Hillas Hut and other buildings

Item details

Name of item: Hillas Hut and other buildings
Other name/s: Yabtree
Type of item: Complex / Group
Group/Collection: Farming and Grazing
Category: Homestead Complex
Location: Lat: -35.1009571361 Long: 147.7752788440
Primary address: Hillas Creek, Adelong, NSW 2729
Parish: Yabtree
County: Wynyard
Local govt. area: Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional
Local Aboriginal Land Council: Wagga Wagga
Property description
Lot/Volume CodeLot/Volume NumberSection NumberPlan/Folio CodePlan/Folio Number
PART LOT2 DP1105280
All addresses
Street AddressSuburb/townLGAParishCountyType
Hillas CreekAdelongCootamundra-Gundagai RegionalYabtreeWynyardPrimary Address
Mundarlo RoadMundarloCootamundra-Gundagai Regional  Alternate Address

Owner/s

Organisation NameOwner CategoryDate Ownership Updated
 Private03 Mar 21

Description

Builder/Maker: John Hillas
Construction years: 1830-1898
Physical description: Hillas Hut Group is located close to Hillas Creek on a low ridge which drops in an embankment to the river flats. The group consists of a cluster of 19th century farm buildings and is located about 100m south of Yabtree Station Homestead Group, a pastoral homestead complex (See SHI No. 1680014) (LEP, 2011).

Hillas Hut Group includes:
1. Brick stables,
2. Stone stables,
3. Timber and corrugated iron shed, open farm machinery shed & stock yards,
4. Workers quarters,
5. Hillas Hut - a timber slab blacksmith's hut, and
6. The Horsley family cemetery (LEP, 2011).

1. Brick stables (c.1898),
Located along the western side of the cluster of farm buildings are the brick stables. The rectangular-in-plan structure is of face brickwork and has a gabled corrugated iron roof. It is a single storey building with a loft entered on the south elevation via wooden stairs. On the east elevation the building retains the original stable half-doors (LEP, 2011). The brick stables are modestly detailed and purpose-built.

2. Stone stables (c.1845),
To the northeast of the brick stables is another stable building, it is rendered and lined in ashlar coursing. At the entrance the render has cracked exposing the gravel and sand mixture used in its construction (LEP, 2011). The c.1845 stone stables are modestly detailed and purpose-built.

The building is rectangular-in-plan with a skillion, wooden slab extension to the west elevation. The main building is a single storey structure with a loft. It has a gabled corrugated iron roof which covers the original shingle roof (LEP, 2011).

The main entrance to the building is on the east elevation, it consists of a double hung wooden door with a wooden beam architrave. Window openings are square-shaped, have iron bars and a sandstone sill. The loft entrance is on the south elevation and is reached via wooden stairs (LEP, 2011).

3. Timber and corrugated iron shed, open farm machinery shed & stock yards
Linking the rendered and brick stables is a long, rectangular-in-plan shed. It has a hipped roof of corrugated iron. The roof extends over the open south elevation and is supported by unworked wooden posts. To the south of the cluster of buildings is an open corrugated iron farm machinery shed and associated stock yards (LEP, 2011).

4. Workers quarters (c.1898),
To the east of the cluster of farm buildings is a long, rectangular-in-plan building which once housed the staff/worker's quarters. It has three distinct building periods although the exact phases are undetermined.

The building has a skillion brick extension to the rear. It is constructed of face brickwork with a corrugated iron roof. Part of the front facade at the northern end has been painted. The front elevation is broken by a series of double hung, multi-paned sash windows and wooden doors and is entirely covered by a skillion verandah. To the rear the skillion brick extension appears to have been used as a kitchen. Part of the original stove and bread oven remain intact (LEP, 2011).

The workers quarters are modestly detailed and purpose-built.

5. Hillas Hut - pre1835 a residence and later a blacksmith's hut
Directly south of the worker's quarters is a timber slab hut, called Hillas Hut. The hut is square-in-plan with a skillion slab extension to the rear. The structure has a steeply hipped roof of corrugated iron. The north elevation has one opening which is now covered in chicken wire. The front elevation has two wooden doors and an opening covered by a flap of corrugated iron. Inside the building the original blacksmith's bellow's and other working's remain in situ (LEP, 2011).

Hillas' Hut is evidence of construction of a modest residence c.1835 using timber slab construction techniques and local materials. From 1859 it was used as a blacksmith's workshop.

Kitchen Block (original homestead):
(of 2-roomed slab 'Kitchen blocks' which in fact were original homesteads): Surviving examples of such structures include the earliest buildings of Curry Flat, Lanyon (ACT), Bundarbo, Yabtree, Delegate, Bobundara, Dromore and Ironmungle (Cantlon, 1981, 11).

