Dr Andrew Charlton MP
Federal Member for Parramatta

MEDIA RELEASE

Iconic Parramatta buildings closer to National Heritage Listing

28 November 2024

Three colonial-era buildings in Western Sydney have been shortlisted for the National Heritage List.

Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek is supporting Member for Parramatta Dr Andrew Charlton’s bid for Elizabeth Farm, Experiment Farm and Hambledon Cottage in Parramatta to be nationally recognised.

The cottages are some of the earliest European residences in Australia, showcasing the nation’s history of colonial land use, agriculture, farming and architecture.

Experiment Farm is the site Australia’s first convict land grant to James Ruse in 1789. Ruse successfully farmed the land, producing the colony’s first wheat harvest. Sitting on Clay Cliff Creek, the colonial bungalow is surrounded by a large garden.

Elizabeth Farm was built in 1793 for John and Elizabeth Macarthur – considered the founders of the Australian wool industry. It is one of Australia's oldest homesteads with a single storey cottage surrounded by a large garden containing trees thought to be planted by the Macarthurs.

Nearby Hambledon Cottage is a Georgian-style bungalow within a large reserve, built in 1824, and associated with the Macarthurs.

The historic sites have been added to the National Heritage Finalised Priority Assessment List for community consultation. The Australian Heritage Council will then assess them.

In November, the Parramatta Female Factory and Institutions Precinct moved one step closer to securing World Heritage status after a preliminary assessment request was sent to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre in Paris.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek:

“Elizabeth Farm, Experiment Farm and Hambledon Cottage in the heart of Western Sydney helps tell the story of Australia’s colonial history - from land use and farming to agriculture and architecture.

“I’m committed to preserving places of outstanding heritage significance for generations to come.”

Quotes attributable to Dr Andrew Charlton, Federal Member for Parramatta:

“These remarkable sites in the heart of Parramatta are more than just historical buildings; they’re a testament to the tireless efforts of our community.

“Local organisations and volunteers have poured their time, skills, and passion into preserving these estates, raising funds and ensuring these buildings are preserved and protected, so they continue to stand strong and inspire future generations.

"Parramatta is growing fast, but our heritage is what grounds us. I’m dedicated to working with the government and community to secure National Heritage status, so our kids and grandkids can enjoy and learn from these treasures for years to come."

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