Brush Farm

Item details


Name of item:	Brush Farm
Other name/s:	Home for Boys, Eastwood Home for Mothers and Babies, Brush Farm Home for Mentally Deficient Children Brush Farm Girls' Home
Type of item:	Complex / Group
Group/Collection:	Farming and Grazing
Category:	Homestead Complex
Location:	Lat: -33.7930561194 Long: 151.0668167700
Primary address:	Marsden Road, Eastwood, NSW 2122
Parish:	Hunters Hill
County:	Cumberland
Local govt. area:	Ryde
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Metropolitan

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Section Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
LOT	1		DP	800471
PART LOT	2		DP	800471

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
Marsden Road	Eastwood	Ryde	Hunters Hill	Cumberland	Primary Address
Lawson Street	Eastwood	Ryde	Hunters Hill	Cumberland	Alternate Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
City of Ryde Council	Local Government	16 Mar 99

Statement of significance:


	Brush Farm House is a rare, State significant example of an early Colonial mansion in the Ryde area. Built by prominent colonial figure Gregory Blaxland, it is indicative of his position and status within the colony. With his brother John, he was involved in a wide variety of agricultural pursuits and early agricultural experimentation in the colony. Among innovations at Brush Farm was the establishment of the first vineyard in Australia, which had produced an award winning vintage by the 1820s. The house reflects the changing fortunes of the family and fashions of the 19th century, with significant additions following Blaxland's successes in the 1830s and the 'Victorianisation'' of the building by Blaxland's grandson William Forster in the late 19th century. Forster was a prominent figure in NSW politics, briefly serving as Premier of NSW for five months in 1859-1860 and serving in various capacities in Parliament until his death in 1882. The conversion of the building to the Carpentarian Boys Academy in 1894 reflects the changing social attitudes towards orphaned children. The academy was established to train boys in useful agricultural skills and trades, to prepare them for their adult life. When the academy relocated to Mount Penang c1912, the site was given over to a variety of Government run institutions, including a home for single mothers and later for delinquent girls. Fabric remains from all periods of use, from the c1816 original core of the house through to the timber hall added in the institutional phases. While presently in poor condition, the building can be conserved to its c1901 state, retaining elements of all phases of use. (DPWS et al, 2001) A highly significant cultural and natural landscape resource exists beyond the building of Brush Farm House which includes rare remnant vineyard terracing of exceptional national heritage significance (particularly in coincidence with a largely intact early homestead); remnant Wianamatta Shale-based rainforest which is rare in the Northern Sydney district; areas of wet sclerophyll forest which are identified as an endangered ecological community under the Threatened Species Conservation Act; a potentially significant archaeological resource extending to the Department of Corrective Services Site (to the north and northeast), Lawson Street (south), and Brush Farm Park (south) which has the capacity to demonstrate important aspects of the development of the former estate from the 1810s to the present; and remnant view connections between Brush Farm House and the Parramatta River and its environs as well as the Parramatta district and the Blue Mountains. (Britton et al, 2004) Brush Farm has historic significance for its associations with Gregory Blaxland, explorer and viticulturist, and its place in the development of an Australian wine industry. Blaxland imported grape vines in 1805 and, after many setbacks, produced tolerable wine in 1816 from Brush Farm. The Royal Society of Arts in London awarded its silver medal to Blaxland in 1823 for his colonial wine and in 1828 he received its gold medal. Blaxland's vines, from cuttings from the Cape of Good Hope, covered 3.5acres of his farm Brush Farm. (Liston, 1981) Gregory Blaxland's vineyard was once described as the finest in the colony (Everett, 2004, rephrased).
	Date significance updated: 17 Apr 12
	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


