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The National Trust of Australia, New South Wales Division, has announced that it has received the largest gift in its 70 year history of conserving the built, cultural and natural heritage of NSW.

Philanthropist and arts patron James Fairfax has gifted his historic Retford Park home to the National Trust of Australia along with a significant endowment for the property’s ongoing conservation and maintenance.

Speaking at the handover ceremony at Retford Park today (19th April) Fairfax stated “it has long been my wish that Retford Park be preserved so that future generations can see how the property was lived in and used.

“I know that I am transferring the property into safe hands to be preserved for future generations of Australians.”

National Trust President Dr Clive Lucas OBE added “the National Trust is honoured to receive this gift of the magnificent Retford Park property and the accompanying endowment which together represents the largest gift ever received by the Trust.

“Retford Park will be the first and grandest heritage property on the National Trust Heritage Trail which will run along the Old Hume Highway 31. Ultimately, heritage enthusiasts will be able to visit Retford Park at Bowral, Harper’s Mansion at Berrima, Golden Vale at Sutton Forrest, Riversdale at Goulburn and Cooma Cottage at Yass as part of a package tour of Southern Highlands Heritage.”

Set over 33 hectares in Bowral, Retford Park has been the country home of Fairfax since he acquired it as a four hectare holding in 1964 for £15,000. Over time, he increased the holding to 120 hectares, however 90 hectares on the eastern and western curtilage is now under development for residential purposes. A significant portion of the sale proceeds of that development will also be gifted to the National Trust Heritage Foundation to provide income for the ongoing upkeep and maintenance of the property.

Dr Lucas added “the National Trust of Australia (NSW) Heritage Foundation was established to ensure that the intent of the donations and bequests received are respected.

“A non-heritage property may also be donated or bequeathed to the National Trust and the asset may then be sold with the funds invested in the Foundation to help carry the donor’s name into the future.”

The National Trust of Australia (NSW) is a community-based, non-government organisation, committed to promoting and conserving Australia's indigenous, natural and historic heritage through its advocacy work and its custodianship of heritage places and objects.  

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