6. The property cemetery.
Located north of the cluster of farm buildings is Yabtree Cemetery. The cemetery is marked by a Late Victorian style palisade fence and contains numerous monuments and memorials to the Horsley Family. The high rate of infant mortality experienced during the early settlement of the area is reflected in many of the memorials (LEP, 2011).

The headstones and palisade fence of the cemetery near the farm building group demonstrate a variety of styles linked to various eras. The number of memorials to children is evidence of the high rate of infant mortality in the 19th century.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hillas Hut group forms part of the larger Yabtree estate pastoral property.

Yabtree estate - pastoral property:
The surrounding landscape was predominantly cleared for grazing but retains a few remnant eucalypts remaining and willows quite dominant in the river bed.

Garden
Parts date to the 1850s and others to the 1900s William Guilfoyle alterations and expansion.

Homestead
Dates to 1859, single storey brick surrounded with deep ervandhas. A four room cottage built in the 1860s links the homestead to its 1890s wing and a later 1904 nursery wing (NTA, 1980).

Across a rear courtyard from the homestead are the Workers' Quarters
Modifications and dates: 1859+ used as a blacksmith's shop (Hillas' hut) by the Horsley family.
The carriage loop, the old elm, some trees in the park and the entrance avenue appear to be part of the late 1850s

1858-9 the main (in fact, second) homestead built
A conservatory links a four-roomed cottage built in the 1860s to the 1890s wing

1890s wing added to homestead
Other farm buildings are the 1898 brick stables and workers quarters.
early 1900s - main homestead extended.

1904 nursery wing sffrf [National Trust of Australia (NSW), 1980: 45-6](ibid, 2011).
Current use: pastoral estate homestead complex
Former use: Aboriginal land, pastoral property

History

Historical notes: Gundagai:
The Gundagai district was settled by Europeans from 1824 onwards. Events in the region included the flood of 1852, the discovery of gold and bushranging activity (Edward, 2019, 19).

John Hillas:
The first European to pass through the Taralga district was explorer Charles Throsby, who in 1819 journeyed from Cowpastures to Bathurst in search of new grazing lands. He was followed in 1820 by surveyor John Oxley and Commissioner John Thomas Bigge. At this time Hannibal Macarthur had already established the large pastoral holding, Arthursleigh, across the Cockbundoon River east of Taralga. James Macarthur, accompanied by Lachlan McAlister and John Hillas came from Arthursleigh, c1824 in search of further pastoral land (Tracey, 2008, 167).

Hillas Hut Group is within Yabtree estate (pastoral station).
The Yabtree property was taken up by John Hillas (of Bannaby (or Bunnaby), east of Taralga, north of Goulburn) in the 1830s and Hillas built the original house. A timber slab hut and stone stables are evidence of the selection of a run outside the limits of location by John Hillas and his family before 1835 (LEP, 2011). The c.1835 hut used timber slab construction techniques and local materials (LEP, 2011). It is possible that Hillas was occupying the property from at least 1835, at the same time leasing Tumbarumba Station.

The surrounding landscape was predominantly cleared for grazing but retains a few remnant eucalypts remaining and willows quite dominant in the river bed (ibid, 2011).

The hut is remembered by the Gundagai community as the place where James Hillas, John's son and manager of Yabtree was murdered in 1835 (ibid, 2011). Records indicate that in 1835 James was murdered by Samuel Collins at Yabtree [Supreme Court 7 Aug 1835 quoted in Butcher 2002: 29; Death Reg.V18352422]. The hut in which the shooting occurred is still standing (ibid, 2011). A plaque is fixed to a fence facing the hut commemorating the murder of James Hillas of Yabtree, on 3 March 1835, aged 28. Henry Stuckey and others buried Hillas at the property on 5 March 1835, however the location of the burial is not marked (ibid, 2011).

The c.1845 stone stables were also built during this (Hillas) period of ownership. They are modestly detailed and purpose-built (ibid, 2011).

John Hillas never lived at Yabtree and died aged 68 in 1837. In 1841 the Hillas Estate claimed a 14 year lease over Yabtree's 50,000 acres (20,234 ha) and his widow, Martha Hillas, did not apply for probate until 1847. A Government Gazette of 30 September 1848 stated that the property, managed by Francis Watkins, had the capacity to hold 1,100 head of cattle and 4,000 sheep. The property was offered for sale in 1853, described as including two cultivation paddocks of 30 acres (12.14 ha) and 5 acres (2.02 ha) and substantially fenced [SMH 6 Apr 1853 in Butcher 2002: 30](ibid, 2011).The hut remained in the family's ownership until 1854 (ibid, 2011).