Construction years:	1794-1894
Physical description:	Brush Farm House is on the Corner Lawson Street and Marsden Road. It is a rare early colonial mansion and remnant farm in the Ryde area. Although the site is owned by Ryde City Council, it is part of a much larger adjacent site owned by the Department of Corrective Services. The house and other buildings on site share a common entry and access. Originally the house was on a much larger site including a part of Eastwood suburb, Dundas, Lambert & Brush Farm Parks to the south to Victoria Road.
Modifications and dates:	4/7/6 update: The restoration program for Brush Farm House commenced in December 2004 Key milestones achieved: Tanner Architects an other consultants engaged in February 2005 to undertak design documentation works Stakeholder workshop in March 2005 Statutory approvals and detail design documentation complete December 2005 Tender for conservation and adaptation work awarded in April 2006 to Sydney Building Projects Pty Ltd Conservation and adaptation works commenced in May 2006 Successful in receiving a grant of $500,000 under the National Heritage Investment Initiative Program from the Australian Government Progress Phase 1 works (west wing, central wing, new roof over the entire building, rear verandah, front verandah and balcony) commenced on 1 May 2006 and due for completion by February 2007 The contractor made good progress over the last 9 weeks. Works completed include: Temporary fencing, temporary toilets Demolition works, excavation works, stripping of floor boards Repair and reconstruction of the floor structure in both the first floor and ground floor and roof structure Installation of partitions for toilets on ground floor Installation of the new sewer line Construction of the footings and brick walls for the rear verandah Archaeological investigations - Internal completed and external in progress. No archaeological remains found to date Works to commence over the coming weeks include: Construction of toilets on ground and first floor Construction of new stairs and rear verandah, Installation of hydraulic services, mechanical services and electrical services Erection of scaffolding for roof replacement Council has resolved, with the approval of $500,000 grant from the Federal Government, to complete the whole building. Phase 2 works (East wing and Hall) will be completed by April 2007. Use of basement and cellar area to be investigated Use of remaining space in the first floor and ground floor to be investigated Unused old building materials of historic value will be retained
Further information:	6/2006: $500,000 approved for works: extensive repairs, restoration and stabilisation to the fabric and structure of the building, to address its seriously deteriorated state. ( www.deh.gov.au/minister/env/2006/mr22jun06.html )


Current use:	Corrective Services Academy (rear of site), community facility, exhibitions, meetings, tours
Former use:	Aboriginal land, farm estate and residence, vineyards, home for truant and wayward boys, home for wayward girls, home for mothers and babies, Corrective Services Academy

History

Historical notes:

Early European accounts of settlement in the Ryde area would indicate that the area on the northern side of the Parramatta River extending from Sydney Cove to Parramatta was that of the Wallumedegal, the territory of the Wallumede people, with the Aboriginal name Wallumetta. The Wallumedegal clan is thought to have been a clan of the Dharug speaking area. (Musecape, 2006, 9).

The Ryde area was highly suitable for farming and orchards, and early grants to marines were given by Governor Phillip to encourage agriculture. The military association with the area prompted Phillip to name it 'Field of Mars', a reference to the Roman God of war (Musecape, 2006, 9).

In 1792 land in the area was granted to 8 marines; two of the grants were in the modern area of Ryde. Isaac Archer and John Colethread each received 80 acres of land on the site of the present Ryde-Parramatta Golf Links, now in West Ryde. Later in 1792, in the Eastern Farms area, 12 grants, most of them about 30 acres, were made to convicts.

Brush Farm Estate:
Much later these farms were bought by John Macarthur, Gregory Blaxland and the Reverend Samuel Marsden. The district remained an important orchard area throughout the 19th century (Pollen, 1996)

Brush Farm was part of a land grant made in 1794 (in two adjoining lots, one (north) to Zadoc Pettit, the other (south) to Thomas Bride, both privates in the NSW Corps) which was acquired by William Cox in 1801-3, adding them to adjoining property to consolidate his land holdings an estate of over 500 acres, named Brush Farm. Misuse of regimental funds saw Cox deported to England and his estate transferred to a number of prominent local citizens who acted as Cox's trustees and administered the sale of his property (Musecape, 2006, 9).

455 acres of Cox's estate was acquired by D'Arcy Wentworth in 1805 and then by Gregory Blaxland in 1807 (Musecape, 2006, 9). Blaxland was a free settler who arrived in 1806 from Kent, where his family had lived since St.Augustine's time, on an estate called 'Newington'. Gregory was less sociable than his brother John, who arrived in the colony in 1807 (McClymont, 2008, scribed by Stuart Read).

