now the Rivendell Adolescent Unit) was designed by Messrs. Sulman and Power, architects and built on 100 acres of land at Rocky Point. It was opened in 1893 (ibid, 1983, 120). With Anne now married to architect and planner John Sulman, and construction of the Thomas Walker Convalescent Hospital complete, Eadith and Sulman now turned their attention to Yaralla and planned extensive additions and alterations. These were built between 1893 and 1899 (GML, 2011, 13; ibid, 1995:4). Additions and alterations were designed by architect John Sulman, who was married to Eadith's childhood friend, Anne Masefield (Kass 1995: Appendix 1) Alterations to the main house included a new marbled floor entrance hall overlooked by a balcony, panelled dining hall with a marble and bronze fireplace, upper storey on the back and extensive balconies on the front. A set of brick and tile stables adorned with square towers, ranging rooflines, gables and cupola with weathervane were built (R.Howard & D.White, 1995: 5)

Eadith took the opportunity to enjoy herself, but her activities were tempered with a strong streak of benevolence. She contributed financially to the Thomas Walker Convalescent Home and was an active member and contributor to many charitable institutions including further finance for the Thomas Walker Convalescent Home (ibid, 1995:4).

Eadith took to travelling extensively. She was in India for the 1907 Edward VII Coronation Durbar (gathering of princes). She became almost a compulsive collector and bought such an extensive collection of Indian pieces that a special room had to be built to house them. The walls of the Indian Room were lined with red velvet beneath carved wooden lattice work, with an Indian painting encircling the four walls above door level. The room was sadly demolished in 1972 but part of the interior detail is preserved in the Concord Historical Society (now the Canada Bay) museum (ibid, 1983, 121).

When the doors of Yaralla were thrown open for a charity ball, it was no small affair. Yaralla-bound carriages and pairs formed an almost continuous procession from Sydney to Concord, and the approaches to the estate would be a blaze of light from Concord Road to the house. Eadith Walker installed her own power plant and was the first in Sydney to have electricity. Small fleets of private launches carried other guests from Circular Quay to Yaralla's jetty, where they were greeted by a band playing on a floating bandstand beside the jetty. At one party the ballroom walls were lined with flowers and guests danced in a bower of daffodils (ibid, 1983 121).

From a trip to Norway Eadith returned with a complete Norwegian cottage of log construction which was erected in the grounds of Yaralla to the west of the main house. Sadly it too has been demolished (ibid, 1983, 121).

Eadith was fond of animals and involved with their protection. An indication of her affection for her own pets was manifested in the private pet cemetery within the grounds, where her animals were laid to rest (GML, 2011, 15).

The Grotto work at Yaralla dates from the Edwardian period and was heavily planted with native and exotic orchids, succulents, palms and cycads, many of which survive today. An inscription on a photo of the garden, dated 1918 reads: 'Ethel and I went up to 'Yaralla' this afternoon. It was very wet but we motored in the elctric car around the grounds to see the rock lilies and ordinary lilies which were beautiful'. Steps amid further grotto work lead to an upper lawn formerly the site of a tennis court, overlooked by an Italianate balustraded terrace (ibid, 1983, 122-3). In Australia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, grottoes were developed in some grander gardens, to recreate nature in miniature and provide suitable habitat niches for a range of tropical and bold-foliaged plants including palms, agaves, bromeliads and orchids. Examples survive at Yaralla and Babworth House (Darling Point, NSW), Werribee Park, Werribee, Vic)., and Wairoa (SA) in the works of Charles Robinette (Betteridge, 2002, 227; Jones, 2002, 510). Other examples survive in the Royal Botanic Garden, Melbourne and in Rosalind Park fernery, Bendigo (Stuart Read, pers.comm., 17/11/2021).

Eadith maintained Yaralla as a feudal estate and the property contained four bulls, eleven cows, one horse and a quantity of poultry (GML, 2011, 15). The paddocks formed an important part of the estate's rural function from its beginning, providing grazing area for cattle and horses used in farm activities. Cattle were shown at the Royal Easter Show and provided milk for the Estate and area for horses used when buggies were the main form of transport. The eastern section of the western paddock has been used for housing (Howard & White, 1996, Inventory of Landscape Precincts, L5 & L6).

Prior to World War 1, Eadith had 25 servants and employees living at Yaralla, including a butler, nine maids, cooks, laundresses, chauffeurs, four gardeners, poultry and dairymen, a housekeeper and an engineer who looked after the power station and provision of water (ibid, 1995:4). For a short time, between 1912 and 1914, Yaralla became the Governor-General's residence. It was while staying at Yaralla that the Governor General, Sir Ronald Munro-Ferguson, received a cabled warning of the approach of World War 1 (ibid, 1995: 4).

