About Heritage Alice springs Inc.
Heritage Alice Springs (HAS) was founded in 2003 with a deep-rooted belief that the preservation of a town's heritage sites can only be achieved by locally-based groups. The Committee is driven by a strong passion and unwavering energy to actively safeguard and promote the heritage sites of Central Australia for the benefit of future generations.
To achieve its objectives, the Committee quickly formed a dynamic Steering Committee comprising of well-respected individuals. These included (the late) Margaret Baker, a former Founding Member of the National Trust NT in Alice Springs; Bev Ayres, a former Secretary of the National Trust's Museum at the Old Hartley Street School; Barry Allwright, a local historian and photographer; Pauline Cockrill, an expert on teddy bears and Curator at the National Pioneer Women's Hall of Fame (now The Women's Museum of Australia); Domenico Pecorari, an architect involved in the conservation of heritage buildings; and Mike Gillam, a local photographer and long-time advocate for sustainable and appropriate development and retention of heritage sites.
Our association's growth was nothing short of remarkable. Many of our members opted for Life Membership and generously contributed towards our association's activities. We were honored to have the support of local historian and writer, Jose Petrick OAM, who graced us with her patronage.
Soon enough, we were entrusted with the management of The Residency, which we transformed into our office and a venue for events. In exchange, we took on the responsibility of keeping the historic house accessible to the public. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our former coordinators, Bev Ayres and Mignon Williams, and their dedicated team of assistant "sitters," this monumental task was accomplished. Tara Leckey, who started as a part-time Coordinator for HAS, went above and beyond in managing our events and developing new programs.
More recently, we were granted the lease to the Pitchi Richi Sanctuary, a Heritage Listed property that we have been working hard to restore and re-open to the public. Although we desire a quicker pace, the project is progressing well.
Since 2014, The Residency has been recognized as an important historic building that has been reinvigorated to become open to the public and managed by the distinguished director of The Araluen Cultural Precinct.
Through a one-off grant that we received, we were able to hold exhibitions and other arts events. This subsequently resulted in a remarkable increase in visitation by approximately 500%. We have consistently maintained the quality and enjoyment brought to all through our "Residency Program."
Over the years, various committee members have come and gone, each contributing their unique knowledge and expertise. Special thanks to Janet and Katelyn Hemsley, who lived at The Pitchi Richi Sanctuary in the mid-1980s. To everyone who has worked on our Committee over the years, we are grateful.
The story of Heritage Alice Springs continues to unfold, and we cordially invite you to join us on this journey.
Committee
Management
President / Chairperson
Alex Nelson
Vice President / Chairperson
David Hewitt
Treasurer
Anita Suich
Secretary
Jules North
Committee
Member
Faye Alexander
Committee
Member
Meredith Campbell
Committee
Member
Dominic Pecorari
Public
Officer
Lynn Day
Want to get involved?
The potential of our organisation is solely dependent on the number of volunteers and available funding. You can contribute to our cause by becoming a member, volunteering your time, or making a donation. This will enable our association to carry out more restoration projects and activities.