When Gregory Blaxland and his older brother, John decided in 1804 to emigrate to New South Wales they both negotiated with the British government for grants of land of their own choosing, an assignment of convicts and passage for their families and stock. In return, they would become permanent settlers and take with them a stipulated amount of money. The Blaxlands were from a wealthy family. Sir Joseph Banks was a family friend and from him the brothers learned that NSW needed high-quality, free settlers. John negotiated to receive 6000 acres, 60 'useful convicts...for 18 months', passage for himself and family and six Spanish sheep. He committed to invest not less than 6000 pounds in the colony. Gregory's terms were half of John's as he had managed to raise only 3000 pounds. It was decided Gregory would sail first and he and his wife, Elizabeth, their three children, two female servants and one overseer departed on the 'William Pitt' on 4/8/1805, arriving in Sydney on 11/4/1806.

Amongst family papers at Camden Park is a Blaxland family tree running back to the era of William the Conqueror (Engledow 2019: 24).

Gregory was a skilled Kentish farmer when he came to NSW, leasing 'The Vineyard' at Rydalmere (formerly leased to Lt. William Cox, paymaster of the NSW Corps (Buttrell, 2006, 36) with a flourishing vineyard (Blaxcel, 14/10/10).
Within a year, he had entered an agreement with D'Arcy Wentworth, then the government surgeon at Parramatta, to buy the original nine farms consisting of 185 hectares of land known as Brush Farm and previously owned by William Cox (Buttrell, 2006, 36).

Blaxland moved to Brush Farm in 1808. One of his early projects was planting a vineyard near his home in the Dundas Valley (west of today's Marsden Road). Here he collected grape vines from all around the colony that were healthy and bore good fruit. Most of these were 'Constantia' (Black Muscat)(Blaxcel, 14/10/10). During his trip to NSW in 1805/6, Gregory had obtained grape vine cuttings at several ports where the ship stopped. These he planted at Rydalmere shortly after arrival and he also looked out for high-performing grape vines already planted that could be used for winemaking. Grape cuttings or seeds had been collected by the First Fleet at both Rio de Janeiro and the Cape of Good Hope on their outward (1788) journey and some were successfully grown at Government House. The variety he found most suitable was called 'Black Constantia' (a Muscat variety). Years later, he changed the location of the vineyard to an area close to Brush Farm House. Here he planted two new varieties which he thought to be Claret grapes. They were probably Pinor Noir and Pinot Meunier. He had also raised new vines from seeds, and pursued his interest in growing hops and brewing beer. (Buttrell, 2006, 37).

The Blaxland brothers were expected by Governor Macquarie to apply their considerable knowledge of farming to the cultivation of grain. However their commercial interests were in cattle and sheep, which Macquarie regarded as a lazy pursuit. He failed to appreciate they had supplied the government stores with 88,396 pounds weight of fresh meat over a period of nearly three years, for 3287 pounds, cutting the price of meat from 2/6 per pound to 1/- per pound. Gregory contined expanding his land holdings west of Sydney, but a drought in 1812 made him and other cattlemen dissatisfied with their relatively small land holdings. This, and the challenge of the mountains that swept down within a few miles of his South Creek farm, probably helped stir Gregory into action. He had spoken to many of the explorers who had already attempted to find a route through the mountains and was aware of reasons for their failure (Buttrell, 2006, 37).

In 1813 Blaxland, in company with Lt. William Lawson and William Charles Wentworth (D'Arcy Wentworth's son, then just 22 years old), with four men, five dogs and four horses loaded with provisions, made the first successful crossing of the Blue Mountains by European settlers (Musecape, 2006, 9: Buttrey, 2006, 37). On their return Blaxland called on Governor Macquarie to tell him of the expedition's success. On 12 February 1814 Macquarie issed a General Order acknowledging the discovery and granting each of the explorers 1000 acres in the newly discovered country. At about this time the Blaxland brothers decided to terminate their partnership and run their own businesses (ibid, 2006, 37).

He became the first man to export wine from Australia (Engledow 2019: 24). After setbacks, he produced tolerable wine in 1816 from Brush Farm, sending a sample to Governor Macquarie that he described as 'little better than water' and later another sample that he thought much better. By this time Gregory and Elizabeth had seven children - two girls and five boys and the house was scarcely adequate (Buttrell, 2006, 38). His vines, from cuttings from the Cape of Good Hope, covered 3.5 acres (Liston, 1981).