With war's outbreak, Eadith became a benefactor of the armed forces and established a camp for returned soldiers suffering from tuberculosis in the grounds of Yaralla, with her property at Leura in the Blue Mountains lent to the Red Cross Society for the accommodation of tubercular patients. For her patriotic services, Eadith was made a Commander of the British Empire in 1918 and in 1928, for continuous services to the Red Cross, hospitals and charitable institutions, she wsa elevated to the rank of Dame of the British Empire (ibid, 1983, 121).

During the First World War she assisted sick and wounded servicemen through the Red Cross and eventually established and maintained a recuperative facility for tubercular veterans in the grounds of Yaralla from 1917 until January 1920. However, she did not restrict herself to these philanthropic activities and regularly held parties for Sydney society members at the estate. (Kass 1995: Appendix 1).

Others simply came to visit, including the powerful and wealthy, regal and vice-regal personages and political figures. Among these were the Prince of Wales, later Edward VII and subsequently the Duke of Windsor who spent a week in Yaralla in 1921. Knowing his liking for squash, Eadith had a court built for his visit, possibly the first in NSW (Howard & White, 1995: 4)

Estate workers lived in cottages and were employed in various tasks. These included gardening and maintaining the dairy herd. However, it was a shrinking estate. The Thomas Walker Convalescent Hospital took over a whole peninsula (to Yaralla's west) in the 1890s and in 1917, a sizeable piece of the estate at the head of Major's Bay (to Yaralla's south-east) was transferred to the Concord Golf Club Ltd (Kass, 1995: Appendix 1).

To the people of Concord, Dame Eadith was the grand lady of the manor, living alone and aloof in genteel splendour, seldom glimpsed even at charity fetes held in the grounds of Yaralla. Few knew of her personal acts of kindness and compassion to the poor and needy, particularly during the depression years, of her love for animals - and of her affection for her beautiful home. "East West, Hame's Best" is inscribed above the huge fireplace in the panelled dining room (ibid, 1983, 121).

Eadith's benefactions, donations to the Thomas Walker Convalescent Home and construction work at Yaralla took a toll on finances (Kass 1995: Appendix 1). The grounds were extraordinary and a lot of time and money had gone into establishing large areas of lawn with native and European trees, rockeries, walks, fountains, ornamental urns and statues, grottos, hot houses, a conservatory, rose gardens and more than a dozen cottages (R.Howard & D.White 1995: 5).

In 1919 the outer part of the estate closest to Concord Road was transferred to the real estate firm King and Humphrey. King and Humphrey offered the first sub-division of Yaralla Estate in in June 1920. A large crowd bid for all lots offered until dusk, necessitating a further auction later (ibid, 1983, 122).

Hazel King OAM (now aged 88) was born on, and grew up on the Yaralla estate. Her English father came out over 80 years ago to be a horticulturist here and she recalls being rowed across the bay to school. Hazel has long been a guide for tours of the estate and of Rivendell estate on public open days, making the trip from Berry to Sydney each time. Hazel recently donated photographs of her childhood at Yaralla to the Canada Bay Heritage Society's museum in 2021 (Annette Lemercier, pers.com., 30/7/2021, per Stuart Read; Crivellaro, 2021).

When it became necessary to relinquish land fronting onto Concord Road, trees that fringed the long drive had te be cut down for road re-alignment and thereafter in her comings and goings to Yaralla, Dame Eadith would direct her chauffeur to by-pass this approach. She withdrew from public life to the seclusion of a city hotel apartment during the last few years of her life. Yaralla was visited on rare occasions so that she could see that the mansion and grounds were being maintained in the splendour of their past glory (ibid, 1983, 122).

Eadith lived in a suite at The Savoy Residential Apartments in Darlinghurst in her later years before returning to Yaralla to die. She died on 8 October 1937. Soon after much of the furniture, fittings, cars, art works and books were sold at a giant auction conducted by James L Lawson, leading auctioneers in association with Francis de Groot.

At Eadith's death in 1937 (at the age of 72) the estate totalled 265,345 pounds, less than a third of what her father left behind. The rest she had given away. The trustees of her father's estate decided that they should buy Yaralla from Dame Eadith's estate and present it to the government for a memorial hospital to be called the 'Dame Eadith Walker Convalescent Hospital for Men', which would be complementary to her father's Memorial Hospital for Women and Children on the opposite side of Yaralla Bay (ibid, 1983, 122).

