Three iconic local colonial-era buildings are now one step closer to finally receiving National Heritage Listing.
Elizabeth Farm, Experiment Farm and Hambledon Cottage have now collectively been shortlisted for the National Heritage List.
Located on the edge of the Parramatta CDB, the three buildings make up a small precinct of some of the country’s most significant heritage sites.
The historic sites have now been added to the National Heritage Finalised Priority Assessment List for community consultation, with the Australian Heritage Council set to assess them.
Federal Member for Parramatta Andrew Charlton, who is leading the push for national heritage protections of the precinct, welcomed the shortlisting.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Experiment Farm was the site of Australia’s first convict land grant to James Ruse in 1789. Ruse would go on to successfully farm the land, producing the colony’s first wheat harvest. Sitting on Clay Cliff Creek, the colonial bungalow is surrounded by a large garden.
Built in 1793 for John and Elizabeth Macarthur, Elizabeth Farm is known as the birthplace of Australia’s Merino wool industry and is one of Australia’s oldest homesteads.
Currently operating as a house museum, the nearby Hambledon Cottage, built in 1824, recently celebrated its 200th anniversary in April this year.
Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said she supports Charlton’s bid for the three Parramatta buildings to be nationally recognised.
“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,” she said.
“I’m committed to preserving places of outstanding heritage significance for generations to come.”
The push for these buildings to be added to the list comes after the Parramatta Female Factory and Institutions Precinct inched closer to securing World Heritage status in November, when a preliminary assessment request was sent to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre in Paris.
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.