In 1816, the Royal Society for the Arts in England offered medals for wine from New South Wales. As early as that year, Blaxland was sending wine to Governor Macquarie to keep him informed about the possibility of an Australian wine industry.

Blaxland set about creating the estate as an agricultural enterprise and by 1817 was successfully producing meat and livestock and had established a distillery for producing wine and vinegar. He was a founding member of the first (later the Royal) Agricultural Society of NSW, his name being recorded on a board in the Society's headquarters (McClymont, 2008, scribed by and pers.comm., Stuart Read). A 1919 Royal Agricultural Society plaque honouring twelve agricultural pioneers includes Blaxland along with Sir Joseph Banks, John Macarthur, Samuel Marsden, James Busby, Alexander Berry and others (Blaxcel, 14/10/10). He introduced buffalo grass (Cynodon dactylon) into the colony, a valuable grass for cattle fodder (and as an ornamental turf, retaining its green in both hot summers and winters, when many tropical grasses die off (McClymont, 2008, scribed by and pers.comm., Stuart Read).

Probably before 1819 (beginning of constructing today's Brush Farm House), he planted another vineyard on the steep slopes of the escarpment (south of Brush Farm house and east of today's Marsden Road, part today of Brush Farm Park). This required terracing and he used knowledge gleaned from his earlier Madeira stopover. In this, he planted other varieties including Shiraz and Pinot from France. Blaxland certainly knew of the grape varieties brought back to Australia in 1817 by John, James and William Macarthur and of their plantings at Camden Park, although their first vintage was not until 1824 (Blaxcel, 14/10/10). Not far from the house, remnants of the early vineyard terracing can still be located (Buttrell, 2006, 38).

In 1821 Blaxland had three and a half acres under vines at Brush Farm (Morris, C., pers. comm., 25/2/2005).

Blaxland built Brush Farm house (the second on the farm, the first being a more modest structure down the gully to the west of the current Brush Farm house) in 1820 (Blaxcell, G., pers.comm., 2006). A shale mine/quarry on the farm probably produced cement mortar used in construction of the house. The central core of the house was built c.1819-20 ( Buttrell, 2006 (38) says 1819-21, noting the original house was a four-room, two storey dwelling with entrance hall and upper hall, on sandstone foundations with brick walls, over a cellar), east and west wings added during the 1820s with stables and outbuildings, landscaped grounds with a carriage loop (Musecape, 2006, 10). For many years, due to its elevated position, a site on the property was used as a signal station to relay messages on ship arrivals at South Head. These were relayed via Observatory Hill and Gladesville to Government House at Parramatta (Buttrell, 2006, 38).

In 1822 Blaxland took 86 gallons of wine in two casks on the 'Royal George' to England. Some of the wine was to be submitted to the Royal Society for the Arts in England, which was offering a medal for the finest wine made from New South Wales grapes. Blaxland's wine was awarded a silver medal in 1823 as the finest wine to have been produced in NSW at the time. The medal is now held in the Mitchell Library (Buttrell, 2006, 38). He could be said to have exported the first commercial quantity of wine from Australia (Buttrell, 2006, 39) and was an enthusiastic promoter of an Australian wine industry (Blaxcel, 14/10/10). Governor Phillip had previously exported a small quantity of wine, likely made by Phillip Schaeffer from Parramatta in 1791 (Stuart Read, pers.comm., 15/9/2015).

Five years later in 1828 he did the same (leaving his 24 year old son, George in charge of Brush Farm, Gregory took a pipe of wine (105 gallons) and this won a Gold Ceres medal at the Society's 1828 awards. That medal is now held in the Mitchell Library (Buttrell, 2006, 39). Blaxland's Brush Farm was once considered the finest vineyard in the colony. Robert Townson's Varroville estate at Minto was once described as 'the finest orchard in the colony and a vineyard second only to Gregory Blaxland's' (Everett, 2004).

The gully south of the present Lawson Street and the house had a school building, a barn, later a stables. Further down the gully was an orchard. Small vineyards were located in two separate gullies, one to the west (Dundas) of the house (McClymont, 2008, scribed by Stuart Read). Landscape consultant Geoffrey Britton has identified two areas of terracing by doing aerial photogaph analysis, one south of the house within today's Brush Farm Park, the other to its south-west, west of Marsden Road (Stuart Read, pers.comm., 15/9/2015).

