Founded in 2006, the Branch, (known locally as PoANT: Port of Adelaide Branch of the National Trust), became the State’s 49th Branch. On its inception it had around 125 members (now about 80), and capacity for a committee of 15 – such was the enthusiasm for people locally, and around the State, to be involved in advocating for the history of the former City of Port Adelaide area.
Its first and very large campaign was a multi-pronged approach to fight for the preservation of heritage in the first iteration of the redevelopment of the Port Adelaide waterfront. A notable element of this was the (ultimately unsuccessful) attempt to ensure the retention of the severalorking boatyards on the banks of the Port River. Success came, however, in the listing of the Adelaide Milling Company building, part of the Hart’s Mill complex, and the retention of the Customs Clearing House.
Over the years, the Branch has taken on some particularly large and difficult advocacy campaigns. PoANT was formed after a public meeting at the Waterside Workers Hall in Port Adelaide when Jack Mundey talked about the collaboration between residents and the union movement to set up the green bans that saved the Sydney Rocks area from development. Jack’s story and insights into collaborations and advocacy inspired the establishment of the Branch, and the direction and approach that it was to take.
PoANT contributes to the conservation and celebration of local heritage through actions, supporting the broader community, and strategic partnerships.
We are a community-based organisation committed to raising awareness about, and protecting, the rich culture and heritage of the Greater Port Adelaide region.
‘The lives of present and future South Australians will be enriched by the conservation of our natural and cultural heritage’ (National Trust of South Australia.)
The Port is a unique place intimately linked to the history of South Australia and we are passionate about protecting its industrial and maritime heritage.
A community-based organisation, PoANT was established solely as an advocacy branch. We work within the aims of the National Trust of SA. We listen to our member’s aspirations and concerns about protecting the heritage and values of this unique area, and lobby all levels of government, business and the community on their behalf.
The Port of Adelaide Branch of the National Trust (PoANT) works within the aims of the National Trust of SA (NTSA). Unlike other NTSA branches, PoANT focuses on heritage advocacy rather than the direct care of buildings or collections.
In being a PoANT member you join with other like-minded people expressing your interest in, and support for, heritage conservation. You will be registered as a member of NTSA and affiliated with the Port of Adelaide Branch.
Click here (NTSA website Join the National Trust of South Australia) to join online.
Make sure you tick the box to affiliate with the The Port of Adelaide Branch.
The PoANT Branch Committee comprises at least five members, all of whom must be financial members of the NTSA. Annual elections held at the Branch Annual General Meeting (AGM) fill the positions of Chair, Secretary,Treasurer, and at least two other Committee member roles.
The current PoANT Committee comprises:
