1. SIGNIFICANT DRYSTONE CONSTRUCTIONS. Primarily we a seeking information about significant drystone walls. In addition however, we are also seeking any other information regarding the location of, and types of other drystone structures that have been constructed in Australia using traditional drystone walling techniques.

 

2. HISTORIES, STORIES and MEMORIES. The narrative will include a range of stories and anecdotes about drystone constructions. Can you help with informative stories about farming facts and practices, family and community stories and activities, mythologies, legends and quirky anecdotes that may have grown up around rural and inner urban drystone constructions.

 

3. ARTICLES / POETRY / PROSE and BOOKS As well as seeking traditional drystone histories and technical details we also hope to uncover a rich of array of poetry, prose, press articles and books. Among these may be agrarian, and historical articles or writings about evocative and romantic associations people often make with drystone constructions.

 

4. MIGRANT HISTORIES and COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN We are seeking information about the migrants themselves, their craft and constructions in Australia and any drystone stories, travel documents, artifacts or other information about their new homeland or country of origin

 

5. DRYSTONE WALLERS Can you help us with information about existing practicing traditional Drystone Wallers and any historical information, photographs, articles, and or stories, about the work practices and philosophies of wallers who contributed to, or were responsible for walls that shaped Australia's cultural landscape.

 

6. EXAMPLES OF STYLES We are seeking historical and technical information and drawings, line drawings and photographs of differing styles of walling techniques and cope stone treatments.

 

7. FARMING RECORDS and/ or MAPS Can you help with historical details, and or copies, of farming records and maps that pertain to drystone constructions either still in existence or partly or wholly destroyed.

 

8. ARTIFACTS/ TOOLS Can you provide details of, and possible access to donations of or any tools or artifacts that could contribute to the success and educative role of the Touring Exhibition. This may include complete or even sections or remnants of old tools, artifacts or other such memorabilia.

 

9. OLD PHOTOGRAPHS/ SKETCHES/ PAINTINGS Can you assist with the educative role of this project by providing details and access to information on, and or the availability of any originals or reproductions of old photographs, sketches or paintings technical drawings, photographs.

 

10. SCULPTURE The craft of drystone walling has influenced the design of a significant range of local and international contemporary sculptures such as those of TimJones and Nathan Perkins in Keilor Victoria and Richard Harris and Andy Goldsworthy in the Grizedale Forest in the United Kingdom. Can you help with other information about Australian artists and or the location of any other drystone sculptures that have been constructed in Australia using traditional drystone walling techniques.

 

11. TOURISM Drystone walls have become a major Tourist attraction in places such as the Shire of Kiama in New South Wales' Entrance Gateways and the Corangamite Arts' Drystone Heritage Trail in Victoria's Western District. We a seeking information about other tourism destinations or ideas.

 

12. STUDIES The Municipality of Kiama in New South Wales and Corangamite Arts in Camperdown and Melbourne's Living Museum of the West in Victoria have undertaken significant heritage studies of their local drystone walls. We a seeking information about the existence of any other studies that may involve drystone walls structures or walling techniques.

 

13. GROUPS AND / OR ASSOCIATIONS The Municipality of Kiama in New South Wales has formed its own Drystone Wall Committee. We hope to make contact with other Drystone Associations or groups both within Australia and Internationally. Can you provide other details?

 

14. ISSUES - HAVE YOUR SAY. The protection status of drystone constructions in Australia currently varies from Municipality to Municipality. At this point in time there is no State or National legislation to identify and protect significant drystone constructions. The theft of stones by indiscriminate gardeners, the heritage significance of the walls together with farmers voice about the importance of their walls as fencing and fire breaks, the need to protect the habitat for flora and fauna and the need to protect important aspects of our cultural landscape as housing and roads developments occur.