Yesterday, Sunday 13 April, around 150 local community members as well as visitors from far and wide stopped by Anglo American’s historic Plashett Homestead to attend a property open day held to coincide with Australian Heritage Week celebrations.
Plashett was open between 10:00am and 3:00pm and during this time community members had the opportunity to see the restoration project Anglo American has been undertaking in recent years to return the beautiful colonial homestead to its former glory.
Anglo American Rural Property Specialist, Ian Curtis, said he was thrilled to see so many local people attend the open day to catch a glimpse of what life was like more than 150 years ago when Plashett was first constructed.
“Anglo American has invested a lot of time and money to protect the cultural heritage of Plashett and we are always pleased to share this project with the rest of the community,” Mr Curtis said.
The land on which the property is built has an important connection to the region’s history. First settled by James Robertson in 1827, James’ son Sir John Robertson was Prime Minister of Australia and was famous for establishing the ‘Robertson Land Act.’ In 1865 the Pearse family acquired the land and constructed the existing sandstone homestead in Victorian Regency style.
“In recognition of its history in the area, Plashett is now listed on the Muswellbrook Shire Council’s Local Environmental Plan and to preserve this, restoration works are continuing,” Mr Curtis said.
“The Plashett restoration has been truly remarkable and we were delighted to invite members of the community to help us celebrate our proud Hunter Valley history today.
“We are currently waiting on approval for the Drayton South project which will secure employment for our 500 Drayton workers. The open day showcased our commitment to upholding the many treasures of the Hunter Valley from the local environment to the stunning buildings of the past,” Mr Curtis said.
In recent years Anglo American invested more than $200,000 on the Plashett Homestead restoration which included installing a new roof, protecting the stone structure from water damage, repairing all chimneys, clearing the grounds and carrying out general maintenance.
“We were also pleased to fund the publication of the book ‘People, Property, Power’, written by local historian Cynthia Hunter, which chronicles the pioneering families who contributed to the development and prosperity of the Hunter Valley, including the Robertsons,” Mr Curtis said.
Copies of People Property Power were available for purchase at the open day.
Pictured: The restored Plashett Homestead and the volunteers who worked tirelessly to make the open day possible (L-R) Australian Heritage Restoration builders Katrina and Chris Bart, Anglo American Rural Property Specialist Ian Curtis and Newcastle residents Jim and Sue Crittenden (Sue is a descendent of the Robertson family).
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