In 1825 James Busby wrote the first of a number of books on viticulture and wine making. In 1833, he brought 437 grape cuttings back to NSW and made these widely available (through the Botanic Gardens, Sydney). Busby, who had been trained in vineyard management, grape varieties and wine making in France, referred to Mr Blaxland's vineyard as being a showplace in the Sydney Basin. He commented on the generosity of Blaxland to share his knowledge and cuttings from his vineyard. Cuttings from Brush Farm provided early vines for Wyndham Estate (at Dalwood) in the Hunter Valley. It was not until the 1830s that William Macarthur sent 34,000 vines to the Barossa Valley in South Australia, to begin the wine industry in that state (Blaxcel, 14/10/10).

In 1829 the signal station and One Tree Hill was discontinued. This was understood from official correspondence to have been located on Blaxland's land c.1826 (Musecape, 2006, 9-10). A signal station operated from the property to Gregory's brother John Blaxland's farm at Newington, Silverwater, across the Parramatta River. This was one of a system of signal stations along the Harbour and River promontories and high points (Musecape, 2006, 10). Early photographs of Brush Farm show a clear view to the Parramatta River from the house (McClymont, 2008, scribed by Stuart Read).

One Tree Hill and Dr. Thomas Foster:
Between 1831-5 the property was listed as One Tree Hill in the NSW Calendar and GPO Directory (Musecape, 2006, 10). In 1831 Blaxland moved out at age 53 in acute financial difficulties, selling to his son-in-law, Dr Thomas Foster (a surgeon on the British Army) for 1500 pounds and moving to a leased vineyard in North Parramatta. Dr Foster carried on the tradition of viticulture and wine making on the Brush Farm estate.

Forster also owned Polmont Farm in Lane Cove, which he sold to John Henshall Bettington in 1853 (Lenehan, 1987, 15).

In 1844 the property was leased to Thomas' son, William Foster for 40 years. On Thomas' death in 1856, the estate passed to William Forster, Gregory Blaxland's grandson who was Premier of NSW from 1856-60 (Buttrell, 2006, 38).

Subdivision and John Bennett:
In 1881 the property was mortgaged to Lancelot Threkeld and John Bennett, and subsequently subdivided and portions sold between 1882-6 (Musecape, 2006, 10).

John Bennett was a theatrical entrepreneur with an interest in horse racing (Buttrell, 2006, 38). He founded and developed Rosehill Racecourse and the railway line between Clyde and Rose Hill. Bennett acquired Brush Farm (then a large amount of land) seeing an opportunity, owing to its proximity to the Northern Railway Line (from Strathfield to Hornsby) and particularly to that line's Eastwood station (McClymont, 2008, scribed by Stuart Read). Bennett's wife Emma acquired that portion which contained the house and outbuildings. A number of alterations were made to the house at this time, including the front verandah (Musecape, 2006, 10). Around 1883 the Victorian-era extensions were added to the house. The subdivision of the estate began about this time (Blaxcell, G., pers.comm., 2006). Also at this time the carriage loop south of the house was prominent in photographs of the estate, with a c.30 cm raised rim, made of stone (McClymont, 2008, scribed by Stuart Read).

In 1894 Emma Bennett leased her portion to the Crown: it is thought to have been occupied at this time by the State Children's Relief Board and operated as the Carpentarian Reformatory for Boys (Musecape, 2006, 10). It was used for boys formerly held on the 'Sabronne' (aka 'Sabraon') a ship used to house wayward and homeless boys, moored at Cockatoo Island. The boys brought their hammocks off the ship to Brush Farm. They were trained in mariners' skills, agriculture, farming, and tin smithing and blacksmithing. The Carpentarian Reformatory's name was after Margaret Carpenter, an English woman well known for her care for children (McClymont, 2008, scribed by Stuart Read).

In 1904 the property was resumed by the State Government and continued to be used as a reformatory for boys until 1913 when the facility (Farm Home for Boys) was transferred to Mount Penang near Gosford)(Musecape, 2006, 10). In the meantime the rest of the Bennett family land holdings in the area were subdivided and sold leaving about 1000 square metres (0;1ha) of land around Brush Farm House (cf an original 455 acres). After the boys left the property was used for wayward girls from c.1911, with the transfer of the boys taking a few years and the transfer of the girls similarly over time (McClymont, 2008, scribed by Stuart Read). Buttrell (2006, 38) adds that this was a home for single mothers and delinquent girls, and later still a home for handicapped children.

