National Trust of South Australia launches proposal for Martindale Hall, 15 May 2016

Speaking about the National Trust of South Australia’s plan to secure the future of Martindale Hall launched today, INTO Chairman Fiona Reynolds said:

“The National Trust of South Australia’s proposal for Martindale Hall exemplifies what is great about our global movement: a long-term, sustainable solution for a uniquely special place bringing genuine community benefit and drawing on the expertise and experience of the family of National Trusts around the world.   I’m delighted that their visit to Wimpole Hall during our conference last year gave the team the confidence and inspiration to put forward the bid.  We wish the National Trust of South Australia every success and look forward to working with them more closely in the future.”

Martindale Hall, remembered by many for its starring role in the Peter Weir film, ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’, was entrusted to public hands by a generous bequest in 1950, but its future has been in doubt for the past two years as the State government body has advocated selling it off for private development.

Following their attendance at ICNT and visit to Wimpole Hall, which gave vital inspiration and confidence, the team from the South Australia National Trust have decided to try and persuade the government to let them run the property and keep it for the people, for all time.

The document begins ‘The National Trust of South Australia proposes to redevelop Martindale Hall Conservation Park as a heritage-based tourism attraction utilising the buildings and grounds tocreate a unique destination celebrating its cultural and agricultural heritage’.

The document continues: ‘This proposal draws on and extends our access to the unique expertise of the worldwide National Trust movement, the best known and respected heritage brand in the world.’

Fiona Reynolds spoke about the potential for international collaboration:

“It is wonderful that we can bring the global National Trust community together to support their proposal because this is what it means to be part of the INTO family.  Martindale is a great example of the importance of collaboration.  No one can do it on their own these days.  Conservation doesn’t stop at national boundaries.  We are all under pressure.   At times like these we need good networks more than ever.”

You can help ‘Keep Martindale Hall for the people’ via the South Australian National Trust website.