The Royal Prince Alfred Hospital was made custodian of the property as a result of a ballot drawn among metropolitan hospitals. The Dame Eadith Walker Hospital receives a sum towards the upkeep of its garden and grounds from the Thomas Walker Charitable Trust Fund, but this sum is no longer sufficient to maintain the garden as it was in its heyday (ibid, 1983, 122).

The Arthur Walker Reserve to the Estate's south adjoining Majors Bay has been home of the Concord West Cricket Club since 1940 and indicates the patronage of Dame Eadith Walker to local community organisations. Eadith was patron of the club (giving land for their first pitch in 1921 near the railway station, their second near Thomas Walker Hospital and this land in 1935). The Reserve is used predominantly for matches and training and in winter as soccer training ground. The general public also use it for recreation. It is managed by Canada Bay Council and the majority is Council-owned (c.90 %). A small portion on the north eastern side remains a part of Yaralla /Dame Eadith Walker Estate.

Dame Eadith Walker Convalescent Hospital (1937-1988)
Eadith made several generous bequests in her will and left half the residue of her estate to trustees for charitable purposes. The Walker Estates Act (No 31, Geo VI, 1938) enabled trustees to purchase Yaralla and its grounds to establish a convalescent home for men, which was vested in the state government. Royal Prince Alfred Hospital was given control of the hospital, to become known as the Dame Eadith Walker Convalescent Hospital, and it was transformed into a Sub-acute Diseases Hospital where patients from the main hospital at Camperdown were sent to recuperate. It was officially opened on 29 June 1940.

The Estate became vested in the Crown under The Walker Trusts Act, 1938 as the Dame Eadith Walker Convalescent Hospital (Yaralla Estate), to be controlled, managed and operated as convalescent and rehabilitation hospitals under the terms of Thomas Walker's will. Sections 19 and 19A of the Walker Trusts Act 1938 provide for the overall control, management and administration of the Yaralla and Rivendell Estates, respectively.

The Yaralla Estate is the largest community bequest of its era (c.37ha) to survive in an intact form in NSW.

The NSW Department of Health (Sydney South West Area Health Service: SSAHS) is the present Crown authority responsible for the control, management and administration of the property.

During the 1970s many of the buildings were demolished and the swimming pool filled in. As late as 1970 the estate was still in the form in which it appeared in the 1930s. In November 1988 the Dame Eadith Walker Convalescent Hospital was closed.(Kass 1995: Appendix 1).

1988-present: Health-related uses
Since 1988 the estate has remained in use for health-related purposes, managed by the Sydney South West Area Health Service (now Sydney Local Health District). These include use of the main house as a Renal Dialysis Training Centre Unit (1993-2008) and of Magnolia Cottage as the Kalparrin Day Centre, a day care unit for patients with dementia (2003+).

The main mansion was used for some years as a kidney dialysis unitbefore being refurbished c.2011 as a Palliative Care Unit. This unit incorporated a 20 bed sub-acute inpatient palliative care unit and clinical and non-clinical support services and associated infrastructure. This unit continues to provide services for persons with HIV, Dementia and other conditions (Rappoport, 2015, 10).

8/2013 - Public Parkland
on 28/8/2013 the NSW Dpt. of Health announced by media release that 13ha of Yaralla's estate would be made public parkland. Calls for public ideas of community uses that would be compatible - details are at: http://www.sswahs.nsw.gov.au/mediacentre/mediareleases/2013/130822b.pdf

The Yaralla Estate Community Advisory Committee was established in late 2013. Its role is to advise the Chief Executive of the Sydney Local Health District on maintaining and using the estate for the benefit of the Local Health District and the community. Its terms of reference, include advising the Trustee in developing and reviewing plans and policies for the estate, monitoring and evaluating uses, maintaining and promoting the integrity of the heritage values of the estate. (www.slhd.nsw.gov.au/Yaralla/committee.html).

In November 2016, the refurbished gate house, Hyacinth Cottage hosted its first family of a burns patient to live in, while remaining close to Concord Hospital for follow-up care. Concord Hospital is part of the NSW Statewide Burns Injury Service, with many patients coming from regional, rural, remote and overseas locations for specialised care. The refurbished Hyacinth Cottage residence allows the Burns unit to discharge eligible patients, encourage them to continue their recovery in a supportive home environment and ensure they continue to have access to multidisciplinary care (Yaralla Estate Update, November 2016, 1: Sydney Local Health District).

