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Exploring values is central to investigating rural heritage. When we discuss rural heritage are we talking about values ascribed by heritage practitioners – and applied through assessments of significance – or are we focusing on shared values in the community towards aspects of Australian culture and environment? |
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Or, are practices in the area of rural heritage a meeting ground for both perspectives? |
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| Click the icon to listen to various points of views |
In Investigating rural heritage, the meanings of heritage held by individuals and groups living in rural areas act as a starting point for students to identify the values of others and to clarify their own values.
The objective is one of working towards an appreciation of the values in rural communities and the shared heritage of all Australians.
One focus for rural heritage is timber buildings, yards and fences of the 19th century. Many of these are rapidly deteriorating, with changing farming practices and economic constraints making conservation and retention of places impossible. Questions are being asked such as: Should we attempt to save these working buildings? Can they be adapted to new purposes? How do we as a community ensure their survival?
The concern over rural heritage dating from the 19th century is connected to changing technologies and types of structures built on farms at the end of the century. Corrugated galvanised iron replaced the bark and shingle roofs of the earlier generation, structural timbers were circular sawn, weatherboards were easier and cheaper than splitting slabs from logs and improved transport meant that factory-produced materials were accessible for the rural builder. By World War II the era of indigenous timber buildings had come to an end as prefabricated steel structures became readily available.
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An innovative approach to investigating and promoting rural heritage is the Cobb & Co tourist trail running between Bathurst and Bourke. This model could be replicated in other localities, including classrooms, through accessing internet and multimedia facilities. |
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Community-based projects are often successful in promoting the heritage of a rural area. They can also bring commercial benefits. Communities frequently begin by documenting and recording the places that are considered important in the locality's history. Methods such as oral histories, photographic records and local research can provide important clues to the history of important places.
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