Daniel Cooper (or Cowper) Jr. purchased Yabtree in 1854 but put it back on the market in 1855. It was advertised as 10 miles (16.09) from Tarcutta Post Office with a 12 mile (19.31 kms) frontage to the Murrumbidgee as well as to Hillas Creek, which ran through the property [SMH 14 Mar 1855 in Butcher 2002: 30]. In 1856 Messrs Moreland and Young purchased Yabtree and the title was then transferred to Walter Buchanan Young. In 1858 Young was a magistrate on the bench at Gundagai [Gundagai Bench Book 1858 in Butcher 2002: 30](ibid, 2011).

The Sydney Morning Herald of 16 September 1858 indicates that Luke Crowe of Yabtree was a passenger on the paddle steamer 'Albury' (up the Murrumbidgee River) that was due at Gundagai. A report dated 1854 suggests that Crowe was the owner of Yabtree, however this has not been confirmed through other sources and he might have been a potential purchaser or lessee. In 1857 Yabtree consisted of 45,000 acres (18,211 ha) with an annual rent of (Pounds)30 (ibid, 2011).

Richard Frederick Horsley (d. 6 Aug 1891) and Richard Whiticker (elsewhere spelt Whittaker) purchased Yabtree in 1859 with Horsley acquiring the full title in 1867. Horsley had lived in the district for some time and had run the Gundagai Pound. He was one of the survivors of the 1852 flood that inundated much of the old Gundagai township, and sadly that claimed the life of his wife Jane Hemphill. Yabtree has been in the ownership of the Horsley family for six generations (ibid, 2011).

Richard Frederick (R.F.) Horsley:
R.F. Horsley migrated to Australia in the mid-19th century and established himself as a grazier and farmer in Gundagai. He bought Yabtree with Richard Whittaker in 1859. R.F. Horsley expanded his pastoral holdings in Central Western NSW and developed other buisiness activities (Edward, 2019, 19-20).

The Horsley family reportedly used Hillas' hut for many years as a blacksmith's shop. They built (what became and remains) the main (in fact, the second) homestead in 1859 and this was extended in the early 1900s.The history of the garden's development is not researched but the carriage loop, the old elm, some trees in the park and the entrance avenue appear to be part of the late 1850s development under the Horsley family Iibid, 2011).

The homestead is a single-storeyed, red brick building surrounded by deep verandahs. A conservatory links a four-roomed cottage built in the 1860s to the 1890s wing and a 1904 nursery wing [National Trust of Australia (NSW), 1980: 45-6](ibid, 2011).

Other farm buildings are the 1898 brick stables and workers quarters. These and the private cemetery relate to Yabtree's ownership by the Horsley family. The headstones and palisade fence of the family cemetery near the farm building group demonstrate a variety of styles linked to various eras. The number of memorials to children is evidence of the high rate of infant mortality in the 19th century (ibid, 2011).

In 1904 a new garden was laid out with advice from designer Willliam Guilfoyle (best known as the Director of the Melbourne Botanic Gardens) (family oral history). However, Guilfoyle, as an employee of the Victorian Government, is not known to have worked in New South Wales. It is most likely that most of the planting in the park and garden today date from that time. (Guilfoyle is well known for doing private design work across Victoria and he also contributed designs and advice in NSW for Albury Botanic Garden (not implemented), Bowylie estate garden, Gundaroo, the director's residence inside Hawkesbury Agricultural College, Richmond. Guilfoyle grew up in Double Bay, Sydney, working for and with his father, a noted nurseryman, landscape garden designer and constructor, before taking the position in Victoria, in 1848 (Stuart Read, pers.comm., 20/12/2019). More research is required to establish the extent and nature of Guilfoyle's work in New South Wales (Stuart Read, pers.comm., 24/5/2012).

The homestead verandah was rebuilt in the 1950s.

The homestead complex was listed on the Register of the National Trust of Australia (NSW) in 1977. The homestead and landscape were listed on the Register of the National Estate in 1980 & 1993 (ibid, 2011).

Today Yabtree consists of approximately 404.68 ha and is located 13km west-south-west of Nangus. It operates as a cattle and sheep station with a 5km frontage to the Murrumbidgee River, close to Hillas Creek on a low ridge which drops in an embankment to the river flats (LEP, 2011). The Horsley family who have owned it until recently. Within the farm estate is a homestead complex of farm outbuildings, gardens and associated landscape covering approximately 12ha. The property is used for cattle grazing and has lush pasture grasses (ibid, 2011).

