LEGAL ACTION STARTS TO SAVE WILLOW GROVE *UPDATE ** This Friday 2nd July our appeal was heard by the NSW Chief Justice of the NSW Supreme Court Justice Bathurst and joined by Justice Basten and Justice Leeming. They will be reviewing the decision made in the Land and Environment Court by Justice Moore which our SC Tim Hale believes was incorrect and a decision based on merit instead of the administrative argument of the planning legislation not being followed which should have allowed alternative sites and alternative designs for the Parramatta Powerhouse that would have saved both heritage items St Georges Terraces and Willow Grove to remain. Its important we keep fighting this until every legal avenue is exhausted. But with more legal battles come more legal costs . —————————————————— The fight to save Parramatta's historic Willow Grove will be heard in the Land and Environment Court following the filing of a summons this week for judicial review of the approval for the Powerhouse Parramatta development. An injunction is also being sought to halt any works taking place on the heritage listed 140-year-old Victorian Italianate Villa, Willow Grove. The widespread community campaign to save Willow Grove has the capability to change the direction for all future heritage protection in NSW. A win for Willow Grove to remain firmly on its foundations in Phillip Street has the potential to set a precedent to protect all heritage - regardless of its listing. Heritage is not just bricks and motar and almost all listings are awarded on their strong social history and their importance of place. This site typifies the spirit of strong determined women’s history. Initially As a home built and owned by prominent Parramatta female businesswoman Annie Gallagher in the 1890s then as a maternity hospital run by midwives for three decades. Beyond that, it has connection to First Nations as one of the few places in colonial history with no negative connotations. In particular, Willow Grove has strong ties to country because the Gallagher family continued to allow elders access to the river. The National Trust of Australia (NSW), Historic Houses Association, Dharug Strategic Management Group and Australian Museum and Galleries Association, have all called for on the state government to save Willow Grove and have the Museum re-designed. The CFMEU placed a historic Greenban blocking any works being able to be carried out to remove or demolish this much loved home. Since this principled action was taken by the builders union, the Nurses and Midwives and the Maritime Unions have also added their support of the protection of Willow Grove. This 5 year community campaign has been run by 100% volunteer driven residents of western Sydney, relying on community fundraising and donations from members of the Parramatta community. We know that a new museum design can incorporate the significant heritage buildings that have sat on the Parramatta river for 150 years as well as their generous gardens that surround them for another 150 years. However, without the assistance of generous donations our community group won’t be able to challenge the NSW government to do the right thing for the future of Australian heritage. If you are in a position to donate to our campaign please donate what you can and share this page. If you would prefer to make a more private bank donation please do so to our incorporated organization account below North Parramatta Residents Action Group Inc Bendigo Bank BSB – 633000 Account Number - 154015820