In 2018 a historian's 'fluke' discovery in Canberra lead to a wishing well being returned to (and reinstalled at) Yaralla. Sydney historian Margaret Betteridge spotted the well in the grounds of Westridge House at Yarralumla (in Canberra). The 2 ha property was built in 1928 for the principal of hte then Australian Forestry School (Charles Lane Poole)...It is beleived the well was bought at auction by a wealthy Sydney couple, Jean and Vincent Flynn, who installed it at their residence at Bellevue Hill. When one of their sons, Dr John Flynn, sold the house in 1983, the well was placed in storage for more than 30 yeras. Dr Flynn later bought Westridge House and moved the well there in 2015... When he died and the house was sold, Sydney Local Health District negotiated for the well to be returned to Yaralla Estate. The Canada Bay Heritage Society recently recieved a substantial bequest towards works at the Estate and some of the funds were used to buy the well and move it to Yaralla. Black and white photographs from the Society's collectoin were used to ensure it was placed in its original position. The well's return was officially marked at the annual Carols at Yaralla on 7/12/2018 (SLDH, 12/2018).

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Gardens-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Parramatta River-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Other open space-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Changing the environment-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Streetscape Tree or trees-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Natural - regenerating native flora valued for conservation purposes-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Introduce cultural planting-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Rare and Significant Fauna-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Rare and Significant Flora-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Special tree or trees-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Cultural - Coasts and coastal features supporting human activities-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Cultural: Rivers and water bodies important to humans-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Natural - pre European settlement vegetation-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Aboriginal cultures and interactions with other cultures-Activities associated with maintaining, developing, experiencing and remembering Aboriginal cultural identities and practices, past and present.	Aboriginal Culture-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Aboriginal cultures and interactions with other cultures-Activities associated with maintaining, developing, experiencing and remembering Aboriginal cultural identities and practices, past and present.	Wangal clan - Dharug Nation-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Convict-Activities relating to incarceration, transport, reform, accommodation and working during the convict period in NSW (1788-1850) - does not include activities associated with the conviction of persons in NSW that are unrelated to the imperial 'convict system': use the theme of Law & Order for such activities	Demonstrating convicts' experiences and activities-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Convict-Activities relating to incarceration, transport, reform, accommodation and working during the convict period in NSW (1788-1850) - does not include activities associated with the conviction of persons in NSW that are unrelated to the imperial 'convict system': use the theme of Law & Order for such activities	Farming by emancipated convicts on land grants-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Convict-Activities relating to incarceration, transport, reform, accommodation and working during the convict period in NSW (1788-1850) - does not include activities associated with the conviction of persons in NSW that are unrelated to the imperial 'convict system': use the theme of Law & Order for such activities	Demonstrating emancipist's entrepreneurial activities-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Convict-Activities relating to incarceration, transport, reform, accommodation and working during the convict period in NSW (1788-1850) - does not include activities associated with the conviction of persons in NSW that are unrelated to the imperial 'convict system': use the theme of Law & Order for such activities	Creating a gentleman's estate-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Private farming-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Viticulture-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Horticultural Society activities - exhibitions, competitions-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	cropping river flats-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Exhibitions of produce, stock and equipment-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Ancillary structures - sheds, crop storage-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Ancillary structures fencing-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Rural Estates-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Horticulture-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Improving agricultural production-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Attempting to transplant European farming practices to Australian environments-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Dairy farming-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Experimenting with new crops and methods-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Growing vines and maintaining vineyards-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Clearing land for farming-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Orcharding-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Arboretums - collections of trees for ornament or forestry-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Arboretums - collections of trees for ornament or forestry-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Sydney and Australian Landmark-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Developing local, regional and national economies-National Theme 3
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Gardens and landscapes reminiscent of an 'old country'-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes demonstrating styles in landscape design-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes used for self reliant recreation-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Gardens demonstrating the travels and sojurns of a gardener-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of food production-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of passive recreation-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of institutions - productive and ornamental-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Significant tree(s) providing urban amenity-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Significant tree(s) providing urban amenity-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Significant tree(s) providing rural amenity or character-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences	Developing local landmarks-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences	Providing a venue for significant events-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Forestry-Activities associated with identifying and managing land covered in trees for commercial purposes.	Timber getting-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Health-Activities associated with preparing and providing medical assistance and/or promoting or maintaining the well being of humans	Operating convalescent and rehabilitation hospitals-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Health-Activities associated with preparing and providing medical assistance and/or promoting or maintaining the well being of humans	Operating convalescent and rehabilitation hospitals-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Health-Activities associated with preparing and providing medical assistance and/or promoting or maintaining the well being of humans	Encouraging public recreation in parks-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Health-Activities associated with preparing and providing medical assistance and/or promoting or maintaining the well being of humans	Caring for the sick in hospitals-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Health-Activities associated with preparing and providing medical assistance and/or promoting or maintaining the well being of humans	Caring for the sick in hospitals-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	Agisting and fattening stock for slaughter-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	Livestock structures-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	Experimenting with new breeds of stock-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	Modifying landscapes to increase productivity-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Technology-Activities and processes associated with the knowledge or use of mechanical arts and applied sciences	Technologies for electrical supply-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Transport-Activities associated with the moving of people and goods from one place to another, and systems for the provision of such movements	River Transport-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Transport-Activities associated with the moving of people and goods from one place to another, and systems for the provision of such movements	Horse transport related infrastructure - stables, watering troughs-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Transport-Activities associated with the moving of people and goods from one place to another, and systems for the provision of such movements	Building and maintaining jetties, wharves and docks-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Transport-Activities associated with the moving of people and goods from one place to another, and systems for the provision of such movements	Maintaining animal based transport-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Country Homes-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Building settlements, towns and cities-National Theme 4