The front garden today (1990) presents as a beautiful surprise and following the shady woodland of the park it is a serene oasis with a large open space area enclosed by the backdrop canopies of the chinese elms and tall palms, which due to their foliage provide an attractive combination of colour, texture, form and light effects (ibid, 2011).

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)New South Wales themeLocal 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. 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. Cultural: Plains and plateaux supporting human activities-
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 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 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 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 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 cropping river flats-
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 Landscapes and parklands of distinctive styles-
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 and countryside of rural charm-
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 and gardens of domestic accommodation-
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 Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use Beef cattle breeding and raising-
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 Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use Pastoral homestead-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use Pastoral homestead-
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 cattle-
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-
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. Worker's Dwellings-
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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Crude huts-
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 ordinary 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. Accommodating workers in workers' housing-
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. Living on the land-
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. Pastoral Homestead-
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 1820s-1850s 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 Selecting land for pastoral or agricultural purposes-
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 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 Administering and alienating Crown lands-
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 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 Gardens - public (parks, reserves)-
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 A quiet Rural 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 living in the country-
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 Vernacular hamlets and settlements-
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 Outlying settlements-
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 Developing the social life of a rural community-
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 independently on the 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. 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. 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 - administration of land-
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 - colonial homestead-
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. Vernacular structures and building techniques-
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. 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. 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. Architectural styles and periods - Victorian (early)-
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. Physical evidence of creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses, through domestic artefacts scatters, ar-
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, 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 a rural homestead-
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 Glasshouse cultivation of plants-
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 Gardening-
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 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 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 Belonging to an historical society or heritage organisation-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups Associations with Sir Daniel Cooper (1821-1902), merchant 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 John Hillas, grazier-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups Associations with Richard Frederick (R.H.) Horsley, grazier and farmer-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups Associations with James Hillas, grazier, pastoral property manager-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups Associations with Richard Whittaker, grazier-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups Associations with Martha Hillas, grazier's wife-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups Associations with Francis Watkins, pastoral property manager-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups Associations with Samuel Collins, murderer of James Hillas-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups Associations with Henry Stuckey, grazier-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups Associations with Walter Buchanan Young, Gundagai magistrate-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups Associations with Luke Crowe, grazier-

Recommended management:

Recommendations

Management CategoryDescriptionDate Updated
Recommended ManagementProduce a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) 
Recommended ManagementPrepare a maintenance schedule or guidelines 
Recommended ManagementCarry out interpretation, promotion and/or education 

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of actDescriptionTitleCommentsAction date
57(2)Exemption to allow workHeritage Act See File For Schedule


Order Under Section 57(2) to exempt the following activities from Section 57(1):
(a) The maintenance of any building or item on the site where maintenance means the continuous protective care of existing materials;
(b) Garden maintenance including cultivation, pruning, weed control, the repair and maintenance of existing fences, gates and garden walls and tree surgery but not extensive lopping;
(c) Pasture improvement, not requiring substantial clearing of existing vegetation;
(d) Maintenance and repair of existing farm fences and the provision of internal subdivision fences;
(e) Maintenance and repair of existing dams, water storage facilities and reticulation systems; 		Aug 11 1989
57(2)Exemption to allow workStandard 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

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

Listings

Heritage ListingListing TitleListing NumberGazette DateGazette NumberGazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register 0062502 Apr 99 271546
Heritage Act - Permanent Conservation Order - former 0062511 Aug 89 885537
Local Environmental PlanGundagai Local Environmental Plan 201112223 Sep 11   
Heritage studyHillas Hut Farm Group108007520 Jun 06   

Study details

TitleYearNumberAuthorInspected byGuidelines used
Gundagai Heritage Study20061680014Comber Consultants P/LCathy Fisher Yes
Upper Lachlan Community Heritage Study2008 Lambert-Tracey, J.,Jennifer Lambert-Tracey Yes
National Trust Country Register0 National Trust of Australia (NSW)Meredith Walker No

References, internet links & images

TypeAuthorYearTitleInternet Links
WrittenButcher, Cliff2002Gundagai: A track winding back
WrittenCantlon, Maurice1981Homesteads of Southern New South Wales 1830 - 1900
WrittenEdward, Megan (review of book by Horsley, Emily Wilmot and Nichols, Michelle)2018'Yabtree' Gundagai - the Life and Legacy of R. F. Horsley
WrittenMcBean & Crisp P/L1984Statement of Heritage Significance for Hillas Hut and Yabtree Outbuildings and Conservation Plan for Hillas' Hut
WrittenWalker, Meredith1977National Trust of Australia (NSW) Classification sheet

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.
rez
(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: 5045353
File number: HC 33477

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.

All information and pictures on this page are the copyright of Heritage NSW or respective copyright owners.