In 1918 the Eastwood Home for Mothers and Babies opened at Brush Farm and operated until 1921 when the complex became the Brush Farm Home for Mentally Deficient Children, and subsequently Brush Farm Home in 1946 (Musecape, 2006, 10). Engledow (2019, 24) adds that it was a school for feeble-minded and other female wards of the state, aged 4-14 years.

Community bush regeneration of the gullies to the south of Brush Farm House (on the former estate) has been ongoing since the 1970s (Musecape, 2006, 10). In the later 20th century the Department of Youth and Community Services' era, the garden was less intensively managed and cared for, and the carriage loop south of the house was grassed over and obscured (McClymont, 2008, scribed by Stuart Read).

In 1988 the property was transferred to the Department of Corrective Services and as the Brush Farm Corrective Services Academy, offers training for corrections officers (Musecape, 2006, 10).

In 1990 the land (Brush Farm House and its present reduced curtilage) was bought by Ryde Municipal Council from the Department of Corrective Services. Council began restoration of the house in May 2006, at an estimated cost of over $5m. Funds came from Council, state and federal governments (Buttrell, 2006, 38). The site still houses a training centre for Corrective Services offices (to the rear of the house), with spaces available (in the house) for party hire (Engledow, 2019, 24).

With time the place's heritage values became increasingly valued. In 1999 the property was listed on the State Heritage Register. In 2003 it was listed on Ryde Local Environmental Plan 105.
In 2005 Ryde City Council commenced a major heritage restoration programme of works on Brush Farm House as a community venue (Musecape, 2006, 11). The house was officially opened on 7th April 2007. Council intend to use the building as a centre for cultural and community events, including art exhibitions, meetings and wedding functions (McClymont, 2008, scribed by Stuart Read).

The stands of timber and grasslands in the surrounding parks are remnants of Brush Farm Park. (Blaxcell, G., pers.comm., 2006).

In 2007 the Brush Farm & District Historical Society was awarded a NSW Heritage Volunteer Award. The Society has been the driving force behind conservation and reopening of Brush Farm Estate to the public after a 15 year campaign. The Society was formed in the 1980s to encourage study of local history with a special focus on Brush Farm Estate. The Society has prepared several publications on the history of Eastwood and the Blaxland family, contributed to the Heritage Festival and Granny Smith Festival, always striving to educate the public on the significance of Brush Farm and its contribution to the history of NSW. The group organises public lectures about local history, collects documents and artefacts associated with the property and promotes the interpretation of Brush Farm House to the wider community through school group tours and open days (www.heritage.nsw.gov.au, accessed 28/8/2010).

In 2008 and 2009, a landscape plan allowing partial reinstatement of Brush Farm House's pleasure garden, reinstatement of its carriage drive and loop before the house, modified car parking behind the house, new fencing and plantings was approved and implemented. This includes a timber platform behind the house on which a marquee can be placed for future functions. The house has progressively been opened up for community uses, including art and heritage exhibitions, meetings, tours. Council intends promoting part of the upstairs as 'start-up business' spaces for small enterprises.