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	A Picturesque Residential Suburb-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Country mansion-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	housing (suburbs)-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Housing for merchants and dealers-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Adapted heritage building or structure-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Victorian era residence-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Edwardian era residence-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Architectural design-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	gate-house-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Federation era residence-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	early settlement or worker's cottage-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Accommodating war veterans-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Housing the prosperous - mansions in town and country-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Housing the prosperous - mansions in town and country-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Housing for farm and station hands-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Housing working animals-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Housing farming families-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Gentlemens Mansions-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Residences-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Building for seclusion-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Housing famous families-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Housing professional people-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Early land grants-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Early farming (cropping)-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	avenue of trees-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Early farming (Cattle grazing)-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Expressing lines of early grant allotments-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Granting Crown lands for private farming-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Changing land uses - from rural to suburban-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Sub-division of large estates-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Naming places (toponymy)-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Administering and alienating Crown lands-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Subdivision of rural estates-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	19th century suburban developments-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	living in the suburbs-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Beautifying rural estates-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Cultural Social and religious life-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Shaping coastal settlement-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Impact of railways on suburban development-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	A Picturesque Residential District-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Garden suburbs-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Suburban Consolidation-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Rural Estates-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Suburban Expansion-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Institutions-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Creating landmark structures and places in suburban settings-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Shaping riverine settlement-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	community park-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Planning relationships between key structures and town plans-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Developing towns in response to topography-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Country Estate-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Rural orchards-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Role of transport in settlement-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Developing and operating manorial villages-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Planning manorial villages and systems-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Creating landmark structures and places in urban settings-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Developing suburbia-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Indicators of early town planning and the disposition of people within the emerging settlement-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Servants quarters-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working with animals-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working in health care-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working in the public service-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Vocational training as a form of social rehabilitation-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Operating government relief programs-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working with hand tools and implements-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working independently on the land-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working on pastoral stations-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working in orchards-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Preferring to employ ex-servicemen-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working on the land-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working with plants-
6. Educating-Educating	Education-Activities associated with teaching and learning by children and adults, formally and informally.	Adult Education-
6. Educating-Educating	Education-Activities associated with teaching and learning by children and adults, formally and informally.	Community education - adults, school excursions-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	State government-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Local government-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Colonial government-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - grants of land for agriculture-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Open Space Provision-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Suburban Consolidation-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - administration of land-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - parks and open spaces-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - public land administration-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - providing health care facilities-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - facilitating agriculture-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - providing community facilities-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - facilitating pastoralism-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - conserving cultural and natural heritage-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - facilitating horticulture-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - building and operating public infrastructure-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Providing public offices and buildings-
7. Governing-Governing	Welfare-Activities and process associated with the provision of social services by the state or philanthropic organisations	Convalescent hospital-
7. Governing-Governing	Welfare-Activities and process associated with the provision of social services by the state or philanthropic organisations	Cottage Hospital-
7. Governing-Governing	Welfare-Activities and process associated with the provision of social services by the state or philanthropic organisations	Providing services for ex-servicemen-
7. Governing-Governing	Welfare-Activities and process associated with the provision of social services by the state or philanthropic organisations	Providing hospital facilities-
7. Governing-Governing	Welfare-Activities and process associated with the provision of social services by the state or philanthropic organisations	Hospital/nursing home phase-
7. Governing-Governing	Welfare-Activities and process associated with the provision of social services by the state or philanthropic organisations	Hospital/nursing home phase-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Developing cultural institutions and ways of life-National Theme 8
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Capturing iconic landscapes in art-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Interior design styles and periods - 20th century Inter War-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Interior design styles and periods - 20th century post WW2-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	work of stonemasons-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Architectural styles and periods - Federation Queen Anne-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Designing landscapes in an exemplary style-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Building in response to climate - bushfires-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Architectural styles and periods - Victorian Italianate-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Building in response to climate - ocean pools and baths-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Building in response to natural landscape features.