Anglo American will open the doors to its historical property Plashett Homestead to the Hunter Valley community next weekend as part of the National Trust Heritage Festival 2016, a national celebration of Australia’s unique heritage.

On Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 April, members of the public will have the opportunity to discover one of the region’s hidden gems by taking a guided tour of the Homestead, viewing historical items and photos from the region or simply wandering the grounds of the historical site.

The official opening will take place on Saturday at 10.30am and will include the launch of the Kayuga/Dartbrook Oral History book by local historian Rob Tickle.

Anglo American Rural Property Specialist Ian Curtis said Anglo American was delighted to help the Hunter Valley community celebrate its rich history.

“Over the years we have continued to invest significant time and money to protect the cultural heritage of Plashett and we are always pleased to share this with the rest of the community,” Mr Curtis said.

“Heritage Festival provides a great opportunity for Anglo American to join with the community to discover the rich history, character and significance of the property.”

Mr Curtis said Anglo American had undertaken a restoration project to return the beautiful homestead to its former glory.

First settled by James Robertson in 1827, James’ son Sir John Robertson was Prime Minister five times pre-Federation and was famous for the ‘Robertson Land Act.’

In 1865 the property was acquired by the Pearse family who constructed the homestead, which is now listed on the Muswellbrook Shire Council Local Environment Plan in recognition of its heritage significance.

The Homestead is a single story ashlar sandstone building in Victorian Regency style constructed in a number of phases. The property features in ‘People, Property, Power, Plashett Jerry’s Plains’ by well-known Hunter Regional historian, Cynthia Hunter.

The homestead will be open to the public from 10am to 3pm, with guided tours running daily.

Access to Plashett Homestead is via property entry, corner Golden Highway and Edderton Road, Jerry’s Plains. Follow the signs on the property and please be mindful of livestock on access road. Speed limit is 40km.

ENDS: Media contact - Vanessa Davies, 0400 927 185

Notes to editors:

Anglo American is a global and diversified mining business that provides the raw materials essential for economic development and modern life. Our people are at the heart of our business. It is our people who use the latest technologies to find new resources, plan and build our mines and who mine, process and move and market our products – from bulk commodities and base metals to precious metals and diamonds (through De Beers) – to our customers around the world. Our diversified portfolio of products spans the economic development cycle and, as a responsible miner, we are the custodians of precious resources. We work together with our key partners and stakeholders to unlock the long-term value that those resources represent for our shareholders, but also for the communities and countries in which we operate – creating sustainable value and making a real difference. Our mining operations, growth projects and exploration and marketing activities extend across southern Africa, South America, Australia, North America, Asia and Europe.

www.angloamerican.com.au