Burra Burra Branch National Trust of South Australia

Current Projects

National Library of Australia Community Heritage Grant – Significance and conservation surveys

During 2006 and early 2007 the Branch has had two surveys undertaken with funding received from a National Library of Australia Community Heritage Grant.

The significance survey reviewed the Branch’s collection (which is extensive with much of it currently not able to be displayed) to identify items which were of particular significance to Burra and those which would be better placed in other collections or which generally lacked significance at all.

The preservation survey made recommendations on the most appropriate methods for the Branch to maintain its collection, particularly the most significant items.

The Branch has commenced working through the recommendations made in these two reports and will continue to do so during 2007.  Anyone who is interested in becoming involved with any aspects of implementing these recommendations is more than welcome.  Please contact us!!!!!

Stabilisation work at Kotz Cottage

A grant from the State Government Department of Environment and Heritage in 2006 has funded some stabilisation work to be undertaken. 

A team of stonemasons, led by Peter Russell from Auburn, has stabilised and rebuilt as necessary the southern corner of the western wall to prevent further deterioration of this section of the cottage.  Peter also undertook an assessment of the remainder of the building and provided information on the remaining stabilisation work that is required.  This has been used to submit a further application for funding under the DEH grant round that closed on 30 June.

The cottage, which was built in stages prior to 1872, is of significance to Burra primarily due to its layered state of decay which provides considerable interpretive value with respect to low-cost construction techniques.  It also illustrates a diversity of economy in Burra's early history which is generally dominated by its mining history.  The existing Burra story relates to the mine and excludes the parallel development of agriculture in the community which ensured Burra's survival when the mine closed.

The siting of the place adjacent to the Burra Creek reflects the importance of the creek in the development of Burra.  The layout of the buildings and structures within the site demonstrates the functional requirements of an agricultural settlement.

The Branch believes that the site lends itself to development of an agricultural display to complement the interpretation of the cottage building itself.