-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscaping - Federation period-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Adaptation of overseas design for local use-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Technological innovation and design solutions-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Architectural styles and periods - Victorian (late)-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Performing important ceremonies and rituals-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Designing in an exemplary architectural style-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Interior design styles and periods - Edwardian-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Interior design styles and periods - Colonial-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Architectural styles and periods - Victorian (mid)-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscaping - neglected, regenerating to bushland-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Patronising artistic endeavours-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Interior design styles and periods - Victorian-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscaping - Victorian period-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscaping - colonial period-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscaping - 20th century interwar-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscaping - Victorian gardenesque style-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Country estates - visiting, enjoying-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Ways of life 1900-1950-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Ways of life 1950-2000-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Ways of life 1788-1850-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Ways of life 1850-1900-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Ornamental Garden-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Living in a rural homestead-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Living in a new house-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Living in, adapting and renovating homes for changing conditions-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Living in suburbia-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Valuing women's contributions-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Living on the urban fringe-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Kitchens and servants-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	musical gatherings-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Outdoor relief-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Visiting gardens-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Glasshouse cultivation of plants-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	community park-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Outdoor concerts and performances-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going to the park-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Horse riding-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Swimming-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going to talks and lectures-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going to an art gallery-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going to a concert-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Bird watching-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Doing research-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Enjoying Fairgrounds-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Gathering at landmark places to socialise-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going bushwalking-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going boating and sailing-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Visiting lookouts and places of natural beauty-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Enjoying public parks and gardens-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going fishing-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Activities associated with relaxation and recreation-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Gardening-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Enjoying picnics-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Developing collections of items-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going to a museum-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Visiting heritage places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Visiting heritage places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Leisure-Includes tourism, resorts.
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Community volunteering-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Community organisations-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Developing and maintaining a local art gallery-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Providing charity-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Developing and maintaining a local botanic garden-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Belonging to an environmental group-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Fund-raising activities for community charities-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Developing local clubs and meeting places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Belonging to an historical society or heritage organisation-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Developing clubs for social improvement-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Belonging to an institution for self improvement-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Joining together to study and appreciate philosophy-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Developing and maintaining a local museum-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Places of formal community gatherings-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Places of informal community gatherings-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Sport-Activities associated with organised recreational and health promotional activities	swimming-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Sport-Activities associated with organised recreational and health promotional activities	croquet-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Sport-Activities associated with organised recreational and health promotional activities	Private sporting facilities-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Sport-Activities associated with organised recreational and health promotional activities	Boating-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Sport-Activities associated with organised recreational and health promotional activities	Billiards-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Sport-Activities associated with organised recreational and health promotional activities	Squash-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Sport-Activities associated with organised recreational and health promotional activities	tennis-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Birth and Death-Activities associated with the initial stages of human life and the bearing of children, and with the final stages of human life and disposal of the dead.	Burying and remembering notable persons-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Edmund Blacket, Government Architect-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Dame Eadith Walker, heiress, philanthropist-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Sir John Sulman, architect and town planner-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Meredith Walker, heritage practitioner, theorist, advocate-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Thomas Walker, industrialist, banker and philanthropist-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Isaac Nichols, emancipist, postmaster, trader, shipowner-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Alexander Grant, Scottish-trained gardener-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	The Dame Eadith Walker Estate is a unique compex of buildings and landscape elements which is of outstanding significance as a large, self sufficient private residential estate and has a strong association with an important mercantile and philanthropic family of the ninetenth and early twentieth century. Yaralla House represents the the work of two of Australia's major 19th century architects, Edmund Blacket and John Sulman. It is evidence of changing living patterns during the nineteenth century and into the twentieth century. The Estate is significant in the evolving pattern of the colony starting as a grant to an ex-convict, through to a colonial gentleman's residence and early 20th century residence of an important philanthropic woman, Dame Eadith Walker. The Estate is also important evidence of early settlement in the Concord area. (R.Howard & D.White 1995: 29)
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	The group of buildings comprising the Dairy Complex, Stables Complex, Boronia Cottage, Magnolia Cottage, Pig Enclosure, Chicken Enclosure and Fowl Enclosure are architecturally consistent and unified with strong visual, physical and historical links. (R.Howard & D.White 1995: 29)
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	The Dame Eadith Walker Estate has botanical and scientific significance as a large collection of rare and important trees and shrubs on a large residential estate, many having existed in this location for over a century. A number of specimens have individual botanical importance for their rarity. Many archaeological remains exist on the Estate which have the potential, through archaeological analysis, to provide further information on the cultural heritage and lifestyle of the previous occupants of the Estate. The existence of the foundations of demolished buildings is significant in that they provide physical evidence of the location of previous structures and add a dimension to the interpretation of the site as a whole. The group of buildings comprising the Dairy Complex, Stable Complex, Boronia Cottage, Magnolia Cottage, Pig Enclosure, Chicken Enclosure and Fowl Enclosure, form an exceptional group of late nineteenth century buildings which clearly demonstrate the workings of a farm of this period. (R.Howard & D.White 1995: 29)
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	Contains rare examples of particular structures and is an exceptionally rare example of a large Edwardian private residential estate in Australia. (R.Howard & D.White 1995: iv)
SHR Criteria g) [Representativeness]	The Dame Eadith Walker Estate is representative of a large suburban 19th century estate, with relatively intact Victorian and Edwardian estate layout and structure, key elements including buildings and landscape including fields, more natural areas and a large garden. The estate is also representative of the pattern of estate accumulation and to a lesser extent subdivision, and the change from a rural or semi-rural to a suburban setting over the 20th century. The garden is representative of large, 19th-early 20th century gentry estate gardens, with a range of features including sporting facilities, swimming pool, grotto, sunken garden, rose garden, picking garden and a large collection of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants. It is also representative of gentry estates which were used for social occasions, such as parties and gatherings, playing a role in the wider community as well as for estate workers and their families.
Integrity/Intactness:	Varying degrees
Assessment criteria:	Items are assessed against the State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Recommended management:


	Public access should be maintained, appropriate uses should be sought and stabilisation & conservation works carried out. (R Howard & D White 1995: iv-v)

Recommendations

Management Category	Description	Date Updated
Recommended Management	Review a Conservation Management Plan (CMP)
Recommended Management	Prepare a maintenance schedule or guidelines
Recommended Management	Carry out interpretation, promotion and/or education

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
CMP-Endorse	Conservation Plan submitted for endorsement	Conservation Plan	CMP endorsed by the Heritage Council 6 April 1995 for a period of five years,. expires 6 April 2000.	Apr 6 1995
CMP-Endorse	Conservation Plan submitted for endorsement	CMP revision - Sydney Local Health District seek endorsement and site specific exemptions		May 22 2014
CMP-Endorse	Conservation Plan submitted for endorsement	CMP prepared for Sydney Local Health District in January 2014		Aug 13 2014
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard Exemptions	HERITAGE ACT 1977 ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT STANDARD EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL I, Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales and under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977: revoke the order made on 2 June 2022 and published in the Government Gazette Number 262 of 17 June 2022; and grant an exemption from section 57(1) of the Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out the class of activities described in clause 2 Schedule A in such circumstances specified by the relevant standards in clause 2 Schedule A and General Conditions in clause 3 Schedule A. This Order takes effect on the date it is published in the NSW Government Gazette. Dated this 29th day of October 2025 The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC Minister for Heritage For more information on standard exemptions click on the link below.	Nov 7 2025

Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register		00119	02 Apr 99	27	1546
Heritage Act - Permanent Conservation Order - former		00119	09 Jan 81	5	0188
Heritage Act - s.170 NSW State agency heritage register		16/2/8/1000	01 Feb 92
State Environmental Planning Policy	Concord REP		05 Jun 90
Local Environmental Plan	Yaralla House, Dame Eadith Walker Hospital Group	155	01 Dec 00
Local Environmental Plan	Yaralla Cottages & grounds	156-66 Concord Rd	01 Dec 00
Register of the National Estate			21 Mar 78

Study details

Title	Year	Number	Author	Inspected by	Guidelines used
Department of Community Services - Preliminary s170 Register	1993	16/2/8/100	State Projects Heritage Group		Yes

