Welcome to the latest update. We send this out to all members after PoANT Committee meetings to give a brief summary of the issues talked about at the meeting, and any other significant things that are going on. It is usually brief, and not fancy, but hopefully keeps members ‘in the picture’, and of course we welcome any comments or questions or ideas.
This update covers both our May and June meetings. Now that the committee is meeting monthly, I will do bi-monthly updates, unless there is something pressing to report or talk with you about.
Members are welcome at any time to join any of the projects or campaigns.
For more information about anything, please contact Pat Netschitowsky.
Hart’s Mill Precinct
One of our current tasks as a Committee is to review and update the content of our old website, and then to launch a new site. As a part of this we are going through our large, and very interesting, archive of documents and photos. This photo is one of them. Taken in 2009, it is of an event at Hart’s Mill – a guerilla dinner – to highlight the importance and heritage of the building. This was part of a successful campaign to get some of the Hart’s Mill complex listed as having State Heritage significance.
PoANT is now working on a second submission to the Heritage Council for listing of all the Hart’s Mill Precinct, including some of the buildings not previously listed. The work group have completed an enormous amount of research about the buildings and about John Hart, and have consulted with various people and organisations in preparation for the submission.
The Yelta
PoANT has received a reply to the letter sent to to the Minister for Education, Training and Skills about the future of the Yelta. It said that funding had been approved to fund the slipping of the Yelta and to conduct ‘an initial exploratory assessment to determine its condition, and identify the scope of maintenance required. Consideration of longer term conservation, care and activation will follow this detailed assessment’. Shane Hockey, a long term supporter and advocate for restoration of the Yelta, has been an observer at our last two Committee meetings and was able to confirm that Yelta was already on the slip.
Members Events
Nostalgic Adelaide: poems political, cultural and social
On May 24th at the Port Admiral Hotel, PoANT hosted the launch of Geoff Goodfellow’s latest book, ‘Nostalgic Adelaide: poems political, cultural and social’. It was a most successful event with over 40 people attending.
Geoff read a number of poems from his new book. Thanks to Pat who did the ‘behind the scenes’ organising and chaired the event.
Hankey panorama of Port Adelaide
This watercolour of Port Adelaide in 1855, painted by Frank Hankey, is now in the State Library collection. The State Library ran a History Festival event describing the painting, its recent discovery and the Port that it details. This event was booked out very quickly and a number of keen PoANT members missed out. So Phil negotiated with the Library to run a second, very welcome session for those people. Thank you, Phil.
Development Proposal for Shed 1, Fisherman’s Wharf
Since the announcement last year about plans for 400 homes, including a 15 storey tower being built on the vacant site of the Wharf Shed 1, we have heard no more details. In the meantime, a carpark has been built on the site. ‘Pave paradise, put up a parking lot’ So said Joni Mitchell!
Annual General Meeting 2026
PoANT has started planning for our AGM and it will be on Tuesday September 15th 2026. Save the date and details will follow.
This year we have not had one of the key office holders f the Branch, a Chair. None of the current Committee members felt able to take on the extra responsibility of this role. We have managed! Partly, by sharing the responsibilities and partly by meeting more frequently. But we hope that, next year, we will again have a Chair.
We would also welcome some new Committee members, and so this is and early call to anyone who is interested in joining us. Talk to Pat if you would like some more information!
Next meetings
Our next general meetings are on Tuesday, July 21st and August 18th.
Expect your next update after that.