Supplementary Agenda of Extraordinary General Meeting

Corporate Support Division

Date of Meeting: 14/08/2018

ITEM 1

MM20/18 - No. 22 Bellevue Street, Thornleigh

Additional information with CHANGE to Recommendation

It has been brought to my attention that the external heritage specialist has provided a revised preliminary heritage assessment on the dwelling at No. 22 Bellevue Street, Thornleigh after uncovering further historical information on the property. The heritage specialist has revised his heritage assessment to conclude “that the house may meet the threshold of identification as an item of local significance using the Heritage Manual criteria”.

The revised heritage assessment identifies that Nurse Jane Starkey Dawes used the house as a form of respite home for children from poorer inner city suburbs and built a wing on the house to accommodate and entertain the children. A copy of the revised preliminary heritage assessment is attached.

Notwithstanding the additional information provided, based on the representations I have received from the members of the community, I am of the view that the recommendations contained within my Mayoral Minute (No. MM20/18) are the most appropriate way by which Council can recognise the important life and work of Nurse Jane Starkey Dawes. I am also aware that the property is located within a precinct which is zoned for 5 storey development which would have a significant impact on the future context of retaining the house at No. 22 Bellevue Street.

Since I finalised my Mayoral Minute, it is pleasing to be informed that Council has received confirmation from the developer that they are willing to agree to each of the recommendations put forward as well as an additional suggestion to work with the family descendants of Nurse Jane Starkey Dawes to name the new building on the site in her honour. I have also received further community representation requesting to rename a local park in honour of Nurse Jane Starkey Dawes and her contribution to the local community. I believe each of these recommendations are befitting to preserve the historical associations of the site and should be included in the future interpretation strategy.

RECOMMENDATION

THAT Council:

1. Receive and note the contents of Mayoral Minute No. MM20/18 and Late Item Memo No. LM13/18

2. Liaise with the developers of property Nos. 20-22 Bellevue Street, Thornleigh to seek their agreement that:-

a) The descendants of Nurse Jane Starkey Dawes be permitted to inspect the property at No. 22 Bellevue Street, Thornleigh and take photographs;

b) The descendants of Nurse Jane Starkey Dawes be allowed to remove from property No. 22 Bellevue Street, Thornleigh any non-structural fittings / fixtures of sentimental value to family members (such as the front door knocker);

c) The developers undertake a photographic archival record (interior and exterior) of property No. 22 Bellevue Street, Thornleigh to be submitted to Hornsby Council’s Local Studies Library;

d) The developers make a financial contribution or fund investigations and implementation of opportunities to recognise the important life and work of Nurse Jane Starkey Dawes through a local history initiative and/or onsite heritage interpretation, such as installation of an interpretive plaque within Dawson Avenue Park using a floorboard or an alternative suitable material salvaged from property No. 22 Bellevue Street, Thornleigh;

e) Consideration be given to how this work may be presented to the broader Australian community particularly through incorporation in the Thornleigh Community Centre with appropriate material in recognition of Nurse Jane Starkey Dawes;

f) The developers consult with the descendants of Nurse Jane Starkey Dawes to provide a suitable name for the new building to be constructed on the site in honour of the life and work of Nurse Jane Starkey Dawes.

3. Investigate the re-naming of Dawson Avenue Park in honour of Nurse Jane Starkey Dawes.

Councillor Ruddock

Mayor

Councillors Division

Attachments:

1.⇩

22 Bellevue Street, Thornleigh DA/1545/2016 – Revised Report

File Reference: DA/1545/2016

Document Number: D07503908