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.	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.	Modification of terrain-
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-
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-
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	Working on private assignment-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Ethnic influences-Activities associated with common cultural traditions and peoples of shared descent, and with exchanges between such traditions and peoples.	English rural building practises-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Ethnic influences-Activities associated with common cultural traditions and peoples of shared descent, and with exchanges between such traditions and peoples.	English migrants-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Migration-Activities and processes associated with the resettling of people from one place to another (international, interstate, intrastate) and the impacts of such movements	Free Immigrants in the 19th century-
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	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	Agricultural Society activities - research, experimentation, acclimatisation --
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	Hop cultivation for brewing beer-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Commerce-Activities relating to buying, selling and exchanging goods and services	Developing Commercial Enterprise-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Communication-Activities relating to the creation and conveyance of information	Communicating by radar-
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	Caring for mothers and babies-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Industry-Activities associated with the manufacture, production and distribution of goods	Brewing and distilling alcoholic beverages-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Industry-Activities associated with the manufacture, production and distribution of goods	Manufacturing beverages-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Mining-Activities associated with the identification, extraction, processing and distribution of mineral ores, precious stones and other such inorganic substances.	Quarrying stone-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Mining-Activities associated with the identification, extraction, processing and distribution of mineral ores, precious stones and other such inorganic substances.	Quarrying shale for bricks-
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 and Agricultural Associations-
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-
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.	Residential-
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.	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.	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.	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.	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.	Country Villa-
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 for farm and station hands-
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	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	Resuming private lands for public 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	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	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	Sub-division of large 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	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	20th 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	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	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	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	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-
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	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-
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 - administering a public health system-
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	Law and order-Activities associated with maintaining, promoting and implementing criminal and civil law and legal processes	Administration of justice-
7. Governing-Governing	Law and order-Activities associated with maintaining, promoting and implementing criminal and civil law and legal processes	Corrective services-
7. Governing-Governing	Welfare-Activities and process associated with the provision of social services by the state or philanthropic organisations	Children in need-
7. Governing-Governing	Welfare-Activities and process associated with the provision of social services by the state or philanthropic organisations	Destitute and alone-
7. Governing-Governing	Welfare-Activities and process associated with the provision of social services by the state or philanthropic organisations	Providing childcare facilities-
7. Governing-Governing	Welfare-Activities and process associated with the provision of social services by the state or philanthropic organisations	Rehabilitation of juvenile offenders-
7. Governing-Governing	Welfare-Activities and process associated with the provision of social services by the state or philanthropic organisations	Providing natal care for illegitimate children-
7. Governing-Governing	Welfare-Activities and process associated with the provision of social services by the state or philanthropic organisations	Providing baby health care services-
7. Governing-Governing	Welfare-Activities and process associated with the provision of social services by the state or philanthropic organisations	Rehabilitation of truants from schools-
7. Governing-Governing	Welfare-Activities and process associated with the provision of social services by the state or philanthropic organisations	Providing a home for disadvantaged children-
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 - 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 - 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.	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.	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.	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.	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.	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.	Architectural styles and periods - Victorian (early)-
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.	Applying architectural design to utlilitarian structures-
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 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 bushland setting-
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.	Kitchens and servants-
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	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	Activities associated with relaxation and recreation-
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 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	Gardening-
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	Gathering at landmark places to socialise-
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 bushwalking-
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	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	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	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	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	Community organisations-
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 Gregory Blaxland, explorer and viticulturist-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with William Cox, road builder over Blue Mountains, magistrate, farmer-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Private Zadoc Pettit, NSW Corps soldier, Ryde landholder-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Private Thomas Bride, NSW Corps soldier, Ryde landholder-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Dr Thomas Foster, British Army surgeon-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with the Hon. William Forster, Premier of NSW, 1856-60-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Emma Bennet, gentlewoman-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with the State Children's Relief Board-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with the Carpentarian Reformatory for Boys-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with the Eastwood Home for Mothers and Babies-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with the Brush Farm Corrective Services Academy-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with John Bennet, theatrical entrepreneur, owner of Rosehill Racecourse-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Rev. Lancelot Threlkeld, Congregationalist priest-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with D'Arcy Wentworth, businessman, landowner, official, Principal Surgeon, Principal Superintendent of Pol-

Recommended management:


	Curtilage needs review to include Brush Farm Park south of Lawson Street, and elements of the farm estate further south, including archaeological elements, former fencing, exotic (and native) plantings (Read, S., 2005)