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Written	Aitken, Richard	2002	'Villa Garden' (entry)	View detail
Written	Alexander Lloyd Mitchell Gibb Architects	1992	The renal dialysis unit at the Dame Edith Walker Hospital, Yaralla, Concord
Written	Anderson, Dr. Teresa	2013	Yaralla to become a public park for all (Media Release)
Written	Betteridge, Chris	2002	'Grotto' (entry)	View detail
Written	Betteridge, Chris (with assistance from members of the Concord Heritage Society)	1983	'Yaralla', Concord - a brief history
Written	Britton, Geoffrey	2014	Review of the Outer Grounds of Yaralla, West Concord in relation to the potential for future active sporting opportunities
Written	Concord Heritage Society (Bob Jones, compiler) (using Howard, R., White, D., National Trust (NSW), Kass, T., Schwager Brooks)	2004	Management Plan - Dame Eadith Walker Convalescent Hospital, Yaralla: construction years 1851-64
Written	Crivellaro, Grace	2021	Berry's leading horticultualist Hazel King awarded OAM and reflects on her love for the trade	View detail
Written	Enviroscope Consultancies	2008	Dame Eadith Walker Estate Concord - Vegetation Management Strategy
Written	Godden Mackay Logan	2012	Dame Eadith Walker Hospital - Main House - Interpretation Strategy and Plan
Written	Godden Mackay Logan	2011	Dame Eadith Walker hospital : archaeological impact assessment
Written	Godden Mackay Logan	2011	Dame Eadith Walker Hospital: Conservation Management Plan Review
Written	Government Architect's Office - Heritage Group, 2/2009	2009	Condition Report and Options Analysis - Dame Eadith Walker / Yaralla Estate
Written	Grant, Jim	1997	The gardener of Swifts
Written	Heritage Group, Department of Public Works and Services	1999	Dame Eadith Walker Hospital : water and stormwater services : archaeological assessment report and section 60 application
Written	Heritage Group, Government Architect's Office, 2/2009	2009	Condition Report & Options Analysis: Dame Eadith Walker Hospital, Concord
Written	InSight Ecology	2014	Yaralla Estate - a Jewel in the Inner West's Biodiversity Crown	View detail
Written	Jack, Ian	2005	'History of Yaralla Estate'
Written	Jones, David	2002	'Robinette, Charles (1841-1921)' (entry)	View detail
Written	Kass, Terry	1995	'Historical Report.' in Rod Howard & David White Architects. Conservation & Open Space Management Plan for the Dame Eadith Walker Estate, Concord.
Written	Mitchell Gibb Architects	1994	Report on water, fire and drainage services upgrade for the Dame Eadith Walker Estate, Concord
Written	Morris, Colleen	2002	'Sulman, John' (entry)	View detail
Written	Morris, Colleen	2002	'Hospital Gardens' (entry)	View detail
Written	NSW Health - Sydney Local Health District	2014	Yaralla Estate for the Community - Yaralla Estate Community Advisory Committee (website)	View detail
Written	NSW Health, Sydney Local Health District	2018	Wishing Well returns home to Yaralla Estate	View detail
Written	Rappoport P/L, 1/2014	2014	Conservation Management Plan - Dame Eadith Walker Estate, Concord	View detail
Written	Read, Stuart	2016	Self-guided walk - Tree and plant highlights about Yaralla estate	View detail
Written	Read, Stuart	2015	'Yaralla's Landscape Heritage'	View detail
Written	Read, Stuart	2005	Yaralla Estate, Concord - suggested Amendments (to 1995 Conservation & Open Space Management Plan (Rod Howard & David White architects; with DM Taylor Landscape Architects)
Written	Rod Howard & David White Architects; DM Taylor Landscape Architects	1996	Conservation and Open Space Management Plan for the Dame Eadith Walker Estate Concord.
Written	Schwager Brooks and Partners	1992	NSW Dept. of Health - Preliminary Heritage and Conservation Register	View detail
Written	Sydney Local Health District, NSW Health	2016	'Hyacinth Cottage hosts first family'
Written	Sydney Local Health District, NSW Health	2014	Yaralla Estate draft Plan of Management
Written	Taylor, Matthew	1993	Yaralla, an Edwardian estate on the Parramatta River	View detail
Written	Walsh, Kevin	2002	'Yaralla' (entry)	View detail

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.

(Click on thumbnail for full size image and image details)

Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5045176
File number:	EF14/4537; 09/04421; S90/02002

Every effort has been made to ensure that information contained in the State Heritage Inventory is correct. If you find any errors or omissions please send your comments to the Database Manager.

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