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
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Heritage Act	See File For Schedule Order Under Section 57(2) to exempt the following activities from Section 57(1): (1) The maintenance of any building or item on the site where maintenance means the continuous protective care of existing material.	Jan 27 1989
CMP-Endorse	Conservation Plan submitted for endorsement	Brush Farm House Conservation Management Plan, prepared by DPWS Heritage Design Services for City of Ryde, dated November 2001.	CMP endorsed by Heritage Council 6 July 2004 for a period of five years, expires 6 July 2009; subject to the following matters being addressed to the satisfaction of the Director of the Heritage Office: (1) report on the Landscape & Archaeology Study of the former Brush Farm Estate being submitted to the Heritage Council as an annexure to the CMP; & (2) Revision of the Statement of Significance to include the findings of the above report.	Jul 6 2004
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		00612	02 Apr 99	27	1546
Heritage Act - Under consideration for SHR/IHO listing	Heritage Office proposes expansion of curtilage
Heritage Act - Permanent Conservation Order - former		00612	27 Jan 89	10
Local Environmental Plan	Brush Farm & Brush Farm Park	LEP 105	17 Jan 03	14
Cumberland County Council list of Historic Buildings 1961-67
National Trust of Australia register	Brush Farm Children's Home	6863
Register of the National Estate	Brush Farm House	2974	21 Mar 78

Study details

Title	Year	Number	Author	Inspected by	Guidelines used
Colonial Landscapes of the Cumberland Plain and Camden, NSW	2000		Morris, C., & Britton, G./NSW National Trust (for the Heritage Council of NSW)		Yes

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Tourism		2007	Brush Farm	View detail
Tourism	Attraction Homepage	2007	Brush Farm	View detail
Written	Blaxel, Gregory	2010	Letter to the editor, Northern District Times
Written	Britton, Geoffrey, Morris, Colleen, and Lavelle, Siobhan	2004	Brush Farm Landscape and Archaeology Assessment (final report December)
Written	Brush Farm Task Force	1991	Brush Farm Task Force Report to Council
Written	Buttrey, Ron	2006	'Gregory Blaxland: Pioneer Farmer'
Written	Casey & Lowe Archaeology and Heritage	2007	Brush Farm House Results of Archaeological Monitoring and Testing- April 07
Written	Clive Lucas, Stapleton & Partners Architects	1991	Conservation Analysis & Draft Conservation Policy: Brush Farm House & Landscape, Vol.1 - Conservation Analysis
Written	Council of the City of Ryde	2007	Brush Farm park and Lambert park : plan of management
Written	Council of the City of Ryde	2005	Request for Expressions of Interest: Brush Farm House - Potential Partners
Written	Engledow, Sarah	2019	'Petal to the Metal' (about the very civil service of Dame Helen Blaxland)
Written	Everett, David	2004	Frere's Vineyard - Vine Pedigree X, in Macarthur News
Written	Heritage Design Services, NSW Dept. of Public Works & Services	2001	Brush Farm House, Lawson Street, Eastwood: Conservation Management Plan
Written	J.A. Broadbent and R. Buchanan	1984	Ecological Studies Brush Farm
Written	Jervis, James/ Ed. by George Mackaness	1961	Cradle city of Australia; a history of Parramatta, 1788-1961
Written	Lenehan, M.F.	1987	'The Early Land Grants'
Written	Margaret Betteridge on behalf of Musecape P/L	2006	Brush Farm House Interpretive Plan - final draft
Written	McClymont, Beverley	2008	Brush Farm House revived and conserved - from decaying pile to gallery
Written	Musecape P/L	2013	Landscape and visual input into Brush Farm Landscape Masterplan
Written	Pac Rim Planning P/L with Robert Moore & Associates & Kylie Winkworth	1992	Brush Farm House, Ryde: Report on Conservation & Commercial Options
Written	Pollen, Francis (ed.) & Healy, Gerald	1996	Ryde (entry) - in The Book of Sydney Suburbs
Written	Ryde City Council; NSW Dept. of Public Works & Services: Infrastructure Partnership Services	1998	Brush Farm House, Lawson Street, Eastwood workshop 23 July, 1998
Written	Tanner Architects	2005	Heritage Impact Statement: Brush Farm House, Lawson Street, Eastwood
Written	Tanner Architects.	2007	Brush Farm house, Eastwood : archival photographic recording
Written	Tanner Architects.	2005	Brush Farm house Lawson Street Eastwood : heritage impact statement
Written	Taylor Brammer Landscape Architects		Landscape heritage design and documentation for upgrade of grounds
Written	Thebridge, Mark; Beard, Graham	1989	Brush Farm conservation plan
Written	Tropman & Tropman Architects	1993	Schedule of Stablilization Works - Brush Farm House, Marsden Road & Lawson St., Eastwood NSW

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:	5045464
File number:	S90/03590 & S91/01902 BF Park

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.